Fifth wheels have many features that make modern life possible, but one area where you might consider making improvements is safety equipment. After all, your family’s safety should always be at the forefront of your mind during any camping trip.
Below, we’ve compiled a list of the most important pieces of safety equipment for your fifth wheel. Pick up some or all of these items before your next trip. If you are in need of parts or services, stop by RVs and Boats for Less. We’re located in Pocatello, Idaho, near Salt Lake City, Utah, and we proudly serve the areas of Idaho Falls and Twin Falls, Idaho.
Fire Extinguishers
Consider that your RV probably has a furnace, stove, oven, and grill, and you might keep a campfire going outside. You’ll want to have at least one, and preferably more fire extinguishers on hand. There are many different types of fire extinguishers on the market, so consider picking up a few different kinds.
Surge Protectors
A surge protector will give your electronic devices a measure of protection from wherever your electricity is coming from. Sometimes that will be the electrical grid, sometimes it might be a solar array, other times it might be a generator. Whatever the source of your electricity, a surge protector will prevent your devices from short-circuiting.
Emergency Radio & Charger
When severe weather events occur, it’s easy for the electrical grid to get knocked offline and for many forms of communication to go down. Radio remains a relatively reliable form of communication, and an emergency radio will allow you to be up to date on what’s happening. Make sure your model uses an alternative source of energy such as solar energy, a hand crank, or batteries so you don’t have to worry about plugging it in.
Tire Pressure Monitoring System
The drive to your campground can be one of the more dangerous parts of your trip. It’s crucial that your tires stay inflated to the manufacturer’s recommended level. A tire pressure monitoring system will allow you to keep track of each tire’s pressure independently and in real time.
Smoke & Gas Alarms
Smoke and gas alarms are very important. It’s best to have a smoke alarm in every area that’s separated by a door, i.e. every “room.” If your RV uses propane for different appliances, make sure you also have a liquid propane alarm to alert you if you have a leak. Finally, a carbon monoxide alarm is helpful for alerting you to deadly CO gas.
Road Safety Kit
If you have a problem with your fifth wheel or tow vehicle on the road, you’ll want to have a road safety kit to fix what you can. A good road kit will have visibility equipment such as road flares and reflective signs. You’ll want a powerful enough jack to lift your fifth wheel if you need to change a tire. A few tools such as wrenches, screwdrivers, and a multitool will come in handy during projects and repairs around the fifth wheel.
First Aid Kit
No camping trip is complete without a first aid kit. Make sure your first aid kit has bandages for treating cuts and abrasions. It should come with antibiotic ointment and burn cream, too. Fill your kit with basic medicines like ibuprofen or acetaminophen, antidiuretics, and antinauseants. You might also want to pack a few cold compresses and even an epinephrine pen if any members of your family have serious allergies.
GPS Emergency Beacon
If you tend to camp in big RV parks in or near major cities, this may not be as important. But all the boondockers out there should consider picking up a GPS emergency beacon. This beacon will allow you to signal your position to search and rescue personnel if you get in any trouble while you’re away from civilization.
Make sure you pick up this safety equipment before your next fifth wheel camping trip. If you need maintenance for your RV before you head out, come to RVs and Boats for Less. Our team of talented technicians will make sure your RV is in the best shape for travel possible. Located near Pocatello, we proudly serve the areas of Idaho Falls and Twin Falls, Idaho, as well as Salt Lake City and Logan, Utah.
