Being on the road is a fun, free, and fresh way to live. You get to decide what you wake up to, where you’re heading next, and there are so many other travelers to meet along the way. It’s why the campervan lifestyle is the dream for many people!
But what happens when your van or RV breaks down, you’re in the middle of nowhere, and you’re running out of daylight? A breakdown can be a scary thing to deal with at any time, but when your home is your vehicle, there’s an extra layer of panic there!
So let’s get ready for a breakdown in advance. When your RV comes to a stop and you’re feeling the panic set in, these steps are the ones to follow.
Take Stock of Immediate Hazards
Wherever it is you’ve broken down, survey the immediate surrounding area. What hazards could exist here?
If you’re on the road still, the main hazard to worry about is other vehicles. You’re going to want to put your hazard lights on and try to get off the road, but make sure you don’t go too far.
If it’s evening time and it’s getting dark, the main hazard you’re likely worrying about is a lack of light and/or power. If you have your own generator in your RV, this is a good time to get it up and running, especially if you need to charge any devices.
Simply put, make your breakdown site as safe as possible and then move onto the step below.
See if There’s a Campsite Nearby
If you’ve got the battery life and signal for it, double check your online maps – or the map you downloaded before you set off. See if there’s an RV campsite nearby, the kind that has RV hook-up sites where you can plug in for power and mains water.
If you can’t find a site like this, just look for any camping spaces you could realistically make it to, whether or not you can slip the RV into neutral and push it along with you.
Either way, you’ll be able to get to a location where there’s likely to be other travelers, as well as better 4G or 5G (or even wifi), and a phone you can use to call for help.
Get on the Phone
If you’re able to use your phone to call for help, make sure you do! Get on the phone to a breakdown assist service, and be sure to keep your loved ones in the loop as to what’s happening as well.
This is also a good time for us to remind you that you may need to call the emergency services at some point. Try to conserve the battery you do have, if you’re unable to keep it charged up, and make sure you note down where the best signal points are.
As you can see, there are ways to minimize the damage. But fingers crossed none of these hazards will occur. Wishing you safe and wonderful travels.
