Camping Safety This Summer 5

Camping Safety This Summer

posted by AlumCreek @ 9:41pm, Tuesday 31 May 2011.

Having fun this summer is important, but fun can quickly disappear when something goes wrong or someone gets hurt. Alum Creek RV and Marine wants you to have fun this summer and be safe at the same time! Follow these tips and guidelines before setting off on your summer excursions.

Before You Leave

Always check the systems in your RV before setting off on your trip. Inspect electrical/power systems are working properly. Check your tires for proper inflation and inspect cracks, bulges and thread separation. Tires should be replaced every five to seven years.

Make certain that your RV isn’t overloaded and follow the weight limits set by the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GWR) system closely. Extra weight may make towing or driving your RV unmanageable, and it could potentially blow your tires. Weighing your RV is the safest way to insure that you are not overloaded. You can weigh your RV at truck stops and moving companies.

Towing Safety

Beyond just the weight limits of the RV itself, you want to make certain that you have the proper towing vehicle to safely move your RV. Make sure you talk to your dealer about which vehicles can safely tow your trailer. Also, the weight of the RV has a major impact on the braking system of the vehicle you use to tow. Too much weight …and the vehicle may not be able to stop the momentum of the trailer behind it. Always inspect the hitch to allow for proper braking and to ensure a good, solid connection.

Fuel Tanks & Fires

Gas leaks can put a real damper on your summer fun. Luckily, an odorant is added to Propane (LP) so that you can smell a gas leak. However, when the tank is almost empty, it can also smell strong of gas. Make sure to take your tank to a LP gas provider to make certain there are no small leaks, and that the knobs are fitted properly. Also, make sure to turn your knobs completely off after cooking.

A big question that often comes up is whether the Propane tank should be left off while traveling…or should it be left on to keep your refrigerated items cold? It should most definitely be left off. Refrigerators can keep food items cold for quite a long time.

Fires happen. It is best to be prepared and have a solid plan of action. Check the expiration date on the fire extinguisher, usually located in the kitchen. If it has expired, please purchase a new one. Finally, have a plan of action ready in case a fire does break out. What, if any emergency exits are in the home? Be sure you understand how to open emergency doors/windows quickly and efficiently.

Kitchen Precautions While Traveling

Using common sense when packing your kitchen cupboards can save a lot of headaches and damage. While traveling, items can be thrown against doors and across the room. Newer RV’s feature cabinet doors that latch quite well, and should prevent any throwing of items. However, if you have an older RV, you will want to purchase latches or tie your cabinet doors shut to prevent a fiasco. After parking your RV, make sure to open doors slowly and carefully.

Do not leave any valuable or fragile items loose while traveling. Secure them tightly and wrap them in cloth, paper or bubble wrap.

Campsite Tips

Be sure to only take your RV on roads that are approved for heavy weight vehicles. Driving your RV on a gravel road, or muddy back road to find your camping site could get you stuck.

Choose a campsite that is level and offers a solid concrete pad, or high ground away from canyons, creeks and stream beds. Do not park your RV on sloping, or soft ground. Bad weather can hit at any time, so make certain to have either your mobile phone or satellite radio connected to the NOAA emergency radio system at all times. Make sure awnings are tied back if leaving the RV for a period of time. A storm with high winds can easily tear it off and damage your trailer.

Keep food stored tightly to prevent unwanted critters and bugs from ruining your trip. Keep trash tightly covered or take it to the campsites main dumpster once a day.

Finally, always carry adequate maps, GPS navigation systems and a campground directory. Make sure you have an emergency first aid kit easily accessible at all times.

First Aid Kits should contain the following:

· aspirin, Tylenol

· medical tape

· sterile gauze

· elastic wrap

· antibiotic wipes

· antiseptic cream

· burn ointment

· sunburn lotion

· hydrogen peroxide

· scissors

· tweezers