There are a lot of different ways to vacation. Maybe you’re planning on taking an RV trip with your family. Packing up and taking a trip is a great way to spend time with your family and have some bonding time. But driving an RV is not the same as driving a regular car. It’s bigger than a car, and heavier, and taller. That means that you’ve got to take some extra care to stay safe. Here are a few quick tips for RV safety.
8 tips for RV safety in Atlanta.
1. Know the weight the RV can handle.
It’s important to know the weight capacity of the RV. How much weight can it handle? You don’t want to overload the vehicle. Be sure to take note of the weight capacity – and follow it. Yes, you might be tempted to pack the RV to the roof, but don’t overwhelm the vehicle. The RV can only take so much.
2. Do a pre-trip inspection.
The RV also needs to be ready for the trip. It’s important to do a pre-trip inspection of your vehicle to make sure that the RV can handle the hours on the road. (You don’t want to be stuck on the side of the road, right?) So, be sure to check over the following:
- Tire pressure
- Tire tread depth
- Headlights
- Taillights
- Turn signals
- Belts
- Oil levels
- High/Other towing equipment
- Windshield wipers
Basically, make sure that your RV is all set and ready to roll! Even though your RV might do what you want it to under normal circumstances, it never hurts to make sure everything is working properly before you set off on your adventure.
3. Know the height of the vehicle.
You also need to know the height of your RV. Of course, an RV is a lot taller than a car, even if you’re used to driving something like a pick-up truck. Maybe it seems obvious, but remember – that RV is taller than one might think.
4. Be careful with your speed.
It’s also a good idea to slow down and take it easy with your speed. It’s especially crucial to be cautious when it gets dark or dusk starts falling. (And don’t forget to use your headlights appropriately when needed.) Maneuvering an RV can be much more challenging than driving a car, so drive at a safe, reasonable speed. (And slowing down is particularly important if you come to a curve in the road where it’s hard to see who’s coming.)
5. Don’t forget your seatbelt.
You also need to make sure everyone is buckled up safely. The seatbelt is a safety measure that can protect you should something happen. The RV is large and might seem indestructible, but wearing seatbelts is crucial. It just takes a second to click the seatbelt, and it’s a second that is well worth it.
6. Clear out food and trash.
After your trip, unpacking and cleaning might feel like the last thing you want to do. Still, take a second to clean out the RV. Take care of any leftover food. Get rid of the trash. You’ll thank yourself when you don’t have to deal with a messy RV later.
7. Store the RV safely.
Okay, so you can’t exactly park an RV anywhere. It’s not like you can just stick it in a driveway. When you pick a spot to store your RV, make sure that it’s safe and secure. Your RV is valuable, so you need to protect it. Besides, you’ll feel better knowing that you’ve got a nice, cozy place to stash your RV.
8. Know what to do if an accident happens.
Not that you want to think about getting into an accident, but it’s not a bad idea to know what to do if something happens. That way you won’t be as flustered or panicked. Here are three quick steps to remember:
- Pull off the side of the road if possible
- Call the police
- Check that everyone’s okay
In the moment, remembering these three things can help you handle the situation.
RVs can be a lot of fun, but it’s important to stay safe. Even just a few simple things can help you as you embark on your trip. Don’t overlook the basics of RV safety and focus on having a relaxing, enjoyable trip.
And if you need RV insurance, we can help. Our team would be happy to help. Get started with your quotes for Atlanta RV insurance by filling out our online form, giving us a call, or messaging us. It’s important to make sure your RV is properly insured. (And we can also help with Atlanta home insurance, auto insurance, and renters insurance.)