How to Live in an RV…: Skill 28
RVs for Bug Out and as a Second Home
I’ve taught preparedness and survival for decades, and one of the most common questions I get is:
“What do I do if there’s an earthquake, a fire, or even war?”
It’s a fair question.
And the honest answer is: It depends.
But that’s not helpful—so let’s break it down with a real-world example.
The Problem with Traditional Home Storage
I live on the Wasatch Front in a two-story house.
Like most people, my food storage is in the basement.
If a major earthquake hits and collapses the structure, I could instantly lose access to that supply.
No matter how deep my stash is—if I can’t reach it, it’s worthless.
Enter the RV
Now let’s say I have an RV parked in my backyard.
That RV:
Sits on springs and suspension
Can ride out seismic shock better than the house
Can be instantly converted into a mobile survival base
If I’ve planned ahead, that RV contains:
Non-perishable food
Portable water
Fuel for the generator
Extra clothing and sleeping gear
With that, my family and I have a ready-to-go fallback if the house becomes unusable.
Real-World Example: Jasper, British Columbia
A few years ago, a massive wildfire swept through Jasper.
The entire town needed to evacuate.
What did many families do?
They grabbed their RVs and drove south.
Their RVs gave them:
Shelter
Food
Water
Mobility
In short, a second home on wheels—one they could deploy in minutes.
Don’t Winterize—Reframe It
If you own an RV, don’t treat it like a summer toy you mothball every fall.
Treat it like a survival tool.
Here’s how:
Store five-gallon water jugs (not in the water lines to avoid freezing)
Keep non-perishable food on the shelves
Store gas in stabilized cans outside or secured
Use shelf-stable fuel for the generator
Keep a basic medical kit and clothing layers inside year-round
If you need to leave now—you have an option.
If your house becomes unsafe tonight—you have an option.
BOTTOM LINE
Preps that never get used aren’t really preps.
Everything you prepare should have dual-purpose value—something you can use in life even if SHTF never happens.
An RV is one of the most overlooked but practical assets for survival-minded families.
Don’t just store it.
Strategize it.
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Frequently Asked Questions:
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Solar systems often work well.
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Storage runs out quickly.
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Yes, with proper planning.
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Ignoring battery limits.
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Terrain affects safety and access.
