RV Camping and Motorhome Safety
We live in a beautiful country. RVing allows us to explore the scenic byways, great national parks and unique, special places. Yet, as we drive to our next park or campground, or plan ournext vacation, we don't always fully consider the safety issues surrounding RVs and RV camping. But, by having the basic knowledge necessary to deal with the unforeseen, we can insure a safe recreational trip and experience.
Fortunately, RVers today have ample materials available to help us keep themselves and their families safe. For example, through the efforts of organizations like the Recreation Vehicle Safety Education Foundation (RVSEF), there is now a comprehensive, RV industry approved safety training program for the RV enthusiast. The program is a self-paced, 9-topic training program, designed to give RVers and their families a working knowledge of their RV and its operation as it relates to safety. Each topic is covered with a manual (approximately 20 pages) and accompanying video segment with an estimated total time of 45 minutes per section. This format allows users to complete one or two sections, then return later and pick up the program right where they left off.
The RVSEF recommends that RVers set aside time for the family to work through it together, discussing the material and identifying situations that may be different in their specific RV or motorohome. Developing checklists and pre-planned procedures, such as emergency escape plans, is a key ingredient in the program. If you want you and your family to be safe, you need to understand that safety begins with an understanding what you are doing. With that understanding, you must put the knowledge to work for you.
The nine subjects covered by the RVSEF include:
- Propane: Information of what propane is and how it is used in an RV, and the components critical to its safe loading and use.
- Tires: Tire design, application, inflation, and maintenance, which the RV owner should know to ensure optimum tire life and performance. Included in the video for this subject is the highly acclaimed "Critical Factor" tape produced by Michelin, showing actual tire blowouts and the recommended procedures to ensure complete control of the RV.
- Weight: Proper weight distribution and load management, as well as tips on purchasing an RV that will minimize the risk of ending up with weight related problems.
- Towing: Information on proper hitch components and ratings for safe towing a car or a trailer. Brakes, towbars, and supplemental braking systems are discussed.
- Motor Fuels: Gasoline and diesel fuels are discussed, and general safety precautions are recommended.
- Electrical: Combining the automotive electrical system with a residential system creates an environment unique to an RV. Emergency procedures and diagnostic tips are provided.
- Fire: Proper fire extinguisher size and type are essential to dealing with RV fires. Types of fires, preventative maintenance, and an RV emergency escape plan are discussed.
- Driving: Driving, maneuvering and parking an RV, towing angles, field of vision, and emergency procedures to safely operate RVs, motorhomes and combination vehicles.
- Personal Safety: Addressing the need for communications, dealing with weather, and security on the road as well as in the park and campground are discussed.
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