Traveling In A Pet Friendly RV

Animal Safety While Camping Off-Grid

Traveling in a pet friendly RV is a priority for dog and cat owners who want to enjoy camping off-grid. In fact, a recent study shows that over 65% of Boondockers will want to take their animals along for the ride when traveling!

Unfortunately, many hiking areas, grocery stores, or restaurants aren’t pet-friendly. This creates a problem for owners who want to bring their companion on the trip, but aren’t sure if it’s 100% safe to leave them alone in the RV. Our customers want to have the security of knowing that they have an RV where their pet can be safe and comfortable while they are temporarily by themselves.

Read along to learn about the main safety concerns animal owners may have while traveling off-grid with a pet. At ABC Upfitters, we install off-grid power systems that provide an additional level of comfort and protection for your canine friend so that you can have peace of mind while they camp without you.

Temperature Regulation When Traveling in a Pet Friendly RV

When it comes to the safety of your pet, temperature regulation matters. Extreme temperature fluctuations can be a cause for worry when it’s dangerously hot outside. Even when the weather seems to be mild, temperatures can rapidly change throughout the day and create an inhospitable environment inside a closed vehicle with poor ventilation. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, “The temperature inside your vehicle can rise about 20 degrees Fahrenheit in just 10 minutes, and almost 30 degrees in 20 minutes. The longer you wait, the higher the temperature climbs. At one hour, your vehicle’s interior temperature can be more than 40 degrees higher than the outside temperature. Even on a 70-degree day, that’s more than 110 degrees inside your vehicle!”

Here are some signs that a pet is overheating if they are not traveling in a pet friendly RV with working AC:

Panting that can progress to distressed or noisy breathing
Restlessness or agitation
Drooling
Red gums or tongue
Increased heart rate
Vomiting
Advanced heatstroke symptoms include: lethargy, confusion, weakness, collapse, or even seizures

Preventative Cooling Solutions

ABC Upfitters outfit RV’s with power systems that allow you to keep temperatures stable for prolonged periods of time. This helps you to avoid dangerous situations for your pet, even when shore power is unavailable. On hot days, running an air conditioner off-grid is essential for keeping your animals safe and comfortable in your RV. Our custom solutions combine high-efficiency solar panels with advanced battery storage and high-performance inverter/chargers to meet the unique demands of off-grid air conditioning.

A powerful battery bank capable of running your power-hungry air conditioner is the golden ticket between a hot dog and a coooool dog! With Mastervolt’s cutting-edge Lithium-Ion technology, you gain unmatched integration, durability, and long-term efficiency.

Cooling solutions for traveling in a pet friendly RV include:

Proper insulation and ventilation
Battery-powered or solar cooling options
Window shades, reflective covers, and blackout curtains
Fresh water with ice for your pet

Heating Strategies for Cold Climates

Hypothermia is as much of a danger to your pet as overheating is. It’s important to note that leaving a pet in a vehicle on a chilly day isn’t dissimilar from leaving them outside. When traveling in a pet friendly RV, you should be prepared to keep your pet warm with the following strategies:

Provide insulated pet areas inside the RV
Provide your pet with blankets and a warm bed
Utilize your RV’s integrated HVAC system
Use a battery-powered-backup for your solar-system to make sure the heat stays on 24/7.

ABC Upfitter’s solar-powered vehicles come with a sizable battery bank that powers your appliances, so if the grid goes offline, you and your pets won’t be impacted by power outages.

Creating a Pet Friendly RV Experience

Securing Your Pet While Off-Roading

In order to reduce anxiety over long trips, there should be designated pet areas with non-slip flooring and a sturdy bedding space. If you’re traveling with multiple pets, be mindful of managing space and interactions and providing a secure environment.

The first safety-step we all should take when jumping into a car is simple – put on a seatbelt. We should do the same thing with our pets and properly secure them for protection in case of an accident or rough terrain. You can accomplish this by using a safety harness, crate, or carrier to keep them—and yourself—safe. Research crash-tested harnesses that work with your vehicle’s seat belt and keep your dog/cat sitting upright versus lying down.

For safe outdoor exploration, use leashes, harnesses and visit designated pet-friendly areas. Always check your animals for injuries or insect bites after outdoor activities. And, finally, keep your sweet four-legged friend safe by being mindful of any wildlife that might put them in harm’s way.

Additional Travel Tips for Pet Owners

Have a kit of essential pet first aid items on-hand and be aware of the nearest vet in the area.
Plan to reduce the length of your outings to make sure that you aren’t leaving your pet alone for too long.
As an extra precaution, think about purchasing a temperature monitor or camera to view your pet’s temperature and comfort-level from afar.
Leave backup food and water as needed if you are planning to leave your pet unattended for a prolonged amount of time

If you enjoyed this article, check out our blog post that breaks down “Batteries for Campers” and how they will support you and your family’s “paw-fect” off-grid experience!

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About ABC Upfitters:
ABC Upfitters provides premium, customer-focused, upfitting services to RV clientele who are looking for the ultimate off-grid experience. The close-knit company originated from the rising demand for aftermarket Li-Ion battery upgrades for recreational vehicles. By using Mastervolt components, ABC can meet this need and provide an unmatched level of integration and quality for their customers. Contact one of the ABC team members today to learn about their services!