Safety Tips for RV Owners
A recreational vehicle requires more maintenance than the average car and occupies more locations than the traditional home; this combination of exposure and upkeep requires a comprehensive understanding of RV safety and emergency protocol so that one can responsibly embark on the vacation of their dreams. Acquiring this sense of self-assurance principally rests in one's preparation before taking the wheel.
Pre-Trip Research
A key aspect of RV safety is to intimately understand one's route and destination prior to embarking on the trip. This is accomplished by researching the area near your campsite and the amenities available to you on the journey. Additionally, it's prudent to take stock of the nearest mechanic, hospital, and police station, so no precious time is wasted if an incident does occur.
It's also essential to look into the variation of road quality that one might face on the way to their destination, as many off-road routes will demand robust vehicle functionality that may exceed the capabilities of their RV. Even then, if the route is paved or semi-paved, speed bumps can pose a safety threat when driven over haphazardly, potentially causing disruptions or even damages to the coach.
Weather
The itinerary of your trip is influenced by the expression of the elements at any given moment. As a result, it's imperative to have insight into what conditions you will be dealt with to best prepare for any extreme manifestations of active weather.
RV Mechanics
When renting an RV, it's important to acquaint oneself with the mechanical limitations of the vehicle so that there is no risk of operating it in a manner that might provoke breakage to the RV or invite danger to its occupants. On the off chance, a mechanical incident takes place within your RV, it's essential to possess digital copies of the vehicle manual, as the search function allows users to circumvent unnecessary page flipping during time-sensitive scenarios.
Every RV should be equipped with a standard Tool-Kit in case of any unexpected breaks that don't have the luxury of being left alone until a mechanic is reached. For example, a broken roof during a torrential downpour needs to be fixed sooner rather than later. Equipping oneself with the right tools is the best way to effectively and swiftly handle the predicament so that an emergency doesn't develop.
Parking Safety
Emergencies occur inside but also outside the RV. To best prepare for any unexpected danger, always back your RV into the parking spot first to allow for easy and swift exit in case of an emergency.
In addition, cramped parking lots leave the vehicle vulnerable to getting damaged by haphazard parking jobs from other drivers. If there are no large park bays available for the RV, owners should station themselves at the outer edges of the property to avoid any harm to their vehicle.
Fire Alarm Maintenance
A fire alarm is only as effective as one's commitment to keeping it maintained. When installing a fire alarm, it's imperative to ensure that the unit is correctly installed and monitored so that any trace of smoke can be detected far before an emergency develops. To maximize the fire alarm's effectiveness, make sure to set up the alarms in proximity to any sleeping areas in the vehicle and keep a constant refreshment of batteries available.
Carbon Monoxide Detector Maintenance
Prior to any trip, ensure that a functional Carbon Monoxide (CO) detector is installed within the RV. While most new RV's should be equipped with a (CO) detector, users can always purchase a battery-operated unit if they possess an RV model built without a (CO) detector. Like the RV's fire alarm, the (CO) detector should be subjected to a steady refreshment of batteries prior to the end of its battery cycle. The user should be well acquainted with the manufacturer's manual to know exactly when the batteries should be replaced.
What draws most people to their first RV is the idea of experiencing the leisure of home within the near-infinite world that is the open road. However, this harmonious mixture of domesticity and adventure can be dampened by the anxieties of feeling unprepared and incapable of executing your dream vacation. To avoid having your presence of mind robbed by moments of apprehension, it's prudent to familiarize oneself with the "know-how" needed to plan an RV trip safely and responsibly. Here at RV Parts to Go, we wanted to get you started on that journey so that you're finished by the time your real one begins.