RVing is a wonderful way to spend your time on the road, or so it seems. The freedom of being able to sleep in late, hit the road hours before sunrise, and stop when you feel like it has its perk at first. But one thing that every RV driver knows is how important it is to be safe when camping out. Even a small mistake can make your trip less enjoyable, if not deadly. To help make sure this doesn't happen, here are FOUR RV safety tips you should keep in mind before you plan the itinerary.
#1. Practice Driving Your RV
Practice driving your RV before you head out on the road. Practice in a parking lot or on a private road, and ensure you can park it properly. Also, practice driving at night with all the lights on. This will give you the confidence to see what's coming up in front of your RV. Life can take unexpected turns, and the negligence of a truck driver on the road can prove to be devastating for other vehicles. Hopefully, you don't have to go through this, but it is always better to be prepared for the worst.
What to do if you're involved in an RV accident with a truck? You first need to ensure that you or anyone in your family who got injured in the accident receives medical care without delay. In most states, you may be able to file a claim for compensation for injuries and damages sustained due to the other driver's negligence. So it's essential to document the circumstances of your crash immediately. This will help you establish fault and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. And, most importantly, rope in a truck accident lawyer team. They will be able to help you determine what happened and what your rights are under the law.
#2. Check Road Conditions, Construction, and Closures
Road conditions, construction, and closures can make driving on the road much more difficult. It's important to check these things before you head out on the road. The weather can also be an issue. If you're planning a trip in winter or when there's snow on the ground, it's best to check with your local highway department about road conditions before you leave. Check your tires and wheels for any signs of wear or damage. If you notice any problems that need immediate attention, contact the manufacturer right away so they can help you out. You should also take note of any traffic hazards that may be waiting for you on your route. This includes construction zones, school zones, or areas where heavy truck traffic or other vehicles are travelling at high speeds (such as motorcycles).
#3. Balance the Weight in Your RV
The weight of the RV can have a significant impact on your driving and towing capabilities. You may not think about this at first, but when you add up all your belongings, how much do they weigh? If you're hauling large items that are heavy and bulky such as a grill or outdoor table, it can add up and affect your ability to tow.
You should also consider how much weight the RV has when loading and unloading it. To help manage this weight, many RVs come equipped with a hitch weight distribution system (WD) system that will help distribute weight evenly across the axles of your RV. A WD system separates some of the weight from each axle to help balance out the total weight, so it doesn't affect your driving or efficiency while towing.
#4. Pack Emergency Items
Pack emergency items in your car, like a first aid kit, jumper cables, and extra gas. If you're planning to visit an area with a greater chance of flooding or storm damage, it's important to pack things like sandbags and a manual can opener, just in case. You also want to ensure you have plenty of bottled water and non-perishable food items. You might be tempted to pack your RV with everything you could ever need — but you'll only end up wasting space. Instead, pack some essentials that are likely to come in handy:
- first aid kit
- jumper cables
- extra gas for emergencies
Bonus Tip: Inspect and Seal Your RV Roof
Before hitting the road, take the time to inspect your RV roof for any signs of wear, cracks, or potential leaks. Sealing your RV roof is an essential maintenance task that protects against water damage, mold, and costly repairs. Use a high-quality RV roof coating to ensure all seams and vents are secure, especially if you’re travelling during rainy or snowy seasons. This simple step can save you a lot of headaches and help keep your RV in top condition for future trips.
Wrap Up: 4 RV Safety Tips To Keep in Mind
RV safety shouldn't be taken lightly. It's something you should plan for before setting out on your journey. These tips will go a long way to ensuring that you have a safe and enjoyable trip.
What about you, would you add anything else to this list? Feel free to share any tips & advice below! P.S.: If you're interested in a way of travelling and getting accommodation cheaply, you might wanna check out house sitting. Trustedhousesitters.com was kind enough to provide us and our readers with a 10% discount, feel free to click on the link to use it :)
ABOUTME
We overland. We eat plants and fungi. We live outside as much as possible. We are all connected. A female travel blogger overlanding and writing about ecotourism, ethical and sustainable travel, socially conscious travel and housesitting. An online travel magazine since 2015.
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