For some, owning a campervan means the freedom to explore the remote woods. For others, it means the chance to visit urban centers without losing the comforts of home. Either way, when spending time in your campervan, it is important to ensure that you and any other occupants stay safe.

The good news is that the majority of staying safe has to do with preparing ahead of time. Check out the following six tips that can help keep you safe no matter where the road takes you.

#1: Know the Area Before Bedding Down

One of the benefits of owning a campervan is that almost anywhere can become your next campsite. With built-in power options and a comfortable bed, a campervan allows you to park in a desired location without the necessity for hookups.

While boondocking is a popular part of owning a campervan, it is important to know the area where you plan to camp before you bed down for the night. Make sure of the following:

• It is legal to camp where you are located. In some cities, for example, there are ordinances against sleeping in RVs or vehicles overnight. And, even in the woods, there are areas where camping is not allowed. To stay safe, only camp in areas where it is legal. Never trespass on private property or closed-off land.
• It is safe to camp in the area. If you are traveling in an unfamiliar area, particularly in large cities or after crossing international borders, make sure to check into the area’s crime rates. When in doubt about the safety of an area, it is better to play it safe and pick a new location for the night.
• You understand the local hazards. Depending on where you camp for the night, you might need to be aware of local wildlife or nature-related risks. Stop by a local ranger station or information center to learn more about the specific risks of the region.

#2: Let Family and Friends Know Your Location

While it might be fun to hit the open road without a destination or a plan, make sure that you let family and/or friends know your location before you stop for the night.

It is wise to ensure that someone knows where you were last camping, even in the safest scenario. This can help ensure that if something does go wrong, law enforcement and first responders know exactly where to locate you. A quick text or phone call is all it takes to keep safe.

#3: Pay Attention to the Weather and Enable Notifications

One of the most common hazards on the road is bad weather. This is especially true when you are camping in mountainous regions where the weather can change drastically in a matter of minutes.

Before heading to a campsite, make sure you have checked the area’s weather predictions. Additionally, stay aware of any visibly changing conditions and enable weather notifications on your phone. Always heed the advice of weather warnings, taking shelter as needed.

#4: Only Use Safe Heating Sources

During the cold winter months, or even on summer nights in certain climates, the temperature inside your campervan can drop, leaving you shivering. But before you grab an electric heater or set up a propane heat stove, make sure the heating source you choose is designed for use in a small, confined space.

Many heating sources are not a safe option for campervans. If possible, choose a campervan with a built-in heating system designed for the specific size and layout of the RV. Additionally, adding sub-zero sleeping bags and other warm bedding can be a better option than implementing questionable heating sources into your van.

#5: Keep Detectors Powered

Similar to staying in a house, when you spend time in a campervan, you should ensure the safety of yourself and all other occupants with the use of smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Additionally, if your campervan uses propane for any appliances, ensure a propane leak detector is installed.

Beyond just adding these detectors to your campervan, ensure that they are equipped with working batteries. Test detectors periodically, especially before a long trip.

#6: Have an Emergency First-Aid Kit on Hand

While preventative measures can go a long way in keeping you safe in your campervan, the reality is that accidents and mishaps can occur to those who are well prepared.

For this reason, make sure that you have an emergency first-aid kit on hand for potential injuries that arise. An emergency first-aid kit should include bandages, antiseptic wipes, antibiotic ointment packets, aspirin, a cold compress, an emergency blanket, and non-latex gloves.

For a complete detailed list of what should be included in your first-aid kit, visit the American Red Cross’ first aid kit guide.

Find Your Next Adventure in an Antero Campervan

Antero campervans are durable enough to take you off the beaten path but luxurious enough to feel like a second home. Antero campervans are designed to provide you with the ultimate adventure vehicle. Our campervans feature multi-function beds, off-grid power systems, and Smart Floor systems. The perfect choice for solo travelers, couples, or even small families, these Class B RVs will take you down the road less traveled. Find a dealer near you today.