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Camping World Auto & RV Insurance is always striving to take the best possible care of RVers when they find themselves in a tight spot. Along the way, we've also learned some important tips that could have avoided most of these situations before they happened:
Conduct a Pre-Drive Safety Check
Many accidents are caused by simple forgetfulness: leaving doors unlatched, awnings up or steps attached. Create a step by-step checklist, and like a pilot on a 747, conduct a "walk-around" visual inspection before driving away. A preflight checklist should include:
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Checking engine oil, transmission fluid and coolant levels. Look under the rig for signs of fluid leaks.
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Checking air brakes, parking brake and tow brakes if you are towing.
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Verifying that power, TV, phone, water and sewer lines are disconnected.
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Making sure jacks, steps and awnings are retracted.
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Making sure bay doors are closed and latched.
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Double checking your tow bar, safety cables and tow brakes.
Know Your Height
Talk about getting in a tight spot! It may sound simple, but you'd likely be amazed at how many people forget the extra height of an RV while driving. Hitting bridges and overhangs are some of the most common accidents we see.
To avoid getting hung up — literally — try this simple trick: put a sticky note on the dashboard with your exact clearance. Another vital fact: a typical RV is 8.5ft. wide, while the typical highway lane is only 10ft. wide. This gives you about a foot-and-a-half to work with.
See and Be Seen
Always use turn signals. Turn your signal on about 50 feet before you turn. A very common accident is caused by an RVer slowing to begin a turn and an impatient driver behind attempting to pass at that same time. And always drive with your headlights on. It doesn't seem like a vehicle that size should have any trouble being seen, but you would be surprised how many accident reports say, "I never saw them coming."
At Camping World Auto & RV Insurance, we care about more than just the value of your assets. We also care about the quality of your life.
Click here to get a free quote.
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