At Nohr’s RV Center, we think that everyone should experience the fun and freedom of RV camping. We want you to have a safe and trouble-free time, and this list of vehicle preparation tips is a great place to get started on that.
Vehicle Inspection
Perform a complete vehicle inspection. Check the tread and
inflation of all tires, and verify that you have good condition spare tires for
both. Have your brakes checked and repaired if necessary. Remember that your
tow vehicle is going to be working harder while towing, so the brakes need to
be in excellent condition before setting off a road trip. Stop by Nohr’s RV Center a couple of days before you set out, and we will be
happy to perform a complete RV and towing inspection for you.
Check Your Weight Ratings
Your tow vehicle and RV will have two weight ratings.
One is for the total weight of the vehicle plus the object being towed, and the
other is the maximum weight of towable vehicles and trailers. Both numbers are
available in your vehicle owner’s manual or located on the label inside the
driver's side door of the vehicle.
Hitch Inspection and Capacity
Unless you have a
fifth wheel, your trailer hitch is the next area of
concern.
If the hitch is not rated for the weight of your RV, you will need to replace
it with a larger hitch. While you are inspecting your trailer hitch, take a few
moments to verify that the safety chains are in good condition, and connect the
lighting connectors so you can verify that the brake and turn signals are
working.
Anti-Sway and Weight Distribution
A heavy trailer or RV
is capable of causing you to lose control of your tow vehicle with dangerous
consequences. Some of this problem can
be eliminated by installing an anti-sway system. You can also
eliminate some of the problems with trailer sway by making sure that your
supplies and gear inside the RV have been properly distributed. Load the RV
with an imaginary line down the center of the chassis as the main location for
all added weight.
Trailer Braking
An optional aid for
vehicle towing is to have a trailer braking system installed. This would allow
you to do a significant portion of your slowing and stopping using the brakes
on the RV instead of those on your tow vehicle. Since the braking would take
place closer to the rear of your vehicle train, there will be less drag on your
tow vehicle, and it will not bump or jerk around in a dangerous fashion.We care about the safety of your family and your vehicles. To that end, we are happy spend a little time extra checking your tow system or discussing ways to reduce your risks on the road. Stop by Nohr’s RV Center today and let us help you have a safe and confident summer adventure.
