Solo RVing; 15 Safety Tips For "How To Be Alone in RV?"

Fear of traveling alone causes many to refuse to take trips in their RV. This may happen because you haven't found someone who shares your passion or were left alone after a breakup. However, solo RVing is not just possible but safely enjoyable if you take the right steps to keep yourself safe.

We'll share our top 15 safety tips for solo RVing so that you can hit the road on your own without being afraid.

Our 15 Tips are Here below for Solo RVing

Tip 01: Choose Safe Places to Spend the Night

Where you choose to park affects the risk of break-ins, thefts and being harassed by people who want you to move. The solution is to choose safe places to spend the night. Walmart parking lots that host RVers are almost always an option.

So too are gas stations that permit overnight RV parking. Choose to stay in campsites, and if possible, check the reviews for safety and general amenities. 

Avoid parking on the side of the road unless it is a designated rest stop.

Tip 02: Plan on Doing It Yourself

Know how to do all of the basic maintenance on the RV. This includes emptying the wastewater tanks and recharging the batteries. Then you don’t have to find the first available stranger to help you.

Practice doing things you’re uncomfortable with so that you are comfortable with them. Looking uncomfortable while being alone makes you look like a target.

Tip 03: Have Multiple Methods of Signaling for Help

Solo Rving brings the risk of being stranded alone in the middle of nowhere. The solution is to have several methods of signaling for help. Flares, mirrors and a radio should supplement your cell phone and computer.

After all, the first three probably work if your house batteries are dead and you’re out of range of a cell phone tower.

Tip 04: Carry Spares of Everything That Matters

We can draw from survivalist wisdom here. Two is one and one is none. If you have only one and you run out, you have nothing. Have spare gas cans and spare jugs of bottled water. Have spare inhalers and medical supplies.

If you don’t have to pull into the first gas station for necessities like these, you can skip the ones in what look like dangerous neighborhoods.

Carry spare tires and cans of fix-a-flat so you don’t have to take a ride with a stranger. You can’t carry a spare of everything, but always carry extras of things you can’t live without.

This includes keys for your vehicle and tools that are essential to using the RV.

Tip 05: Take Responsibility for Your Safety

Follow the same safety tips you would if staying in a strange place. Lock your doors at night. Be aware of your surroundings, especially if walking to and from latrines, showers and laundry facilities late at night. When you leave the RV, close the blinds and lock the doors. Secure valuables outside like your generator. 

Don’t open the door just because someone knocked. It would be wise to have a dog that is intimidating, but if that’s not an option, a beware of dog sign on the door is a good proxy.

Tip 06: Find Your Tribe

When you’re in an RV park, get to know your neighbors. Bring up that you’re traveling alone so that they can look out for you. Just don’t forget to return the favor. Sometimes this isn’t an option.

However, you shouldn’t stay in places where you’re the only RV. Even parking in a lit parking lot with truckers getting a few hours of sleep is safer. 

A side benefit of knowing where these places are is that you can reliably find help on those occasions where it is warranted.

Tip 07: Keep In Touch

Keep family and friends up to date about your travel route. Let them know where you are when you get there, where you’re going and when you expect to arrive.

However, you shouldn’t be sharing this same information with everyone on the internet. If possible, sleep in places where you get a good cell signal and check in digitally with people who matter. 

But keep your travel plans to yourself when talking to strangers. You can upload the photos of your latest adventure when you’re a hundred miles from there.

Tip 08: Build a Support Network

You’re not going to know how to do everything, and you’re going to run into new situations. Make friends with more knowledgeable RVers both in person and online. This increases the odds someone can help you install a new RV sunshade or recommend a good place to stay when you ask about it online.

Tip 09: Maintain Your Connections

As a solo RVer, you enjoy freedom. However, you should use it to maintain your conventional connections. Visit old friends and family. You’ll maintain these strong relationships. It gives you a safe place to stay when you arrive. And you won’t feel alone.

You can also take the time to find local groups that enjoy things you do so that you don’t become isolated. This has the side benefit of giving you safety in numbers in a variety of situations. 

For example, you can connect with a hiking group. Then you aren’t making the mistake of hiking in the wilderness alone.

Tip 10: Stock Up, Often

In an RV, space and weight are at a premium. Unfortunately, you’re not going to be able to ask your partner to run to the store or run errands. Stock up on medications, both prescription and over the counter meds.

Have several days’ worth of food in the vehicle at all times, and keep at least 72 hours worth of food in a shelf stable form. Fill up the gas tank every time you stop. Top off the gas cans when you’ve used them.

Get newly refilled propane tanks when yours are low. Don’t assume you can get more at your next stop, because they may not have it.

Tip 11: Carry Protection

We’re not saying you have to carry a gun if you don’t want to. (If you do, know how to use it and maintain it.) However, you should carry protection of some sort. This may be a bat, knife or pepper spray.

On the other hand, you should not leave heavy tools like hammers and axes laying around where others can use them against you.

Use your car alarm. It could scare off potential threats, and it warns you when someone is trying to force their way in. Better yet, have a siren or horn that you can use to attract attention and help if something happens.

However, this isn't enough to protect you any more than calling 911.

Tip 12: Inspect Things Often

There are horror stories of criminals who poke holes in people’s tires before following them, offering a ride and then taking them to their fate. This is rare, but it may happen.

On the other hand, you may run into trouble because you left the campsite while something was on the verge of going wrong with the RV. Check the wheels before you head out.

Inspect the generator before you put it away. Check the batteries after they recharge. And keep up your maintenance routine. 

Solo Rving means you're the sole one responsible for your vehicle remaining safe to drive.

Tip 13: Prepare for Emergencies

Maybe you need to run for your life. Perhaps you need to flee a burning vehicle or another dangerous situation. Keep a set of RV keys with you at all times so that you can get back into the vehicle if you can return to it.

And have a second set somewhere else inside the vehicle that is not going to be easily found by a potential thief. Then you aren’t locked out of your home after it has been ransacked, and you can get in and secure it after a potential assailant has fled.

Another tip is to point the RV in your escape route. If you want to leave the parking lot, don’t be forced to turn around to escape someone or something. Seconds count, whether it is a wildfire or wild weirdo.

Tip 14: Don’t Delay When There’s Risk

Do the tire treads seem to be wearing thin? Get the tires replaced in the next town. Does the steering seem off? Research a good shop and have it checked out. Ditto if the check engine light comes on or the engine temperature is creeping up.

Don’t ignore problems in the hope they’ll get better. Don’t delay repairs and maintenance when you see signs they need to be done. Don’t try to push through to your dream destination.

You can’t afford to be stuck on the side of the road with a blowout. And your friends would rather you are a day late getting the engine checked than injured in a car crash.

Tip 15: Keep Your Mind Clear

Summary

Solo RVing, whether you want to go on a single trip alone or live in the RV by yourself full time, is not only possible but practically enjoyable. Just take the time to take care of yourself, your RV and your environment so that you're as safe as possible. Don't let going it along prevent you from going on your dream road trip.

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