Most people are aware of the benefits that a recreational vehicle provides. You have the ability to travel anywhere in the country, at a moment’s notice. You no longer have to worry about lodging accommodations and you have a more comfortable option for camping trips. Although recreational vehicles offer travelers with many preferential traveling options, they also require regular upkeep and specific safety features to ensure that they are running properly and safely.
Regular maintenance and inspection
Regardless of the frequency that you use your recreational vehicle, it requires regular maintenance and inspection. Even if it is sat for many months, or year, at a time, you want to ensure that it is properly working before attempting to drive it a long distance. If you plan on staying for an extended time, as many RV users do, you will want to make sure everything is in working order first.
On their most recent trip, most campers, regardless of their chosen camping shelter, spent one to two nights in the outdoors, according to the 2014 American Camping Report. RV campers stayed the longest, with 13% camping for seven or more nights. RV campers tend to stay longer because they have more access to desired amenities, such as toilets, showers, and electricity.
Safety attachments
Some recreational vehicles come with safety attachments and additional safety features that are used to prevent accident or injury. One of these items in the ground mat, or crane mats. When you are traveling, you may be stopping your RV at any location, even terrain that is uneven and rough. The ground mat can give it better traction and ensure that the jack pads for RV are sturdy enough. The crane pads are especially beneficial for extended stays in the same location.
Bring spare parts and tools
If you plan to travel across state lines, or especially across the country, you will want to bring along spare parts. Even ground mats can become defective over time and are a needed part of your safety plan. Store you spare parts in the cabinets or under carriage of your recreational vehicle. If you are to break down in the middle of nowhere, you will have the ability to quickly fix the broken part of the RV. Inspect ground mats before coming also and bring spare crane pads for especially difficult grounds.
Purchase quality motorhome jack pads
You can find great discounts on some items. Your RV’s safety features, such as its crane pads should not be one of these items. ASME states that outrigger blocking or cribbing must have sufficient strength to prevent crushing, bending, or shear failure. It needs to be of such thickness, width and length as to completely support the float, transmit the load to the supporting surface, and prevent shifting, toppling, or excessive settlement under the load. (ASME B30.5 2011).
Have emergency funds
You may have budgeted a specific amount of money for your trip, but it is best to have an emergency fund available as well. If your RV is to break down, it may require repairs. You may have to purchase additional safety equipment for some camping locations. Today’s typical RV owner is 48 years old, with an annual household income of $62,000, higher than the median for all households, according to the Michigan study. RV owners are likely to own their homes and spend disposable income on traveling, an average or three weeks annually, Recreation Vehicle Industry Association research shows.
Traveling by recreational vehicle can be especially exciting. It gives you the opportunity to leave quickly and to travel at your own pace. You can stop and rest in your RV at any location. Owning a RV is extremely convenient but for optimal safety, it requires safety features and attachments, such as ground mats, regular maintenance and inspections, quality equipment and additions, and an emergency fund of money.