Staying Safe While Towing an RV Camper

Camping in an RV, or recreational vehicle, is a great hobby. But, as with all outdoor hobbies, there are special requirements that need to be followed to stay safe. Here are some tips to help you stay safe when towing an RV to or from the campsite.

In all fifty states of the US and in Canada, it is required by legal and safety standards that the brake lights, tail lights, and turn signals of the towed vehicle must operate in sync with the vehicle that is towing. Very often, a vehicle that is being towed will block the warning lights on the front vehicle and limit visibility. There are many wiring solutions to choose from to make sure you are legal and safe.

Brake and signal light accessory kits are available for purchase. These with either strap on or be magnetically attached to the rear of the towed vehicle. There is a junction box that is used to tap the wires from the kit into your tow vehicle's main wiring harness. Just remember, if the RV you are towing has a fiberglass body, you will not be able to use the light kit with magnets.

It is also possible to use a permanent lighting system. This will connect the lights of the towed RV directly into those of the tow vehicle. The most common way to do this is to install a wiring harness bridge with matching plugs at each end.

You can also install an independent lighting system on your RV camper. This will be attached to the tow vehicle's lights by using a hot-lead pigtail that runs to the taillight housing. Be sure you have ample clearance inside the taillight housing if you plan to use this option.

It is not required by law unless the RV you are towing is over a certain weight, but you might want to consider a supplemental braking system in your tow vehicle. This additional braking system will make your travels much safer and easier. This is especially true if you are driving in a lot of stop-and-go traffic or up and down a lot of steep hills. If it is required by law for you to have extra braking power and you choose not to, you are in danger of voiding any warranty on your RV or tow vehicle.

No one wants to have an accident while on vacation, or any other time for that matter. Staying safe while getting to and from the campground should be a top priority. Hopefully, these tips will help you stay safe while towing your RV camper.