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Life is full of surprises. The more prepared we are, the better equipped we can be when disaster rears it’s ugly head. Below are 10 RV Fails & What to Learn from Them! Let’s do our best to learn from each other and tell us any helpful tips and tricks you use to stay safe and prepared while on the road in the comments section!

1. Always Know Your Height

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Always, always, always pull into a trucker gas station when fueling up! It doesn’t matter if you’re towing a tear drop or a two story fifth wheel, it’s better to gas up in a big rig designated station than to risk a catastrophe like this! (Everyone in this video was ok- the driver only suffered minor injuries)

2. If It’s A Gooseneck, Tow It With A Gooseneck Hitch



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Were these people new to the concept or simply desperate? Always read your RV’s manual for proper towing instructions. If you still have any doubts about how to successfully tow your rig, call the manufacturer, a local RV supply store, a towing company, and if you’re still unsure we’ve got plenty of resources at Rover Pass

3. Don’t Take Your RV Mudding

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May sound obvious but these folks probably didn’t realize how valuable their RV was until it was totaled!

4. Beware Of The Air Conditioners!

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Ya’ll seem like nice people and I don’t want to preach to you about the do’s and don’ts of the road without admitting that I’m guilty of not knowing my AC unit height. My husband and I towed our fifth wheel across West Texas and when turning around in a school parking lot, BANG! Our front AC unit smashed into an overhang and the trailer frame above our cab caved in. Needless to say it’s an expensive renovation that we’ll be undertaking in the next few months.

5. Check Your Tires

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Nothing is as simple as checking your tires before a long drive. When you gas up, check the tire pressure and always stay up to date on routine check ups! Negligence can not only put you and your loved ones at risk, but also fellow travelers on the road! Be safe, be smart, and get your tires checked!

6. Know Your Width

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It seems as though judging your width should go without saying. Tight spaces are no friend to the RV-er, so don’t even try or else you’ll end up like this unfortunate trailer. Park on the street, in the driveway, anywhere but a tight alleyway!

7. Pay Attention!

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Towing or operating a big rig is a huge responsibility. Leave your texts and Rover Pass reading for rest stops and after you’ve set up camp! A few tips for long trips- get plenty of sleep the night before, pull over often for restroom breaks and to stretch, always keep your eyes on the road, and abide by the speed limit!

8. Beware of Tight Turns!

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Unless you want to end up like the scene in Austin Powers (backing up an inch, moving forward an inch- over and over again) I suggest taking the widest turns you can manage!

9. Always Tow In Neutral

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If you’re towing a vehicle always be sure the parking brake is off and the vehicle is set to neutral- otherwise you’ll end up like this poor guy dragging screeching tires for six miles before you realize you’ve done some serious damage!

10. Don’t Drive Through Water

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Yet another, “This seems like a given” topic but deserves mentioning. Not only is salt water killer to your vehicle but it can be ultra damaging to a trailer, causing years of headaches and repairs. If you’re unable to thoroughly flush and clean properly then it’s going to end up in a junk yard for parts, best case scenario. Be smart, drive on only promising roadways, and do your best to stay out of the salt water.

Have Any RV Fails?

Leave us a comment with your favorites!

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