RVs and summer safety
Summer is the perfect time for RVing. Campsites are open and back in the swing of things. Festivals and special events are happening in every corner of the country, and there’s no snow or ice to contend with when driving. But just because the roads aren’t slick that doesn’t mean you should be any less cautious driving in the summer than in the winter!
Be extra cautious of other drivers
It’s summertime, and that means a lot of other drivers will be on the road that aren’t normally there. Some people may be vacationing and just as unfamiliar with the roads they’re driving as you are. Drivers will be excited about where they’re going, and they won’t want to spend a lot of time getting there.
This leads to distractions and reckless driving. While you can’t control other motorists, you can control yourself. Keep a good distance between you and other vehicles, and always expect other drivers to make mistakes or act irrationally. If you’re expecting the worst, then you’ll be safer.
Know how long it takes to stop
If you’re a veteran at this RVing life, then you already know it takes much longer to slow your rig to a stop than it does a car or truck. If you’re new to it, you may not be as experienced. With the congestion of other drivers around you, giving yourself room to stop is imperative. If you don’t know the distance your RV needs to come to a complete stop, try testing it out before your trip.
Go to a place where there are no other vehicles, and get your RV up to speed. Brake, and see how far you go before you come to a complete stop. This knowledge keeps you, your RV, and other motorists safe and enjoying the summer.
Get plenty of rest
Speaking of excitement, it’s easy for us to push ourselves to the limit when we’re excited about plans. It’s never a good idea to operate a vehicle if we’re tired or sleep deprived. Remember that part of the fun of our summer plans is the journey to our destination. Don’t rush and miss out on sleep. It can only lead to bad things for all involved.
Check your cooling system before setting out
The temperatures are hot, and your engine is hot; together, that makes for a hot combination. If your cooling system isn’t in good shape, all that heat is going to leave you on the side of the road with smoke billowing from under your hood. Before driving in the heat, make sure your rig has what it needs to get you to your destination.
Eliminate distractions
This is more important than at other times because of unfamiliar roads, unfamiliar drivers, and the congestion of the highways. Make sure your co-pilot can help mitigate distractions by keeping passengers in check. Make sure your hands-free device is ready if you’re expecting a phone call. Make sure the temperatures are comfortable enough inside the cockpit and make sure the sun isn’t blasting in your eyes.
Turn off the propane
If your fridge runs low on propane, it’s a good idea to turn it off when you’re driving. How do you keep your fridge cool? Fill the empty spaces with cold packs and stock drawers with ice before heading off. Avoid opening the fridge for any length of time. When you’ve come to a rest for the night, feel free to turn the propane back on.
Be choosy about boondocking
Heat and an RV aren’t always the best partners. If you’re traveling through warmer climates, then your RV is going to get warm fast. When you boondock, you don’t have access to power, which means you’re not going to want to run your AC so you can conserve your resources. The heat, combined with the lack of cooling, means you’re in for an unbearably hot night.
So what happens if you do find yourself on the side of the road, watching other summer motorists pass you by on their way to fun in the sun? Well, when you have roadside assistance from the RV Advisor, you won’t be stranded for long. Our roadside assistance will have you back on the road in no time!
