Are RV's dangerous to own and operate?
After giving this some thought I realized that this one short
question covered a very large spectrum. There was no quick or
easy response to this question. I responded by saying that in
most cases it's not the RV that is dangerous, but the individual
that is operating the RV that is dangerous. I gave some examples
of unsafe acts that I have witnessed like carrying a full spare
LP gas bottle inside the RV, sleeping in the RV with the
generator running and never weighing the RV or checking the
inflation pressure in the tires.
I told them when they begin their search for their RV the first
thing to verify is that the RV manufacturer is a member of the
Recreation Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA). If they are the
RV will have an oval shaped RVIA seal displayed on the exterior,
usually by the entrance door. This seal means that the RV
manufacturer is in compliance with more than 500 safety
requirements regarding electrical, plumbing, heating, and fire
and life safety. These safety requirements are established under
the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) A119.2 Standard
for Recreation Vehicles. This should put to rest any concerns
you may have about the RV itself being safe when it is
manufactured.
I explained that the next step is to educate yourself on the
systems of an RV and what is required to operate the RV safely
and properly. If you're going to be towing a three or four ton
travel trailer, or driving a six ton plus motor home you need to
understand the importance of proper hitch work, weights and
driving techniques.
I also explained that anytime you are dealing with petroleum
products like LP gas and gasoline generators there is cause for
concern, but if handled properly there is nothing to worry
about. A good place to start is with our RV video and DVD
library.
In no particular order, I offer the following advice concerning
RV safety:
* Take care of your RV's tires and they will take care of you.
When you're not using your RV keep the tires covered to protect
them from the damaging affects of ozone in the air and UV rays
from the sun. Invest in a quality inflation pressure gauge and
check the tire pressure in all tires every time you use the RV.
Check and adjust the pressure when the tires are cold, before
you move it. Maintain the pressure recommended by the
manufacturer. Consult the owner's manual for proper tire
inflation and never exceed the maximum pressure located on the
tire sidewalls.
* Weigh your RV and tow vehicle. The only way to know if the
weight is properly distributed and that you are within the
allowable weight ratings for the RV and tow vehicle is to have
them weighed. Look for certified platform scales in your yellow
pages under moving companies or truck stops. When you weigh your
RV and tow vehicle have them fully loaded for travel to include
passengers, cargo, fuel, personal belongings, and full fresh
water and propane tanks. Verify that you do not exceed any
manufacturer weight ratings such as, the Gross Vehicle Weight
Ratings (GVWR), Gross Combined Weight Ratings (GCWR), and Gross
Axle Weight Ratings (GAWR). NEVER exceed any manufacturer weight
ratings. It is quite possible to be within the weight ratings,
but still exceed a tire rating. This is why you must weigh each
axle end separately to insure that the load is within the
capacity of the axles, wheels and tires and to see if the load
is properly distributed.
* Have the LP gas system inspected every spring before using
the RV. Take your RV to a qualified service center and let them
check the LP gas system for proper appliance operating pressure
and to check the system for leaks. Familiarize yourself with the
odorant added to LP gas to assist you in detecting a leak, and
what to do if there is a gas leak. If you smell LP gas or the
leak detector alarm goes off: 1. Extinguish any open flames and
pilot lights. 2. Do not touch electrical switches. 3. Shut off
the gas supply at the tank valve(s) or gas supply connection. 4.
Open the doors and windows and leave the area until the odor
clears. 5. Have the LP gas system checked and repaired by a
qualified technician before using the system again.
* It is not recommended that you travel with the LP gas turned
on. If you do have the gas on while traveling turn off each
individual pilot light, appliance, and the main gas supply
before refueling.
* The onboard generator makes your RV fully self-contained. It
allows you access to 120 volts when there is no shore power
available, but keep in mind that carbon monoxide is deadly!
NEVER sleep in the RV with the generator running! Before you
start and use the generator inspect the exhaust system. Do not
use it if the exhaust system is damaged. Test the carbon
monoxide detector every time you use the RV. Know what the
symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are: 1. Dizziness 2.
Vomiting 3. Nausea 4. Muscular twitching 5. Intense headache 6.
Throbbing in the temples 7. Weakness and sleepiness 8. Inability
to think coherently If you or anyone else experiences any of
these symptoms get to fresh air immediately. If the symptoms
persist seek medical attention. Shut the generator down and do
not operate it until it has been inspected and repaired by a
professional.
Keep in mind, this is a very short list. There are many other
safety issues involved in owning and operating an RV, but by
practicing common sense, and through education, RV ownership is
not only safe, it's lots of fun.
Happy Camping
Copyright (c)
2005 by Graham Richards - Feel free to check out the best of
camper hire at Helderberg Camper Hire South Africa.