With the government advising against non-essential travel abroad due to the pandemic, road trips across the great white north have become the go-to way to get in that much-needed vacation this summer. With the rise in domestic exploration RV’s have become more popular than ever as the perfect retreat on wheels. As most Canadians have safety top of mind RV’s offer vacationers a way to provide distance from those outside of your bubble while allowing the ease to travel and stay overnight almost anywhere you please.
The auto experts at OK Tire also put safety first and have created a checklist on how to prep for your RV getaway to ensure you have a vacation you remember for all the right reasons.
- Start with the basics – Before you head out, do your own inspection to ensure there are no obvious issues. Check lights (including signal and hazards), clean windows for a clear view, check the condition of all latches, awnings and hooks and ensure all propane and gas containers are filled up with no signs of leaking.
- Don’t forget the tires – Tires are the only point of contact your RV has with the road and ensuring they are in good condition is imperative. Remember to check the pressure before you head out as underinflated tires can cause loss of control of the tow vehicle or motorhome and could cause a rollover or other accident.
- Pack light – Due to their size and storage capacity it’s easy to overpack an RV. Be sure to check the manufacturer’s load ratings located on a variety of points inside or outside the RV. An overloaded or unbalanced load can lead to tire failure and poor handling.
- Consult an expert – Whether you’re new to RVing or a seasoned traveller be sure to have your vehicle and/or trailer checked out by a professional. A preventive maintenance check-up done by a certified technician is best to avoid any surprises down the road. Have the technician check your tires, brakes, fluid levels, filters, belts and hoses and be sure to ask any maintenance questions you might have. A little bit of work in advance could prevent a small issue turning into a major one.
