Important RV Safety Tips to Remember

Whether you’re going out for some weekend camping or spending a month on a road trip across the country, the RV lifestyle can be a fun and liberating experience. At the same time, it’s important to make safety a priority so you can avoid running into trouble on the road. Read on to learn more about a few simple but important safety tips every RV owner should know.

Know the Size of Your RV

Take some time to familiarize yourself with the length, breadth, and height of your RV. Every RV is different, so spend some time with the RV practicing turns and parking until you get comfortable with how it maneuvers. It’s also essential to memorize the height of your RV, being cautious when approaching overpasses or clearance signs. While the majority of overpasses are between 14 and 16 feet in height, some may be lower, so be careful when driving in unfamiliar areas.

Notify Loved Ones About Your Location

One of the most appealing aspects of RVing is the ability to set up camp just about anywhere. However, if you’re in an area with no cell service and you get into trouble, you can quickly find yourself stranded. To prevent this, make sure your family and loved ones receive constant updates on your location. Drop a pin in your phone messages periodically so others can easily follow your route and your current location. This way if your RV ever breaks down far away from a cell tower, someone can quickly send help to your last known location.

Be Prepared for Inclement Weather

Heavy rain, sleet, and snow are all forces of nature you’ll have to contend with on the open road. Get prepared for rough conditions by having tire chains on hand for harsh winter weather and consider purchasing new windshield wipers to ensure safe driving. If you’re RVing in the winter, be sure to also check that your vehicle’s heater and defroster are working properly. Be aware also that it’s not unusual for RVs to get stuck in the mud following heavy rainfall or other inclement weather conditions, so always seek out dry areas to pitch camp when boondocking. It’s also advisable to avoid dubious, poorly-maintained roadways during heavy rains or snow, or with ice on the road.

Invest in an RV GPS System

Exploring the road less traveled is one of the joys of owning an RV, but getting lost is something else entirely. Since you can’t always depend on reliable cell service, it’s a good idea to purchase an RV GPS so you can see exactly where you’re located at all times. Since GPS relies on dozens of satellites that orbit Earth, you won’t have to worry about getting turned around, even if you’re out in the middle of nowhere.

Get Emergency Supplies

You never know when an accident may happen, so be sure to prepare some emergency gear ahead of your next RV trip.

A few essentials include jumper cables, a first-aid kit, road flares, handheld radio, and a few flashlights. Also, check to make sure you have at least one functioning fire extinguisher on board. You may also want to have a few emergency blankets, hand warmers, and an emergency store of food just in case you experience a breakdown in frigid temperatures.

In case of a blowout or tire failure, be sure to have a spare tire, a jack, and a bag of tools. It might also be a good idea to carry basic repair kits to patch things like roof leaks, if something happens to your vehicle while you're a long way from a service provider.

Although you can buy all these supplies separately, there are many complete RV emergency kits available online that have everything you need.

Have an RV Warranty from ARW

Another great way to stay safe during your RV adventures is to obtain an extended warranty for your vehicle. At ARW, we provide comprehensive RV repair coverage for a wide range of common issues you may encounter with your RV if parts malfunction or break down. Being protected from those expensive repair or replacement bills means you can keep your RV in top shape more affordably, which will make your RVing safer as well as more enjoyable.

Keeping these simple safety tips in mind will help you avoid many typical frustrations people encounter with their RV out on the road. If you want to ensure you’re fully protected, consider exploring one of our extended warranty plans at ARW. To receive your free quote, visit us online today.