Picture this: You and your family packed into your motorhome, setting off on the open road for the ultimate cross-country adventure. The thrill of cruising in your spacious rig, wind in your hair and endless possibilities ahead, is unmatched. But before you dive headfirst into the journey, it’s important to take a few key precautions to ensure your trip is as safe and successful as it is exciting. Let’s get you prepared for the road ahead!
Precautions to Take Before Every Long Haul Road Trip
Pre-trip Vehicle Inspection: Before hitting the road, do a thorough check of your motorhome. Inspect the tires, brakes, lights, fluid levels, and batteries. Make sure everything is in working order to avoid unexpected breakdowns.
Make Sure Loose Items are Secure: Inside your motorhome, secure all loose items, especially while driving. This includes kitchenware, decor, and even personal belongings. Loose items can become dangerous projectiles in the event of a sudden stop. One crucial lesson I’ve learned on the road is the importance of securing cabinet doors and drawers. After a few too many close calls, especially when making sharp turns and watching as kitchen drawers fly open, sending everything inside tumbling, I quickly realized that this small step could save me a lot of mess and stress. If you’re planning a road trip, don’t overlook this simple but essential safety tip!
Be Aware of the Weather: Always check the weather conditions along your route. Bad weather can make driving difficult, so it’s important to plan for things like rain, snow, or winds, and adjust your travel plans accordingly. Wind is your enemy when driving a large rig like a class A motorhome! The rule of thumb is if it is windier then 50 mph, avoid driving your motorhome! Weather can be tricky with long road trips, because it can be blue skies and sunny where you are departing from but it can be windy and rainy throughout your route.
Know Your Vehicles Height and Weight: Motorhomes come in different sizes, so always know your vehicle’s dimensions and weight. This is especially important when passing under bridges or navigating areas with weight restrictions. A lot of people create labels and stick them to the dashboard for quick reference while driving.
Stay in Your Lane: Motorhomes can be wider than standard cars, so it’s important to stay in your lane and be mindful of the width of your vehicle. Use your mirrors often and consider installing additional mirrors if needed. Most motorhomes have blind spot mirrors, but if it doesn’t I highly recommend adding one. It is super easy, all you need to do is buy a small circle mirror with a sticky back and stick it to your existing mirror. You can find these mirrors at a lot of places, but typically Walmart or Amazon will be your best bet!
Practice Defensive Driving: Since motorhomes are larger and less maneuverable than regular vehicles, always practice defensive driving. Maintain a safe distance, use your signals well in advance, and be aware of your surroundings.
Use Seat Belts and Safety Gear: Everyone in the motorhome should wear seatbelts while driving. In addition, make sure that any passengers traveling in the living area are seated properly and not moving around while you’re on the road. One amazing perk of a motorhome is having a bathroom in your vehicle! If you need to use the bathroom while on the road, have the driver pull over to do so safely!
Inspect Your Towing Setup: If you’re towing a car or another vehicle behind your motorhome, double-check your towing equipment. Ensure that your hitch is secure, and the lights and brakes on the towed vehicle are working correctly.
Use a Checklist: Before each trip, be sure to utilize a checklist to make sure your rig is safe to hit the road! It should include safety things like fire extinguisher, first aid kit, road flares and spare tire on it. We created a printable checklist to help ensure you and your family get to your final destination safely!
It’s Time to Safely Hit the Road!
I have just one more piece of advice before you hit the road! Knowledge of your insurance coverage is important! Having roadside assistance through my insurance gives me a huge sense of peace when traveling cross country. Knowing that help is just a call away makes all the difference and ensures that I can focus on enjoying the journey without worrying about what might go wrong.
Now that you’re equipped with essential motorhome safety tips, it’s time to hit the road and embark on your next adventure with confidence!
