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Tag Archives: RV driving

The Ins and Outs of RV Rental – What to Know Before You Hit the Road

01 Friday Mar 2019

Posted by Coach-Net in RV Information, Tips & Tricks

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Tags

Avoiding Hazards, Beginning RV, Beginning Tips, RV, RV driving, RV Preparation, RV Rentals, RV Renting

RV Renting

RV rental is a burgeoning business and a service that many vacationers have already taken advantage of. The ability to rent an RV for a family road trip or lease a large vehicle for a cross-country adventure is certainly attractive, and it is easy to see why so many new RV enthusiasts have taken to the roads.

Even so, there are some things to think about before hitting the road in your brand new rental RV. Knowing what to expect before you hit the road can make your next travel adventure safer, easier, more affordable and much more fun. Here are some things to think about if you are considering an RV rental.

Is Renting an RV a More Affordable Option?

To the uninitiated, it may seem like buying an RV is the cheaper alternative, especially if you plan to adopt a full-time RV lifestyle in retirement, or if you plan to embark on multiple road trips in a single year.

But before you head to the local RV dealership and take out a huge loan on that large vehicle, you need to think carefully about all the costs – not just the monthly payment. There are many costs to RV ownership, including some that new RV owners are totally unprepared for.

If you live in the country, you may have no trouble parking your behemoth and storing it in the off season, but for suburbanites and urban residents, the difficulties will begin right away. Depending on where you live, you may be forced to rent a storage space for your vehicle, and that could cost hundreds of dollars a month, even when you are not using the RV.

In the long run, renting an RV can be the more affordable alternative. When you choose RV rental, you incur costs only when you are using the vehicle, and you will not have to worry about parking restrictions at your home or fees at a local storage facility. In fact, RV rental is so affordable that many dedicated RV enthusiasts have already chosen this option.

Learning to Drive

It does not matter how long you have been driving or how capable a driver you are – operating an RV is a totally different animal. Recreational vehicles are not simply large – they are designed differently from passenger cars and pickup trucks.

That can make your first drive in an RV a bit dicey, and it is important to get to know the vehicle before you embark on your adventure. The RV is higher, longer and wider than the vehicle you are used to driving, and its different center of gravity will impact its handling, especially on twisty turning roads and tight corners.

RV Driving

Learning to park can be another challenge, and you will want to practice a lot before you hit the road. If you are planning to stay at an RV campground or visit crowded tourist attractions, you may need to park close to other RVs, and the skills you learn now will serve you well later.

These issues should not dissuade you from hitting the road in a rental RV, but you do need to be aware of the challenges before you set out. If you are a good and capable driver, you should have no trouble adapting to the unique nature of RV driving. If you practice ahead of time, you will be a more confident, and safer, RV driver.

Avoiding Roadside Headaches

Hopefully, your first foray into RV adventure will be a positive one, and you will make it to and from your destination without a hitch. Even so, it is important to be prepared for the unexpected, especially when you are driving in such a large vehicle.

Despite your best efforts and those of the RV rental agency, you cannot plan for every contingency. Roadside emergencies do happen, and when they do, you need to know help is only a phone call away.

Whether it is an accident with another driver, damage to the exterior of the vehicle or an unexpected breakdown in the middle of nowhere, having a preexisting relationship with a roadside assistance provider will give you extra peace of mind.

Even if you never need to call for service, you will feel better knowing that help is only a phone call away. Even if you have a generic roadside assistance service, it may not cover you when you are driving in an RV.

That is because most tow rigs and emergency service vehicles are not designed to pull or repair recreational vehicles. The closest repair shop may not have a list large or sturdy enough to accommodate an RV, and you may be left waiting for service for hours on end. This is where Coach-Net has your back.

By having a premium dedicated RV roadside assistance service ready to go, you can rest assured that you are covered, no matter what challenges the road has to offer. And while you hope you never need it, this type of coverage will be critically important when you hit the road in your rented RV.

The RV lifestyle is growing in popularity, and for good reason. When you drive an RV, you take your hotel room with you, and you can drive your house anywhere you like. Whether you are planning a coast to coast trip with the family or a romantic getaway with your spouse, you are sure to have a great time, but the right preparation can make a world of difference. Knowing what to expect from your first RV trip, and how to drive this large vehicle safely, will make your adventure even more fun.


Tire DiscountsAww Shucks!

Christopher F. ~ “Both the agent and the provider were excellent!!! The provider even offered to come back for free if I ran into the issue again today!!! Awesome Service!!!”

