Safety Tips for Towing an RV

Traveling in an RV is a great way to go, and most people who have experienced it wouldn't have it any other way. When it comes to traveling, many people prefer a tow-behind RV because they can unhook and still have a vehicle available to them while the RV is parked and set up. Whether you're a seasoned driver or a newbie, keeping safety in mind when towing is of the utmost importance. When you hit the road, always remember these important tips.

Know the towing capacity of your vehicle. Some of these RVs with multiple slide-outs are extremely heavy, so know how much weight you can safely tow and check the weight of the RV, which is usually listed somewhere near the entrance door or inside a cabinet. Keep in mind all the weight you'll add once you pack up your camper.

Invest in mirrors that improve your visibility. It's important to be able to see what's behind you and next to you at all times, but sometimes the standard mirrors on a tow vehicle don't allow for that. There are many aftermarket options that will improve your ability to see what's going on around you.

Install an anti-sway system. Towing can be stressful and there's a certain amount of back and forth movement that can happen when you're changing lanes on the highway, or experiencing high winds. An anti-sway system will keep things lined up, more secure and less likely to experience any kind of incident.

Keep tires in mind. When towing, remember you have more tires than just your vehicle to worry about. A blowout can result in an accident, and, at the very least, some time spent on the side of the road. Inspect tires every time you travel and check for proper inflation. Make sure you have a spare tire for your tow vehicle and your RV.

Check your lights. Don't assume that the lights are working properly once you connect everything up. Do a quick check of brake, signal and hazard lights to make sure other vehicles can see you and know your intentions.

Don't ride the brakes. If possible, downshift when going down hills to avoid over-stressing your brakes.

Avoid backing up. When taking a break from driving, try to pull into big parking lots or gas stations that have a lot of room to pull through to avoid having to back up in a congested area.

Give yourself space. You've got a large, heavy RV traveling at a high speed, so increase the distance between you and the vehicle in front of you to allow more stopping time. Also, leave ample space for changing lanes.

Check your insurance. Before traveling, contact your independent insurance agent to make sure your vehicle and RV are both covered when traveling and parked.

Towing an RV is a great way to travel, but the person driving also needs to be responsible for staying in control at all times. Follow these tips to make sure your trip is fun and safe.

Protect you vehicle, come what may. Call Reliable Insurance Managers at (713) 227-7283 for more information on Katy RV insurance.

Safety Tips for Towing an RV

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