8 Big Health & Safety Concerns of RV Living

It’s best to be prepared for the following healthy and safety concerns of RV living, whether you’re a part-time or full-time RVer…

The RV lifestyle is filled with adventure, relaxation, and simple joys. However, like anything else, there are risks involved.

Some safety concerns are self-inflicted (like overindulgence), while others come with life out on the road. Either way, every RVer should be aware of these risks in order to prevent and prepare as much as possible.

So, I’m going to outline the most common health and safety concerns of RV living. I’ll also provide helpful resources and advice wherever possible.

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3 Big Health Concerns of RV Living

Unfortunately, we can’t leave all our troubles behind when we go RVing. Nor can we dodge health emergencies on the road. 

But we can prepare ourselves (both mentally and practically) for challenges of the RV lifestyle. Here are the main health concerns you need to be aware of.

Overindulgence

It’s common for RVers to overindulge in junk food and alcoholic drinks. They understandably have the mindset that they are on vacation and get to splurge and relax.

If you only go camping a couple times a year, then it’s okay to overindulge a bit. But if you regularly camp or are full-timers, overindulgence can lead to serious health concerns. Fast.

Here are some resources we recommend:

• The Importance of Staying Healthy While RVing
• 18 Special Health Apps to Consider Adding Before Getting Back on the Road

Sitting Disease

Sitting disease may sound like a made-up condition but it’s a real health threat to RVers. Whether it’s driving long hours or plopping ourselves in our favorite camping chairs, it’s just as easy to sit too much on vacation than it is at home. 

It can even be argued that it’s easier! After all, we’re supposed to be relaxing, right?

The problem is, sitting disease seriously affects your health. It slows metabolism and increases your chances of diabetes, heart disease, and depression. That’s not even the half of it!

Learn more about Sitting Disease & Tips for RVers to prevent it.

Neglected Health Care & Skipped Checkups

When you’re traveling all over the country, it’s easy to neglect your health care and skip regular checkups. You keep putting off that dentist appointment or annual physical… until you’ve put it off for way longer than you should!

Managing your healthcare on the road can be difficult, so I have the following resources to help:

• 7 super easy ways how RVers handle health care on the road
• Tips for Managing Health Care While RVing
• 7 RV Safety Products for Seniors & RVers with Disabilities

5 Big Safety Concerns of RV Living

In addition to health risks of RV living, there are multiple safety concerns RV owners need to consider.

Of course, the most obvious one is road safety. RVs certainly aren’t immune to collisions, tire blow outs, and so on. Driving safely is of the utmost importance.

But there are other perhaps less obvious safety concerns to consider as well…

Unprepared for an Emergency

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Emergencies happen not only on the road, but while camped. Whether it’s an accident on the freeway or an injury while camping, you need to be prepared for emergency situations. 

You can give yourself a real fighting chance in any emergency if you have the right safety gear and information on hand. Here are some resources to help:

• How to Prepare for First Aid While RVing
• What Happens in an RV Emergency If You are All Alone?
• 5 Emergency Roadside Kit & Products for Your RV
• 11 Crucial Emergency Winterization Tips for Campers Caught in Sudden Cold
• 10 Best Wilderness Survival Books for RVers & Campers
• 5 Best Survival Radios for Emergencies

RV Fires

Fire is another big danger of RV living. I’ve seen more RVs burned down in my life than I ever expected. Like home fires, many first start in the kitchen or from candles or cigarettes.

Plus, there are improperly extinguished campfires and driving accidents that cause RVs to catch fire. 

So, be sure to check out the following:

• What to Know: RV Fire Safety
• 5 Best Fire Extinguishers for Your RV (2022)

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Much too often,  carbon monoxide poisoning claims the life of RVers who went to bed thinking all was well…but never wake up.

According to the CDC, every year, at least 430 people die in the U.S. from accidental Carbon Monoxide Poisoning.

Approximately 50,000 people in the U.S. visit the emergency department each year due to accidental carbon monoxide poisoning.

In fact, Carbon monoxide is the number one cause of poisoning deaths each year. And there is an increased risk when living in an RV because of the higher potential of gas leaks and the small living spaces.

I strongly recommend you read the following:

• Carbon Monoxide Poisoning and Tips on Preventing it in your RV [SAVE THIS!]
• 11 Critical Tips on How to Detect Carbon Monoxide in Your RV

Personal Security & Theft

I’ve heard horror stories about crime in Walmart parking lots and campground break-ins. I don’t think they happen as often as people fear, but they do happen.

So, while you don’t need to be scared, it does help to put some security systems in place. If only for your own peace of mind.

• 5 Best RV Security Systems (2022)
• Prevent Catalytic Converter Theft: 3 Ways to Protect Your RV
• RV Pro Tip: Use Apple AirTag to Track Stolen RV & Much More

Wildlife Safety

Ticks, snakes, and bears- Oh My! Another real safety concern of RV living is understanding wildlife safety. 

From bug safety to bear safety, you need to know how to behave and react around wild animals. The following resources will help:

• Bear Attack! (5 Bear Safety Resources for RVers)
• 5 Basic Snake Safety Tips Every RVers Needs to Know
• How to Keep Ticks Off Dogs & Out of Your RV

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