RV Safety Check Prevents Accidents while Traveling

Before you hit the highways this spring, you should give your RV a thorough maintenance inspection and make any necessary repairs. To avoid trouble on the road, RV owners should re-inspect their RV periodically and before any extensive trip.

RV Pre-trip Checklist

> Belts and hoses (check for cracks and loose connections)
> Tow hitch and towing equipment
> Tire pressure and tread level
> Fire extinguishers fully charged and in place
> Smoke alarms working (change batteries in the spring and fall)
> Cooking vent hood clean to prevent grease fires
> LP gas connections (check for leaks)
> Headlights, tail lights and turn signals working

You can find helpful safety information, including tire inflation tables on the RV Safety & Education Foundation website. The foundation recommends that RV owners know the height of their vehicle and the clearance height of overpasses, bridges and tunnels on their travel route. Clearance heights are available on most state department of transportation (DOT) websites. Road atlases for RVs and semis also show clearance heights.

RVers should also know the loaded weight of their RV. The Foundation warns that exceeding the gross vehicle weight rating or gross axle weight rating can affect handling, travel trailer towing safety, braking ability, and contribute to suspension and tire failure. The Foundation offers free weighing service at rallys, shows and conferences across the country (click the link for 2011 schedule). You can also find truck scales at many RV service centers and truck stops.