Van Life and Vehicle Residence Emergencies¶

Living full-time or part-time in a camper van, RV, or passenger car combines vehicle maintenance with residential living. When a vehicle is both your primary transport and your home, a mechanical engine breakdown, flat tire, or solar power failure becomes a housing emergency.

Mechanical Breakdown While Living in Your Vehicle¶

Pull Over to a Safe, Lit Location: If your vehicle experiences engine failure or flat tires, pull off highways onto wide shoulders, well-lit rest stops, or 24-hour retail parking lots.
Contact Roadside Assistance: Call AAA, insurance roadside coverage, or mobile mechanic services. Inform towing operators if your vehicle is an oversized high-roof van or RV requiring flatbed towing.
Have a Backup Shelter Budget: Maintain an emergency fund reserved for low-cost motel stays or temporary shelter if your vehicle must stay in a repair shop overnight.

Heating Safety and Carbon Monoxide Rules¶

Install Battery-Powered Carbon Monoxide Detectors: Mount carbon monoxide and smoke alarms inside your vehicle habitat space. Test batteries monthly.
Diesel and Chinese Diesel Heater Safety: Ensure exhaust pipes vent completely outside the vehicle body, pointing away from open windows and roof vents. Regularly inspect fuel lines for diesel leaks.
Ventilate When Using Propane: Never operate unvented Buddy heaters or propane stoves while sleeping. Crack roof vents or windows to allow fresh oxygen intake and moisture exhaust.

Solar Power and Battery Bank Failures¶

Low Voltage Disconnect (LVD): If lithium (LiFePO4) or AGM battery banks drop below safe voltage, BMS boards cut power to fridges and lights.
Emergency Charging Options: Charge house batteries via engine alternator DC-DC chargers by driving, using a portable gas generator, or connecting to shore power at campsites.
Preserve Cold-Chain Medications and Food: Transfer temperature-sensitive medicines (like insulin) to insulated coolers packed with ice if 12V refrigeration fails.