RV Safety: 6 Tips for a Smooth Trip

RV Safety Tips

RV Safety Tips

Is it time to hit the open road? Recreational vehicles or RVs are a fun and convenient way to travel. You will save money by avoiding paying for expensive hotel lodging and dining out while travelling. Plus, motorhomes can be parked overnight at many campsites, which means you will have access to plenty of activities and things to do – without the hotel bill. If you plan on taking an RV vacation, here are some RV safety tips to consider before you pack up the motorhome.

1.   Practice driving before the trip. If you have never taken your recreational vehicle on a vacation before, practice driving it before you depart for a trip. Test out the brakes, adjust the mirrors and get a feel for driving a larger vehicle. And don’t forget to practice backing up, which can be tricky for first-timers.

2.  Drive your RV safely. When handling your RV, there are a few things to remember. Allow plenty of extra space for braking, as a motorhome will require more space to slow down than a car. Pay attention to your blind spots, too. RV’s come with large mirrors, but there will be parts of the road that you will still be unable to see. Keep this in mind and make sure to use your turn signals.

3.  Protect yourself and your motorhome with insurance. Make sure you stay safe with RV insurance while you are on the road. Consider towing and labor coverage, liability coverage and medical payments coverage when looking for an insurance policy. Check out RV insurance rates to find an affordable option that meets your needs.

4.  Inspect tires often. Check your tires every day that you drive, if possible. Before you depart, double check the air pressure and make sure your tires are ready for the trip. Overinflating can affect braking, and underinflating can cause blowouts, so maintaining good tire pressure is important for a safe trip.

5.  Bring an emergency kit. Expect the unexpected when travelling. Since your RV is your lodging, it’s a good idea to stock up for an emergency situation. Bring a first aid kit, flashlight, non-perishable food, bottled water, blankets and emergency contact information on your RV vacation.

6.  Check your RV’s weight. Your motorhome’s weight matters. Avoid overloading the vehicle as it can cause damage to tires or even result in a breakdown. Also, remember to distribute weight evenly on both sides of the vehicle, and keep the heaviest items closest to the ground to make it easier to maintain control.

With these RV safety tips, you will be well-prepared to have a safe and fun vacation on the road. For RV vacation ideas, check out the Travel Channel’s list of RV road trips for an exciting recreational vehicle adventure.

Christina Miller loves to write, especially about business. She holds a B.A. in Marketing. Christina’s favorite things include traveling, reading and exploring new restaurants in Cleveland.

 

Note: Sponsored content was created and provided by Nationwide Insurance.

View Comments (35)
  • I’ve always fantasized about taking an RV road trip and now that we’re retired, maybe we’ll actually get around to doing it. These are great tips. Safety first!

  • Thank you very much for all the wonderful travel tips (trailer travel tips) that is. My family & I just recently purchased a 29′ travel trailer and will be going on our first trip around the middle of July. This will be the first time we haven’t had to rent a cabin or a hotel room, so I am looking forward to this trip! Thanks again.

  • Great tips that I will have to remember. I have always wanted to take an rv road trip, it’s a dream of mine actually to visit all 50 states. it’s on my “:bucket list”……..lol

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