Driving an RV takes a little extra caution and care, but with these tips you’ll be well on your way to safe RV driving.

Always run a thorough safety check on your RV and tow vehicle before heading out on the road. If a vehicle emergency such as a tire blowout causes you to lose control, a heavy RV or vehicle-trailer combination will be much harder to control than a smaller, lighter vehicle.

That’s why it’s so important that you run a thorough safety and maintenance check before traveling with your RV and that you continue to check certain safety points, such as your tires and tow hitch, along the way.

One of the most common causes of roadside emergencies is tire failure. Make sure your tires (both RV and tow vehicle, if applicable) are properly inflated and in good condition. You can protect your motor home tires from premature wear by shielding them with RV tire covers during storage and long-term parking.

The size and weight of your vehicle makes a big difference in handling. Remember that your braking time increases as the weight of your load increases. Leave extra room between you and the vehicle in front of you, and drive with caution on downgrades, as your momentum going downhill also increases under heavier loads. Pay close attention to the traffic around you, especially if traffic is heavy, to give yourself more time to react to other drivers and avoid close calls and accidents.

Your RV is higher, longer, and wider than a regular vehicle. These differences present several challenges and extra safety precautions for RV drivers. One of the things to watch out for is clearance. Low bridges, tunnels, arches, and parking ramps don’t always allow free clearance for motor homes. Avoid costly damage to your motor home by knowing the minimum height your RV can clear. If in doubt, drive up to the overhang and check the clearance level or ask a passenger to check it for you before attempting to clear the obstacle.

Driving on city streets or narrow, winding back roads poses a much greater challenge than driving on the open road. Give yourself a wide berth on tight turns or curves. The longer your rig, the more padding you’ll need on a turn. Keep an eye out for roadside obstacles such as road signs, telephone poles, steep ditches, and barriers.

Last but not least, use common sense when you are driving a vehicle that is larger, longer, or heavier than you are used to driving. With a little extra attention to safety and your surroundings, you’re well on your way to becoming a proficient RV driver.

Regular tire maintenance can increase the life of your RV tires and ensure the safety of your passengers.

Excessive exposure to the sun and elements is one of the leading causes of tire failure for motor homes and RV trailers. Most RV tires must be replaced due to damage from exposure to the elements rather than due to natural tire wear from miles on the road.

Exposure to UV rays and the ozone in the air accelerates the aging process of your tires, causing premature damage and wear.

Constant exposure to direct sunlight causes the tire’s rubber and sidewalls to dry out and crack. As these cracks deepen and spread, they compromise the safety of your tires and can lead to tire failure, blowouts, and possible damage to other components of your RV.

Increase the life of your tires with RV tire covers, shade, and regular tire inspection:

•  Protect your RV tires and spare tire with tire covers. RV tire covers are a simple and inexpensive way to keep your tires out of the sun, rain, and other elements. Also, an RV spare tire cover will keep your spare in top condition in case of tire failure.

•  Park your RV in an area that offers as much shade as possible. Call the campground or RV park ahead of time to reserve a shady site. Parking in a shady spot will also protect the finish on your motor home and keep your RV cooler.

•  Always check the condition and inflation of your tires before each trip out with your RV. It is especially critical to inspect your tires after your RV has been sitting for an extended period of time. Failure to do so compromises the safety of your vehicle and the lives of your passengers. A tire failure or blowout can cause the driver to lose control of the vehicle and result in a dangerous or life-threatening situation.