On the danger of sounding like a dad, accidents occur — and that’s why they’re referred to as accidents.
The fact is that the majority incidents have much less to do with incompetence and extra to do with forgetfulness. From leaving the range on to improperly assuming your towed car is secured, (and every little thing in between), double-checking your handiwork is the easiest way to chop down on misfortune.
Right here are some things to contemplate for a complete pre-trip security inspection that will help you get on the highway (and keep on the highway) in a single piece.
Pre-trip security guidelines
Retract slides, jacks, and awnings
Earlier than beginning your engine, guarantee your slide-outs, jacks, awnings, and steps are absolutely retracted. Whereas it’s fairly onerous to neglect a slide-out, it does occur — with some repairs costing effectively north of $2,000 a slide.
Tow bar and security cables
Take time to examine your tow bar and security cables. Tighten any free bolts, and make changes as essential. Additionally, make it some extent to maintain your city bar clear and lubricated.
Test your fluids
Do a fast sweep for any leaks and ensure your oil, coolant, transmission, and brake fluids are all on the acceptable ranges. High off the place essential.
Check your brakes
Put money into a multimeter and commonly examine your brakes earlier than journeys. Do you have to discover any uncommon vibrations or noises, you’ll need to prioritize having them inspected by an expert. Failure to switch your brakes promptly might make for a really harmful state of affairs, not to mention a really pricey restore. Subsequently, you need to swap them out yearly or 12,000 miles.
Batteries and electrical system
RVs depend on {the electrical} system and batteries to function various completely different parts. Whether or not it’s lighting, navigation, the fridge, the ability inverter, or another amenity, a lifeless battery can actually put a damper in your journey. Earlier than leaving, disconnect all energy, give your RV’s battery a fast examine, and guarantee it’s holding a cost. Substitute if essential, however a top quality RV battery ought to final about 5 years.
Double-check the kitchen
Good Sam receives a whole bunch of claims every year resulting from fridge fires attributable to {an electrical} malfunction or somebody neglecting to show off their oven. In order you’re packing up, give the kitchen a fast as soon as over, double-checking and turning off your range, oven, and every other home equipment.
Smoke detectors and propane leak detectors
Guarantee smoke and propane leak detectors work correctly and substitute them when essential. Gouges, dents, or perhaps a trace of rust could cause your propane tanks to leak, creating an explosive and harmful state of affairs. For that purpose alone, all RVs come geared up with liquified petroleum gasoline (propane) detectors. All the time make it some extent to check them earlier than driving. Nonetheless, in the event you odor a definite odor (just like rotten eggs), really feel a headache, or show any indicators of carbon monoxide poisoning, it’s good to instantly shut off the gasoline after which take your car to the closest service heart.
Tires
Tire blowouts are among the many extra frequent accidents for RVs. Earlier than hitting the highway, make sure that your tires are correctly inflated and nonetheless in good situation. Be aware of any indicators of damage and tear, cracks or bulges, and substitute if essential. Usually, it’s a good suggestion to rotate each 6,000 to eight,000 miles and substitute each three to 6 years (or on the first indicators of balding tread).
Thoughts your environment
Blind spots are difficult even for veteran RV drivers — particularly at check-out when everybody else is attempting to get out of dodge. To keep away from injury to your car or anybody else’s, make it a behavior of surveying every little thing round you earlier than pulling out. If you happen to’re backing out, have a spotter information you, or use rearview cameras and sensors to watch your environment.
Latch the bay doorways
Whereas this one isn’t as a lot a “security challenge,” you need to nonetheless make sure you’ve latched the bay doorways lest you share your prized and saved possessions with the interstate.
Gearing up
There’s a saying in music that “You’re solely pretty much as good as your sound man.” The identical could possibly be mentioned about having the best gear in your journey. In case of an emergency — or to forestall one — right here’s a listing of necessities to at all times preserve readily available.
- Flashlight
- Knife
- Pocket knife
- Flashlight and/or headlamp
- Water
- GPS/navigational instruments
- Transportable telephone charger
- Carbon monoxide detector
- Smoke detector
- Generator
- Leveling ramps
- Stabilizer jack
- Tire strain gauge
- Normal toolbox
- Surge protector
- Duct tape
- Propane and propane cowl
- Hoses (water and sewer)
Be prepared for something
Even essentially the most vigilant eye can’t catch every little thing the highway will throw at you. The Good Sam Insurance coverage Company helps you discover one of the best top-rated plan to cowl your crucial journey wants so you’ll be able to journey on with out worrying concerning the surprising. Sourcing protection from the highest insurance coverage suppliers, Good Sam Insurance coverage Company finds you the best aggressive plan and charge.
