Safety Tips for Getting Ready to Pull Out

Safety Tips for Getting Ready to Pull Out
By Edwin J. Hill

Inexperienced people think the job's done once the trailer is hooked up. I think there's a lot more to towing a travel trailer safely. It's more a matter of common sense than anything else.

I'm a believer in checking, double-checking and checking once more. My family sometimes gets impatient with me but, then, I've never had an accident with an RV

I make sure the coupling, itself, is secure. I check the safety chains, the break-away safety and the electrical hookup.

Part of checking the electrical hookup is checking all the lights. I turn on the parking lights on the tow vehicle and have someone stand behind the trailer. I have them confirm to me that the running lights and tail lights are working. Together, we test each turn signal as well as the brake lights. If they're not working, I don't drive!

I go inside the trailer and make sure everything that needs to be secured is secure. I check all the cupboard doors and drawers. Any doors must be locked in place. Anything that could fall is secured.

I like to walk around the trailer twice. The first time, I check all the compartment doors to make sure they're all locked. I also make sure the trailer steps are folded up and out of the way. On this trip around the trailer, I check all the hookups again. I make sure the truck mirrors are adjusted for trailer towing

The second time around, I try to get at least 30 feet away so I can easily see under the trailer to the other side. I have discovered things hanging down that needed to be secured. Other times, I have noticed something lying on the ground that needed to be picked up. It's during this once-around that I check to make sure the truck and trailer are level.

It may seem like unnecessary overkill. However, I have found something wrong just often enough to make me keep on doing it.

In the name of safety, I recommend you do the same!

Ed Hill was introduced to "camping" by the US Army nearly half a century ago. Since then, he has traveled across most of the United States and parts of Europe using a variety of tents and RV's. Ed is now sharing that love of RV travel in his blog, http://www.EnjoyRVTravel.com

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Ensuring Your New RV is in Tip Top Shape

Ensuring Your New RV is in Tip Top Shape
By Arthur Fletcher

For families who want to travel together without the hassle of having to jump on a plane every time they decide to take a trip, recreational vehicles are becoming a very popular alternative. They are comfortable and give you the feeling that you are at home, even while traveling across the country.

If you are fortunate enough to have a large financial budget, you can purchase a brand new luxury recreational vehicle that will bring you many years of happiness and comfort. However, most people don't have that kind of money laying around, so you may need to consider purchasing a second-hand recreational vehicle.

Whichever RV you choose to buy, it is important to get a full inspection done before signing a contract or putting down any large sum of money. One of the worst things you can do is to hurry into buying something only to find that you have brought home a lemon. Given the expense, this consideration is even more imperative when buying a used RV. Since the recreational vehicle that you will be buying will be used extensively for traveling on the road, it has to be in good shape and road worthy.

A previously owned recreational vehicle may or may not come with a warranty. Either way, you will want to be sure that it won't wind up in the shop every time you want to take a trip. Seeking the advice and skills of an expert of your choosing to look it over from top to bottom is a good way to limit the risk exposure that you are not buying something with defects or bad mechanics. A professional will be able to inform you quickly if you are going to be putting a lot of money into repairs or if the RV will be great with minimal - or no - additional labor.

It isn't only the engine you want to check. Since most RV's come with extensive amenities, verify they are all in good working condition. That includes the stove, microwave, television, and even making sure the couch and tables fold down properly.

It is critical that you take it for a test drive, just as you would if you were buying a new car. However, you should make this trip a little longer. Additionally, it is possible that your RV showroom offers rentals; securing one for a few days would help you make a more well rounded decision about which model you would like to purchase. It will also allow you an opportunity to determine whether the one you want runs well and is truly in good condition.

You definitely do not want to put a lot of money into a recreational vehicle and find afterward that is has significant and expensive problems. The more thorough your inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase, the happier you will be on the road.

For practical RV and camping readiness information, please visit http://www.rv-camping-preparation.com, a popular site providing great insights concerning issues that help you with camping and buying that RV you've dreamed of.

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