Transwest Logo
Commercial Trailers Commercial Trailers
Trucks Trucks
Horse & Livestock Horse & Livestock
RVs RVs
Automotive Groups Automotive Groups
Transwest RVs Logo
  • Transwest RVs Logo
  • Find RVs
    • Find RVs
    • Class/Types
    • Makes
    • Used RVs
    • View all RVs
    Class/Types
    • Class A RV Icon Class A
    • Class B RV Icon Class B
    • Class C RV Icon Class C
    • Super C RV Icon Super C
    • Bus Conversion RV Icon Bus Conversion
    • Toy Hauler Trailer Icon Toy Haulers
    • Travel Trailer Icon Travel Trailers
    • 5th Wheel Trailer Icon 5th Wheel
    • Hauler Truck Icon Haulers
    Used RV
    Find Used RVs All pre-owned RVs complete a rigorous inspection process to ensure the absolute best in quality and customer satisfaction.
    View all RVs
    Makes
    • Antero Adventure Motors Logo
    • Emerald Logo
    • Newmar Logo
    • Renegade Logo
    • Tiffin Logo
    • Winnebago Logo
    Used RV
    Find Used RVs All pre-owned RVs complete a rigorous inspection process to ensure the absolute best in quality and customer satisfaction.
    View all RVs
    Used RV
    Find Used RVs All pre-owned RVs complete a rigorous inspection process to ensure the absolute best in quality and customer satisfaction.
  • Sell My RV
  • Find Haulers
  • Financing
  • Service
  • Parts
  • Locations
  • Blog
Transwest.com uses cookies to provide you the best experience. Learn more.
Blog / Four Essential Considerations for RV Child Safety

Four Essential Considerations for RV Child Safety

Tips
The Transwest Team
The Transwest Team
Apr 12, 2021
Four Essential Considerations for RV Child Safety

Traveling across the country in an RV is a wonderful way to see new sights, explore untraveled roads, and spend quality time with the family you love.

Whether you are a proud grandparent hoping to make memories with your grandchild, or a busy parent ready to unplug in the woods with your kids, ensuring that young ones are safe on any RV trip is a must.

In the following guide, four essential considerations for RV child safety will be detailed with important key takeaways for those who plan to travel with young ones. The result is that you and your family can enjoy RVing while prioritizing the safety of all.

1: Keeping Your Child Properly Restrained

Whether you are driving a full-sized Class A or a smaller Class B, RVs feel like you are in the comfort of home while on the road.

While the ample living space, built-in sleeping quarters, and dining seating can make an RV seem less like a vehicle and more like a house, the reality is that when an RV is in motion, it is a vehicle.

As such, all state laws regarding car seats and the proper restraint of children must be adhered to when driving an RV. Laws vary from state to state, and you will need to research the law for each state you plan to travel through.

A great resource for all car seat laws is the Safe Ride 4 Kids state-by-state guide. Here you can find detailed information about the proper use of car seats, the different regulations based on age, and the federal standards any car seat must meet.

Regardless of which state you are traveling through, ensure that children are always buckled up in a safe seating position.

If you drive an RV that does not have a child-safe seating position, consider bringing a second vehicle where children can be properly restrained. Another option is to drive a pull-behind RV, keeping children securely seated in the tow vehicle.

2: Choosing a Safe RV

One of the best ways to keep children safe when riding in an RV is to purchase one that meets the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 208.

This standard requires that a vehicle has a type 2 seat belt in all forward-facing seating positions. Type 2 seat belts utilize both a lap and shoulder belt. Type 1 belts, with lap belts only, are not a safe option for children.

When choosing an RV with the proper seat belt options in place, look for an RV with high safety ratings.

Newer RVs are equipped with airbags and other safety features that many older motorhomes were not designed for. Opting for a newer model can help ensure the safety of young children when on the road.

3: Reducing Dangerous Clutter

Beyond just the concern of ensuring that children are buckled in and properly restrained, it is also critical to reduce the amount of dangerous clutter in your RV.

In the case of an accident or even a hard stop, clutter around your motorhome can turn into dangerous projectiles.

Before you start a drive, do a thorough sweep of your motorhome. Pick up any loose items and put them away in cabinets and other storage spaces. Secure any large objects, making sure that during a sudden stop, everything will remain in place.

