Congratulations on your new motorhome, caravan, or camper. You’ve probably been eyeing that Winnebago for a while now. You have a lot to look forward as a caravan owner and you’re going to live some amazing experiences on the road.
As you start preparing for your first road trip in your Winnebago (or whatever type of caravan you have bought), there are some safety tips to keep in mind. After all, owning a motorhome is different than just driving a car.
These following safety tips will help to ensure that you have a great, memorable road trip that is full of happy memories:
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Take some time practicing driving in your RV. You may have experience on the open road in your sedan, but driving a big rig is a whole other story. Before you set out on the open road, make sure to get comfortable in your caravan. You don’t want to set out on the highway until you’re sure that you feel great behind the wheel of a large vehicle.
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Make sure to check your vehicle before setting out on the road trip. The most dangerous thing about road tripping in an RV is that accidents in this type of vehicle can be much more disastrous than in a smaller car. From an engine that isn’t working well to tires that aren’t up-to-standard, your vehicle should be in tip-top shape before you take out on the road. Before leaving, double check that everything from the electrical system to the tires are in good condition.
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Don’t drive an RV that is carrying too much weight. From full tanks to too much stuff, you don’t want to drive an RV that is overweight. There is a reason that there is a legal amount that you’re allowed to be carrying in your motorhome, so pay attention to this before setting out.
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Lock up your vehicle when you’re not there and at night. It can be easy to forget to lock up your motorhome at night. Especially if you feel safe at a campground. Unfortunately, it’s not always the safest thing to do, due to people who prey on caravan travelers. One of the biggest mistakes that RV travelers do is leave their windows open when they leave their vehicle. This makes your RV a very easy target for those with less-than-desirable intentions.
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Bring fire extinguishers. Fires in motorhomes happen more than they should, but many people save their caravans from extensive damage, thanks to carrying fire extinguishers. While you should practice safe habits for preventing fires, should one happen, you can stop it in it’s tracks by packing at least two fire extinguishers.
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Keep your RV clean while staying in the wild. You may think that your food is fine left out when you’re staying in a caravan. Unfortunately, this may not be true. While a big black bear may not be able to break into your caravan, the smell of food left on the counter will tempt them to pay you a visit. You don’t really want to deal with an angry and hungry bear outside of your motorhome, do you? Big animals aren’t the only animals to be cautious about. Think about snakes and other creatures who may be interested in what you have inside your home. They may be wanting you to make some room for them.
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Learn how to do your hookups correctly. From electricity to dumping your sewage matter, there are plenty of things you need to learn before you set out. It’s important to learn how to do these things correctly, so you can be sure that you are doing it right. Another thing to avoid is driving away from a campsite with everything hooked up. In order to keep this type of scenario from happening, make sure to make a checklist that you check every time you take off.
No one can deny that traveling in an RV is a fun experience. But, it does take preparation in order to be a safe and happy one. Once you learn how to hook up, disconnect, check your engine, make sure your tires are safe, and pack correctly, you can set out on the road with the confidence that you’re safer than ever before.
Owning a Winnebago is a lot of fun, because it allows you a certain kind of freedom in traveling that isn’t found in other type of methods. But, to ensure that it’s a hobby you’ll get to enjoy for years to come, pay attention to the little things. Keep your engine maintained, your tanks clean, your electrical system checked, and everything in order. Your motorhome will thank you for it and you’ll get to enjoy numerous road trips in the months and years to come. Happy traveling! 