What does RV stand for? Recreational Vehicle is designed for travel, living, and recreation, allowing you to roam freely and explore the world at your own pace. An RV represents a life of freedom, where the open road becomes your home. The journey becomes as much a part of life as the destination itself, creating moments of self-reflection and connection with the world around you.
Here are some tips for first-time RV buyers to help you choose the perfect Vehicle for your adventures.
Today, we’re exploring the 11 most common errors that cause crashes. By the end, you’ll know exactly how to avoid these pitfalls and keep your family safe on the road.
First, there’s the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR). This is the maximum weight your Vehicle can safely handle, including its weight plus everything you load into it. Then, there’s the Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR). This includes your tow vehicle, the RV, and all the cargo. Exceeding these limits is like carrying too many grocery bags at a time. You might make it a few steps, but eventually, you’ll lose control.
When your RV or tow vehicle is overloaded, it affects everything. Your brakes have to work harder, which means longer stopping distances. Your tires wear out faster and are more prone to blowouts, and your Vehicle’s handling becomes sluggish and unpredictable. The solution is simple: know your limits and stick to them. Before your trip:
- Head to a public scale and weigh your fully loaded setup.
- If you’re over the limit, start unloading.
- Remember, leaving a few items behind is better than risking your safety on the road.
Now, let’s talk about tongue weight. It might sound like a term from a medical textbook, but it’s a critical factor in RV towing safety. Tongue weight is the downward force that the tongue of your trailer exerts on your tow vehicle’s hitch. Get this wrong, and you’re in for a white-knuckle ride. Think of it like a seesaw. If you’ve got too much weight at the back of your trailer, the tongue becomes too light. This can cause the trailer to sway or fishtail, especially at higher speeds or in windy conditions. It’s like trying to balance a broom on your finger—one small movement and the whole thing goes haywire. On the flip side, too much tongue weight isn’t good either. When the tongue is too heavy, it pushes down on the back of your tow vehicle. This lifts the front wheels, reducing traction and making steering difficult. It’s like trying to drive a wheelie—not exactly the safest way to travel.
The sweet spot for tongue weight is typically 10 to 15% of your trailer’s total weight. So, if your trailer weighs 5,000 lbs, you’re looking at a tongue weight of 500-750 lbs. Getting this right might take some adjusting, but it’s worth the effort. You can use a specialized scale or even a bathroom scale with a piece of pipe for leverage to check your tongue weight. If you’re off, try redistributing the weight in your trailer. Heavy items should be loaded over or slightly ahead of the trailer axles. And remember, every time you load up for a trip, take a moment to check that tongue weight. It could be the difference between a smooth journey and a dangerous situation.
We’ve all seen it—debris flying off a vehicle on the highway, causing chaos for everyone behind. When you tow an RV, that debris could be your belongings if you haven’t secured them properly. It’s not just about keeping your stuff intact but preventing a potentially deadly situation for other drivers. Inside your RV, everything that’s not bolted down is a potential projectile. That coffee maker on the counter, in a sudden stop, could become a dangerous missile. Those cabinet doors you thought would stay shut? They might fly open, spilling contents everywhere and distracting you at a critical moment.
The solution is to think like a sailor preparing for a storm at sea. Use bungee cords, Velcro straps, or specialized RV organizers to keep items in place. Heavy objects should be stored low and close to the center of the RV. Lighter items can go in higher cabinets, but make sure those cabinet latches are secure. Remember the outside of your RV. Bikes, kayaks, or any other gear strapped to the exterior must be locked down tightly. Use high-quality straps and check them regularly during your trip. A loose strap can quickly lead to a lost item or, worse, an accident. And here’s a tip many people overlook: secure your doors and drawers when moving. A simple child safety lock or a tension rod can prevent doors from swinging open and drawers from sliding out while you’re driving. Remember, every time you brake, turn, or hit a bump, your RV’s contents are tested. By securing everything properly, you’re not just protecting your belongings; you’re protecting yourself and everyone else on the road.
Towing an RV is more complex than hooking it up and hitting the road. Without the right equipment, you could be in a dangerous tug-of-war with your trailer. This is where weight distribution hitches and sway control devices come into play. A weight distribution hitch does exactly what its name suggests: it distributes the weight of your trailer more evenly across your tow vehicle. Without one, the back of your Vehicle sags under the trailer’s weight, lifting the front end. This reduces your steering control and traction, especially in wet conditions. Think of a weight distribution hitch like a set of suspenders for your trailer. It spreads the load, keeping everything level and balanced. This improves your steering, braking, and overall stability. It’s not just about comfort; it’s about maintaining control of your rig in all conditions.
However, weight distribution is only part of the equation. Sway control is equally important, especially for larger trailers. Trailer sway can be caused by crosswinds, passing trucks, or even small steering corrections. Once it starts, it can quickly escalate into a dangerous situation. Sway control devices create friction between the tow vehicle and trailer, reducing the trailer’s tendency to sway. Some are built into weight distribution hitches, while others are separate components. Either way, they provide an extra layer of security and stability. Using these devices isn’t optional—it’s essential for safe RV towing. They might seem like an additional expense, but they’re a small price to pay for the peace of mind and safety they provide.
