Be aware of the size of your vehicle. Accidents can happen when drivers pass under something with insufficient clearance, forgetting they are not driving a car. This applies to width as well as height.The article advises that you
"Know your RV’s height and keep it handy. Also know the clearances of the bridges and tunnels along your route—especially on back roads. A road atlas specifically for RVers or semi drivers can help."
Your vehicle should be in perfect working order, with all hoses, belts, lights and tyres whole and not damaged. if you are hiring, this is the responsibility of the hire company. If you do break down, have a plan of attack- a cellphone is a good start! It is a good idea to leave an itinerary with friends or family before leaving on your trip.
RV photo by RVwithTito via Flickr Creative Commons
Wear your seatbelt while the vehicle is in motion. This includes passengers!
Ensure awnings and steps are stored during travel, and use this equipment properly- special no-tip steps are available to make getting in and out of your RV easy and secure.
funroads.com also has some articles on RV safety, including one on propane safety. Tanks should be fitted with leak detectors and not be overfilled- that is, if you would like to avoid your RV ending up like the one pictured. The article gives advice on what to do if you smell gas.
Photo by Aaron Halls via Flickr Creative Commons
"If you smell gas, exit your RV immediately. Don't use electric switches or appliances. Leave the door open to air out the rig. Close the supply valve on the propane tank, and call a propane gas supplier or the fire department. "
When camping, choose a flat site with enough room for the RV and all your gear, and make sure any fires are made in an open area. Keep the site clean to prevent visits from any unwanted wildlife.
Most of all, enjoy a safe journey in your RV and make the most of this flexible way of holidaying!
For great deals on RV hire in the US, click here.
I have been General Manager of Motorhome Republic, the operators of this website, for 4 years and with the company for 6 years starting as a Sales / Account Manager. Previous roles have included account manager and software architect for a web design firm, advertising sales across multiple media and television production. I’ve been lucky enough to go Motorhoming several times in Canada, USA and New Zealand so far and grew up going on caravanning holidays with Mum and Dad. The value and freedom Motorhoming offers are its two main drawcards for me. That and the envy on the other campers’ faces when you pull into a State Park campground with no hook ups in a 31’ Class C with double slide outs, on board generator, side awning, exterior entertainment unit and smoker unit for a 10kg salmon caught earlier that day.
I have been in the Motorhome industry for the best part of 6 years and with Motorhomes Republic for the last 18 months. I previously worked for the largest Motorhome rental company in the world as the New Zealand Sales Account Manager. I’ve traveled the length and width of New Zealand in many different categories of Motorhomes, in fact I don’t think there is a main state highway I haven’t driven. The love I have for Motorhomes is one of freedom and flexibility, doing what I want when I want. If I have a hankering for a cup of coffee in a beautiful scenic spot simply stop boil and enjoy….
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