At DeAngelis RV, we want you to have a safe trip in your motor home rental. To ensure that you are prepared to handle an RV in a variety of road conditions and situations, it is important to take the time to review the following RV driving safety tips.

Gravel Roads

RV Driving on Gravel Roads

Motor homes operate reasonably well on dirt and gravel country roads. However, on such roads, gravel thrown up by oncoming traffic can produce dents in the fiberglass or windshield damage.

Windy Conditions

Driving an RV in Windy Conditions

Motor homes, by their very nature, are high profile vehicles. Remember, windy conditions adversely affect all such vehicles. If the wind is blowing,

• Slow down. Speed and wind create very dangerous driving situations.
• Turn on the radio and check for wind advisories.
• If high winds make driving conditions dangerous or you see other high profile vehicles such as large trucks or other motor homes pulled over to the side of the road, exercise caution, pull over and wait for the wind to subside.

Freezing Weather

RV Driving in Freezing Temperatures

When the temperature drops in the freezing range, driving conditions change radically.

• Roads become icy, including the hard to see “black ice”
• Cold weather may cause freezing of the vehicle.

If the temperature drops below freezing, when you are driving a motor home, check your operations guide, which gives specific actions to take to prevent damage to the vehicle systems. If you have any questions about driving an RV in freezing temperatures and icy road conditions, please call (631) 589-5295 for assistance. Do not take any unnecessary risks to the RV or your well-being.

Slippery Roads

RV Driving on Slippery Roads

Motor homes are actually better at negotiating slippery road conditions than automobiles. Because a higher percentage of the vehicle weight of a motor coach is on the rear wheels, you will have good traction. However, it is important to always slow down and exercise caution when you encounter slippery conditions. While traction may be better due to weight, if you start to slide, remember, the extra weight will carry you further than a car.

Highways

Highway Driving in a Recreational Vehicle

Long lines of cars often collect behind a motor home. When you see a long line of cars behind you, you should pull the RV off the road to let the cars go by. If you fail to let faster traffic pass you, particularly daring drivers will take dangerous risks to overtake you and the motor home will be the focal point of a potential traffic accident.

Mountains

Driving an RV on Mountain Roads

When driving a motor home in the mountains,

• Watch the engine temperature carefully. If the engine overheats, pull off the right side of the road immediately and allow the engine to cool.
• Check the engine for coolant.
• Use low gear on inclines where the transmission is repeatedly up shifting and downshifting.
• When descending an incline, always put the transmission in low gear, thus avoiding the overuse of the brakes.
• If at any time it appears that the brakes are fading, stop the vehicle immediately and allow the brakes to cool before proceeding.