Towing an RV can be a great way to take your vacation to the next level, but there are a few things you should avoid in order to keep your RV running smoothly. In this article, you will get insights into a few common mistakes that should be avoided when towing an RV.
1. Check your set-up before driving
Many people often forget to check the basic setup before towing an RV on the road. It is essential to determine if your trailer is safe and ready to drive. This will allow you to drive your RV smoothly and prevent any unforeseeable incidents while driving.
There are a few things you should keep in mind before taking out your trailer on the road. First, prepare a checklist and ensure that everything is installed correctly. Next, you need to make sure that the hitch system is installed securely on the vehicle and is not interfering with the wheels or tires. Finally, don’t forget to adjust your breaks and check the tire pressure so you don’t pull away from one another.
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2. Consider the weight of your RV
People often make this common mistake of not paying attention to how heavy their RV really is when choosing which trailer hitch system to use on it. Many people think they can just use any trailer hitch system and everything will work out fine for them, but the weight of your vehicle is essential while selecting the trailer hitch system.
However, there are many factors involved in deciding what type of trailer hitch system would work best for your specific needs as well as where you plan on going with it. But if your RV weighs around 3000 pounds then you should consider towing it with a heavy-duty trailer hitch system.
3. Practice is a must before heading on the road
Another beginner’s mistake when towing an RV is driving it on the road without practice. Driving a recreational vehicle is different from driving your car. They are much bigger and need better handling than your regular vehicle. You can practice your driving skills in an empty parking lot so you make perfect turns, know when to hit the brakes and drive at the right speed.
Whether it’s a motorhome, campervan or fifth-wheel trailer, it can be stressful to drive these vehicles without any practice. Make sure to practice enough before heading out on the road. This will ensure safe and smooth travelling and avoid accidents.
4. Don’t overload your RV
Another common mistake most beginners make is overloading their trailer than its maximum capacity. If you are taking your RV on a long trip, don’t try to pack more than what it can handle. A heavy load of camping gear can add up quickly and cause damage to your RV or its tires, so make sure you are only taking what you need with you.
Furthermore, you can get into trouble if you are carrying too much weight or if your hitch system is not designed for the load you are trying to carry. It will put too much pressure on the hitch and can cause difficulty in handling your RV. If you want to carry more weight then customize your RV accordingly.
5. Plan your route in advance
It is important to plan a route in advance when towing an RV for trips or long drives. Driving these trailer vans on busy roads with traffic is a huge mistake and a nightmare for beginner drivers. If possible, then select a route with fewer turns and minimum traffic so you can drive smoothly.
Avoid travelling on narrow or bumpy roads, and ensure that there are multiple lanes available to avoid any kind of hassle on the road. Make sure that wherever you go, there will be enough room for your vehicle and the road is smooth and clear. Ensure that your route doesn’t contain small tunnels or low bridges where the height or weight of the trailer can be a problem.
6. Choose the right tow vehicle
There are different types of tow vehicles available for different purposes. It is essential to select a tow vehicle that’s designed for towing and has the features you need. The most common types of RV include motorhomes, campervans, caravans and fifth-wheel trailers, and each of them requires a different tow vehicle. Selecting the wrong tow vehicle will not serve its purpose, neither will you get the features you need. It will make towing an RV difficult for you.
You can also customize your tow vehicle and add features that you need for towing them. You must consider getting a vehicle with a high tow rating so it can carry more weight. You will also want something with good ground clearance for a smooth drive over bumps and hills.
If you’re looking for a tow vehicle for your RV, you can opt to look for used fifth wheel sales for an affordable and reliable option.
7. Take your time when reversing
A big mistake people make when towing an RV is not taking enough time to slow down before turning around or reversing in traffic or on busy roads. In fact, many times people get stuck because they try to turn too fast which forces them into other lanes of traffic.
This can be dangerous especially if there are children in the car. Even though adults may seem more experienced behind the wheel, but this does not mean they know how driving works. It’s better to take extra time than put your life at risk.
The Bottom-line
Towing an RV can be complex and tedious. It is essential to make sure you are doing things right the first time around to avoid any problems while driving on the road. These are a few common mistakes most people make when towing an RV. You must try to avoid these mistakes to prevent any incidents and make sure everything goes smoothly.
