RV camping in the mountains can be some of the most fun and rewarding trips you take, but getting to your campsite and back home again safely can be a real challenge when the path involves curvy, steep mountain roads. Even the most experienced drivers sometimes find themselves in situations where the road and vehicle don’t seem to be in sync, and that can be even more exaggerated with large, heavy RVs. Here are a few tips to help you get to your campsite and back home safely.
Plan Your Route
It’s tempting to hop behind the wheel and rely on electronic navigation aids to reach your destination, but a much better idea is to study your planned route to understand how the roads and conditions can impact your safety and ability to reach your site. Take note of particularly curvy roads and be sure to mark any potential trouble spots so that you’re aware of what lies ahead before you hit the road.
Maintain Your RV
Just like cars, RVs require regular maintenance and upkeep to perform at their best. Brakes are a vital part of keeping you safe and should be one of the first components you inspect, but they are not the only part of the equation. If you’re unsure about regular maintenance, it’s a good idea to take the RV to a professional to have the engine, drivetrain, tires, and other essential systems checked before attempting to drive anywhere.
Watch Your Speed
Over time, you’ll find that you become more comfortable behind the wheel of your RV, which can lead to an inflated sense of confidence and safety. That said, you can’t control the actions of other people or the environment, so there will always be situations that are out of the norm. Drive carefully, making sure to not exceed your skill or comfort level—or the speed limit. Larger RVs, bad weather, and heavy traffic may necessitate driving even slower, so plan ahead to avoid long delays.
This also applies to slowing the vehicle down on steep grades and other challenging road conditions. Learn to use the RV’s engine as a brake to avoid overheating or damaging your brakes.
If you’d like to learn more about staying safe on curvy mountain roads or in other conditions, come see our knowledgeable staff at Valley RV. We’d be excited to talk through the best safety practices, schedule a test drive, or help you configure the new Jayco RV of your dreams.
