A Safer Road Ahead
Butch Jones
I was asked by Jim Buelow if I would act as the Dogwood Safety Representative and provide and present safety topics in our newsletters and at rallies, and I have agreed to do so. The intent is to keep safety in the minds of all of our members and offer some suggestions that may make RVing a little better. This first article will focus on a general RV safety overview and we will get into more specific areas as we go. If you have any questions or topics to cover, please either send me an email @ butch_jones2001@yahoo.com or call me @ 1-804-514-4458 or 1-321-225-4066. This edition we will start with a pre-trip checklist. Some people have been doing this so long they have a mental checklist. However, as our mental computers get a bit older, sometimes our information storage capacity begins to delete some things. This checklist is just a reminder and double check to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.
Pre-Trip Safety Checklist
Motorhome
Before Every Trip
1. Engine Compartment
Fluid levels – oil, engine coolant, brake fluid, transmission fluid, any specific fluids i.e. hydraulic
Belts – check for cracks or loose fitting
Check for leaks in, around, and under the engine.
Check for debris lodged in or around engine components i.e. leaves
Check radiator for debris and damaged coils
Check all hoses for cracks, leaks, and tight fit
Check engine charging batteries for fluid level, corrosion, and tight connection
Diesel engines
Check air filter indicator
Check fuel filter for water (if equipped with a clear bowl and moisture drain)
Check air tank moisture (if not equipped with a moisture ejector)
Generator
Check oil level
Check coolant level
Check for leaks
2. Tires – check cold, 3 hours without usage
Sidewall cracks
Tread depth – 4/32 steering tires, 3/32 others
Rims/bead for damage
Valve stem, cap, and extensions
Proper air pressure
3. External Lights (I usually check these just before we pull off)
Headlights
Fog lights (if equipped)
Clearance lights
Driving lights (if equipped)
Parking lights
Turn signals front, back, and side
Docking lights (if equipped)
Tail lights/brake lights
Emergency flashers
Reflectors
Towed Vehicle brake lights
Towed Vehicle turn signals
Towed Vehicle emergency flashers
Towed Vehicle tail lights
4. Glass
Windshield – Make sure that you have a clear vision throughout the windshield. Ensure that it is clean, and there are no large chips or cracks.
Driver’s side glass – Make sure that you have clear vision and you can see the mirror. Make sure there is no fogging interfering with you vision.
Passenger’s side glass – Make sure you can see the mirror clearly and there is no fogging interfering with your vision.
Mirrors – check to ensure they are secure, clean, and adjusted properly/working for driving
Clean all brake lights, turn signals, backup lights, and headlamps
Windshield wipers – ensure they are working, good blades, and fluid
5. Exterior Walk Around
Awnings – retracted and locked
Slides – retracted and secured
Jacks – retracted
Hookups – valves closed, hoses drained, disconnected, stowed, and compartment secured
Compartments – all items stowed, secured, lights off, compartments shut, and locked
Visual Inspection under coach, look for anything that was not there when you pulled into the site
Check for loose items i.e. lawn chairs
Check for rocks, logs, or large items
Look for any fluid leaks
Check chassis for loose equipment or wiring
Height – look for any possible obstruction while leaving, make sure all antennas are retracted and stowed for travel
Noises – with the engine running, check for unusual noises
Shut of propane at the tank
House Battery – check fluid level, corrosion, and connection
Electric Step – Ensure that step is retracted when entry door closes
6. Towed Vehicle
Tow bar connection – check connection at the motorhome, at the vehicle, and safety chains
Lights – includes in check above
Tire pressure – ensure proper inflation, sidewall condition, tread depth
Proper towing procedure – i.e. unit is in neutral, fuses removed, etc.
Emergency brake – disengaged
Auxiliary braking system – unit is operating properly
Lock the doors
Mirrors - If vehicle has folding mirrors, fold mirrors into car (this helps reduce rock chips and one less obstacle to dodge when you are working around the car)
7. Interior Walk Around
TV antenna – retracted (this is a double check) I have a strap (an insurance company promo item) that snaps on the antenna handle when traveling and snaps on the steering wheel when parked with the antenna up, to remind me to lower the antenna.
Secure all loose items inside the unit
Close all doors and cabinet drawers
Verify driver’s license, registration, and proof of insurance
Check First Aid Kits, fire extinguishers, smoke and CO alarms (change detector batteries once a year). You do not need a detector beeping (low battery) as you are driving
Emergency Information – prepare a list of emergency phone numbers, personal information i.e. contact person, medication and dosage
8. Start-up
Air Bags – If air bag leveled, make sure they are in travel mode
Air Bags – If air suspension, make sure bags are in travel mode
Jacks – Make sure the Jack Control Panel indicates that all jacks are completed retracted
Start engine (some manufactures require engine to be running to raise jacks)
Make sure that all gauges read properly
Insure that the driver’s seat is properly adjusted and you have a comfortable driving position
Insure that steering column (if adjustable) is in a comfortable position and locked in place
Insure that pedals (if adjustable) are in a comfortable position
Check both mirrors to ensure you can see adequately to the rear
If you drive with the backup camera (if equipped) on, ensure that it is on and adjusted
If you are using a GPS device make sure that it is on and has the correct driving directions loaded and ready for use
9. Buckle Up
Make sure all occupants are buckled up
If you travel with pets, it is best to have them secured. A travel harness that attaches to a seat belt can be lifesaving
.
9. Look around one more time. Now it is time to be “on the road again”.
There may be some items that you may want to add or subtract from this list; however, if it got you thinking about motorhome safety then we are on the right track.
