Winter RV Driving: Important Safety Tips
Posted on: 9 December 2015
Taking a RV trip can be a great way to see the country without the hassle of finding (and paying for) hotels along the way. However, an RV can be difficult enough to drive in ideal road conditions; during the winter, taking an RV trip requires some extra care and safety precautions, especially if snowy or icy weather is in the forecast.
DO Be Familiar With Rear-Wheel Drive
First of all, understand that RVs are rear-wheel-drive vehicles. Therefore, if you've never driven a rear-wheel-drive vehicle (especially in the snow), then you're going to want to get familiar with it before your trip. This may mean having to break some driving habits you have in your front-wheel-drive vehicle. For example, when driving an RV, you should gently but quickly pump your brakes to recover in the event of a skid.
DON'T Take Chances With Snow
Keep an eye on the sky before and during your trip and do your best to avoid major storms. It's never worth it to take a chance driving through snowy or icy weather when you're in an RV, no matter how experienced you are or how skilled of a driver you may be. All it takes is one patch of black ice to wreck your trip, damage your RV, and possibly leave you or another motorist injured.
DO Be Prepared to Stop for Awhile
Even if you don't anticipate having to pull off to the side of the road or to a rest stop due to inclement weather, it's always best to be prepared anyway. This means having a supply of snacks and beverages readily available; don't rely on a rest stop to have vending machines or other comforts available, as many consist of nothing more than a few bathroom stalls. Not to mention, if you hit a sudden snow squall, you may have no choice but to stop at the nearest exit, which may not even have gas stations or restaurants nearby.
DON'T Forget to Check Tire Pressure
Last but certainly not least, understand the importance of tire traction during winter RV travels. You should always check to ensure that your tires are properly inflated before you leave on your trip. However, it's also a good idea to check the pressure each time you stop for gas as well--especially during the winter months, when you need the tire traction more than any other time of year.
For more information, contact companies like Chehalis Collision Center.
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