Words and Images by: Jessica Palmer, Pics Supplied

 In response to the alarming statistic that two-thirds of road deaths in Australia occur on rural roads, and with over 90% of camping trips enjoyed in these areas, we’ve partnered to bring you Are You rvSafe? – a national RV road safety campaign. This seven-part TV and YouTube series fills the gap in RV safety education, ensuring that Australians of all experience levels are prepared for safe travels.

The Importance of RV Road Safety

Last edition, we covered Episode Two, which was packed with practical tips and advice for staying confident on the road. Now, let’s dive into Episode Three! 

 RV Road Safety: Highlights from Episode Three of Are You RV Safe?

In Episode Three of Are You rvSafe?, John and Borgy guide our RV learners through the ins and outs of towing and reversing, aiming to build confidence behind the wheel. 

Towing Basics for RV Learners

Learners Jessica, Evan and Martin start with towing lessons. Despite Jessica’s lack of experience towing a large RV and Evan’s past jack-knife incident, they quickly improve under John and Borgy’s guidance. 

Here are their top tips:

• - Check tyres for proper inflation before hitting the road.

• - Ensure the safety chains and breakaway system are secure.

• - Travel with gas bottles turned off and locked down.

• - Double-check that windows, doors and spare tyres are locked.

Reversing: Tips to Build Confidence

Reversing a caravan can seem intimidating; but with some practice, it becomes manageable. 

John and Borgy recommend:

• - Adjust mirrors to see the trailer’s rear wheels.

• - Move slowly to allow time for corrections.

• - Watch the trailer’s rear corners to guide steering.

• - Stay patient and make small, steady moves.

• - The learners proved that confidence grows with practice.

Understanding Trailer Brakes

Proper braking is essential when towing heavy loads. In this episode, the learners discover the importance of trailer brakes and brake controllers for safe stops. 

Some key tips include:

• - Start with a lower brake setting and test its effectiveness.

• - Apply trailer brakes before vehicle brakes to prevent sway.

• - Use progressive braking for smoother stops.

• - With upgraded DBA brakes and the Redarc Tow Pro Elite, learners experienced first-hand the benefits of proper braking control.

Hitch height adjustment 

One vital lesson covered was hitch height adjustment after suspension settles. John showed Jessica how to ensure the caravan sits level for safer towing by adjusting the ball mount.

Where to Watch Are You rvSafe?

Watch Episode Three! Catch all episodes on 10 Play HERE … and if you’ve already tuned in, we’d love to hear your thoughts.

Category: Features
Written: Sun 01 Dec 2024
Printed: December, 2024
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