Do you constantly crave your favorite homemade meals while on the road? Or you are simply looking to get yourself an RV soon and want to know if there are any dangers associated with cooking in a one. Well, you are in luck. Through our extensive research, we have found the answer to your question.
Yes, you can cook in an RV and enjoy all of your favorite meals. However, when an RV is on the move, all passengers should be seated and wearing their seat belts. What's more, not all of your appliances will be available when on the move, especially in a towable RV. Even if you choose to walk around a motorhome while it's on the move, you definitely should not be cooking at that time.
Now that we've covered the basic safety issue relating to cooking in a moving RV, let's take a look at the challenges of making your meals inside one - and how to overcome them.
Cooking in a Small RV vs. a Large one
Cooking in a small RV can be complicated due to space and convenience. As you would expect, cooking in big RVs is easier than cooking in smaller ones, nevertheless even the kitchen spaces in these big RVs are limited in all but the largest 5th wheels and Class A motorhomes. To make your culinary endeavors easier and safe while on the move, here are some tips you should follow.
Pack Light
Many of us cannot do without our favorite kitchen appliances and ingredients. Hence during our planned trips, we try take as many of them as possible. The disadvantage of this is that there is not enough space in the kitchen for them. We suggest you pack light when traveling. You can take 2 or 3 pans and pots along with your basic appliances and simple ingredients. You should spend the days before your travel shopping for them in order to afford you enough time to make better decisions.
Meal Planning
The type of meal you should plan for are the ones you can easily make. While we understand you want to cook those special meals you make at home, we believe it is best you go for meals that will not make a mess in your RV during the trip. Meals such as a salad with homemade dressing, ham or spaghetti are easy recipes that are better suited for this.
Finding The Right Cooking Appliances
This is one of the most important factors to consider if you plan to cook on the road. This is because not every oven, stove or microwave will fit into your RV kitchen. You can read here all about the various appliances that you can use in an RV. One that's worth mentioning here, since we're talking about cooking is this 12V slow cooker -
The 12 Volt RoadPro - This is one of the best kitchen appliances you can have in your RV. It is specially made with a tight lid that will prevent spilling during travels. By the time you get to your destination, your meal will be done and ready.
Click here to see more on Amazon
Can You Cook in an Oven or Microwave Oven in an RV?
Most RV's come with a built-in kitchen. Some RV's even have an additional outdoor kitchen, as well as a fully-stocked indoor one. In a Class A motorhome, a 5th wheel or a large travel trailer, the kitchen will almost always include an oven and a microwave. Clearly, you shouldn't an oven or microwave while driving but you can definitely use enjoy them when camping. Unless they operate on propane, you'll need to use shore power in a campsite to operate them. Read here more about what it means to have full-hookups in a campground.
RV Propane Safety
Majority of the RVs on the road use propane to power their refrigerators and cooking appliances. Yet, many of these owners are unaware of basic propane safety procedures they should observe. Aside from following the most current regulations on propane safety put out by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), the other safety guidelines you should practice are:
Regularly Inspect Your Propane Systems
As an RV owner, you should religiously inspect your tank and cylinder. Check for signs of rust, corrosion, or other defects that may cause leakage. If any of these defects are found, do not attempt to fix it in order to avoid causing an explosion. Instead, you should stay far away from the leak and call a professional as soon as possible.
Your propane tanks need to be certified too. Read here all about the propane tank recertification process.
Install A Propane Leak Detector
Every RV should have a propane leak detector. Once this alerts you to any leaks, immediately put off any open flame. Next, you open all doors and ventilation openings. Trying to put off the electrical equipment might ignite a spark hence you must not touch anything before going out. Once you are at a safe distance from the RV, you should call for help.
Regular Checks By A Professional
You should have your propane systems checked at regular intervals by professionals. It could be by a licensed propane gas supplier or a qualified dealer. This will help you get ahead of any serious problem.
Install An Overfill Protection Device
Propane tanks only have 80% of their space filled. The remaining 20% is left as a precaution space for gaseous expansion. However, you should also install an OPD device to help you with this. It is so important you have one installed because some dealers will refuse you their services if you do not have it.
Traveling
You should not forget to turn your propane tank off when traveling. If you MUST put it on while on the road, you should put it off before going through tunnels, bridges and gas stations.
RV Cooking Regulations
RV cooking has some regulations. This is to keep you out of danger and help you cook safely during your travels. They include:
Having The Basic Fire Equipment
Fire outbreaks are one of the major problems faced by RV owners. Therefore it is best you prepare for these situations by making sure you have working smoke detectors and fire extinguishers in your RV. Ensure the extinguishers you buy are simple to use. They should be placed at different locations in your RV. It is also essential you get the type of extinguishers that can fight different types of fire.
Reduce Your Food Smell
For those of you traveling through and camping in parks, when cooking in your RV, you should contain the smell of your food and prevent it from spreading. This is to avoid attracting animals such as bear, as well as rodents. Also, when you are done eating, your food should be kept out of sight and your trash should be disposed of properly.
Rules of Cooking Appliances
Cooking with gas or charcoal grills inside your RV is definitely a bad idea. The chemical and gases they emit can be fatal. Therefore, unless you are using an electric counter-top grill, every cooking on a grill should be done outside. Make sure all the appliances you are using in your RV, from the oven to the coffee maker, meets the Recreational Vehicle Industry Association standards.
In Conclusion
Safety is the number thing to look out for while on the road. You can cook in a moving RV as long as you follow the above guidelines and tips. We also strongly advise following the cooking regulations and the propane safety guides.
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