As RV owners, we are generally safety minded. But with the busy summer months now upon us, it’s more important than ever to be attentive about RV safety.

People are out and about doing the outdoor activities they love, many of which occur on or very near roadways. There are more people driving around and more people visiting our towns. And as some of the larger, heavier vehicles on the road, we need to be extra mindful of our surroundings and aware of the damage our RVs can cause. Here’s a reminder of a few safety tips to keep in mind this season. Fellow travelers, your campground neighbors, your passengers – and your RV – will thank you.

Travel Safety Tips

  • In Class A, B, and C motorhomes, adjust the mirrors properly prior to departing and with any change in drivers. Be confident with using mirrors to maneuver into narrow places or tight parking lots. Check them often during travel to remain aware of your surroundings.
  • For towables, make sure the brake lights are working and that the trailer is properly connected to your tow vehicle.
  • Check tire pressure prior to departing for an excursion. Make adjustments as necessary to help prevent the occurrence of a flat tire or blowout during travel. Having that happen puts you, your family, and any surrounding vehicles at risk of collision and serious injury. (More tips at “RV Tires: Durability and Life”)
  • Begin to brake long before you think you need to. See a red light? A traffic jam? Your heavy RV has a lot of momentum so avoid rear-ending someone, getting rear-ended, or ending up in a ditch by slowing down and giving yourself plenty of room. But always, always be ready for a sudden stop.
  • Be patient. Your RV is bigger than a lot of other vehicles on the road, so it will take extra time to merge, switch lanes, make a turn down the street, or find a parking space. Impatience can easily lead to poor judgment and mistakes.
  • Wear your seatbelts. In Class A, B, or C motorhomes, make sure children remain seated, preferably with seatbelts, during movement.
  • Don’t drive if you’ve had too much to drink or if you’re feeling too tired. Be flexible with waiting some extra time or getting some extra sleep so that you’re fit to get behind the wheel.
  • Watch the weather (follow these tips) and be flexible with altering your travel plans if heavy rain, high winds, or other hazardous weather is in the forecast.

 

Campground Safety Tips

  • Many RV parks are in wooded campgrounds, and hot summer weather increases the risk of fires getting out of control. Build fires only in designated areas, and try to clean the area surrounding it so that there is nothing to ignite. Keep sand and a bucket of water handy in case a campfire gets out of hand.
  • Look all around you before backing into or pulling out of a space. As a courtesy, let your neighbors know that you will be moving. Check and double check, especially if small children or pets are around.
  • Enlist the help of an assistant when backing up if necessary. Coordinate hand signals so that you can clearly communicate to each other.
  • Test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms to ensure they are in working order.
  • Keep all doors and windows locked to help avoid theft. (More tips at “RV Security: 5 Steps to Avoid Theft”)
  • If you smell gas, leave the RV immediately. Don’t use any electric switches or appliances. Close the supply valve to the tank and call a propane gas supplier or fire department.
  • Have a plan in case of emergency, such as a fire or a tornado threat. (More tips at Michigan Weather: RVers Need to be Prepared)

 

There are a lot of things to remember to keep your RV, your passengers, your fellow campers, and yourself safe. This above is not an exhaustive list, but they are some of the key things to remember. But don’t let it bog you down from having fun this summer in your RV!