There's always a risk of finding yourself stranded on the roadside during a winter trip, no matter how well you've thought ahead and prepared. When that happens, it's best to stay with your vehicle, which provides shelter and makes it easier for rescuers to find you, Vazquez says. Don't try to walk in a severe storm or overexert yourself trying to push or dig a heavy RV out of the snow. Instead, tie a brightly colored cloth to the antenna or place a cloth in the top of a rolled-up window to signal distress.
If possible, run your engine and heater just long enough to remove the chill and conserve gasoline — but make sure the vehicle's exhaust pipe isn't clogged with snow, ice, or mud. If the exhaust is blocked, it could cause deadly carbon monoxide to leak in. Leaving the inside dome light on, if possible, will help make you more visible in the dark.
Signing up for a roadside assistance program can certainly pay off in a pinch. AAA offers RV coverage as an add-on and Good Sam Roadside Assistance is a favorite with many RVers.
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