Are you planning on an RV road trip? Then brush yourself up with some generic and not so generic tips while you still have the chance on a safe yet enjoyable way to drive yourself around. The generic tips are more like the dos and don’ts of a simple driving lesson although it can get tricky while you are maneuvering a campervan.
However, the not so generic tricks involve the safety and security aspects of your campervan itself. It is often easy to forget about the safety issues on the road while you are high on your energy enjoying the experience. However, if you plan ahead your trip and way before your excitement kicks in you can avoid a whole lot of mess that may happen while you are behind the wheels. Although accidents do not occur always because you were careless that is why they are called an accident and thus the best bet is to get a motorhome insurance. In fact this should be your first step towards safe caravanning trip. The so called generic and not so generic safety tips are as follows:
1. Weight Restriction: Do not overload your motorhome at any cost. Take all the factors of your motorhome into consideration before you plan on how many people should board your motorhome. Remember that there are legal restrictions regarding Maximum Vehicle Weight, Mass in Running Order, Payload, and Gross vehicle weight. Check your motorhomes specifications and board and load accordingly.
2. Outdated Parts and Accessories: Make sure all the parts are in perfect working condition in your motorhome. If some parts are outdated or retro run a thorough check. Do not let any accessory hang on at the rear end of your motorhome which might hinder your rearward view like the rear cycle carrier. Most importantly make sure your satnav is not outdated at any cost.
3. Interior: Make sure you van is always dry in a healthy way. You should not let any damp or moist air circulate inside your van while you are in it. It can settle anywhere so make sure you run a thorough check. Do not leave anything unattended that may happen to rot and smell. Also make sure of attaching industry standard child seat if you are travelling with one. If the cupboards in the interior of your motorhome tend to fly open while in transit consider replacing them.
4. Exterior: Each time you stop at a gas station or for a grocery break; make sure you run a check on the exterior condition of your van. Damages as simple as a dent and a scratch or a broken surface needs immediate attention that you cannot afford to ignore even if you are on the road. Get them fixed ASAP. Assess the door, window, and pane fittings thoroughly. This is essential because you would not want to be bothered by external weather condition, especially when you are driving.
5. Gas and electrics check and other fitted equipment: Check all the gas, electric and other fitted equipment to see if they need any repair once you are around civilization. You would not want to get stuck without the essential convenience when you would be behind the wheel for a long run again.
6. Chassis, engine, running gear and tire check: At every stop make it an absolute necessity to check your engine, hitch mechanism, condition of your tires, chassis, and other running gears in your motorhome. The idea of a break down and getting stranded in the middle of nowhere is not particularly enjoyable.
7. Others: The more generic safety rules while you are on the trail are that first and foremost you must remember to drive slowly and gradually build your confidence. Accelerate slowly and press your break a little sooner than sudden. If possible take a motorhome maneuvering course before you venture out. Beware of the traffic around you and let them pass. Also beware of the trees and branches overhead while you are driving for obstruction and possible damage. Be careful of the weather condition and if it is raining or snowing or frosting up, try and make a halt. If that is not possible go really slow, and at all cost avoid all steep or sharp curves and slopes and lose ground.
Also make sure you take a wider area while taking a turn. Do not haul your motorhome with you once you are pitched if you have to go to town or the local market. Most importantly do not drink and drive and keep changing the hands behind the wheels every now and then if travelling with friends and family. If you are travelling alone make sure you rest often if you are tired.
With these tips in your hand you would surely enjoy your trip safely. Make sure you abide by these codes and you will have no problem in not just reaching your destination but also come back safely.
Photo by studio tdes via Flickr Creative Commons
No comments