subject: Save Driving Tips For New And Used Rv Owners [print this page] Below are compiled the top three 'Safe Driving Tips' for RV enthusiasts. RV travel has become more popular with the recession as families are vacationing closer to home and realizing that families can travel more cost effectively in an RV than traveling by plane and staying in a hotel. With more vehicles hitting the road, here are a few tips for the new or seasoned RV traveler:
1.Driving in the heat can take a toll on the driver, which is why so many people use air conditioning to help stay cool. However, in places like the desert, used RVs can quickly overheat. If your vehicle begins to jump into the red, turn off the air conditioning as quickly as possible. Put the windows down and turn up the heat as high as you can stand.
If you feel you are overheating or not feeling well, pull off the side of the road to give your new or used RV time to cool off. If you let your vehicle overheat for any significant amount of time you may cause engine damage that can't be repaired. When the car is cool to the touch, check the radiator fluid. If it's empty, then fill it with water until you can get to a repair center. If your vehicle continues to heat up as you drive, head to a repair center and have it looked at.
2.Anytime you are driving over mountains, you will encounter sharp up hills and sharp down hills. In order to navigate them safely, consider the following. If your new or used RV starts to speed up and you end up pressing the brakes all the way down, you encounter the potential to wear out your brakes to a point they no longer work. If you encounter this, utilize the runaway ramps or safety ramps. These are steep uphills that veer off the side of the road to help you slow down or stop. You may also have to use your emergency brake to slow down. In order to prevent this from happening in the first place, slow down before you reach the downhill. Use the low gears on your vehicle to keep you at a slow pace. If you find yourself picking up speed, place your foot firmly on the brake and hold down until you are at least five miles under the speed limit, then let up on the brake. If you start to increase speed, use the brake sporadically instead of holding it down all the way down.
Going up a hill, you may feel as if your vehicle isn't picking up speed even though you have the gas pedal depressed as much as possible. If this happens, don't be afraid to downshift. It will give your vehicle more power to make it up steep hills.
3.Some flat tires can't be prevented, but some can. In order to ensure the safest trip possible, inspect your tires before starting an RV vacation. Things you want to look for are air pressure levels, a decent tread and no bulging. If you see any of the above, have your tires replaced. New and used RVs that sit in storage for a long period of time may show no visible wearing. However, tires that aren't used can dry out and crack, causing severe problems on the road. Change out tires for new ones every five years or so even if they look brand new.
If your tire goes flat or pops while driving, don't panic. If your vehicle swerves, turn the wheel into the swerve to straighten out. Although this may seem counter intuitive, it works. Put on your flashers and try to get off the road as soon as possible. If you aren't able to put on a flat tire by yourself and you need to call for help, be sure to wait away from your vehicle for your safety.
With a few easy tips, you can stay safe on the road for a long time to come.
