RV Safety Tips

Here are few suggestions below that can help avoid any delays and unexpected problems when you take your recreational vehicle out for what should be an enjoyable trip. Also think about investing in some maintenance and safety classes to help ensure happy travels.

Take Care of Your Tires

• Check your tire pressure before setting out on the road, while they’re still cold.
• Never exceed the maximum tire pressure indicated on your tire sidewalls or your owner’s manual.
• Keep tires covered to protect them from the sun and weather when you’re not traveling.

Weigh Your RV and Tow Vehicle

Locate a platform scale that is certified to ensure your weight is properly distributed and that you are within legal weight limits. Make sure your trip ready by fully loading your RV with passengers, cargo, fuel, personal belongings and full fresh water and propane tanks to get an accurate weight.

Understand Propane and Gas Systems

Inspect your propane and gas systems every spring for leaks and proper appliance operating pressure. Understand your RV alerts you to leaks, and have a plan in place if one occurs. If you smell gas or propane here are some simple things you can do:

• Extinguish any open flames and pilot lights.
• Do not touch electrical switches.
• Shut off gas supply at the tank valve(s) or gas supply connection.
• Open the doors and windows and leave until the smell clears.
• Have the gas system checked and repaired by a qualified technician before using again.

Use the Onboard Generator Sparingly

The onboard generator gives you extra power when there’s no shore power available, but be wary of carbon monoxide.

• Never sleep with the generator running, and before you start the generator inspect the exhaust system.
• Test the carbon monoxide detector, and know the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning so you can watch out for it.