RV Emergency Kit

[thefitrv]

Hello all -

We've been asked by Essential Packs (the makers of emergencykits.com) to help design an RV emergency kit. Stef and I realize we don't know everything, so we're soliciting help from other RVers. That's where you all come in.

At the end of the process, we should have some sample emergency kits to give away. Our plan is to give them to helpful commenters.

I've got a starting point kit (based on an automotive kit) posted up on our site here:

What’s in YOUR RV Emergency Kit?

I'll be collecting input there, as well as here. If you know of others who might have good input, please let them know.

Thanks in advance for your help, and what I'm sure will be an interesting discussion!

[Jostalli]

Your list is a good one. I would add: reflective safety vest, flares, emergency survival blanket, zip ties, tire pressure gauge, accident report form, multitool, headlamp, fuses, sunscreen, DEET (bug spray), hand wipes, basic survival guide book, toilet paper, shop cloth, large zip lock bag.

[avanti]

--Self-Fusing Silicone Tape
--automotive fuse assortment
--Tire plug kit
--compass
--bungee cords
--1/8" nylon cord (100')
--space blanket
--collapsible water container
--wire
--leatherman tool
--sewing kit

[thefitrv]

I already had that self-fusing silicone tape on my list of adds!
And I like the collapsible water container better than an emergency supply. I mean, we all should have some water on board.

[mikes47]

James / Stef - I would only add that those ponchos should be fluorescent orange, yellow or green for freeway roadside situations in the rain.

[thefitrv]

OK. Like the fluorescent ponchos.

[eric1514]

A few days supply of any meds.

Eric

[wincrasher]

From what Eric said, maybe a 5 day segregated pill container.

A waterproof pouch/container for your cell, important docs and some emergency money.

Folding pocket solar panel - 5w - for cellphone charging.

Pocket water filter - like hikers use.

[Bruceper]

Lifestraw
Small hammer, 1.5-2 pound
Fixed blade knife (no smaller than 4")
High vis vest x1000 (Seriously, so important)
100' 550# paracord
2 space blankets
2 folding rain ponchos (nearly as small as the space blankets)
4 pencils (can't believe no one mentioned those yet). Shavings can be use to start fires
magnesium fire starter
pocket saw (basically a chain with a ring at each end to cut small branches)
Afterbite (hopefully already in first aid kit, but not always included)
Analgesic (hopefully already in first aid kit, but not always included)
adjustable wrench
Screwdriver with bits in the handle

With the hammer and a real fixed blade knife you can baton wood for a fire if necessary. Batoning uses less energy and can cut wood to the size you need to either start or maintain a fire.

[thefitrv]

Good adds.
I really like the waterproof pouch (maybe that could even be part of the packaging to save weight).
The portable solar panel is also a good one. We're so dependent on our devices these days. It does you no good to hike two days to find cell coverage if your phone dies on the way! I wonder how cheaply they could be sourced.
And a life straw - maybe even better than the water purification tablets (maybe more expensive).
Pencils. Like a golf pencil maybe.
I like the brainstorming!

[wincrasher]

You may have to have 2 kits - one a basic and the other a "pro".

I've bought those little panels and the hiker's filter thing for in the $15-20 range - a few of these kind of things would make a kit kinda pricey.

http://www.amazon.com/10000mAh-Porta...+phone+charger

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...ilpage_o05_s00

Sure they could be bought cheaper in big volumes

[AK49er]

I don't know if one kit could contain everything you would need for all places. You could almost break it down into multiple kits for different places that you travel. To break this down even more, kits for different times of the year due to weather. All in all, some good ideas!

[skodr]

Bottle of wine and six pack of beer. Maybe chips or cheese and crackers...

[sammie14]

Duct tape.

[Bruceper]

The lifestraws are $20CAD, probably $15ish USD. But I've got one in my emergency bag.

Also, even if cell coverage is lost, the phone could be used as a backup light. And if you have survival info on the phone you could read that if you could manage to charge it. I have some survival types ebooks on my tablet.

[thefitrv]

I had a suggestion on our web site for a CB radio, especially if you're headed out to Alaska or someplace remote.
I don't think they'll add it to a store-bought emergency kit, but I still thought it was a good idea in some circumstances.

[mumkin]

As I read these lists, my first thought was that all this would completely fill my little 170 and I will have to leave my clothes, dishes, food, and dog supplies at home.

And that brings up my suggestion... that if you have pets, you may need extra supplies for them.

[Davydd]

Unless you plan to travel gravel roads in Alaska it is not as remote as people envision. We just passed through a stretch of Ontario and Quebec in the east and there were stretches there much more remote than any paved highway we traveled in Alaska or to and from Alaska. We are now in Newfoundland and Labrador going to the end of paved roads.

[avanti]

If I were designing an integrated RV emergency kit, I would design it with a 12V power input (Cig lighter or hard-wired -- user's option) that kept all the provided electrical stuff (e.g., flashlight, USB/cell power pack, etc) charged and ready.

[thefitrv]

Hey, just to let everyone know, I've collected all the suggestions and will be meeting with some local emergency preparedness experts this week.

Thanks to all who made suggestions, and I'll keep this thread updated as we get the kits into production.

Cheers!