How to Operate Safely, to Assure
a Carefree Trip
The
first rule of thumb for a safe trip in a rental vehicle is to become completely
familiar with how it handles, and how all the systems operate, before you
venture very far from the rental dealership. Pay close attention to the
briefing you will receive. There will be much information, and new terms
to comprehend. Take notes, or even tape record the instructor's comments.
Do not be bashful to ask him or her to repeat the instructions until you
comprehend.
When a procedure is described
- say, how to start the generator and switch from "shore" power
to generator power, or how to use the disposal hose hook-up - try it yourself
while your mentor watches. Then take the unit out for a test drive. Make
sure you are comfortable with how the unit handles, accelerates, brakes
and corners. Pay special attention to backing up - a tricky maneuver even
for veterans. In fact, veteran RVers go to great lengths to find "pull
through" camping sites and large shopping center parking lots in town,
to minimize backing up problems. If you must back out of a spot, always
station someone from your party behind your unit, where you can see them
in your rear view mirror, to assist. Once on the road, remember to relax.
Keep to the slow lane ... and preferably find the local highways that parallel
the Interstate Highways (America's autobahns or motorways). Try to end
your day's drive before dark even veteran RVers try to avoid driving at
night. Get into the habit of making a routine check of your unit each time
you depart for a new destination. Walk around and inspect to see that everything
is in order. Make sure the last person in has retracted the step and that
all doors are locked. Make sure loose items are put away and that your
passengers know you are about to depart. Try to accelerate smoothly and
anticipate stops, so you can bring the unit to a halt smoothly Put on the
running lights at dusk, in rain or fog.
Keep the back window clean.
Be aware of the overhead
clearance of your unit at all times, especially when approaching low overhangs.
If the rental dealer does not have a second set of door and ignition keys
to give you, stop at a hardware store and have a spare set made. Give them
to another member of your party, in case you lose yours. Make sure you
know the procedures to follow in an emergency or accident. If you break-down,
pull off the road, put on your flashing lights and display a white kerchief.
You'll be pleasantly surprised how helpful state highway patrolmen or passing
truckers can be; at the very least they can use their CB (citizen's band)
radios to summon help for you.
We Drive on the Right Side of the Road.
Sorry old chaps, but we colonials,
both American and Canadian, drive on the right side of the road, and our
driver's seat is on the left side of the vehicle, So, in addition to all
the other adjustments you will have to make, count on this one, too.
It's important not to overload
your vehicle. Do not bother yourself with the complicated formulas which
decide whether the weights on each axle are within limits and whether the
entire unit is within prescribed gross vehicle weight limits. Do be aware
that these are safety considerations. Rental patrons rarely overload their
units with excess gear, but you should be careful not to carry more people
than the unit is designed to accommodate. Also, be aware that weight should
be evenly distributed, and kept as low as possible in the unit.
