Able to hit the highway along with your RV? Within the second episode of Are You RV Secure?, John and Borgy stroll us by means of the important steps you want to take earlier than heading off in your subsequent journey. Whether or not you’re towing a caravan, camper trailer, or driving a motorhome, this episode breaks down the complexities of equipment, weight distribution, and towing security into easy, sensible suggestions that’ll have you ever touring Australia’s nice outside with confidence.
Let’s dive into the highlights of episode two! – Missed episode one? Make amends for 10play
Choosing the proper automobile and RV setup
Earlier than you even take into consideration hitting the highway, it’s vital to take a step again and determine whether or not your automobile and RV are the suitable match. On this episode, John and Borgy assist our learners—Jessica, Evan, and Martin—work out what kind of RV fits their wants. Whether or not you’re after a caravan with all of the bells and whistles like a toilet and additional beds, or a motorhome with room to lounge round, your alternative ought to suit your way of life and the dimensions of your tow automobile.
Borgy’s key recommendation: “Your tow automobile must legally and safely deal with the load of your RV.” That is non-negotiable in terms of staying protected on the highway. However what concerning the equipment? What do you really want so as to add to your setup for a clean, protected journey?
Important equipment for protected towing
In the case of automobile equipment, John and Borgy clarify that not all equipment are created equal. Whereas some add consolation and comfort, others are important for security. The learners share their ideas, and our hosts clarify why a number of important upgrades are a should for towing.
Why weight distribution issues
Weight distribution is a kind of issues that’s straightforward to miss however is usually a sport changer in terms of dealing with your RV safely. Poor weight distribution can result in trailer sway, make your rig more durable to deal with, and improve your stopping distances. John and Borgy take the learners by means of a sensible demonstration, exhibiting them stability their load accurately.
By putting an excessive amount of weight both on the entrance or rear of the trailer, you may throw off the entire setup. The secret is protecting the load centred over the axles, which helps the automobile tow easily and reduces the chance of trailer sway. As Borgy places it:
“Weight distribution isn’t nearly security; it’s additionally about providing you with a extra comfy drive and ensuring your tyres and automobile last more.”
Michael “Borgy” Borg
Trailer sway: what causes it and management it
Trailer sway is without doubt one of the largest fears for RV drivers, and Jessica shares her anxiousness about protecting her household protected on the highway. Within the episode, John exhibits the learners what occurs when your trailer isn’t loaded correctly and the way it can result in harmful sway, particularly at freeway speeds.
Accelerating to “drive out” of a sway is a fable
One of many largest takeaways is studying that accelerating to “drive out” of a sway is a fable. In truth, rushing up often makes issues worse. The correct method to deal with trailer sway is to ease off the throttle and, in case your setup has impartial trailer brakes, use them to carry issues again beneath management. It’s all about staying calm and correcting the scenario safely.
Getting your head round GVM, GCM, and ATM
Understanding weight limits is a should for anybody towing an RV, however it may really feel such as you’re drowning in acronyms: GVM, GCM, ATM—what does all of it imply? John and Borgy break it down for the learners, explaining every time period:
The learners are put to the check by packing gadgets into their caravan after which checking how the load is distributed utilizing skilled scales. After a number of changes, they handle to stability the load correctly, protecting the setup inside protected limits.
Aftermarket upgrades for the proper touring setup
This episode additionally showcases some nice aftermarket upgrades that may make your towing expertise smoother and safer. The autos within the present have been fitted with:
One standout accent is the TJM bullbar, which provides front-end safety while you’re travelling by means of the Aussie outback.
The sensible aspect of weighing your setup
The episode wraps up with a sensible weigh-in session. John and Borgy clarify that modifications like including a suspension elevate or a bullbar can have an effect on the general weight of your automobile, and it’s essential to know the way a lot payload you’re allowed to hold. Payload contains all the pieces from water and gasoline to passengers, gear, and even the cash in your pocket.
By weighing the autos and trailers, the learners can see how including a number of additional kilos within the flawed spot can have an effect on stability and security. With all the pieces weighed and packed correctly, the learners hit the highway with confidence, understanding their setup is protected and authorized.
Take a look at your information on RV security with this superior quiz by rvSafe and see how ready you might be to your subsequent journey!
What’s developing subsequent?
Within the subsequent episode, our learners get hands-on expertise behind the wheel. Will Jessica handle to tow a caravan for the primary time with out a hitch? Will Evan keep away from denting one other rear bar whereas reversing? Tune in subsequent Saturday, 14th September, at 12:30 pm on Channel 10 or 10 Play to search out out!
Prepare to your subsequent journey
Whether or not you’re an skilled traveller or simply beginning out, Are You RV Secure? provides you the instruments to hit the highway safely and benefit from the journey. Missed an episode? Make amends for episode one at 10Play and watch the newest episodes each Saturday at 12:30pm on 10.