10 RV Safety Tips (Updated November 2023)

During the fall season, there is the unpredictable weather because you do not know there will be rain, snow, or sunshine today. If you know the right precautions to take when using your RV under any circumstance is essential. Before embarking on a journey with your RV, you need to make sure that the RV is secure, safe, and all tests are clear based on the regulations of the state you live in. These checks are propane safety, plumbing, seat belts, gas, and electrical checkups.

When you are given the signal to drive your RV, you can pack up already, but you need to know the other safety tips.

Safety Check

This is the first thing you have to do before beginning the journey. If you are using the RV for towing, you need to do a safety check. Inspect the headlights, brake lights, rear lights, and signals to ensure that all lights are working properly on your vehicle. These things have to be correctly in place: awnings, side outs, and steps. You also have to be sure that compartment doors and main doors are properly shut and locked. You should also look at the tire pressure and conditions.

Before Taking a Long Trip, Take a Shorter One

This will serve as your practice drive and experts also do this step because you can take all the time you need to practice driving on hills, parking, and change lanes properly. The shorter tests are going to let you know what should be fixed. The kitchen and living area should be secured before you start driving on the road because you don’t want to see dishes falling on the floor if you suddenly step on the brakes.

The 20 Percent Rule

The loaded rigs accelerate slower and take more time before it completely stops compared to cars. For the purpose of compensation, you need to add 20 percent before doing anything. You should increase the distance and judging if there is enough clearance and up to merging with traffic.

Use Rain Tires

If you live in an area where there is plenty rainfall, you should buy rain tires. They have wide grooves at the center and a tread pattern so it can get rid of water effectively while you are on the road. If you are confused about which rain tires to buy, you can do research on which brands offer the best-wet traction handling, as well as wet braking distance.

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Turn Signals

You should never forget to use turn signals so be sure to allow enough distance so that vehicles around you are warned and they will anticipate. For instance, the state Department recommends that you use signaling in the last 100 feet before turning the vehicle. An accident like this is because of RVers slowing down to start turning and then there is an impatient driver that is following the RV wanting to pass. You should always drive with the headlights on and it seems like the vehicle this size can easily be detected, but that is not true. There are a lot of accident reports that have this reason listed.

Book The Campground in Advance

Even if it is adventurous to drive with no planned destination, it is always a better idea to book the campground ahead of time. You would want to make sure that you have picked the right campground or trailer park where there are RV hookups and have all of the facilities you will need. There are a lot of options you can choose from and a lot of them get booked right away during summer time. This is why you need to book before setting out.

Avoid Hydroplaning

By making sure that your tires are properly inflated and the treads are in good condition, you are considering the safety of everyone on the trip. Remember that there are puddles on the road, so prepare for them and slow down when you see one. When it is time for a replacement, change your tires and you should never put them off. If in case your RV starts to hydroplane, do not panic and suddenly brake or turn. Carefully remove your foot from the gas until the RV slows down and you will start to feel the pavement once again. If you have to step on the brakes, gently pump them, or if using ABS, you can brake normally.

Toiletries, Medication and First Aid Kit

When you are traveling with kids, it is important that you are fully prepared for anything. You will for sure being basic toiletries such as soap, toothbrushes, and shampoo, but do not forget to bring medications. There might be someone who will get sick during the trip and need medicine. You should also have a first-aid kit in case of an injury. There might be bugs in the area you are headed to so bring bug spray and bug bite ointments. The toiletries of the kids should be packed separately so that everything stays organized.

You Should Know The Height of Your RV

This is simple, but a lot of people forget that an RV has added height while driving. You might hit bridges and overhangs that will lead to an accident. To keep you from getting hung up, write the height and extra clearance of the vehicle on a sticky note and leave it on your dashboard to keep you reminded.

All Weather Preparation

You need to bring hiking boots, rain gear, warm and cold weather clothing during the day and also at night. Having a bathing suit with you is a good idea so you can swim if you want to and not end up using your clothes. Bring extra socks, hat, pajamas, and a hoodie or jacket for cold nights.

These are the safety RV tips you should follow and before setting out for a trip, make sure that all of your bags are packed with everything you need because one missing item can ruin everything.

Nancy McCoy

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