Accidents can happen if you do not take safety measures when you are going on a trip in your RV. Getting on the road is something that an RVer always looks forward to. However, there is one important thing you need to think about before you hit the road. Doing a safety check should be your priority. Aside from doing a complete safety check before you leave, it is also important that you consider stopping every couple hours to check the brakes, tires, hitches and other parts of your RV that might cause an accident while you are on the road.
Learn To Drive The RV
You might think that all vehicles are created equal, but this is not the case for RVs. If you are planning to take a vacation in an RV for the first time, you need to consider practicing driving first. Driving an RV is similar to driving a big-rig truck. You need to learn more about keeping your recreational vehicle between the lines, braking, accelerating, using the mirrors to know what is behind you, watching the tires and much more.
There is no doubt that you need ample time to practice driving an RV because it feels different from driving a regular car, pickup, or SUV. You should also take time to practice backing your recreational vehicle as you will need it when going to a campsite.
Familiarize yourself with road service and RV insurance
Your RV trip can bring a lot of surprises. When shopping for insurance, make sure that your policy covers all aspects of your RV trip. You also need to research about road services that handle RVs. Keep in mind that there are only a few road service companies that cater to towing your trailer.
The worst thing that can happen is leaving all of your belongings in an RV on the side of the road. Find out if your insurance covers your trailer and towed vehicle. Review your insurance so you will know if you need to secure a separate road service coverage. Some insurance policies may not cover towing your motorhome, trailer or truck so you need to ask your provider before signing up.
Confirm reservations
Within a couple of hours, you need to call the campgrounds to confirm your reservation. Unless your campground has a 24-hour check-in, you need to call the office a few hours before you arrive so you do not end up getting stuck. You should also prepare a list of nearby campsites. Nobody wants reservations to get lost, but it can happen.
In case the campground is already full when you arrive or you cannot get there because of bad road condition or bad weather, having a list of alternative campsites will save you from any inconveniences. You need to call as soon as possible if you are unable to make it to the campsite you have reserved. This is not only courteous, but you will also prevent unnecessary charges to your credit card.
Check closures, constructions, and road conditions
As much as possible, you want your trip to be smooth-sailing and hassle-free. All of these will only be possible if you take the time to check road conditions, closures and construction. Without making ample preparations, you can find yourself dealing with unpleasant road conditions. If you have already made plans for an RV trip, you can avoid any frustration when you are aware of the obstacles on the road.
Know the weather forecast
While you cannot predict the weather, you can still prepare ahead of time in case the weather will not allow you to pursue your RV trip. Your trip can be ruined by unpleasant weather brought about by snow, ice, rain, wind, and hail. Before you leave, check some weather sites for updates. You can also ask truckers who came from the same destination you are traveling. Find out about the weather condition so you will know whether or not it is a good idea to consider traveling.
Prepare a checklist
When you have a travel checklist, you will be able to maximize the benefits of your RV trip. The checklist should include the travel essentials you have to bring, the safety measures you need to follow and the steps for maintaining your RV. Your checklist may range from awnings to tanks. Most of these things will not take so much of your time to inspect. By getting in touch with a Dallas RV dealer, you will be able to know how you can take good care of your RV and observe road safety.
