5 Critical Mistakes That Can Ruin Your RV Trip!

The open road awaits as you get hooked up and ready to take charge of your next adventure. You’re eager to begin your journey, but in the back of your mind is that small voice asking what you may have forgotten or overlooked. The last thing you want is a mishap that would bring your fun to a screeching halt.

As an RVer, you know that safety is the #1 key to having fun on the road. Below are 5 critical mistakes that can ruin your RV trip!

1. Failed Equipment

There isn’t much worse than a critical piece of equipment failing midway through your vacation. Namely: your inverter, generators, lighting system, etc. These are items that we rely on in our day to day travels, but can easily be overlooked in the excitement of take-off. Keeping a close eye on your most important equipment is essential.

We suggest creating a detailed list of these critical items to check before take off and while en-route: (shown on RVi's Command Center Travel Checklist app):

2. Tire Wear and Pressure

The condition of your tires should be at the forefront of your mind before and during your travels. The size and weight of your RV creates a real liability on the road without proper preparation and precautions. A blowout is not only scary, but can be extremely dangerous and cause significant damage to your motorhome and surrounding vehicles.

One of the best ways to prevent blowouts, or at a minimum be immediately alarmed of the issue, is with a tire monitoring system. With Tire Patrol, you can monitor up to 14 tires on one display. Now you can travel easy knowing that your tires are under constant watch.

3. Forgetting The Essentials

The essentials for you and your RV adventure are unique, but there are a few things that just about everyone cannot forget. Here are just a few examples:

- Wheel chocks
- First-aid kit
- Electrical adapters
- Travel map and campground directory
- Battery jumper cables
- Much, much more…

The trick is to plan your trip in advance so you can prepare everything you’ll need. Put together your list and check it twice! Hitting the road without the essentials could put a damper on your adventure and even become dangerous.

4. Mother Nature

This one is a little bit more difficult to avoid, but there are certain precautions you can take to avoid the occasional wrath of Mother Nature. A major key to a worry-free RV road trip is planning your route according to the weather patterns of certain areas. For example, you probably shouldn’t plan a route that passes through Colorado in January. And if you don’t like 110° heat, Arizona in July likely isn't the best idea.

When mapping out your route, you should always check local weather forecasts for your next few destination at least 3-4 days prior to your arrival. This allows you to take a detour if needed so you can avoid rain storms, snow, hurricanes, volcanic eruptions, etc. Bad weather can add unnecessary stress to your journey; but if you must travel in inclement weather, your tire pressures/condition are even more critical. Sloppy, muddy, wet roads are no fun - unless of course you tow a Jeep behind your motorhome! 

5. Safety in a Panic Stop

Your RV is difficult enough to stop on its own in an emergency; now add a few thousand pounds pushing on the back of it (if you’re flat towing a vehicle) and you’ve got a real challenge in a panic stop. The best way to mitigate this fear is by using a supplemental braking system in the towed car. In fact, they’re required by law in 49/50 US states because of their effectiveness in helping you stop your rig in the event of a breakaway.  

There are two types of brake systems on the market: portable and permanently installed. In our opinion, the RVibrake3 is the right choice when you decide to go portable. It’s the smallest, most advanced, yet simplest braking system on the market. But don’t take our word for it - see how the RVibrake3 compares HERE.

RVing can be one of life’s greatest experiences, but without proper preparation it can also be one of the most stressful. Above are a few key areas to focus on, but there is certainly much more to consider before you take off. The products you rely on to keep you safe are essential if you want to minimize worry and stress. After a few big trips, you’ll have a checklist nailed down. After many adventures, you’ll be a pro!

We love RVing, that’s why we’re passionate about innovating products to simplify your RV lifestyle.

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