Basic RV Safety
101 by: Mark J. Polk
I recently received an email from
someone that was considering purchasing an RV. After explaining their interest
in RVing there was one short question. “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.
Training DVD's & E-Books
In no particular order, I offered them 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:
- Extinguish any open flames and
pilot lights.
- Do not touch electrical
switches.
- Shut off the gas supply at the
tank valve(s) or gas supply connection.
- Open the doors and windows and
leave the area until the odor clears.
- 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:
- Dizziness
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Muscular twitching
- Intense headache
- Throbbing in the temples
- Weakness and sleepiness
- 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.
I finished my response by
explaining that in my opinion these were some very real concerns that
all RVers need to be aware of. I also mentioned that 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,
Mark
Mark Polk is the owner of RV Education
101. RV Education 101 is a North Carolina based company that produces
professional training videos, DVDs and e-books on how to use and
maintain your RV. Our goal is to make all of your RVing experiences
safe, fun and stress free. www.rveducation.com
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