2018-10-01_Reader_s_Digest_AUNZ

taketurnswider,andthelargesize

oftheRVmeansyou’llneedabigger

turning radius. Again, practising

aheadoftimecanhelpyougetused

tohandlingthelargevehicle.

You will also need to be cognisant

ofthewindspeedasyoudrive.When

thewindsgetstrong,itcouldcause

theRVtodriftunexpectedly.

Takeatightergriponthewheelwhen

it’s windy and give other drivers

more space.

CONSIDER FORMING AN RV

CARAVANChances are you’ll meet

other RV drivers on your road trip,

particularly if you’re travelling a

popular route. If you are all heading

inthesamedirection,consider

teamingupwiththem.Arrangeto

meet at campgrounds, attractions

and restaurants or even form an RV

caravan. Travelling with other RVs

is fun, and can enhance your sense of

safety:aconvoyofRVswillbe easier

for other drivers to spot.

you can pack it up and hit the

road with conidence.he last

thing you want is to have your

long-anticipated road trip come

toaprematureendbecauseofa

preventable maintenance issue.

PRACTISE DRIVING THE

RV BEFORE YOU HIT THE

ROADChances are you won’t

have a lot of problems driving

a motorhome on the highway, but

navigating smaller city streets in such

a large vehicle can be a real challenge.

Put in plenty of driving practice before

you leave home and learn how to use

all of your mirrors to determine your

position and reverse the vehicle safely.

CONSIDER INSTALLING A

REVERSING CAMERAIf your RV

doesn’t already have one, consider

installing a reversing camera. It’s

ahandyaccessorythatwillmake

backingintotightparkingspaces

a lot easier and give you additional

peaceofmind.Alternatively,ifyou’re

travellingwithpassengers,youcan

alwaysaskthemtocheckbehind the

vehiclebeforeyoureverse.

BEAWAREOFHANDLING

DIFFERENCESDrivinganRVis

diferent from driving a car or even a

largeute,forthatmatter.hehigher

centre of gravity means you need to

Adjust the mirrors for an optimum view

of what is beside and behind the RV

PHOTO: GETTY IMAGES

October• 2018 | 21