RV Safety Tips While Traveling

Are RVs safe? With proper preparation and awareness, they absolutely can be. Take the right precautions before you even begin your road trip to ensure every mile is secure and enjoyable.

Know Your RV Size

Many road mishaps occur because of an RV's additional size and weight, making it challenging when sharing the road with other vehicles. For instance, operators accidentally drive under an overpass without enough clearance because they forget about the additional height. Know your RV's height, and keep it handy. Also know the clearances of the bridges and tunnels along your route—especially on back roads. A road atlas specifically for RVers or semi drivers can help.

In addition to height, be mindful of your RV's length, width, and weight, which affect how you drive. Follow the rule of 20 percent: increase your following distance, merging caution, and clearance judgment by 20 percent when operating a fully loaded RV. Due to overswing and slower braking, take wider turns and allow more stopping distance than you would in a standard vehicle. These adjustments are key to avoiding accidents and keeping you, your passengers, and others on the road safe.

Prepare a Pre-Trip RV Maintenance Checklist

An RV that's mechanically sound will be less apt to break down. Be meticulous about regular maintenance and consult your owner's manual for recommended service intervals and specific care instruction.

Make a pre-trip checklist, and do an inspection every time you get behind the wheel. Utilize these safety tips to ensure the proper maintenance of your RV:

• Inspect all belts, and hoses for cracking and replace where required
• Check headlights, turn signal, tail lights
• Check for the correct tire pressure and sufficient tread depth
• Check any hitch or towing equipment
• Test air brakes, parking brake, and tow brakes to ensure proper functioning before each trip
• Check your fire extinguishers and smoke alarms
• Clean your cooking vent hood to avoid grease fires
• Make sure food is secured safely within kitchen cabinets
• Have propane tanks regularly inspected by certified dealers and ensure they are equipped with an overfill protection device

Have a Plan if Your RV Breaks Down

Carry your cell phone and know the emergency numbers to call. Also leave your itinerary with relatives or friends in case of emergency.

Adjust Your RV Trip for the Weather

Heavy winds, rain, fog, and ice make RV driving treacherous. If possible, plan your trip to avoid bad weather or factor in extra time so you can delay travel if necessary.

Always Wear Safety Belts

Passengers should be belted in also. Laws don't require RV's to have safety belts in all areas where passengers can sit, but it is better to be safe so buckle up!

If you're traveling with a trailer, passengers should never ride inside the trailer while it's on the road. The trailer is not safe for passengers while moving.

Cornering Your RV Safely

RVs require wider, more deliberate turns than standard vehicles. Follow these tips to corner with confidence:

• Slow before turning: Brake ahead of the curve to stay in control.
• Take wide turns: Begin wide to prevent the rear from swinging into curbs or obstacles.
• Use mirrors: Watch your side mirrors to ensure full clearance.
• Complete the arc: Don't straighten out too early—finish the turn fully before adjusting.
• Practice helps: Rehearse in a safe area to get comfortable with your RV's turning radius.

Proper cornering can help you avoid accidents and travel more safely.

Avoid Common RV Accidents

• Fires from leaking LP gas (propane): Propane leaks can lead to dangerous fires if not properly maintained or monitored.
• Tire blowouts: Often caused by overloading, underinflated, or aging tires.
• RV awnings and steps: Failing to retract outside steps or secure awnings during travel or bad weather can result in damage or accidents.
• Clearance and height mistakes: Hitting bridges, tunnels, or gas station overhangs due to forgetting the RV's height, especially during a turn.
• Overloading: Uneven or excessive weight can reduce braking ability and steering control.
• Slide-outs left extended: Not retracting slide-outs before travel can lead to serious damage.
• Pest infestations: Rodents and insects can damage wires, plastic, and rubber components when RVs are stored.
• Driving at night: Accident risk increases significantly after dark; studies show 68% more fatal RV accidents occur between 3 p.m. and midnight compared to early morning hours.

For more RV safety information visit the RV Safety & Education Foundation.