Safely Navigating the Quarantine in your RV, 5th Wheel, or Camper
In an effort to curtail the virus and slow the movement of the epidemic in the US, almost every state has enacted travel bans and issued orders to shelter in place. For most people, this is an inconvenience, but for people who have sold their homes and embraced the nomadic lifestyle it can be a real challenge.
At Drain Master, we have an intimate understanding of the challenges you are facing as an RV owner. From finding a safe place to park, to getting your groceries, life is presenting some unique obstacles. We’re here to help remove those obstacles and be a lifeline for those on the not so open roads.
You can view this resource from Campendium for closures of campgrounds across the US due to the state mandated travel restrictions.
With Every Challenge is a New Opportunity
Staying with Family
While living on the go is a bit uncertain, many people are finding that having an RV, 5th wheel, or camper in times like these is beneficial. Having the ability to pick up and go, and then stay for an extended period of time can be vital for those in hard hit areas, for those with older relatives who need a bit of extra help, etc.
Avoiding Hotspots
If your area is looking at a serious increase in the number of cases reported with the virus, having an RV, 5th wheel, or Camper is a great way to ride out the curve in a less affected area. If you are leaving a region with a significant outbreak, please take care to follow CDC and WHO guidelines so as not to contribute to the spread of the virus.
Vacations:
Vacation spots are being hit hard by this epidemic. Airline travel is restricted, hotels are closing, these “mobile” homes are just about the only way to travel right now. And they’re definitely the only method of doing so affordably in an uncertain economy. Check the resource above for a list of campgrounds and locations that are open and available before leaving for any trips.
Self-Quarantine
If you or a loved one is being tested, or is working as an essential employee, quarantining away from the rest of the family significantly lowers the risk of spreading the virus. Many people who own RVs, 5th wheels, or campers are either using them for self-quarantine or loaning them to those in need. In fact, there’s a whole Facebook community dedicated to loaning these mobile homes to healthcare workers so that they can protect their families.
Plan Ahead:
Food:
Be prepared to have a stockpile of food before making any travel plans. Local grocery stores in certain areas may be closed, changing hours, or limiting the number of shoppers allowed in the store at a given time. You don’t want to travel somewhere and risk running out of food.
Water:
Make sure you have water on hand for drinking, cooking, and cleaning. In addition, make sure that you can refill your water supply with treated water wherever you might travel. Water is vital in cleaning and avoiding the spread of the virus.
Supplies:
Much like food and water, you’ll want to make sure that you have the right cleaning supplies and products before making any travel plans. Running out of disinfectant, toilet paper, or anti-bacterial soap could cause a big problem.
Sewage:
The dirty side of the RV life, even if you can shelter in place for a number of weeks, you’ll still need access to safe place to empty your sewage. Campsites often offer easily accessible sewage dumping sites. Here are some of our guidelines for staying safe while emptying your tanks:
- Wear gloves!
- Spray the water faucet with a mix of 2 parts water, 1 part bleach (because the guy before you could have turned the spigot off with his dirty gloves)
- Use our Waste Master Ultimate Sewer Hose Storage system as it provides the safest most sanitary way to transfer holding tank sewage from an RV to the ground sewer inlet. You don’t have to connect the hose or any fittings, all the sewage is contained inside the hose, and no waste touches the ground or your gloves!