After the Covid-19 pandemic, many people want to venture out and experience the world while maintaining their social distance to avoid infection. How else can you do this than with a spacious RV? It may sound exciting, but driving an RV is not the same as taking your sedan out for a spin.
Below are some items to consider before hitting the road in an RV:
Road accidents
Driving an RV is different from taking a standard size car out for a spin, due to their large size. There are common RV accidents that have been recorded among newbies. These include off-tracking, where the rear of the RV can overhang or swing. This can lead to damages on the RV when the rear hits obstacles when taking corners.
RV accidents are avoided by taking into consideration the following RV tips:
Take an RV Driving Lesson Before your trip
If you are new to RVing or just need a refresher, you should enroll for RV driving lessons and learn how to drive the vehicle and operate the touring machine. These lessons and RV tips help keep your family safe, as well as the other road users.
Suncoast RV Rental offers free driving lessons in the RV that you will be taking on your trip to ensure that you are comfortable with the rig. This has been a very popular option for RV renters who are new to the RV they are driving.
Avoid speeding
- Be easy on the braking, due to the RV’s weight.
- Ensure your kids and pets are secure while driving to avoid distractions.
- Safety first, always wear your seat belt.
Getting lost
Many people consider losing their way when out on an adventure as part of the adventure, but it may be mentally and financially draining when driving a huge RV. Getting lost in an RV is stressful since you need specific turns which your vehicle can maneuver comfortably. Most rookies often excited about dashing out in the RV forget to plan their routes properly and consult novice RV drivers on the best routes to take. This leads to much time being spent on the road instead of spending time enjoying the trip.
It is easy to navigate with smartphones through your trip, but don’t forget to carry a few paper maps if you are driving through an area without cellular coverage.
Highway breakdowns
Due to its large size, an RV can cause massive snarl-up if it breaks down in the middle of the road, or when maneuvering a corner. RVs require a lot of care, and why not pay attention to detail on the vehicle taking your household on a trip? Among other RV tips for avoiding mechanical problems while on the road is listening to any unusual vehicle noises as you embark on your trip. Here at Suncoast, we purchase new RVs directly from the manufacturer and have a strict maintenance schedule to ensure that your RV is in the best possible condition. If renting from another provider, make sure that you rent an RV that is as new as possible and has been professionally maintained.
Most rookie RV drivers are too excited to make a trip around the vehicle before leaving the yard. The walk-around will help you ensure that the tires are pressured right, all the external cabinets are locked and that nothing hangs loose. We make sure that you are ready to hit the road by doing a thorough operational walk-through along with your RV driving lesson.
Running out of gas
Imagine driving in the wilderness, and your RV jumps to a halt after running out of gas? This has to be any traveler’s worst nightmare. When planning your trip, it is important to inquire from your RV renting company on its fuel consumption. After learning of the consumption, plan a route that has a sufficient number of gas stations to keep your fuel tank topped off.
It is also important to pack up a few gallons of fuel if your route has a remote stretch, on which the RV might not make through with a tank of fuel.
Leaving essential tools behind
It is impossible to carry all tools with you on the trip, but there are essential tools that hack most problems that come along. They include:
- Duct tape.
- A screwdriver set with various bits.
- A socket set complete with extensions and adapters.
- A flashlight with new batteries.
- A hammer.
- Tire pressure pump.
- First aid kit.
- Gloves.
Planning a big or cross-country trip in a rental RV? In addition to your RV driving lesson and operational systems review, a short weekend trip locally before the travel date, helps you adapt to the vehicle before your family gets on board.
