Three Common Claims

After years of uneventful RVing, it can be easy to let your guard down. However, most accidents can be avoided simply by being mindful of the risks and taking steps to reduce them. Following are pointers for avoiding the three claims our customers most commonly experience: awning and antenna damage, damage resulting from backing an RV into an object and tire blowout.

Awning damage can occur easily in windy conditions. Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to reduce the likelihood of wind failure. First, confirm the awning locking mechanism is functioning properly. According to Family Motor Coach Association (FMCA), if you have to play with the lock for it to engage and disengage, it should probably be fixed. Also, always engage the travel latches or straps that secure the inner arm (rafter) to the main arm.

FMCA recommends this trick to fitting the awning tightly against the vehicle: With the awning rolled up in the travel position, unlatch the right awning main arm from the lower mounting bracket. Be prepared to support the weight of the awning for a few moments. Pull the bottom of the awning arm away from the coach approximately one foot or until the ratchet lock clicks. Then put the awning arm back into the lower mounting bracket. As you do this, the roller tube is fixed to the arm and will rotate slightly with the arm as you move the arm back to the coach. This tightens the fabric and roller tube against the side of the coach. The next time you pull the awning out, the lock will be rather firm. If it is very stubborn, reverse the process to get the lock to release.

Awnings can also be damaged when left out in winds as mild as 10 mph. Wind gusts can thrust tree limbs onto it, as well as easily rip it from your RV. If you expect a storm, always raise the awning. Visit Family Motor Coach Association for more information on wind forces and your awning. Antennas are also often subject to wind damage. Standard antennas measure 3 feet high and can be damaged easily when left up while driving at high speeds and in windy weather. Tie a piece of string to your steering wheel or use some other type of reminder when your antenna is raised. This will help you remember to lower it before you drive off. The antenna should be kept as low as it can go-almost flush with the vehicle-when the vehicle is in motion.

Before backing your RV, observe your surroundings. Confirm that there are no overhangs, low branches, or anything sticking out of the ground. Many hazards are not visible from inside the RV.

Back in, not out. It's much easier to back into an area than it is to back out. When you pull out front forward, you can see traffic conditions yourself. Most of the time it's easier to maneuver in tight places by backing in.

When backing in, try to align the vehicle as quickly as possible to the orientation of the parking space. Back up only until the point where after pulling forward you're able to back straight into the parking space. This allows you to back into the space in one straight motion and helps to prevent your backing into stationary objects.

An assistant can be very helpful and should be someone that you travel with frequently. Develop a set of hand signals or purchase inexpensive walkie-talkies so there's no misunderstanding. Even though you use an assistant, as the driver, you have the ultimate responsibility. If in doubt, stop and get out to look things over.

Back-up cameras offer an easy way to view dangerous objects behind the vehicle. Though back-up cameras can be very helpful in backing situations, you should know the limitations of your camera. Like convex mirrors, they can distort how close you are to an object, and you don't get a wide-angle view.

Tires on an RV are subjected to a greater variety of conditions than those on an automobile. In fact, tires fail more than any other RV component, yet most tire failures can be prevented through simple, regular tire maintenance.

The most important factors in tire care are maintaining proper inflation pressures, avoiding excess loading, inspecting tires regularly, and driving with care at appropriate speeds. It is extremely important that tires be properly inflated. Failure to do so, can result in uneven tread wear, difficulty in vehicle handling, and excessive heat build-up, which can cause tire failure. Recommended inflation pressures for your RV tires can be found on the vehicle certification label or in your owner's manual. Since RVs can be loaded in many different ways, the proper inflation pressure should be determined by actual tire loads, which can be determined by having your vehicle weighed.

Many accidents are unavoidable; however, when it comes to awning and antenna damage, backing your RV and tire blowout, you can play an important role in reducing the likelihood of experiencing one of these all too common accidents.