RV There Yet? Recreational Vehicle Safety
There are over 1 million RVs on the road in
Canada
with 14 per cent of Canadian households owning an RV. Sixty-seven per cent of RV owners are under the age of 55 and 40 per cent of RV owners travel with children. Although the price of gas might take a stab at the popularity of RVs, these “home-on-wheels” are still easy to spot on Canadian highways. Check your RV thoroughly before the RV season starts. Knowing the most common causes of RV mishaps and accidents will help you to prevent injury and loss this summer. Geico identifies the most common causes of accidents: fires, tire blowouts, improperly stored awnings and steps, pest infestations, height mistakes, overloading and uneven weight.
Fires can start from leaking gas sources. Be sure to understand your propane system and have it inspected by qualified professionals before departing on a trip. A fire alarm is a must-have aboard your RV. If you have a generator on board, which is a potential source of carbon monoxide, you should install a carbon monoxide detector. Mark Polk from Camper’s Corner warns you to check the exhaust system and never sleep in the RV with the generator running.
Tire blowouts can be caused by under inflated tires or old tires. Maintain the pressure recommended by the manufacturer and check the condition of the tires regularly.
Improperly stored awnings and steps are just an example of not taking the time to properly prepare your RV for the road. Make a pre-trip check list. Include all maintenance checks (belts, hoses, lights, etc.) and ensure that everything is secured safely, both inside and outside your RV.
Pest
infestations can be more than just a nuisance. Since rodents are well known for chewing on wires in RVs, add to your checklist, the inspection of your RV’s wires and other rubber and plastic lines.
Height and clearance mistakes occur from not fully knowing your vehicle. Know the clearances of bridges and tunnels along your route and keep your RV’s height and details handy. You may need to know if you clear the gas station overhang.
Overloading and uneven weight is a stress on your tires and can cause restricted braking and steering. Look for certified platform scales and weigh your RV, fully loaded for travel including all cargo, passengers and full tanks (water, propane and fuel). You should not exceed manufacturer’s weight ratings. It is also necessary to weigh each axle end separately to insure that the load is within the capacity of the axles, wheels and tires and to ensure the load is properly distributed.
Several factors have to be considered when planning a safe RV excursion. You must educate yourself on how to safely operate an RV which includes proper hitching and driving techniques. Remember, whether you are towing a three to four ton travel-trailer or driving a six ton-plus motor-home, you need to understand and respect basic safety guidelines. Verify that your RV is in compliance with safety requirements, wear seat belts, have a plan if you break down and adjust for weather, since heavy winds and inclement weather may require you to postpone your trip.
If you abide by these guidelines, RV ownership is safe and fun. RV on board?