Consider turning clean-up into a game with your kids or grandchildren. Have the whole family help out before the RV is set into motion.

4: Ensuring Normal Home Safety

In addition to the dangers you can face on the road, keeping your children or grandchildren safe in an RV includes normal home safety tips. Make sure that your RV is equipped with a smoke detector and carbon monoxide detector. If your motorhome utilizes propane, install a propane or natural gas detector. It is also important to have a fire extinguisher on hand for emergency use.

Beyond just equipping your motorhome with the right safety features, talk through the following safety plans with kids who will be traveling in your RV:

What to do in the case of an emergency: Make sure that children are aware of how to call 911 and how they should handle any of the following emergencies.

  • In the case of a fire, make sure children understand how to exit the RV and where they should go. Have a set plan in place, such as meeting at the Ranger’s Station or a local landmark.
  • In the case of a car accident, make sure children are aware of any emergency exits. This is particularly important for roll-over accidents.
  • If they hear an alarm going off, such as a smoke detector or propane leak alarm, make sure children know to leave the RV and to notify an adult.

Any ground rules for being left alone in the RV: For older children who might spend time alone in your motorhome, make sure they understand any ground rules, such as the following.

  • Explain to children what they should do if a stranger knocks on the RV door.
  • Set a standard of rules around cooking food when unattended.
  • Have a communication plan in place if children plan to leave the RV and go on a hike or take part in another activity.
  • Outline clear guidelines about whether or not other kids are allowed in the RV when you are gone.

Visit Us at Transwest to Find a Family Friendly RV

Taking your children, grandchildren, or even your friends on an RV trip can be the perfect way to bond in nature and explore new places. However, as is true with any activity involving children, ensuring the safety of little ones while on the road is critical.

At Transwest, we understand how important safety is when searching for an RV, particularly when kids are involved. That is why we carry a premium RV inventory with the latest safety technologies in place.

If you are looking for a family-friendly RV and safety is a priority, talk to our experienced sales staff about your needs. We will be happy to help you find the safest options available for the whole family.


RVs for Sale

Check out the best in RVs.

Find RVs
  • 2023 Renegade

    2023 Renegade

    Verona LE 40LRB

    New Super C

    Contact For Price Fountain, CO
    View details
  • 2023 Renegade

    2023 Renegade

    Verona LE 40LTS

    New Super C

    Contact For Price Fountain, CO
    View details
  • 2023 Renegade

    2023 Renegade

    Verona LE 40LTS

    New Super C

    Contact For Price Frederick, CO
    View details
  • 2023 Renegade

    2023 Renegade

    Verona LE 40LRB

    New Super C

    Contact For Price Frederick, CO
    View details
  • 2023 Renegade

    2023 Renegade

    Verona LE 38LDG

    New Super C

    Contact For Price Frederick, CO
    View details
  • 2023 Renegade

    2023 Renegade

    Verona LE 40LRB

    New Super C

    Contact For Price Frederick, CO
    View details
  • 2023 Renegade

    2023 Renegade

    Verona 36VSB

    New Super C

    Contact For Price Fountain, CO
    View details
  • 2023 Renegade

    2023 Renegade

    Verona 36VSB

    New Super C

    Contact For Price Frederick, CO
    View details
  • 2023 Renegade

    2023 Renegade

    Verona 36VSB

    New Super C

    Contact For Price Frederick, CO
    View details
  • 2023 Renegade

    2023 Renegade

    Verona 36VSB

    New Super C

    Contact For Price Frederick, CO
    View details
Find RVs
Transwest RVs Logo

At Transwest, we only carry the best quality RV makes. Not only can we help you find exactly what you’re looking for, but we also offer financing, parts, and service. Think of us as your one-stop-shop for RVs. Find the perfect RV for you

Share

Email

Email

Facebook

Facebook

SMS

SMS

Twitter

Twitter

Keep Reading

Gloved hand places a golf ball and tee in the ground

Travel

Best RV Trips for Golfers

Golfing and RVing feel like the perfect match. The freedom of taking your home anywhere you want to go paired with the enjoyment of a day spent on the links &md...

