Driving Challenges While Towing an RV

Camping in an RV, or recreational vehicle, can be a wonderful hobby. There are so many places to go and see. But, first, you have to get there. And, if you have a travel trailer or a fifth wheel trailer, you have to pull it using a tow vehicle. This can be a challenge, even for the most experienced driver. Here are some tips to help you to get your trailer to your camping spot safe and sound.

Many RV dealers offer classes in driving a tow vehicle for your new travel trailer or fifth wheel. If they do not, you might suggest to them that it would be a wonderful way to build a loyal customer base and get some repeat business.

Some driving schools offer classes on towing an RV camper. Many times, there are classes for both new and experienced drivers. They are well worth the expense and help to greatly reduce the stress of new RV owners.

The classes should cover the most common situation that will occur during your trip to the camping site. This should include driving on grades and backing up, which are the two most feared scenarios for new RV owners. If there will be more than one licensed driver taking the trip in the RV, each one should learn how to drive the tow vehicle. You never know when the main driver may become ill or have an accident. It may be up to one of the passengers to get the trailer where it is going. You do not want to have to leave your RV behind.

With very long trailers and fifth wheels, mountain travel can be dangerous. The rounds up and down mountains are more likely to be narrow and have hairpin turns. Many of the roads will be marked restricting long loads. You can always stop at a highway patrol station to make sure your route is safe for your RV.

If your trailer weighs more than one thousand pounds, it should have a braking system independent of that in the tow vehicle. It may even be required by law in your state, so be sure to check with your dealer. Even if it is not legally required, it is foolhardy to try and tow a trailer of that weight without trailer brakes.

Another safety feature is sway controls. These are attached to the hitch and tow vehicle. These controls will help reduce the swaying motion of the trailer that will occur when a large vehicle, like an eighteen-wheeler, passes at a speed of seventy miles per hour. This swaying can cause inexperienced drivers to over-correct and lose control. The sway controls are not required by law, but are highly recommended. Again, talk to your dealer about having these installed.

No matter if you are new to the RV scene, or an experienced camper, there will be challenges during the trip to the camp site. Hopefully, these tips will help you get the equipment and training you need to be sure these risks are at a minimum.