Don’t let a mechanical issue derail your adventure
When you’re planning an RV trip, there are tons of things to think about. You have to figure out where you’re going, how you will get there, what to bring, where to stay, and who will water your plants and feed your cats while you’re gone. But many people forget to consider what would happen in the event of a breakdown. While it’s certainly something nobody wants to deal with, it is important to know what to do and how to react if it does occur.
1. Be ready for it
You may take dozens of trips and never have any issues with your RV, or something could go wrong an hour into your first journey. The point is that you just never know when problems will arise, so it’s always good to be prepared for them. To give yourself peace of mind, be sure your RV is in great shape before you hit the road. Regular preventive maintenance is key, and this means changing the oil, keeping the tires properly inflated, and ensuring that the brakes are working properly.
2. Don’t panic
If your RV suddenly won’t start or conks out when you’re driving, it’s very important that you stay calm. You will just make this stressful situation worse by panicking or getting angry, especially if you’ll be traveling with young children. Instead, assess the situation, try to figure out what’s wrong, and then call roadside assistance if necessary. Also, try to remain positive. Perhaps you broke down in a gorgeous spot, and this gives you an opportunity to enjoy it – or maybe now you have the chance to go back into the diner and enjoy a slice of their “World-Famous Peach Pie.” Staying upbeat about everything will help make things easier on everyone.
3. Stay safe
In the event of a breakdown, be sure to get your RV onto the shoulder or as far off the road as possible. Part of your preparation before your trip should include stocking up on safety products such as cones or flares, and you should use them as a way to alert other drivers. It may also be a good idea to bring safety vests or other types of reflective clothing.
4. Choose the right roadside assistance
Having a roadside assistance company you can call no matter the time of day is an excellent idea before you set out. However, with an RV, you have to choose the company wisely. If the issue is something that can be fixed where you are – like a battery replacement – you may be fine. But if your RV will need to be towed somewhere, a regular tow truck may not be able to do it, and a flatbed truck might have to be sent out. And if RV towing isn’t included in your plan, you will be looking at a very high bill.
5. Understand that it’s part of the experience
No matter how closely you try to stick to your plan and itinerary, unexpected things will almost certainly happen on your RV trip. And while you’d hope they would all be good, the negative stuff just adds to the experience. It’s important to keep things in perspective if you suffer a breakdown and understand that it is not the end of the world. It’s very possible that it will lead you to meeting some interesting people or perhaps exploring an area you otherwise would have driven right by.
The RV Advisor has got your back
You just never know what will happen on an RV trip, and the RV Advisor can get you ready for anything. With our Virtual Mechanical Diagnosis, we can help you diagnose any problems you’re having and suggest ways to fix them. And if you need some on-site aid, we can also provide you with roadside assistance that includes unlimited towing. These are just some of the benefits members get when they join the RV Advisor community.