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Driving Your RV In The Winter

06 Wednesday Feb 2019

Posted by Coach-Net in RV Information, RV Safety, Tech Tips

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Tags

recreational vehicle, RV, RV driving, RV tech tip, Tech Tips, vehicle maintenace, Winter Driving, Winter Travel

Driving In The Winter

More winter enthusiasts are taking to the slopes and frozen tundra in RVs to support their cold-weather hobbies and activities.  Winter festivals are becoming popular such as the “Color Of The Wind” in Northern Iowa, Polar Bear plunges all over the US, and one of the largest festivals, The Winter Carnival in St Paul, MN.

An RV, whether it’s a motorhome or truck and trailer, makes a great warm getaway, mobile hotel room, or cozy “Chalet”!  However, just like any winter activity, caution and some preparation is required to make sure your event or journey is a safe one.

Prepare Your Vehicle

Batteries

Solar

Make sure your chassis battery has been checked and fully charged as well as your charging system.  If you will be dry camping or camping “Off The Grid” make sure your house batteries are in good working order and you have the ability to recharge them with either a generator or solar panel system.  If you do not have an on-board generator, a portable is a good idea in case of an emergency.  Make sure it’s a generator/inverter as this will provide a pure sine wave and will not damage delicate microprocessors in electronics.

Check Your Weight

It’s a good idea any time you pack a vehicle for a trip to get your vehicle weighed to make sure you are not exceeding the weight ratings.  Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) is the maximum weight your rig can weigh with all water, LP, cargo, and passengers in the case of a motorhome.  Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) is the maximum weight that can be on each axle.  Visit www.catscale.com to find a Cat Scale near you to weigh your rig.  A safe rule of thumb is to make sure your rig is at least 10% under maximum GVWR and GAWR.  Being at maximum weight or over is dangerous for tires, bearings, and makes it especially harder to stop!

Tires

Check your tires every day you hit the road for proper pressure and any obvious defects and wear such as sidewall weather checking, or poor tread.  Most states require replacement of tires when the tread depth reaches 2/32”.  This is fine for normal driving conditions, however when there is wet or snowy pavement, the moisture must be channeled or directed away from the surface of the tire and the road.  This is what the tire tread is designed for and most tire manufactures recommend at least 4/32” to reduce hydroplaning.  A new tire typically has 9/32” tread depth.  This not only applies to drive tires on a truck or motorhome, but also to other tires on the steering axle as well as a trailer as water and snow needs to be channeled away to prevent a breaking loose situation when applying brakes.

Chains

Tire Chains

Keep in mind that several states have laws requiring tire chains over certain roads during a storm.  If you do not have chains, you will receive a hefty fine!  Most RVers don’t carry chains as they are expensive, hard to put on, and can cause damage to the RV if they slip off.  Most simply wait out the storm until the plows clear the road and they can drive normal.  If you are on a time crunch, do some homework to find out what areas you might be traveling to and what you might run into for chain requirements.  There are some other options such as cables and even socks that are legal in many states that are worth researching for your rig as well.

Antifreeze

Make sure your engine cooling system has the appropriate antifreeze mixture for the temperatures you will encounter.  This also includes a windshield wiper antifreeze to keep the windshield from icing over.  Larger motorhomes especially are difficult to keep heated and many RVers carry a bottle of windshield deicer as well.  A new product in the RV Repair Club shop called Clarity Defender has been proven to reduce the amount of snow and ice buildup on windshields.

Fuel 

The cheapest fuel is not always the best in the winter.  Use a premium blend to reduce gas line freezing, keep the tank at least ½ full, and use an additive such as Sea Foam or other Isopropyl.

Winter Safety Kit

It’s a good idea to carry a few winter essentials in case of emergency.

  • Extra Winter Clothes – Gloves, Coat, Blanket
  • Bag of Sand, Cat Liter, or Salt
  • Windshield Scraper
  • Shovel
  • Flashlight
  • Jumper Cables
  • Tow Rope
  • Warning Triangle or LED Lights
  • NOAA Emergency Radio/Charger
  • Portable Jumper/Charger

 

Tips For Driving

Take it slow

Reduce Speed

Fast acceleration or stopping will cause your vehicle to break loose and loss of control.  Remember, it will take you almost twice as long to stop on wet or snowy roads so adjust your speed and following distance accordingly.  The National Safety Council recommends a 2 second following distance on normal roads.  Most RVs take twice as long to stop, therefore requiring a 3-4 second following distance on dry roads!  Factor in wet and snowy conditions and you will need twice that.  Don’t be in a hurry, it’s easier to stay out of trouble than it is to get out of trouble!

