RV owners know the thrill of hitching up the rig and driving to the mountains or a lake, hooking up all the utilities, and setting out lawn chairs to relax. But your RV vacation will be an RV catastrophe if you're not smart and safe in your travels.
Pack Accordingly
Your standard RV packing includes all the things you need to enjoy your visit, but you also need a few items to ensure a safe and disaster-free time:
- A well-stocked first aid kit.
- A spare key, hidden on the outside of the RV.
- A bucket and small shovel. Yeah, this seems silly, until you need to put out your campfire!
- Sunscreen and mosquito repellent. Remember to put sunscreen on the underside of your chin if you go out on a lake-- sun reflects up from the surface of the water.
- A weather radio, to keep on top of rapidly-changing weather.
- An emergency credit card in case you have to go to a hospital or have a mechanical breakdown. You may also want to join Good Sam, which offers a roadside service option specific to RVers.
If you intend to enjoy a lake or river, invest in life jackets and refrain from alcohol use. In many states, life preservers and sobriety are both required on the water.
Everything you pack should be as unbreakable as possible, and stowed securely in the rig. After you stop, remember that cans, bottles, pots, and pans may have moved around and be waiting to fall out the second you open a cupboard or fridge door.
Drive Defensively
Before you start the RV, check the brakes, lights, mirrors, and tire pressure. Take a moment to remind yourself how large this vehicle is, and how much extra room you need in front, behind, and to either side of you. As you drive, remember:
- Nobody wants to drive behind an RV, so everyone will try to pass you and cut you off.
- Nobody on the road has taken high school physics. They have no idea that you are unable to stop when they cut you off.
- The amount of following distance you need in front of you looks like a gap in traffic to other people, and they will use it to cut you off.
- At every oncoming merge, assume there's a distracted driver on a cell phone who will not look over their shoulder and see you. They don't realize you will not be able to move out of their way.
Finally, if you plan to do a lot of RV travel, or you’re considering retirement to an RV, invest in an RV-specific defensive driving school to learn how to drive your rig safely and with confidence.
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