Whether you are new to RVing or not, these tips can help ensure that your trip will be problem-free

Most RVs are not particularly difficult to drive but there are a few things to keep in mind that will make your travels safer and more enjoyable.

The majority of drivers can adapt quite well to the increased size, height, and weight of an RV, but keeping alert, planning ahead, and driving cautiously remain top priority in the safe handling of your vehicle.

Driving Newfound Gap Road through Smoky Mountains National Park © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

Check Lights before Traveling

Prior to starting your day’s travel check the functioning of all signal lights, 4-way flashers, brake lights, and head lights

Driving Highway 12 Scenic Byway in Utah © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

Mirror Adjustments

Adjust the side-view mirrors to barely see the side of your RV

Adjust the convex mirrors to include blind spots, keeping in mind that distances may be distorted

Check your mirrors every 30 seconds

Ensure that you’re driving within the painted lines

Be aware of the traffic behind you and whether they are keeping up with you, preparing to pass, or falling back

Driving near Glen Canyon Recreation Area in northern Arizona © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

Look Well Ahead

DO NOT overdrive your visibility

90% of all driving decisions are visual based

Driving Organ Pipe National Monument in southern Arizona © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

Leave Yourself an Out

Determine the lane of least resistance and safety

Maintain safe following distances

Leave room to change lanes when stopping behind another vehicle

Is there a way out of here?

DO NOT drive your RV into any place that you can’t see a way out of—especially if that RV is a large motorhome towing a car

Driving Highway 12 Scenic Byway between Bryce Canyon and Capitol Reef national parks © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

Navigating Large Cities

Plan your trip in advance so that you can avoid going through large cities during morning or late afternoon rush hour

The best time to drive through major cities is early Sunday morning—during the workweek, you’re best to travel between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m.

Driving Newfound Gap Road through Smoky Mountains National Park © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

Follow the Rule of 20 Percent

Fully loaded RVs have slower acceleration and take longer to come to a full stop than autos

To compensate, add 20 percent to everything you do, from increasing your following distance and judging if you have enough clearance to safely merging into traffic.

Know your height1 © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

Know & Post Your Height, Width & Length

A major insurance claim is RVs hitting gas station overhangs, underpasses, and bridges

Solution: Post your exterior height, width, and total length in the motorhome or tow vehicle where it can easily be seen while driving

Height: Measure to the highest point such as air conditioner or satellite dish

Width: Measure to the outermost points such as mirrors, awnings, or handles

Length: Measure from the front of the vehicle to the end of the towed vehicle or trailer

Know your height, width, and length! © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

One Hour Rest Stop Walk-Around

Visually inspect your tow hitch connections and check for overheated and low tires every time you stop at a rest stop or refueling location. Pranksters have been known to remove pins from the hitch. Perform a walk-around that covers these visual points:

Check to ensure that tires have not overheated

Check tow bar or hitch and safety cables

Ensure that hitch pins or bolts are still in place

Check to ensure that the wiring harness is connected securely

Look under the chassis for signs of oil or coolant leaks

Check storage bay doors

Driving Organ Pipe National Monument © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

Turn Signals

Turn signals are valuable for communicating your intentions to other drivers; if you don’t signal, other drivers have no way of knowing what you plan to do

In an emergency pull completely off the road and use emergency flashers, flares, or some other emergency signaling device to warn oncoming traffic

And we arrived safely again… © Rex Vogel, all rights reserved

Remember, Safety Is No Accident

Worth Pondering…

Write it on your heart that every day is the best day in the year.

—Ralph Waldo Emerson