Staying Safe While Traveling in an RV Once you camp with an RV, you never go back. It would be like downgrading to a Port-a-Potty after using a toilet your whole life. In fact, it is exactly like that or worse as when you are camping without an RV you have to make do with what you have. However, camping with an RV doesn’t automatically make everything easier. Here are a few tips to keep your camping safe.
Practice, Practice, Practice If you have never driven an RV before, make sure you clock a lot of practice hours in before making the big trip. Maneuvering an RV and maneuvering a regular car have a lot of differences. Backing up and only using mirrors to see behind you is just one. Get the hang of the RV before taking it out for a spin.
Confirm Reservations Once you’ve found a suitable campground make a reservation and specify that you have an RV, not just a car and a tent. Confirm reservations over the phone beforehand to avoid closing hours and keep a list of other nearby campgrounds in case they are fully booked or there is bad weather.
Keep Clear of Construction Double check traffic conditions on the way to the campground. Construction could keep you on the road longer than you anticipate and you can avoid it by taking alternate routes.
Don’t Weather the Weather Don’t take your chances just because you have an RV. Stay safe and check the weather before you even make your camping plans. If there’s a storm, stay home.
Calculate Amps Homes on wheels are not as capable as homes not on wheels when it comes to amps. They are limited to 30 or 50 amps, so you want to keep track how many you’re using in order to avoid losing electricity altogether. The formula to convert watts to amps is watts divided by volts equals amps.
Weight Distribution There are legal weight limits that your RV is allowed to weigh. You can weigh your RV at a commercial truck stop and calculate how much water and fuel you can carry based on that.
RV Insurance and Road Service Double check your insurance policy before making any trips. In case of any accidents or emergencies, it is also good to know the local towing services that are available. If you have auto insurance in Long Beach, you need to be aware of how far towing companies are willing to take you. 25 miles goes a long way on the East Coast, but not as far in Long Beach. Make sure you know if your insurance will cover the cost of the towing or if you will need separate road service coverage. Some policies will even cover the motor home and your truck but not your trailer and leave it behind. Be sure that the next trip you take with your RV is a safe one by following all of these simple tips and educating those with you about RV safety. Photo Credit: Trey Ratcliff, Kuster & Wildhaber Photography