Aerial view of hill in Garner State Park, Texas

Travel

Our Favorite RV Trips in Texas

Texas , also known as the Lone Star State, is known for its wide-open spaces, the Alamo , and its welcoming spirit. In Texas, everything is bigger. A visit to...

Newmar Bay Star Class A RV with blue exterior

News

RV News: 2023 Newmar Product Lineup Revealed

Summer camping season is approaching fast, and when Newmar  announced its 2023 product line last month, RV enthusiasts everywhere tuned in. Newmar is kn...

Woman loading gear in the back of a Winnebago Ekko campervan

Tips

Twelve Camping Essentials for an RV Trip

One of the best things about owning an RV is being able to take hit the road in a home on wheels, ready to go. Your RV is stocked with its own supplies, i...

View from the ocean of Doheny State Beach in California

Travel

Five Incredible RV Destinations on the West Coast

The West Coast, or as the locals like to call it, “the best coast,” is a dream road trip destination for many. The rugged mountains of the West cont...

Welcome to Colorful Colorado welcome sign in Colorado

Travel

Four Best RV Trips in Colorado

There is something magical about a drive through the state of Colorado. The expansive mountain vistas, towering peaks, and sheer cliffs create a memorable exper...

RV driving on the open road

Shopping For A Vehicle

Ultimate Guide to RV Brands and Manufacturers

Whether you are camping recreationally or living life on the road full-time, finding an RV manufacturer that fits your needs and budget can be overwhelming. At...

Drone view of the city of Austin on a clear day

Travel

Best RV Parks Near Denver

Colorado is one of the most scenic states in the country. Denver, Colorado , specifically, is known for panoramic views and opportunities to get lost in na...

View All

Journey into Other Topics

Our industry experts are here to help.

Parts Tips News Events Featured vehicle model Travel Shopping For A Vehicle Service
Couple outside of an RV

Find your perfect RV

RVs for Sale

RVs

  • Shop RVs
  • Sell Your RV
  • Financing
  • Service
  • Parts
  • Locations
  • About
  • Blog
  • Transwest RV

Transwest.com

Commercial Trailers

  • Belt
  • Booster, Flip Axle, Deck Extension
  • Drop Deck
  • Dump
  • Flatbed
  • Grain Hopper
  • Jeep
  • Lowboy
  • Sliding Axle, Hydraulic Tail
  • Utility, Tag, Tilt
  • Vacuum Tank
Transwest Trailers

Trucks

  • Box Trucks
  • Cab & Chassis
  • Car Hauler Trailers
  • Car Hauler Truck Combos
  • Concrete Mixers
  • Custom Haulers
  • Day Cabs
  • Delivery Cutaways
  • Delivery Day Cabs
  • Delivery Sleeper Trucks
  • Delivery Step Vans
  • Dump
  • Flatbed
  • Haulers
  • Hydrovac
  • Laundry Step Vans
  • Reefer (refrigerator van body)
  • Refuse
  • Retriever
  • Septic
  • Sleeper
  • Used Pickup Trucks
  • Water Trucks
  • Winch Tractor
Transwest Trucks

Horse & Livestock Trailers

  • 1-2 Horse Trailers
  • 3-4 Horse Trailers
  • 5-8 Horse Trailers
  • Bumper Pull Livestock Trailers
  • Bumper Pull Horse Trailers
  • Cattle Trailers
  • Gooseneck Horse Trailers
  • Gooseneck Livestock Trailers
  • Haulers
  • Hog Trailers
  • Horse Trainer Trailers
  • Living Quarters Horse Trailers
  • Pen System For Livestock Trailers
  • Sheep Trailers
  • Stock Boxes
Transwest Trailers

RVs

  • 5th Wheel
  • Bus Conversion
  • Class A
  • Class B
  • Class C
  • Haulers
  • Super C
  • Toy Haulers
  • Travel Trailers
Transwest RVs

Automotive Groups

  • Belton Pre-Owned
  • Frederick Pre-Owned
  • Used Pickup Trucks
  • Used SUVs
  • Used Vans
Transwest Automotive

Inventory Search

Transwest Logo ©2022 Transwest Privacy Policy Terms of Use Anti-fraud Disclosure
Facebook Icon LinkedIn Icon Twitter Icon YouTube Icon
Mountains