NO Cruising

Don’t use cruise control on wet or snowy roads as the drive wheels can break loose easily and increase speed.

Be Prepared

Understand what happens when your vehicle does lose control or “breaks loose”.  In most situations, simply taking your foot off the pedal will help correct the situation.  There are two types of skids, rear wheel, and front wheel.  In a rear-wheel skid, take your foot off the pedal and steer in the direction you want the vehicle to go.  This is referred to as oversteer.  Do not apply the brake as it will enhance the skid.  A front-wheel skid typically happens when the brakes are applied.  Remove your foot from the brake pedal and steer the front again to the direction you want the vehicle to go known as understeering.

Scan ahead of you and see how other vehicles are reacting.  Keep a safe following distance and adjust speeds when others are having issues with driving conditions.  You do not want to stop in the middle of a hill so maintain a moderate speed at a safe distance to carry you up the hill and reduce speed at the top to limit the amount of braking required when going down the hill.

Look for slippery conditions on bridges and open road areas commonly referred to as “Black Ice”.

Understand Your Brakes

If you have Anti-Locking Brake System (ABS) a sensor will provide a pulsing brake application if the tire starts to skid.  This allows the wheel to start spinning again and the driver to regain control.  If you have ABS brakes, keep your foot on the pedal and allow the sensor to help regain control.  If you do not have ABS brakes, keep your heel on the floor and apply a slight pumping of the brakes.


About the author: 

Dave Solberg: Managing Editor, RV Repair Club

For the last 25 years, Dave has conducted RV maintenance and safety seminars, developed dealer and owner training programs, written RV safety and handyman articles, authored an RV handbook reference guide and logged over 100,000 miles on the road in an RV.

RV Repair ClubRV Repair Club is your go-to online resource for enthusiasts who want quality RV maintenance, repair, and upgrade information – a community where passionate RVers can come together to gather knowledge and share their experiences.

Learn more about RV Repair Club.

 


Tire DiscountsAww Shucks!

Thomas L. ~ “Everything was easy, the service was prompt, and the people were friendly! It was just a great experience “

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Tips For A Better Driving Experience-Part 4

12 Tuesday Sep 2017

Posted by Coach-Net in RV Safety, Tech Tips

≈ 4 Comments

Tags

RV, RV Camping, RV driving, RV Driving Tips, RV Life, RV Newbie, RV Safety, RV tech tip, RV tech tips, RV Tips, RV travel, Travel Safety, Travel Tips

RV Driving TipsIn previous blogs, we discussed preparation, weight ratings, proper tire inflation, and maintenance. In Part 3, we started to discuss issues on the road.  We learned that 65 mph was the optimum speed not only for fuel economy but also for adjusting to merging traffic and other situations.  In this final segment, we will discuss some very valuable safety tips.

Following Distance

The American Safety Council recommends a 2-second following distance, however, that is a recommendation for a typical passenger car with a stopping distance of 200 feet at 65 mph and does not include reaction time.  An RV, even with supplemental brakes will require a greater stopping distance so it’s a good rule of thumb to give yourself a 3-4 second following distance to create a “safe space”.  The problem you will find is that aggressive drivers will “shoot in” to your safe space and create bottlenecks.  If you maintain a 65 mph speed and encounter an aggressive driver, simply back off 2 mph and they will be gone in less than one minute.

Identify Safe Driving Pockets

RV safety pocketOne thing I keep telling new RV drivers is; “Remember you are recreating”!  Usually, you do not have to be at a certain destination at an exact time, so you have the luxury to relax, drive slower, and even stop if traffic or weather is an issue.  While driving down the highway, you should be able to identify the congested pockets of vehicles that are trying to pass the semi trucks and slow moving cars either on the right or left.  Stay away from this mess, drop your speed down and find a Safe Pocket away from the confusion.  As we discussed in the last blog, knowing your limitations in acceleration and stopping is important.  If you are trying to pass a tractor trailer or car, coming up to a hill might mean you start to lose speed and can not pass but more important, get stuck in the left lane!

Scan

As stated before, it’s easier to stay out of trouble than to get out of trouble once you are in it!  Constantly scan the road, look for signs of trouble or congestion, brake lights coming ¼ mile ahead and especially construction signs.  By observing the warning signs early, you can adjust your speed and even change lanes for construction well before it becomes an issue and potential hazard.

Have your driving partner watch for information signs, exits, eating places, billboards, etc.  You need to keep your eyes on the road and what’s happening in front of you!

