VHF Radio
A must for us is a small VHF radio (Raytheon Ray 102) with a weather channel. It is extremely handy near the coast (anywhere, not just the U.S. coast) for listening to weather reports or making emergency communication.
Signal Mirror
One item we keep on board is a small signal mirror. It is low tech, weighs next to nothing and takes up virtually no space. If we were ever stuck in a remote location and had no reception for any other form of communication, we could at least hope to capture the attention of a motorist, cyclist, plane or boat. If one were stuck on a road or byway, even if no auto traffic came by, it is possible that air traffic might appear overhead. A signal mirror, even one as small as an empty make-up compact, might capture potentially life-saving attention.
Sailing Gloves
Another of the tools for set up and take down is a pair of sailing gloves. These gloves have a soft leather palm. The fingertips are open and the knuckles are covered. Since set-ups and take-downs are times when we are handling heavy chains, jacks, chocks and blocks, the gloves are a real hand-saver. We have maximum dexterity with minimal exposure to potential bumps and scrapes.
Personal Two-Way Radios
When we’re backing, hooking up or pulling out, we use hand signals, but there’s sometimes a need for verbal communication between the spotter and the driver. We’ve carried this technique over to RVing from boating. The radios help prevent misunderstanding of important time-sensitive cues. And, given that we are sometimes in close proximity to neighbors, they help us be clear with each other while being quiet.
CB Radio
A citizen’s band radio alerts us to accidents or traffic tie-ups. If we’re going to a park that has a CB, they can guide us in with it. The CB has also helped us stay awake with its lively, colorful conversation.
Flashlights
We keep several in various places, both in the trailer and in the truck. One technique for use in full darkness is to have a flashlight with a red film-covered lens to help you retain night vision.
Spare Batteries
In all sizes to accommodate any battery powered mechanisms you have.
First Aid
After we stock the medicine chest as anyone would at home, we stop and consider what else we might need, what we are almost certain to need at some point and what it would be lovely to have if we managed to be on the road for, say, a year.
 |
| On the road, unfamiliar foods and beverages can make you glad you have something to settle the stomach in the first aid kit |
Accommodating for first aid situations is a priority. So much so, we keep two fully stocked first aid kits. One remains in the travel trailer in a cabinet near the most-used entrance door. The other we keep under a seat in the truck. Additionally, we keep a first aid kit for our dog. It has medications our pet has needed in the past, and other tools that could be useful in case of illness or injury.
Fire Extinguishers
In addition to the factory supplied fire extinguishers we also carry a larger fire extinguisher in the bed of the truck.
No comments:
Post a Comment