The argument surrounding whether or not to purchase an RV Extended Service Contract, commonly referred to as an RV Extended Warranty, has been around as long as the product itself. There are firm believers on either side of the debate. Some RVers wouldn’t travel without coverage, while others wouldn’t pay a dime out of pocket to have it. Why is there such a difference in opinion? As you might expect, not all extended warranties are created equal. So how does a consumer decipher between the many plans available to ensure they get the best coverage for their vehicle? Industry experts recommend looking for the answers to the following questions:
Category: RV safety
RV Safety In Severe Weather And Storms
An RV can be a cozy shelter from rainy weather during a vacation, but what should you do if the weather becomes dangerous?
What can RVers do to protect themselves against tornadoes and severe storms?
Examiner.com features a story on protecting your RV and family from dangerous weather.
According to the story, RVers should know where to find shelter if the weather gets too rough. The story also features tips on purchasing a weather radio and what to do if you get caught in a severe storm.
Source: Examiner.com
Protecting Your RV From Carbon Monoxide Gas
WTHR News in Indianapolis reports on the dangers of carbon monoxide gas to RV travelers, which kills 500 RVers every year.
According to the story, carbon monoxide is known as the silent killer due to its colorless and odorless nature.
Carbon monoxide can get into your RV through vents and air conditioners. If RVs park too close together, the carbon monoxide emissions from generators or appliances that run on propane can get inside. Even the most weather-proof and comfortable RV can be threatened by CO gas.
The best defense is a CO gas detector and to check it is in proper working order before each trip.
Source: WTHR News
Traveling Safely With Propane In Your RV
Like Hank Hill on the TV show King of the Hill, RVers love propane and propane accessories. Propane can be used for cooking, heating, and even fridges.
RV Basics features tips on using propane to power an RV refrigerator. There is a debate on the safety of leaving a propane-powered fridge running while driving.
For more safety tips on using propane in your RV, check out RV Basic’s propane safety tips.
The National Propane Gas Association also features a list of safety tips, including where to get a propane tank serviced and safe refueling procedures.
Source: RVBasics.com and The National Propane Gas Association
Better engineering and technology makes RVs easier to drive
The fun part about shopping for a new is checking out all the new features that make RV living so comfortable.
But once you sign the paperwork and pick out your destination, driving that RV might seem a little scary at first.
Some RVs can rival a tractor trailer truck for size and weight. The mightiest SUV can seem like a toy compared the moment you get behind the steering wheel of a Class A.
The Star Phoenix reports that advances in RV technology and engineering have made driving and maneuvering easier. RVs actually have an advantage on the road due to their visibility and their height, giving drivers a better view.
Practice and expert advice from a dealer can help any capable driver master the art of parking and driving even the biggest RVs.
Know how tall your RV is and other RV safety tips
How tall is your RV? Did you remember to factor in the height of the air conditioning unit?
It might seem like a trival item to remember, but if you come across low overpass or tunnel a few inches or feet could mean the difference between saving or ruining your vacation.
Netscape.com offers a guide of simple tips to know when planning your RV vacation, ranging from knowing how much weight your RV can handle in cargo and people to checking your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
Do you have a simple tip that can protect your RV? Leave a comment and tell us. We are always looking for good advice from RV veterans.
Watch out for Carbon monoxide in your RV
http://rvtravel.com/blog/lowtech/2007/07/dont-become-carbon-monoxide-victim.html Nearly 200 people die every year from Carbon monoxide poisoning, with over 10,000 case ending up in the hospital. The Low-Tech RVing blog features advice on how to protect yourself from the odorless and colorless gas of Carbon Monoxide, along with a list of symptoms to watch out for. CO gas can come from malfunctioning heaters or ovens in your RV. While all new RV come equipped with CO detectors, they need to be replaced every five years.
Your RV needs more than car insurance
KomoTV.com features a story and audio on the importance of having RV insurance.
A recreational vehicle needs different insurance than a car. RVs are more than just transportation, many come equipped with the same luxuries and appliances as a home.
RVers also need coverage for events like accidents and injuries.
Have more questions about RV insurance? You can learn more on the RV Trader Online resources page.
Insurance company warns of common RV owner mistakes
Getting behind the wheel of a new RV is a dream come true. Some RVers are so excited to get on the road that they forget simple safety rules.
Before you fire up the engine of that new camper, you might want to read an article on TheStatesman.com on the common mistakes of RV owners.
Progressive Insurance researched the most common errors of RV owners. The mistakes range from the silly (driving out of a campsite missing a passenger) to the expensive and potentially dangerous (miscalculating overhead or side distance.)
Checking the age and wear of your RV tires
Have you checked your RV tires lately? Do you know when the was the last time you had them replaced? How much millage can you safely get out of RV tires?
The Low Tech RVing Blog features an entry on checking your RV tires and watching out for wear.
Your RV tires feature ways to check when they were manufactured. Heat and UV rays can age your tires, so check them regularly.