“Are RV’s dangerous to possess and operate?” After giving this question some thought I remarked that this one short question covered a really large spectrum. There isn’t any quick or easy response to this question. In most cases it’s not the RV that’s dangerous, but the person that is operating the RV that’s dangerous. Some examples of unsafe acts which i have witnessed are carrying a complete spare LP gas bottle within the RV, sleeping in the RV using the generator running and not weighing the RV or checking the inflation pressure in the tires.
When you begin your search to have an RV, the first thing to verify would be that the RV manufacturer is really a person in the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA). If they’re, the RV will have an oval shaped RVIA seal shown on the outside, usually by the entrance door. This seal implies that the RV manufacturer is within compliance using more than 500 safety requirements regarding electrical, plumbing, heating, and fire and life safety. These safety requirements are established under the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) A119.2 Standard for Recreation Vehicles. This should put to rest any concerns you may have concerning the RV itself being safe when it’s manufactured.
The next step is to educate your self on the systems of the RV and what’s necessary to operate the RV safely and effectively. If you are likely to be towing a three or four ton travel trailer, or driving a six ton plus motor home you need to understand the importance of proper hitch work, weights and driving techniques. I also explained that anytime you are coping with petroleum products like LP gas and gasoline generators there is reason to be concerned, but if handled properly there is nothing to worry about. A good starting point is with our RV video and DVD library.
In no particular order, I offer the following advice concerning RV safety:
oTake proper care of your RV’s tires and they’ll look after you. When you are not using your RV keep the tires covered to safeguard them in the damaging affects of ozone in the air and Ultra violet rays from the sun. Buy quality inflation pressure gauge and check the tire pressure in all tires every time you use the RV. Check and adjust the pressure once the tires are cold, before you move it. Maintain the pressure recommended through the manufacturer. Consult the owner’s manual for proper tire inflation and not exceed the maximum pressure located on the tire sidewalls.
oWeigh your RV and tow vehicle. The only way to determine if the load is correctly distributed and that you are inside the allowable weight ratings for the RV and tow vehicle is to have them weighed. Search for certified platform scales inside your yellow pages under moving companies or truck stops. Whenever you weigh your RV and tow vehicle ask them to fully loaded for visit include passengers, cargo, fuel, personal belongings, and full fresh water and propane tanks. Verify that you do not exceed any manufacturer weight ratings for example, the Gross Vehicle Weight Ratings (GVWR), Gross Combined Weight Ratings (GCWR), and Gross Axle Weight Ratings (GAWR). NEVER exceed any manufacturer weight ratings. It is quite possible to be inside the weight ratings, but still exceed a tire rating. This is why you have to weigh each axle end separately to insure that the load is within the capability from the axles, wheels and tires and to see if the burden is correctly distributed.
oHave the LP gas system inspected every spring before while using RV. Take your RV to a qualified service center and let them look into the LP gas system for proper appliance operating pressure and also to look into the system for leaks. Understand the odorant added to LP gas to help you in detecting a leak, and what to do if there is a gas leak. If you smell LP gas or the leak detector alarm chimes:
1) Extinguish any open flames and pilot lights.
2) Do not touch electrical switches.
3) Shut off the gas supply in the tank valve(s) or gas supply connection.
4) Open the doors and windows and leave the area before the odor clears.
5) Possess the LP gas system checked and repaired by a qualified technician before using the system again.
It is not a smart idea to travel with the LP gas turned on. If you have the gas on while traveling switch off each individual pilot light, appliance, and also the main gas supply before refueling.
oThe onboard generator makes your RV fully self-contained. It allows you access to 120 volts when there is no shore power available, but keep in mind that deadly carbon monoxide is deadly! NEVER sleep in the RV with the generator running! Before you begin and use the generator inspect the exhaust system. Don’t use it when the exhaust system is damaged. Test the carbon monoxide detector each time you use the RV. Know what the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are:
1) Dizziness
2) Vomiting
3) Nausea
4) Muscular twitching
5) Intense headache
6) Throbbing in the temples
7) Weakness and sleepiness
Inability to think coherently
Should you or other people experiences any of these symptoms reach fresh air immediately. If the symptoms persist seek medical attention. Shut the generator down and do not operate it until it has been inspected and repaired by a professional.
In my opinion, these are some very real concerns that RVers need to be conscious of. I additionally wish to point out that this can be a very narrow your search. There are lots of other issues of safety involved with owning and operating a motorhome, but by practicing good sense, and through education, RV ownership is not only safe, it’s lots of fun.