Weather Hazards

Traveling in extreme weather conditions are much more dangerous for RVers as you are either pulling a trailer that adds weight in not only your traction but stopping ability, or driving a motorhome that is much more affected by the wind and has the same stopping issues.  It’s like driving down the road with a billboard sometimes.

RV windshield wipers

  • Rain

The first issue is visibility and how well your windshield wipers work.  For most motorhome owners, it’s marginal at best.  Make sure you inspect your wipers for the best rubber meeting the glass and clean/maintain them throughout the year.  And again, know your limitations!  Give yourself more time to brake, limit your speed for hydroplaning, and make sure you have checked your tire tread and pressure for the best rubber meeting the road.

  • Wind 

Be prepared for underpasses, groves of trees, and trucks passing.  Have a good grip on the wheel and stay focused.  There are several aftermarket products such as sway bars for trailers and steering enhancement products for motorhomes that are well worth the money if you spend much time on the road.  Sometimes it’s just easier to pull over and relax until the weather conditions become more stable.

Mountain Driving

Go down the mountain in the same gear you went up the mountain!  As you are going up a steep grade, the tow vehicle or motorhome transmission will automatically shift to keep your RPMs higher and handle the grade.  Once you get over the hill, coming down the unit will gain speed and shift up which puts more stress on the braking system as you get to the bottom.  Manually downshift to use the transmission for resistance and stopping ability rather than waiting until the bottom to realize your brakes might not be sufficient for your speed!

About the author:

Dave Solberg: Managing Editor, RV Repair Club

For the last 25 years, Dave has conducted RV maintenance and safety seminars, developed dealer and owner training programs, written RV safety and handyman articles, authored an RV handbook reference guide and logged over 100,000 miles on the road in an RV.

RV Repair ClubRV Repair Club is your go-to online resource for enthusiasts who want quality RV maintenance, repair, and upgrade information – a community where passionate RVers can come together to gather knowledge and share their experiences.

Learn more about RV Repair Club.

From time-to-time, we have guest bloggers post on our site. The views, opinions and positions expressed within these guest posts are those of the authors. 

RV Protect

Aww Shucks!

John A. BC.~ “I live in a smaller city in Canada and was curious about how effective the service would be here … but I was pleasantly surprised. The contact person was patient and though it took him a few minutes to locate me, he was very helpful. This is my second experience with Coach Net – the last being in Nevada with my RV, and both experiences were very good. Thank you and keep up the good work!!”

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Common RV Driving Mistakes

25 Thursday Sep 2014

Posted by Coach-Net in Tips & Tricks

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

driving a RV, RV driving, RV Tips

Common-RV-Driving-MistakesDriving and towing a rig isn’t as simple as driving your regular vehicle.  You’re dealing with a longer, wider, taller, and heavier piece of machinery to maneuver.  And mistakes can be costly.   Below are some of the top insurance claims received by RV insurance providers, all easily avoided.  Put this knowledge in your bag of tricks and be extra careful regarding these common rookie RV driving mistakes.

  • Tire FailuresTire-Inflation
    Keep tires properly inflated – not overinflated or underinflated.  Check tires before trips for excessive wear or damage.  For more details, download Coach-Net’s FREE RV Tire Maintenance Guide.
  • Failure to retract steps, awnings, and antennas
    Anything extra on your rig that you may have forgotten to retract will cause quite the headache when it hits something.  Save yourself some stress and money by following a strict checklist before you go.

Clearance

  • Hitting low overhangs, bridges, and trees
    Know the height of your RV – post it on your dash if needed.  Make sure you’ve also accounted for any added mirrors or awning that would increase that number.  Even at campgrounds, be careful around trees and branches that could easily damage your RV roof or sides.
  •  Accidents at fuel pumps
    Find a location that’s easy to get your RV in and out of.  Take extra caution when turning into or away from a concrete island or pole at the gas station.  Watch out for tail swings when turning away and pivot points when turning into a pole.
  • TurningWide-Turns
    Drive out farther than you think you need to for the turn.  Also, allow for plenty of room for your pivot point and tail swing.
  • Backing into something
    Don’t be afraid to use a spotter to guide you – and use hand signals to communicate.  When you can’t use a spotter, make sure you walk around your RV and check out the backing area to understand how much room you’ll have and how to maneuver.  Stop at points regularly as you back up and always be on the lookout for pets and children.

By respecting the size and maneuverability of your RV and taking certain precautions when driving, you will stay safer, which will, in turn, keep your RV safer and your insurance claims to a minimum.

Sources:
http://www.rv-dreams.com/rv-insurance-claims1.html

 

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