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.