David Drury pilots Leslie Kay’s Insurance Stock Pro Bracket Racer from Hole Shot to Hole Shot at Palm Beach International Raceway’s Test & Tune Night – December 28, 2011…..
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It’s fun traveling with your home as you explore the different regions of the country. However, it can be dangerous if you are not familiar with the differences that the weight, size, and visibility demands of your RV driving. The transition from driving the family car to driving an RV is different, but not necessarily difficult. The points discussed below will help you to be a safe RV driver.
RV Heights
Most RVs are taller than passenger vehicles so you will need to learn quickly about road clearances, service station canopies, bridge heights, and to watch for low hanging obstacles such as tree branches. Your owner’s manual, your RV dealer, or the RV manufacturer is the best sources for helping you determine the maximum road height for your RV. Once you know, post the height somewhere on the RV or in the tow vehicle so it will always be handy as a reference.
RV Lengths
Many highways either restrict or recommend non-use for vehicles over a certain length. For example, in California, Vehicle Code §35400 restricts the operation of house-cars over 40 feet only on specified highways and within one mile of either side of those highways for access to fuel, food, or lodging. These highways include, but are not always limited to, the National System of Interstate and Defense Highways and all state routes. For exceptions to this list, visit the Caltrans website at: www.dot.ca.gov.
Maneuvering the RV
The additional weight and size (length) of an RV makes it less maneuverable than a passenger vehicle. A safe maneuver in your family car may be dangerous in the RV. Since it is heavier, the RV may not stop as quickly and you will need more following distance. Defensive driving in an RV requires making changes slowly, braking gradually, and being familiar with its handling characteristics.
Braking
Most RVs are heavier than passenger vehicles and require greater braking distances. You must allow more time for the vehicle to slow or stop. If you are towing an RV, you must also worry about brake fade. Brake fade can happen when the brakes are overheated from prolonged use or the brakes are out of alignment. To help avoid brake fade on downgrades, use the lower gears to allow the engine to help slow the vehicle.
Speed
RVs are naturally slower than passenger vehicles. It takes longer to climb a hill in an RV because it’s heavier than a passenger vehicle. Keep this in mind, practice good manners, and observe the law by using turnouts when there are five or more vehicles behind you that wish to pass. The drivers behind you will be able to see ahead more easily if you try not to drive next to the center of the lane. If you are traveling with other RV owners in a caravan, be sure to leave enough space between your RV and the RV in front of you for other drivers to enter when they want to pass.
Safety Belts
Always wear your safety belt when driving. Even though many motorhomes accommodate passengers in places where safety belts are not required by federal law (i.e., dining table), if the area has a safety belt, wear it. Riding in a place which is not equipped with a safety belt increases the danger of injury in case of an accident.
Weather Conditions
Bad weather conditions such as winds, fog, snow, and ice, are hazards to all drivers. A motorhome owner has an advantage over other passenger vehicles because of the added weight over the drive wheels. This gives the vehicle better traction in bad weather. However, its added weight can also make it more difficult to move if it gets stuck. Plan your trips to avoid bad weather conditions as much as possible.
Remember, if hazardous weather conditions require the use of windshield wipers you must also turn on your headlights.
Motorhomes Towing Cars
Towing small cars behind motor homes has become popular as a way of providing transportation after the motorhome is parked at a campsite. Towing a car differs from towing travel trailers or fifth-wheel trailers. Very little hitch weight is involved when the car is towed on all four wheels and only minimal hitch weight is involved when the car is towed on a dolly.
If you wish to tow a vehicle behind your motorhome, you need to consider whether or not your motorhome can handle the extra weight under all conditions (i.e., climbing steep hills or mountains). Your vehicle must have sufficient power to climb grades without holding up traffic and its braking power must be sufficient to stop the combined weight of the motorhome plus the car and/or tow dolly effectively. Motorhome chassis manufacturers provide limits on gross combined weight (motorhome plus car).
If you are towing a car, be sure the hitch attachment on the motorhome is secure. Hitch weight ratings are usually stamped on the hitch assemblies. The tow bar attachment is also a concern because of the integrated frame construction used in most small cars. If you use a tow bar, safety chains are required, but a breakaway switch is not. Fully operational tail, brake, and turn signal lights are required on the towed car.
It’s easy to forget you are towing a car when driving a large motorhome because you can’t see it. So remember to allow extra space when entering a freeway or passing another vehicle so you won’t cut off the other driver.
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If you bought a tractor trailer, you wouldn’t add it to your car insurance policy. It’s a specialized vehicle and needs special coverages and claims handling.
So why do more than half of RVers surveyed by The Progressive Group of Insurance Companies add their RV to their car insurance policy?
“We don’t know why, but we know why they shouldn’t,” says Cathy Pelfrey, RV product manager with Progressive.
For example, what if …
… your RV breaks down on a trip?
While a lot of car insurance policies offer roadside assistance, many may not include coverage for your RV. Even if your policy covers some roadside expenses, it may not cover them all. For example, it may pay for towing only up to the amount it costs to tow a car. RV tows can cost three times more. That means out-of-pocket expenses you’re responsible for paying.
… your RV is involved in a crash?
Auto insurers typically have someone who normally handles car insurance claims inspect your RV. Specialty RV insurers train claims rep to look for damage and write estimates specific to RVs. They also work with repair facilities that know how to repair an RV and guarantee the work.
… the stuff in your RV is stolen?
You may keep things inside your RV that you never keep in your car like jewelry, laptops and camcorders. Your auto policy won’t pay to replace these items if they’re lost, stolen or damaged. Specialty insurers offer “personal effects” coverage that will pay to replace them if they’re used with your RV.
For more information on RV insurance contact us at www.lesliekays.com or call toll free 866-367-1788.
Mistakes happen, especially when you’re somewhere unfamiliar, but the results of a recent survey may still surprise you.
The survey found that among RVers, a spouse is more likely to be accidentally left behind than the dog.
A leading RV insurer, The Progressive Group of Insurance Companies, surveyed more than 1,000 RVers countrywide to uncover amusing mishaps they’ve experienced while traveling.
The survey found that the most common blunders made while traveling are:
•driving away with the steps extended;
•backing into something;
•misjudging overhead or side clearance space;
•not connecting taillights correctly; and
•running out of gas.
The survey found that 53 percent of RVers spend a month or more each year traveling the open road, and 42 percent travel more than 500 miles per trip.
Traveling the open road in an RV can be a great adventure, but sometimes it gets a little bumpy. That’s why RVers were also asked about their insurance. When mishaps happen, you want to get back on the road fast—ideally with all of your passengers on board.
Only 28 percent bought a stand-alone insurance policy with specialized RV coverages. In fact, 54 percent simply added their RV to their auto policy, and 14 percent didn’t buy any RV insurance.
Although mishaps can sometimes be funny, they can also lead to costly damages. Simply adding your RV to your auto policy can leave you woefully underprotected. It’s important to know what coverages are available to adequately protect yourself and your vehicle.
“There are huge differences in coverage and services from companies that specialize in RV insurance,” says Cathy Pelfrey, RV product manager at Progressive. “Check with your local independent insurance agent or do research online so that you buy the policy and coverages that are right for you.”
