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1. Tighten Up: Conduct a Pre-Drive Safety Check
Many accidents are caused by simple forgetfulness: leaving doors unlatched, awnings up or steps attached. Create a step-by-step checklist and conduct a “walk-around” visual inspection before embarking on a trip. A pre-trip checklist should include things like:
2. Practice S.A.F.E. Cornering
RVers must compensate for the extra weight, height and length of their vehicles when cornering. At the Good Sam Insurance Agency, we recommend practicing S.A.F.E. cornering:
3. Follow the Rule of 20 Percent
Fully loaded rigs have slower acceleration and take longer to come to a full stop than personal passenger autos. To compensate, add 20 percent to everything you do, from increasing your following distance and judging if you have enough clearance, to safely merging into traffic.
4. Know Your Height
Sounds simple, but it’s amazing how many people forget the extra height of an RV while driving. Hitting bridges and overhangs are some of the most common accidents. To avoid getting hung up – literally – try this simple trick: put a sticky note on the dashboard with your exact clearance. Another vital fact: a typical RV is 8.5ft. wide; the typical highway lane is only 10ft. wide. This gives you about a foot-and-a-half to work with.
Driving on secondary roads has the advantage of being beautiful but the disadvantage of being narrow. If you feel the front wheel slipping off the road into a rut, follow these easy steps:
Always use turn signals. Turn your signal on about 50 feet before you turn. It’s not uncommon for accidents to occur when an impatient driver tries to pass an RV that has just begun to make a slow turn. It seems like a vehicle this big would be easily seen, but you would be surprised how many accident reports say, “I never saw them coming.”
7. Avoiding Unexpected Blowouts
Approximately 60% to 70% of Good Sam Insurance Agency claims result from tire failure. Tires normally fail for one of three reasons: improper inflation, worn tread or overloaded/overweight vehicle.
Over time, ozone and UV exposure contribute to cracks in tires, especially on the sidewall. To avoid cracking, regularly wash tires with mild soap, water and a soft brush, removing ozone build up. Dirt is also a tire killer, acting as an abrasive that inhibits the tires’ natural wax protection.
Keep tires covered (including the spare) when your RV is not in use to prevent ozone and UV damage. Here are some additional tire tips:
8. Tips for Backing Up and Maneuvering in Tight Places
Many hazards such as overhangs, low branches or anything sticking out of the ground are not visible from the driver’s seat of an RV. The best way to avoid these obstructions and to ensure overall safety when backing up is to get an assistant to stand outside of the RV to help guide you into a confined or congested area. Here are a few tips for getting your RV into and out of close quarters:
9. Don’t Blow It: Essential Propane Tank Know-How
From refueling to inspecting the exhaust system, operating and maintaining your propane tank is a big job. And although propane tanks are deemed safe for RV travel, there are some key tips to help ensure an enjoyable ride: