Staying In Your Truck Camper While Driving: Is It Safe?

Whether you can ride in a truck camper while it's moving depends on where you are. In the US, for example, each state has its own laws regarding the size of your trailer, your speed, and the passengers and where they can sit. In Hawaii, for instance, passengers under 13 years old aren't permitted to ride in the back while the camper is in motion. In Kansas, the age limit is 14 years old. In Georgia, passengers are allowed to roam freely about your camper when traveling, but they must have easy access to the drive compartment. While some states enforce age limits, others require passengers to have audible or visual communication with the driver.

Even if riding in a truck camper is legal in your state, it's not recommended, as truck campers aren't equipped with safety belts, and unlike trucks and automobiles, they aren't constructed for high-speed vehicle accidents and collisions.

Laws vary from state to state

The laws regarding passengers riding in a truck camper vary from state to state in the US. In some states, passengers are not permitted to ride in the camper while it is in motion at all. For example, in Hawaii, passengers under 13 years old are not allowed to ride in the back of a moving camper. In Kansas, the age limit is 14 years old.

Other states enforce different restrictions. In Georgia, passengers are allowed to roam freely inside the camper while moving, but they must have easy access to the driver's compartment. In several other states, passengers in the camper must be able to communicate audibly or visually with the driver.

In addition to laws regarding passengers, there may also be state-specific restrictions on trailer size (most states restrict trailers wider than 8 feet), speed limits, brakes, taillights, and hitch requirements. It is important to refer to the specific regulations of the state or states you plan to travel to and ensure your vehicle complies with the relevant laws.

No riding in a towable RV

While it may be tempting to let your family ride in your towable RV while on the road, it is not worth the risk. Even if it is legal in your state, riding in a towable RV is strongly discouraged due to safety concerns.

Most towable campers lack seat belts, and even if your trailer has seat belts, they may not meet acceptable safety standards. In the event of an accident, your passengers could be thrown from their seats, resulting in serious injury or death.

In addition, towable campers often do not have the same safety features as motorhomes, such as airbags, putting your passengers at an even greater risk.

If you must travel with passengers, consider investing in a motorhome or drivable coach, which are built on truck frames and have the anchoring for safety equipment.

If you do choose to ride in a towable RV, be sure to check the laws in your state and any states you will be travelling through, as the laws vary and can change frequently. Some states require two-way communication between the driver and passengers, safety glass windows, and an unobstructed entryway at all times.

Even if riding in a towable RV is legal in your state, your insurance company may not cover any incidents that occur while passengers are riding in the trailer. Many insurance policies state that dangerous behaviour disqualifies coverage, and riding in a moving camper is considered dangerous.

So, while it may be tempting to let your family ride in the RV to save space in the car or to keep an eye on the kids, it is simply not worth the risk. No one should ever ride in a towable RV while it is underway.

Sleeping upright in a seatbelt is legal

In the United States, laws regarding seatbelt usage vary by state. Some states require all passengers to wear seatbelts, while others only require seatbelt usage for front-seat occupants. However, regardless of the law, it is important to wear a seatbelt properly to ensure your safety in the event of an accident.

If you need to lie down while traveling, it is recommended to pull over to a safe location and take a break from driving. This will ensure your safety and help you arrive at your destination safely.

Walking around is unsafe and illegal

Walking around in an RV while it's moving is unsafe and illegal. While it may be tempting to use your tiny house on wheels at all times, when that house is in motion, think of it as a vehicle first. Not every road is smooth sailing; there could be potholes, sharp turns, or dangerous drivers with road rage.

No matter how safely you try to drive, you can’t guarantee everything will go perfectly. This is why we have driving laws: to help everyone on the road reach their destination in one piece. So what can you legally do in a camper when it’s moving?

Legally, passengers must remain seated with a seatbelt while the vehicle is in motion to obey seatbelt laws. Anyone who rode the school bus as a kid remembers how precarious it was to walk in the aisle before the bus came to a complete stop. In other words, it’s not worth the risk of falling over—or worse, getting in an accident while standing.

Most states have seatbelt laws that prevent people from moving around, but some people do it anyway. Legally, it’s not advisable, but a quick trip to get something when on smooth roads is usually okay. Just make sure you spend most of your time buckled in.

Walking around any area in motion would be difficult, especially when the furniture has to be so compact. There are too many ways to get injured in a moving vehicle, and it’s best just to play it safe and remain seated. Staying seated and buckled is the best way to stay safe while your RV is moving.

Using the bathroom is unsafe and illegal

Using the bathroom in a moving truck camper is unsafe and illegal.

Using the bathroom in a moving RV is dangerous and, in some states, illegal. If your state laws require that all passengers remain strapped in during transit, you cannot move around while your RV is moving. This includes going to the bathroom.

Even if your state laws allow passengers in the rear of the RV to remain unbuckled, it is still unsafe to use the bathroom in a moving RV. Using the bathroom requires you to remove your seatbelt and walk to the toilet. If the RV comes to a sudden stop or gets into an accident, you could be seriously injured.

Additionally, RVs tend to rock and sway while moving, which means that it is easy to lose your balance while walking to the restroom or using the toilet.

Therefore, it is always recommended that you pull over first if you need to use the bathroom.

Frequently asked questions