In 2022, an estimated 42,795 people died in traffic crashes in the United States. Although RVs are larger and more durable than many vehicles on the road, they can also be challenging to navigate and drive safely.
If you want to stay safe while driving an RV, don't drive it the same way you would a smaller vehicle. Take extra care when behind the wheel to improve RV safety and avoid accidents.
We're here to help. Here are 7 tips that you should follow for safely driving an RV.
1. Know Your RV's Size
It's important to know what your RV's dimensions are if you want to stay safe on the road. Be sure to research the specific RV you have or take measurements so that you'll know what you're working with.
Knowing the height of your RV can allow you to determine whether or not you can make it through low-clearance areas. This can help you avoid issues when driving your rig across the country.
It can be a good idea to write down the dimensions of your RV and post them on your dashboard to keep them in mind at all times. This can help you to navigate safely and avoid damaging your RV.
2. Pay Attention to Weight
In addition to understanding the dimensions of your vehicle, you should also pay attention to its weight limits. You should always know what your cargo-carrying capacity (CCC) is and should avoid carrying too much weight in your vehicle. Avoid overloading your RV or keeping too much clutter to ensure easy navigation.
If you're towing the RV behind another vehicle, it's especially important to pay attention to the weight in order to avoid putting too much strain on it. Tire blowouts and other issues are more common if the weight is too high. Keep the weight at about 15-20% below its maximum to stay safe.
3. Go Slowly
One of the best things that you can do to stay safe is to go slower in your RV than you would go in a smaller vehicle. You should aim to stay at or under the speed limit at all times. The faster you go, the easier it is to lose control and end up getting into an accident.
Especially be careful on turns. Go slowly, and remember that you're driving a larger vehicle rather than a smaller car.
Also, remember to brake earlier when navigating an RV. Remember that your vehicle moves a bit slower than others. Due to its size, it will take a bit longer to slow down.
4. Get Help While Parking
Be especially cautious when parking your RV. Because of how large it is and because of decreased visibility, you may end up in an accident if you don't proceed with caution.
The mirrors and cameras on an RV often aren't enough to fully navigate when parking. In many cases, you may want to get help from a person who is standing outside while parking.
Consider asking a passenger to get out and help when you're setting up your campsite or parking on a street. This can give you a better chance of avoiding accidents with your RV.
5. Keep an Eye on Road Conditions
Before you take your RV to the road, make use of apps to check the weather and road conditions on your route. Make adjustments to your plan if necessary. While you won't always be able to do so, putting in some effort to avoid storms and other road issues can be worth it.
The chances of getting into an accident or having a vehicle issue are more likely if you're driving in adverse weather conditions or facing other road hazards. Keep this in mind and spend a few minutes checking conditions before you get on the road with your RV.
6. Be Ready for Difficult Terrain
When driving during an RV trip, be especially careful in areas where there are a lot of inclines and rugged terrain to navigate. In mountainous regions, for example, you'll find that there are a lot of twists and turns and ups and downs.
Be sure that you go especially slowly in these areas and that you stay as aware as possible regarding what's happening on the road. Be prepared to make use of runaway truck ramps if necessary to slow down if your RV is out of control. Be mindful in these areas, and you'll have a better chance of staying safe when driving your RV.
7. Keep Your RV Fueled Up
To stay safe when RVing, fuel up your vehicle often. Especially when going on long road trips through rural areas, you may not come across gas stations as often as when you're close to a city. Keep this in mind, and don't let your tank get too low at any given time.
It's a good idea to focus on larger truck stops for most of your gas station visits. Larger gas stations are ideal for larger vehicles such as trucks and RVs and will be easier to navigate than smaller gas stations will be. By filling up often at popular truck stops, you'll be able to avoid running out of gas and will be able to keep moving safely toward your destination.
Driving an RV Safely
When driving an RV, you need to make sure to stay as safe as possible. Understanding the size and weight requirements of your RV, driving slowly, monitoring road conditions, and staying fueled up can help you avoid potential problems and will keep you and your family safe while on vacation.
If you're planning a trip to Texas, consider staying at Canopy RV Resort. Our resort is designed with both beauty and ease in mind. No matter which site you choose, you'll have all of the conveniences you need while RV camping and will have breathtaking views of the surrounding area.
Ready to pay a visit to Canopy RV Resort in New Braunfels, TX? Get in touch today to learn more about what we offer and start planning your stay.
Comments