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Preparing for Unforeseen Emergencies
So, you're out in your rig somewhere away from home and something unexpected happens which limits your access to the stores you normally shop in, maybe gas is not readily available, etc.  How do you prepare for this... or do you?

Carrying extra food means extra weight.  Careful selection of that food could help with the weight issue.  Carry emergency  items that could come in handy?  Keep your gas tank above half as much as practical?

Just thought of this as I watch the stock market sell off....      Frank
plan B - 2023 Travato
Re: Preparing for Unforeseen Emergencies
Reply #1 –
Frank,

When we took our first journey in our ‘15 RB, we had a four corner weigh done. We were 1000 pounds under the weight limit on each axel. That was with two adults, full propane and the better part of a tank of gasoline and a 1/2 tank of fresh water. After that, weight for me was not a great concern.

Now days, I always keep my gas tank as full as possible and seldom travel with less than 1/2 a tank. Gas stations can be hard to find sometimes.

Prior to pulling into a National Park, I “fill-er-up”. If you have a generator and plan on using it, remember that it will not draw fuel from the chassis gas tank when it’s reached a 1/4 tank. Something to think about.

We always keep the pantry full. Weight is less of a concern than running out of something. Be that gasoline, propane, water or food. The LD, if packed correctly with its needed “kit” is capable, AFIK, of carrying a fully stocked supply.

If you are concerned about gas mileage, that extra 12-25 gallons of fuel won’t do much to your overall fuel efficiency and will certainly help in locating that next gas station over the horizon. Then too, if you run out of gas, that full pantry, water tank and propane will certainly make waiting for a gallon of gas far less stressful.

Just sayin’

Kent

2015 27' RB "MissB.Haven"
Re: Preparing for Unforeseen Emergencies
Reply #2 –
The 'unexpected' can happen any time and anywhere and to anyone; sometimes one is the pigeon, sometimes the statue!

Once in a while, something can happen that's completely unanticipated and outside of one's control, but many, if not most, on-road problems, hassles, and 'dangers' can be avoided by careful and thorough pre-travel/trip preparation of one's rig, self, passengers, animals, etc., and using common sense (and paying attention to one's 'spidey sense'!) along the way.

I certainly don't plan (or start) a road trip expecting some apocalyptic occurrence, but I do what I can with advance preparation in case something does go south, particularly since I travel solo. Rig readiness of all 'mechanicals' and systems, full water tank (a TK has a LOT of GVWR), empty holding tanks, full propane and gas, spares and tools and extra miscellaneous supplies on board, jug water, food, including special foods and extra non-perishables (for me and the dog), a stash of 'out-of-season' clothing, medication, first aid supplies, cell phone and tablet (travel and weather apps), and whatever else is appropriate for the specific road trip distance, location, and duration.

I plan the routes, spec out possible stops and safe overnight 'squats', carry maps and Benchmark atlases, and keep the Coach Net card handy. I always travel on the top half of the gas tank, keep the rig nose pointed to an 'exit' when parked or camped, and trust my instincts; if I feel any uneasiness, adiós.

Of course one can't foresee everything that might happen, and I doubt that there are too many long-time many miles travelers who haven't had to manage a few issues on the road, but one can up the odds of having a safe and pleasant trip by preparing in advance to deal with what might show up. There really is a big middle ground between 'the sky is falling, the sky is falling!' and wandering off clueless and unprepared.  ;)

As ever, YMMV.
2003 TK has a new home
Re: Preparing for Unforeseen Emergencies
Reply #3 –
For most situations, Kent and Joan’ advice is right on.
If the zombie apocalypse is what you are thinking of, prepare to be eaten.

Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
 
Re: Preparing for Unforeseen Emergencies
Reply #4 –
There is 'prudent', 'paranoid', and 'am I paranoid enough'.
The 31 IB runs heavy, but gas stays topped off and propane well above half.   Water goes 10-15 gal unless I'm settling for a while.   If I leave the 'settling',  I'll draw the water down to 10-15 gal.   A few clothes for all 4 seasons are permanent and clothes for expected weather added on a per-trip basis.   Basic foods (mostly dry, some cans)for a couple of weeks stay in .

Remember that the most common cause of death in paranoids is old age.
Joel
Joel & Terry Wiley
dog Zeke
2013  31 IB   Orwan   / 2011 CRV Tow'd LWEROVE