Traveling in an RV is an amazing way to experience the world, but it’s also a big responsibility. Taking your house with you everywhere you go means you’re driving with a lot of weight, and many small things to regularly maintain. These safety rules will help you create a routine for confident RV travel before you get behind the wheel, while you’re on the road, and in the campground.

1. Know Your Specs

RV Height and Weight Checking height and weight is part of just about any health physical, so why don’t we apply that to our home-on-wheels? It might seem obvious, but knowing the actual height of your RV is crucial for safe travel. Keeping your exact height on a post-it note on your dashboard can prevent you from misjudging your height and attempting to travel under a bridge or overpass that’s a lot shorter than it looks.

Avoid Overloading Overloading your RV can lead to dangerous and damaging situations. When your motorhome or towable RV is too heavy, it puts an inordinate amount of pressure on your braking and steering systems, as well as your tires. This leaves you vulnerable to traffic accidents and tire blowouts that can have catastrophic results. Always weigh your coach when fully loaded and make sure that your total is within the manufacturer-established guidelines for your specific vehicle.

2. Buckle Up

Seat-Belt Safety Another no-brainer that too many people ignore: you should always have your seatbelt on while on the road in your RV! It’s easy to get too comfortable in your home-on-wheels and not want to stay buckled in for longer journeys. However, it is always best practice to have your seatbelt on while the RV is in motion. It is also recommended that passengers choose a front-facing seat in the RV. This can save your life in the event of a collision.

Pet Safety Keep in mind that this doesn’t only apply to humans! If you travel with a pet, look into a seat-belt harness to keep your furry companions safe as well.

3. Make a List, Check it Twice

Pre-Trip Checklist One of the less glamorous sides of RVing is the prep time needed to have a safe and successful trip. Checking the following items for functionality may take up time, but the open road is well worth it!

• Alarms and Extinguishers: Always check that your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms have full battery and are functioning properly. These are non-negotiable items and can save your life in an emergency! You’ll also want to keep a fire extinguisher in your rig and keep an eye on its expiration date.
• LP Gas System: Check for leaks and pressure issues. To check for leaks, go to each propane fitting and spray them with a simple mixture of soap and water. If you see bubbles form, this indicates a propane leak and you should seek immediate repair for this potentially dangerous issue.

4. Insurance to Ensure Safety on the Road

Emergency Roadside Assistance Even with ample planning, careful driving, and regular maintenance, things can and will go wrong on the road. There are plenty of RV protection options to back you up in the event you do hit a roadblock (literally and figuratively!). At minimum, invest in a comprehensive emergency RV roadside assistance policy before hitting the road. This coverage is inexpensive but can save you big should you need emergency service while traveling. Check out our option for 24/7 RV roadside coverage here.

Extended RV Warranty Not all breakdowns are emergencies, but that doesn’t mean they won’t cost you. The average RV repair costs around $300 per hour between parts and labor. Safeguard your wallet from these expenses by investing in an extended RV warranty.

5. Batten Down the Hatches

Secure Loose Items A surprisingly common cause of RV accidents and damage is forgetting to secure all of your rig’s bells and whistles before hitting the road. Items left loose or extended, like awnings, front steps, and slide-outs, can cause major damage once your RV is in motion. Make a list of items to double-check when packing up camp. Regularly checking these common and easily forgotten points can save you the stress, hassle, cost, and most importantly, danger associated with experiencing physical damage to the RV!

Additional Personal Safety Tips

Defensive Driving When driving, remember to always share the road! Small vehicles are often more afraid of you than you are of them. Stay in the slow lane and utilize mirrors and turn signals for maximum safety.

Personal Security at the Campground For personal safety in unknown territories, especially when traveling alone, consider installing a deadbolt on the door of your RV. Look into various forms of deterring unwelcome guests, such as a barking dog, a window sticker boasting of a security system, or a small blinking light visible from the dash. This can deter unwanted guests from trying to break into a motorhome they assume is protected.

Emergency Items Some essential safety items to keep on hand include flashlights, jumper cables, road flares, and the phone number of your favorite RV warranty specialist in case you have a breakdown.

Following these simple safety tips can erase the worry, leaving room for the fun and relaxation of a family RV trip.