Planning to take your RV on an adventure? In the latest episode of Are You RV Safe?, hosts John and Borgy guide viewers through essential preparations before embarking on a journey. Whether you’re towing a caravan, camper trailer, or driving a motorhome, this episode simplifies the intricacies of accessories, weight distribution, and towing safety into straightforward, actionable advice, ensuring that you can explore Australia’s breathtaking landscapes with confidence.
Let’s take a look at the key takeaways from episode two! – Missed the premiere episode? Catch up on 10play
Selecting the Appropriate Vehicle and RV Configuration
Before you set out on your road trip, it’s crucial to assess whether your vehicle and RV are adequately suited for each other. In this episode, John and Borgy assist learners Jessica, Evan, and Martin in determining the RV that meets their needs. Whether you require a fully-equipped caravan with amenities like a bathroom and additional beds, or a spacious motorhome for relaxation, it’s important that your choice aligns with your lifestyle and the dimensions of your towing vehicle.
Borgy offers critical advice: “Your tow vehicle must legally and safely manage the weight of your RV.” This requirement is essential for ensuring road safety. But what about accessories? What additions are necessary for a seamless and secure trip?
Key Accessories for Safe Towing
According to John and Borgy, when it comes to vehicle accessories, not all options are equally beneficial. Some provide comfort, while others are vital for safety. The learners express their views, and the hosts clarify why certain upgrades are essential for towing.
The Importance of Weight Distribution
Weight distribution is often overlooked but is vital for safely handling your RV. Improper weight distribution can lead to trailer sway, increased difficulty in managing your setup, and longer stopping distances. John and Borgy demonstrate to the learners how to correctly balance their load.
Excess weight concentrated at either end of the trailer can upset the entire setup. The goal is to maintain the weight over the axles, promoting a smoother towing experience and minimizing the risk of sway. As Borgy explains:
“Weight distribution isn’t just about safety; it also contributes to a more comfortable drive and prolongs the life of your tires and vehicle.”
Michael “Borgy” Borg
Understanding Trailer Sway: Causes and Control
Trailer sway is a common concern for RV drivers, and Jessica expresses her worries about her family’s safety on the road. During the episode, John illustrates what occurs when a trailer isn’t loaded properly and how it can lead to dangerous sway, particularly at high speeds.
It’s a Myth That Accelerating Can “Drive Out” of a Sway
A major takeaway is realizing that accelerating to counteract sway is a misconception. In fact, increasing speed typically worsens the issue. The proper response to trailer sway is to ease off the throttle and, if equipped with independent trailer brakes, use them to regain control. Staying calm and correcting the situation safely is essential.
Understanding GVM, GCM, and ATM
Grasping weight limits is crucial for anyone towing an RV, yet the terminology can be overwhelming: GVM, GCM, ATM—what do they mean? In this episode, John and Borgy clarify these terms for the learners:
The learners put their knowledge to the test by loading items into their caravan and checking the weight distribution using professional scales. After a few adjustments, they successfully balance the load while remaining within safe limits.
Aftermarket Enhancements for the Ideal Touring Setup
This episode also highlights valuable aftermarket upgrades that can enhance your towing experience. The vehicles featured were equipped with:
A notable accessory is the TJM bullbar, which offers front-end protection for travels through the Australian outback.
The Real World of Weighing Your Setup
The episode concludes with a practical weigh-in session. John and Borgy discuss how modifications like suspension lifts or bullbars can alter your vehicle’s overall weight, and it’s vital to be aware of your payload capacity. Payload includes everything—water, fuel, passengers, gear, and even spare change.
Through weighing the vehicles and trailers, the learners discover how slight excess weight in the wrong areas can impact balance and safety. With all their gear weighed and organized correctly, the learners embark on their journey with assurance, knowing their setup is both safe and compliant.
Test your RV safety knowledge with this informative quiz by rvSafe and see how prepared you are for your next outing!
What’s Next?
In the next episode, the learners will gain hands-on experience behind the wheel. Will Jessica successfully tow a caravan for the first time without incident? Can Evan avoid damaging the rear bar while reversing? Tune in next Saturday, September 14th, at 12:30 pm on Channel 10 or 10 Play to find out!
Prepare for Your Next Adventure
Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or a beginner, Are You RV Safe? equips you with the knowledge needed for safe travel and to enjoy the journey. If you missed an episode, you can catch up on episode one at 10Play and tune in to watch the latest episodes every Saturday at 12:30 pm on Channel 10.
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