Plus, many insurance companies offer discounts for using these safety devices, which could save you money in the long run. Remember, the goal is to make your tow vehicle and trailer work as one cohesive unit. With proper weight distribution and sway control, you’ll have a smoother, safer journey wherever the road takes you.
Tires are where the rubber meets the road, and when it comes to RV towing, they’re one of the most critical safety components. Yet, tire pressure is often overlooked or misunderstood. Get it wrong, and you risk a blowout, poor handling, and even a rollover. First things first: your RV and tow vehicle tires will likely have different pressure requirements. Don’t assume they’re the same—check the manufacturer’s recommendations for both and stick to them religiously.
Underinflated tires are a common issue. They can overheat, leading to a blowout. They also increase rolling resistance, which means worse fuel economy and more wear on your tires. Underinflated tires can cause your trailer to sway more easily, compromising your control. On the flip side, overinflated tires aren’t any better. They give you a harsher ride and can wear unevenly. More importantly, they have less contact with the road surface, reducing traction and increasing stopping distances.
Here’s a pro tip: check your tire pressure when the tires are cold before you’ve driven for the day. Driving heats up the air in your tires, which can give you an inaccurate reading. And don’t forget to check your spare tire too— you never know when you might need it. Invest in a good-quality tire pressure gauge and make it a habit to check your tires before every trip. It only takes a few minutes but can save you from a dangerous situation. Remember, your tires are carrying thousands of pounds of weight. Treating them right isn’t just about extending their life but protecting yours.
When towing an RV, you’re not just doubling your Vehicle’s length; you’re significantly increasing its weight. That extra weight means you need extra stopping power. An inadequate braking system is like trying to stop a runaway train with bicycle brakes—it’s a recipe for disaster.
First, let’s talk about trailer brakes. If your trailer weighs more than 3,000 lbs (which most RVs do), it needs its braking system. This isn’t just a good idea; it’s the law in many states. Trailer brakes work in tandem with your tow vehicle’s brakes, providing the extra stopping power you need. But having trailer brakes isn’t enough—you also need a brake controller in your tow vehicle. This device allows you to adjust the trailer brakes’ intensity and timing. Without it, your trailer brakes are useless.
Remember maintenance. Your trailer brakes need regular checks and adjustments. Brake pads wear out, especially when carrying heavy loads. And remember, your tow vehicle’s brakes are working harder, too—they might need more frequent servicing when you’re regularly towing. Proper braking isn’t just about being able to stop; it’s about stopping smoothly and predictably. It’s about having confidence that when you press that brake pedal, your entire rig will respond as it should. Take the time to set up and maintain your braking system correctly—it could be the difference between a close call and a catastrophe.
Standard vehicle mirrors often don’t provide adequate visibility when towing an RV. You need to be able to see the entire length of your trailer, especially when changing lanes or making turns.
Limits such as tree-lined roads or older neighborhoods, overhanging branches, or low-hanging wires can cause significant damage to your RV’s roof. If you’re ever in doubt about a clearance, don’t risk it. Find an alternate route or get out and measure if necessary. It’s better to spend a few extra minutes checking than to risk a costly and dangerous collision. Remember that your RV’s height can change—adding a satellite dish or loading bicycles on the roof can increase your overall height. Always recheck your measurements after making any changes to your RV’s roof.
When entering parking structures or drive-throughs, be aware that the clearance at the entrance may be inconsistent throughout. Just because you clear the entrance doesn’t mean you’ll clear the entire structure. A thorough pre-trip inspection can prevent many problems before they occur on the road. Develop a checklist and go through it before every trip, no matter how short. This might seem time-consuming, but it’s far less inconvenient than dealing with a breakdown or accident on the road.
Start with a visual inspection of your entire rig. Walk around your RV and tow vehicle, looking for any obvious issues like low tires, loose connections, or damage. Check all your lights, including brake lights, turn signals, and running lights. Have someone help you verify that all lights are working correctly. Check your electric brake connections to see if your trailer is well-equipped. Inspect your tires for proper inflation and signs of wear. Remember to check your spare tire as well. Look for cracks, bulges, or objects embedded in the tread.
Verify that your hitch is securely connected and that all safety chains are properly attached. Double-check that your breakaway switch is connected and functioning correctly. Look at fluid levels in both your tow vehicle and RV. This includes engine oil, transmission fluid, coolant, and brake fluid. Top off any low fluids before you hit the road. Test your brakes, including your trailer brakes, if equipped. Ensure they’re responding correctly and there’s no pulling to one side when braking.
Secure all loose items inside your RV and ensure all cabinets and drawers are latched. Check that all appliances and systems are working correctly. If you have a weight-distribution hitch or sway control system, verify that it’s set up correctly. Check for any signs of wear or damage to these components.
Make it a habit to review your checklist every time you prepare to tow your RV. By avoiding these errors, you’re protecting your Vehicle and your vacation—keeping yourself and others safe on the road.
Towing an RV is a big responsibility, but with the right knowledge and preparation, it can be a rewarding experience to take your RV lifestyle to the next level.