At the heart of traveling in an RV is the joy of the open road. The last thing you want is for your travels to be marred by incidents or misadventures. Here’s how to ensure you stay safe on the road so all your explorations are happy ones.

Start with solid protection

Before you ever hit the road, it’s important to make sure you have appropriate, up-to-date coverage for your RV. For one thing, most states have minimum requirements of at least a bodily injury and property damage policy for you to be legal on the road. However, insurance does more than keep you legal. In the event you have an accident, some policies can help pay for the damage to your vehicle, damage to other people’s property, and can even help pay for things like medical expenses and lost wages.

You should examine your policy carefully and be sure you know what’s covered. For instance, if you haul a trailer, is the trailer covered under your current policy? Are towed vehicles covered? If you break down and need a tow, what vehicles are covered for towing – just what you’re driving or what you’re hauling as well?

Get comfortable behind the wheel

If you haven’t had your RV long or you’re renting one for a journey, it’s important to get a feel for how it handles before you embark on any significant treks. Even if you owned one in the past, there are several types of RVs, and they won’t all handle the same way. Practice turns, parking, and backing it up, and maneuver it in different situations like parking lots, highways, and in-town driving so you feel confident. The last thing you want is to be getting your feet wet on a tight town square, when you’re exhausted and the weather is bad or it’s nighttime. If you’re planning to haul anything behind your RV, make sure you make that part of your training drive.

Know the rules of the road

Chances are you’re familiar with basic driving rules, but there are special rules that apply to RVs and motorhomes. For instance, various states have restrictions on vehicle weight, length, and width, and what you can tow. Get familiar with the regulations of the states you plan to travel through, get to know the size of your RV, and verify you’re within legal limits on all parameters.

Along those same lines, Camper Report notes RV drivers are required to stop at weigh stations in some areas, depending on the vehicle size. Bear in mind that whatever you’re towing will also be considered part of your vehicle’s weight, so calculate carefully when figuring your limitations. You can check weigh station locations throughout the country by clicking here.

Give your RV a thorough exam

Routine maintenance can go a long way toward keeping your RV – and you – safe and sound throughout your adventures. Each year you should ensure the joint seals and roof are checked by a qualified technician, sanitize the water system, and check it over for water damage and leaks. Have any gas appliances checked regularly as well, and if you have a slide-out, make sure it’s functioning and sealing properly. At least once each month, make sure you run the generator with a load.

When you’re going on trips, give your vehicle a thorough once-over before you pack, taking care to secure loose belongings and check everything from the headlights to the tire pressure. This checklist can help you stay on track with all your RV reminders.

Safeguard your home

If you’re going to be away from home for several weeks, you’ll need to take some precautions. Steps you can take include locking doors and windows, leaving a couple lights on to make it look like you’re home, and arranging for your lawn to be mowed. Now could also be a good time to introduce some smart home security improvements like smart spotlights, camera systems, and doorbells.

RVing is something we do for fun and adventure, but it doesn’t take long for difficulties to drain the excitement out of a trip. Make sure you have proper insurance, get used to how your particular setup handles, learn the rules where you’re heading, and make sure your RV is as ready as you are. You’ll be set up for the best of explorations with your well-thought-out plans.

Ready to purchase a new RV or need your current RV serviced? The friendly and knowledgeable staff at Johnnie Walker RV is ready to help!