Safe Towing Tips | Baird, TX

Towing an RV can be a fun and exciting way to travel, but it’s important to remember that safety should always be the top priority. To maximize safety while towing, you’ll need to both prepare for your trip as well as use different driving techniques.

Towing Preparation

Getting your RV and tow vehicle ready for a trip is half the battle. The better prepared you are, the easier the drive will be.

Know Your RV

Before hitting the road, it’s important to know your RV. The weight of your RV and the extra weight of any cargo you’re carrying will have a significant impact on your vehicle’s ability to stop quickly and maneuver turns safely. The height of your RV is also a factor to consider, as travel trailers can be much taller than the tow vehicle, and low bridge situations and gas stations may pose clearance problems. Knowing the weight and height of your RV can help you choose the right tow vehicle and avoid potential issues on the road.

Check Your Tires

Having a clear view of your surroundings is crucial when towing an RV. It’s important to ensure that your mirrors are adjusted correctly to provide the best view of your RV and its surroundings. Most tow vehicles have side mirrors that can be extended out to provide a wider view, but additional towing mirrors may be required for larger RVs. Also, make sure that your rearview mirror is not obstructed by the RV.

Adjust Your Mirrors

Having a clear view of your surroundings is crucial when towing an RV. It’s important to ensure that your mirrors are adjusted correctly to provide the best view of your RV and its surroundings. Most tow vehicles have side mirrors that can be extended out to provide a wider view, but additional towing mirrors may be required for larger RVs. Also, make sure that your rearview mirror is not obstructed by the RV.

Plan Your Route In Advance

Some roads limit the types of vehicles that can drive on them. They may have height, width, and weight limits, or may even prohibit trailers altogether. Planning your route ahead of time can help you avoid getting into a difficult driving situation. Consider using an RV navigation app like CoPilot RV or an RV trip planning app like InRoute to make preparation a lot easier.

Towing Safely On The Road

Once you’re ready to head out, these driving tips will help improve your towing safety while on the road.

Make Wider Turns

Making wider turns when towing an RV is essential to avoid curbs, obstacles, or other vehicles. The trailer’s wheels will end up closer to the inside of the turn than the wheels of the tow vehicle, making the trailer more likely to hit or ride over curbs. Therefore, it’s crucial to take constant care and give a wider berth than usual around any corner. 

Allow For Longer Stopping Distances

As mentioned in the previous article, stopping distances will increase due to the added weight of the RV. Therefore, it’s crucial to be more attentive to vehicles stopping suddenly ahead of you when towing and begin braking sooner than if you weren’t towing. Also, keep in mind that your braking system should be in good working order, and trailer brakes should be properly adjusted according to the load.

Drive In The Right Lane

Slower traffic and large rigs should avoid driving in the leftmost lanes according to most traffic laws, but there are additional benefits to driving in the right lane, particularly on the highway. It gives you quicker access to the emergency shoulder lane in case you need to brake suddenly, or in the event of an issue like a tire blowout.

At Hanner RV Supercenter, we hope you and your family have a stress-free and safe trip in your RV. If you have any questions about driving or want to learn more about your RV, talk to us at our dealership in Baird, Texas!