4 Essential Safety Tips for Driving Your RV

RV driving or hauling can be an intimidating experience if you've never handled a big vehicle before. That’s why you should familiarize yourself with your machine, including its features and controls, before hitting the road. You are less likely to be caught off guard when you know what to expect, so practice your maneuvers and be safe.

Hava Style Recreation is your local RV dealership in Lake Havasu City, AZ, and we care for your safety. We’ve gathered a few tips to help you handle your camper like a pro, so keep reading to learn more!

1. Know Your Camper’s Measurements

After bringing your camper home, try to understand its height, length, and width with and without slide-outs. You’ll want to write down the measurements on a sticky note, place it on your dashboard, and check it before approaching a bridge or tunnel.

2. Maintain a Large Following Distance

Stopping is among the foremost challenges for new RV drivers. Recreational vehicles are bigger than cars, so they take longer to stop.

When you're in town or navigating heavy traffic, you should leave about 400-500 feet between you and the vehicle in front of you. Many motorists can try to take advantage of this gap and overtake you, so be aware.

3. Be Extra Cautious When Taking a Turn

RVs have a big turning radius, meaning you’ll need extra space around corners. When you're new, take your time with each turn, especially when turning right.

You’ll want to practice and improve your cornering skills in an empty parking lot and pay close attention to how much clearance your RV’s tail requires as it swings. This knowledge can help you avoid accidents, so be vigilant.

4. Slow Down

As a rule of thumb, slow down during every part of your RV journey, especially if it is windy or wet. Campers are easier to control at lower speeds because you can stop more efficiently. So, stay below 65 miles per hour, even on the freeway. You’ll also want to allow other drivers to pass by sticking to the far-right lane on a multi-lane road.

Once you get used to the feel and movement of your RV, driving will feel like second nature. That’s why you should practice your maneuvers before planning your debut outing. If you're ready to leap into RV ownership, contact Hava Style Recreation. We have an impressive collection of premium campers for sale and can help you find your dream model sooner than you think. We proudly serve Lake Havasu City and Parker, AZ, so reach out today!