How to prepare for a motorhome road trip into remote wilderness areas
The beauty of travelling in a motorhome is the opportunity to get off the beaten track and discover remote areas of the world, get away from crowds and truly disconnect from modern life. It’s a magical experience to wake up to a breathtaking view with no one else around.
However, road tripping into wilderness areas comes with risks and hazards that you need to be prepared for. Should you break down, get lost or run low on supplies, there may not be decent phone reception or anyone around to help. Here’s our guide on how to prepare for a wilderness road trip so you’ll stay safe and comfortable on your once-in-a-lifetime adventure. We also added a few tips for maximum comfort.
Safety tips for wilderness road trips
Safety is priority one on any road trip. Take note of these recommendations to ensure a safe holiday.
1. Tell someone where you’re going. Make sure you inform a friend or family member of your itinerary so that someone knows where you’re headed and most importantly when you’re due to return. If you’re venturing into a national park, it’s also a good idea to let someone know at the tourist office.
2. Get a satellite phone or emergency radio beacon. If you know you’ll be road tripping into a very remote area without phone reception, consider getting a satellite phone or emergency radio beacon.
3. Inspect your motorhome. Check your vehicle for any signs of disrepair before you begin your road trip. Check the oil and water levels and top them up if required. Look at the suspension, brakes and tyres as well. For peace of mind, get a mechanic to take a look and offer their expert advice. You don’t want to break down in the middle of nowhere.
4. Confirm your motorhome insurance details. Check the level of insurance cover you have on your motorhome and the excess you’ll need to pay should you need to claim. Have the insurance policy and relevant contact numbers readily available.
5. Confirm roadside service. Make sure you have a plan should you break down on your trip and are unable to repair the vehicle yourself.
6. Pack spare tyres and tools. Ensure you’ve got a couple of spare tyres handy - and know how to change them. You should also have the necessary tools (a jack and a spanner) so that you can whip them out for a quick change on the side of the road if required. Carrying spare fuel with you is also a good idea in case you find yourself in a situation where you’re low on petrol without access to a petrol station.
7. Be aware of potential hazards. Do your research before you set out so you’re aware of any challenging terrain you might pass through, any dangerous animals you may encounter, or any harsh weather that could hit.
8. Pack the following essential items. When road tripping through isolated areas, it’s vital you have the following within easy reach at all times:
•A first aid kit: This should contain scissors, tweezers, safety pins, gauze, wound dressings, antiseptic gel, alcohol wipes, triangular bandage, burn gel, gloves and a CPR mask.
• Basic medications: Paracetamol, Ibuprofen, Imodium, any necessary prescription medicines.
• Sunscreen.
• Insect repellant.
• Extra water.
• Water purification tablets.
• Rehydration sachets (for dehydration).
9. Stay charged up. A USB car charger or portable charger will ensure your phones and cameras don’t run out of battery on the road.
10. Take a map. Your phone’s GPS may not work in remote locations, so ensure you take a physical map with you to avoid getting lost. You can get these at local tourist offices.
Staying comfortable in the wilderness
Safety is always paramount, but once you’ve checked off the basic safety preparation steps, make sure you prepare for your comfort on the journey as well! After all, you want to have an enjoyable time. Here are some helpful tips to help you stay happy and comfortable.
• Go self-contained: Self-contained motorhomes are your best bet for wilderness road trips as you can park anywhere that free camping is allowed and won’t need to worry about finding a campsite before dark. They also come equipped with kitchen and toilet facilities.
• Get your road trip playlist organised. If your motorhome doesn’t have Bluetooth connectivity, get yourself a Bluetooth speaker and download all your favourite music and playlists before your journey. This way, you’ll always be able to listen to music even when there’s no WiFi.
• Add some luxury gadgets: Things like e-readers and GoPros will keep you entertained during long periods without connectivity.
• Stock up on supplies. You’ll need to take plenty of supplies with you on the road, including:
- Camping gear: Pack a tent if you plan to camp in the wilderness outside of your motorhome, along with a warm sleeping bag and sleeping mat.
- Cooking equipment: You might have a stove in your motorhome, otherwise get yourself a camping stove, gas burner.
- Cutlery, plates, cups, forks, knives and spoons
- Food: Opt for dehydrated backcountry meals you can buy locally, or stock up on things like pasta, noodles and oats and cook your own meals.
- Fluids: Pack plenty of water, and take some tea and coffee for the mornings.
- Matches and lighters.
- Torch and spare batteries.
- Clothing: Take plenty of layers - lighter ones for driving and exploring during the day and some warmer ones for when the temperatures drop at night. Also ensure you have waterproof clothing and comfortable closed shoes.
Now you’re all set to embark on your wilderness adventure. Remember to stay safe and respect the local environment. Happy motoring!
