Motorhome supplies
You may have found yourself in a scenario when something you desperately need is just not at hand. This scenario is especially stressful when it happens during a trip in your motor home, when you are in the middle of nowhere. Hence, it is important to take along essentialsupplies. In fact, sit down and make a list of supplies that should be taken along, so that a poor memory does not add to subsequent grief. Other than taking along your mobile with charger, cash and important documents, here are some items that are absolutely essential, and others that are plain useful.
Top Priority Supplies
First Aid Kit: This is absolutely the first item you should put in your motor home, especially when you are taking your kids along. Band-Aids are real handy for those bruises on your little one?s knees! Don?t forget to keep essential medications, such as ones for asthma and allergies, too. You can even buy a first aid kit with assorted items that comes neatly packed in a waterproof container for less than $20.
Compass: Point your motor home in accurate directions with the aid of a compass. For less than $10, you can buy a nifty compass that has an adhesive backing so you can mount it on any clean surface.
Fire Extinguisher: Flames have a tendency to billow unexpectedly, maybe from your microwave or maybe from a carelessly dropped cigarette. For such and other burning scenarios, you should have easy access to a fire extinguisher. Avoid buying a bulky one that is difficult to handle. For about $15, you can get a compact one. Just confirm that it fulfills safety standards and does not emit any toxic chemicals.
Warning Alarm: When you stop at a campsite for a break and step out of your motor home, somebody scoots inside while you are away. You need not worry if you have installed an intruder alarm set with a security code. The alarm sensors will pick up the thief?s movements and an ear-shattering sound will make the thief break the world record in sprinting. For about $50 -$55, this alarm is definitely value for money. Of course, you do need to remember to have it activated correctly for it to be effective!
A Flashlight: In addition to a sturdy flashlight with extra batteries, get hold of a portable unbreakable one that has a swivel hook. It is known as a Drop Light. It is extremely useful to peer into awkward corners or while making checks on parts beneath the motor home (less than $90).
A Safe: Let's assume a really smart thief manages to break the lock and cut off the alarm system in your motor home. You won?t need to tear your hair in frustration if you have kept your important documents and valuables in a safe. It is worth the peace of mind to spend up to $90 on a good electronic digital safe. This safe generally has a hidden lock and can be self-programmed. You can have it mounted out of sight on the floor below your bed or on the wall within a closet. You would wonder why you need such a safe when a motor home is generally equipped with a storage compartment. Here?s why: According to the website of the motor home magazine, the storage compartments of many motor homes have identical key codes, so just about anybody with such keys can have access to your compartment. It is therefore advised that you alter the locks right away.
Starter Kit: At your RV store, ask for the RV Starter Kit. This really useful kit generally contains a freshwater hose, a sewer hose, a steel hose clamp, a water pressure regulator, and other handy stuff. The price: about $40 - $45.
Other Essential Supplies
For a little over $400, you can get two jacks with a manual crank and mounting brackets. Make sure they are strong enough for effective use and the crank can easily be handled.
For those moments when something comes unstuck or requires quick repairs, you can buy a spray adhesive (about $20 for 15 oz.) and glue that can be used on all nonporous surfaces (up to $3).
For less than $5 you can get a blow out plug to clear essential lines of water.
Clear away those pesky bugs from your windshield and other surfaces with a special cleaning solution. It comes for about $6-$7. Check that it is nontoxic and nonflammable.
You will need a rain suit for yourself (preferably with a hood). A large sized one could cost about $20.
Get a rain suit for your motor home too! An RV cover is made from special fabric that firmly stands up against battering from rain, heat, as well as snow. The doorway to your motor home is accessed through a zipper entrance. The cost depends on the length of your motor home.
To put that RV cover securely over your motor home, you?ll need to climb to the top of your motor home. For this purpose, install a hinged ladder that is non-corrosive and has wide, anti-skid steps. It cost about $120 - $125.
Some Useful Items
Getting into your motor home is often quite an effort as a result of the high steps. It is especially painful for those in the senior age group. It is therefore advisable to install one or two folding steps to the doorway of your motor home. Alternately, you can get a porch platform step (up to $125). Ensure that it is sturdy enough to take your weight and is an anti-skid one. There is one more advantage of getting this unattached step: place a covering or towel on top and sit on it, say while cleaning tools or checking the tires.
Load all dirty clothes into a spacious vinyl clothes bag (about $10) that can be hung from a rod.
Wash and dry out those clothes on reaching a campsite on a compact aluminum clothesline (less than $65) with brackets that you can secure to the bumper of your motor home. It can be stored away when not in use.
Keep your motor home and the environment clean with a collapsible trashcan with lid (about $15).
There are a lot moresupplies that you need to take along, some of which are pretty obvious: work apparel (such as coveralls and gloves), linen, bedding, generators, kitchen appliances, an awning, maintenance tools (such as screwdrivers, hammers and wrenches) the list is endless, and due to lack of space, it is not possible to elaborate on all of them. Make your list as per your requirements, keeping in mind the area where you are going, number of people traveling, and number of days for the trip.
Handy Tips
Check safety features, and ensure that all your motor home supplies are user friendly. Also, ask about refund policies.
It is a good idea to have a waist belt with one or two pouches. Zip up safely in these your all-important items, such as your mobile, some loose change, your driving license, a note of important medical history and contact numbers, a pencil flashlight, and an extra set of keys to your motor home and ignition keys. That way, if you foolishly leave the keys in the ignition and are faced with the nightmarish situation of a thief coolly driving away in your motor home, at least you have some basic essentials till you get help.
Don't forget all those informative manuals for your appliances, including the motor home owner?s manual. Keep these securely locked up in your safe so that they are not misplaced.
Remember: An emergency situation does not come politely knocking at your motor home?s door! It springs up nastily just about anytime, anywhere. So always be prepared by carrying essential supplies on your trip, no matter how short it maybe.
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