Getting help fast when your RV breaks down is about two things: protecting people at the scene and giving responders enough detail to reach you with the right equipment. Use these 11 tips to stay safe, speed up response, and minimize damage.

  1. Move to the safest possible spot and secure the scene
  • If the RV is still rolling, signal and steer to the right shoulder, an exit ramp, or a wide turnout. Avoid curves, bridges, and blind hills when possible.
  • Turn on hazard flashers immediately; set the parking brake once stopped.
  • If it’s unsafe to exit or you’re stopped in a travel lane, stay belted, keep hazards on, and call 911. Roadside safety groups advise prioritizing getting away from traffic and being visible (AAA guidance: https://exchange.aaa.com/safety/driving-advice/what-to-do-when-your-vehicle-breaks-down/).
  1. Make yourself visible with proper warning devices
  • Wear a high-visibility vest before stepping out.
  • For larger rigs, place three warning triangles: roughly 10 feet, 100 feet, and 200 feet behind the RV on two‑lane roads (adjust farther back on high‑speed roads and for curves/hills). This placement mirrors commercial-vehicle best practice in 49 CFR §392.22 (FMCSA: https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-49/subtitle-B/chapter-III/subchapter-B/part-392/section-392.22).
  • At night or in rain/fog, add LED flares. Never use open flame near fuel or propane.
  1. Pinpoint your location so help can find you quickly
  • Note the highway name and direction, the nearest mile marker, and the last exit passed.
  • Grab GPS coordinates from your phone (iPhone Compass app; Google Maps “Share location”). Wireless 911 often gets your location, but it can be imprecise—be ready to state it yourself (FCC: https://www.fcc.gov/consumers/guides/wireless-911-services).
  • If you can, share a live location link with your roadside provider.
  1. Call the right help first: 911, then roadside assistance
  • Call 911 immediately if you’re in a lane, in a dangerous location, there’s a fire/propane odor, injuries, or poor visibility/traffic risk.
  • For non-imminent danger, contact your RV roadside assistance or insurance emergency line. Keep both numbers in your phone and printed in the glove box.
  • If voice calls won’t connect but you have a signal, some areas support Text-to-911 (call if you can, text if you can’t). Availability varies (FCC: https://www.fcc.gov/text-to-911).
  1. Have these details ready for dispatchers and providers
  • Exact location (road, direction, mile marker, GPS).
  • Your rig: motorhome or towable, length/height/weight if known, drivetrain issues (won’t start, brake problem), and whether you’re towing a car.
  • Hazards: lane blockage, propane smell, leaking fluids, nearby traffic conditions.
  • People and pets onboard and any special needs.
  • Your plan details: roadside assistance membership ID/policy, preferred shop if applicable.
  • These details help providers send the right truck (heavy-duty wrecker vs. light-duty, flatbed, mobile mechanic) on the first try.
  1. Know your coverage and backup options before you need them
  • RV-specific roadside plans often include heavy-duty towing, mobile mechanics, winch-outs, and tire service; standard auto plans may not cover large rigs or trailers.
  • Towing costs vary widely by distance, vehicle size, and terrain; long-distance and heavy-duty tows can be expensive without coverage (Progressive overview: https://www.progressive.com/answers/how-much-does-a-tow-cost/).
  • If you’re far from a highway, ask dispatch about a mobile mechanic first to avoid unnecessary tows.
  1. Handle tire blowouts and flats safely
  • In a blowout, grip the wheel, maintain steering control, and avoid slamming the brakes. Let the vehicle slow while you steer straight, then pull off safely (AAA: https://exchange.aaa.com/automotive/roadside-assistance/what-to-do-if-you-have-a-tire-blowout/).
  • For heavy Class A/C rigs or dual rear wheels, roadside tire service is safer than attempting a DIY change near traffic.
  • If you must change a tire: choose a firm, level spot; chock wheels; set the brake; and keep people far from traffic. Never crawl under a vehicle supported only by a jack.
  1. Treat propane, electrical, and fire issues with urgency
  1. Build a compact RV emergency kit that actually helps
  1. Plan for patchy service: power and connectivity backups
  • Pre-download maps, campsite directories, and service manuals for your rig.
  • Carry backup power (jump starter or battery bank) to keep phones alive for navigation and calls.
  • In remote areas, two-way radios (GMRS/FRS) or a satellite communicator can bridge gaps. Remember: if no cellular network is available, a 911 call cannot go through (FCC: https://www.fcc.gov/consumers/guides/wireless-911-services).
  • Check local weather and hazard alerts before rolling and while you wait (NWS/NOAA: https://www.weather.gov/alerts).
  1. After the incident: document, debrief, and prevent the next one
  • Photograph the scene, damage, and the final tow hookup; save receipts.
  • Call your insurer promptly for claim guidance and preferred repair networks.
  • After service, do a slow-speed test and a thorough walkaround: tire pressures, visible leaks, tow connections, lighting.
  • Debrief: update your kit, add missing tools, and note lessons learned. If a tire or component failed prematurely, ask your shop about potential warranty coverage and report safety defects to NHTSA if applicable (https://www.nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem#index).

Quick prep before your next trip

  • Save emergency numbers in your phone and on paper.
  • Add your rig’s key specs (length/height/weight, tire sizes, TPMS baseline pressures) to a note you can read to dispatch.
  • Review your roadside assistance plan’s exclusions and towing limits; upgrade if you travel remote or mountainous routes.

Stay calm, make yourself visible, give precise location and rig details, and you’ll get the right help headed your way quickly—and safely.