With prime travel and camping season upon us I thought I would offer some RV driving and towing tips. Some of these tips apply to pulling a trailer, some apply to driving a motorhome and some apply to both.
*Don't speed. Driving at a moderate speed will put less stress and strain on the drive train components of your tow vehicle. It will also reduce the likelihood of the trailer becoming unstable and starting to sway.
*Monitor the gauges on the tow vehicle or motorhome instrument panel. If a gauge does not read in the normal range pull over as soon as it is safe, and call for assistance.
*Drive defensively! Stay alert and monitor what is going on around you at all times. Use your mirrors. For increased visibility, purchase some convex mirrors that you can apply on your side view mirrors. These mirrors are inexpensive and are available in auto parts stores. They come in different sizes and improve your visibility a great deal, especially along the sides of the RV and in blind spots.
*If you're pulling a trailer it may be necessary to add mirror extensions so you can see along the sides of the trailer. The mirrors on your tow vehicle can be your best friend when you're towing a trailer. When you use your mirrors you will know when a transfer truck is passing and you can anticipate the need for a slight steering correction when the trucks air pressure causes the trailer to move.
*Use the proper gear for driving conditions. If the transmission continues to shift in and out of overdrive you need to turn the overdrive off. Reducing gears can help to slow the trailer or motorhome down when descending inclines and give you the additional power you may need when ascending inclines.
Note: Read the tow vehicle owner’s manual for proper gear selection when towing.
*Try to avoid sudden stops. Stopping too quickly can cause a trailer to slide and possibly jackknife.
*Try to avoid quick, harsh steering movements if possible. This can cause a trailer to become unstable and increase the possibility of trailer sway.
*Slow down on loose road surfaces, such as gravel, and when the roads are slippery and wet.
*When towing a trailer or a vehicle behind a motorhome you need to make wider turns than you are accustomed to. Remember the pivot point for the trailer is its axles. Watch for tail swing and exercise caution when turning on narrow streets and maneuvering around fuel stations.
*When maneuvering around the campground, watch for tail swing, low branches and utility hook ups.
Happy RV Learning!
Mark Polk
RV Education 101
Learn about Mark's books, eBooks and DVDs at RVbookstore.com
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Copyright by Mark Polk owner of RV Education 101 – all rights reserved
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