Preventing Vehicle Breakdown & Accidents

Most RV breakdowns are preventable if you make the necessary adjustments before embarking on your RV trip. Coach Net is a popular roadside service provider and they will provide you with emergency roadside assistance. They have also found that the majority of RV breakdowns and accidents could have been easily avoided. Coach Net and RV dealers encourage you to review your maintenance procedures. They encourage RVers to service the RV early and to check the system operations.

Engines problems are among the top thirty one percent of roadside assistance calls. Engine problems are generally minor problems such as incompatible coolants, dirty filters or improper fuel. RVers must change their engine oil often as well as check other fluids such as transmission fluids. Check air filters for dirt and grime. Changing your air filter will also help you save a little on gas as well. Most engine problems are not catastrophic and can be prevented by regular maintenance.

The second most common roadside assistance call is for brake and suspension system problems. Doing a little research can prevent modern air brakes and suspension problems. Read your owner's manuals prior to adjusting suspension systems and air breaks. Many RVers unknowingly empty the air out of their air brakes in the campsite while leveling their RVs.

The third most common roadside assistance call is for batteries. Checking your batteries often and replacing them when necessary will help to prevent battery issues. If your RV is in storage or at an RV park, you should be sure to charge your engine battery every seven to ten days. Your house batter will automatically charge while the RV is plugged into hook-ups, however, you will want to check the water level in the battery every week. If you have power problems while at a campsite, the problem is generally with the hook-up.

The fourth most common call is for slide-outs and leveling systems that will not retract. These systems will stick if they are not used very often. You will want to test these systems prior to leaving for your trip so that you will not be stuck at the campsite later.

The fifth most common call is for the electrical AC 110-volt. RVs should typically work fine with the appliances they come with, however, adding to the appliances may cause an electrical drain in the RV. If you are turning on outside appliances, be sure to turn off appliances elsewhere. This is also true for rooftop air conditioners and before turning them on; you should turn something else off. Appliances that typically cause electrical problems include hairdryers, coffeemakers and blenders.

To prevent on the road accidents, wise RVers will attend an RV driving course. You will learn how to drive your "big rig" and you will be able to maneuver your RV more safely. They will also teach you how to properly haul a trailer, back and park. Driving courses will allow you to see how fast you will be able to maneuver your RV and how suddenly it will stop. High cross winds and semis passing you can also cause predicaments for RVers.

Typical RV accidents include RVs being crunched into the bottoms of overpasses or parking garages. These occur because drivers underestimate the height of their RV. Placing measurements of your RV around the driver's seat will help you to remember the height of the RV and avoid costly accidents. RVs also have really large blind spots. Mirrors should be adjusted so that you won't cut someone off or hit a car on the highway. Have another person walk around the RV and show you where your blind spots are. RVs also have a wider turning radius. Avoid bumping curbs as much as possible. Your tires will thank you and you won't feel ridiculous. You also never know what might be on the curb and you may hit something.

Weight is a huge consideration in driving your RV. Your RV must first be properly packed and loaded to avoid leaning and tipping. Your RV's weight also means that you will need more time for stopping. You will require a longer following distance and stopping distance than the vehicles in front of you. You will need to be aware of the traffic and you may need to possibly pull over and let other traffic by you if you must drive slowly.

Properly preparing both your RV and yourself will insure that your RV season is a fun and safe one. Remember that your RV is just like you car and must be properly maintained. Check all hoses and fluids before hitting the open highway. If your RV has been parked for a while, you may want to take it to an RV shop for a good check over before your trip.--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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