Road trips are a great deal of fun. You can pack the car and hit the road to wherever your heart takes you. There are precautions to take when driving in a normal size vehicle to ensure safety. However, for a handful of people, road trips require much more safety and attention than any midsize car will need. We are talking about those Recreational Vehicles (RVs) that are the size of a bus and serve it’s purpose for large groups to travel in comfort, with a place to sleep wherever their travels take them.
There are a few major differences between taking safety measures in an RV and a midsize vehicle. Since an RV is so large, there’s a lot more to inspect before hitting the highway. There are also several accidents that can happen by simply forgetting to check some as simple as grease in the cooking vent. Having a fun trip may be the goal, but safety always comes first. Take a look at our RV Safety Tips.
What to Prepare For Ahead of Time
Before leaving, make sure you have your cell phone with all emergency numbers programmed and plenty of phone chargers.
Keep an eye on the weather and try to avoid driving in serious conditions; heavy rain, wind, snow, fog, etc. If you unexpectedly hit bad weather, find a local place to find shelter until the weather conditions clear up.
Routine Maintenance
Before leaving, be sure to fully inspect every part of your RV. This includes:
- Check for worn belts and cracked hoses
- All tires have the right about of air pressure and proper tread
- Inspect all lights and turn signals
- Make sure all towing equipment is working properly
- Check all smoke alarms and fire extinguishers
All Passengers Should Wear a Seatbelt
Even though it isn’t absolutely required for passengers not driving to wear a seat belt, it’s always better to be safe! However, it’s an absolutely must for the driver at all times the RV is in motion.
What to Watch Out For:
Some of the most common RV accidents include; flat tires, fires from propane, hitting overhangs due to clearance mistakes, awnings not properly put away during travel, and damage from insects, rats, mice, and squirrels.
Are you a frequent RV traveler? We want to know some of your tips! Let us know how you stay safe while traveling in an RV in the comments below.
