11
Driving & Safety - 2
2014 Holiday Rambler Travel Trailer
Driving lanes in work zones can be
uneven, congested and more narrow than
usual.
Be cautious of road debris that can
damage the undercarriage of the
recreational vehicle or cause damage
to the tires, wheel rims or recreational
vehicle.
On back roads and single divided roads,
tree branches and shrubbery can protrude
into the roadway. Watch for low hanging
branches, especially during inclement
weather. Rain and snow will cause
branches to hang lower than usual.
Remember that posted speed signs are
for passenger automobiles. Therefore,
use extra awareness of the driving
conditions and an appropriate speed for
a vehicle pulling a recreational vehicle,
especially on corners and mountain
roads.
Downgrade speed should be at least
5 mph less than upgrade speed, or
downgrade speed should be attainable
within three seconds of a brake
application.
Use a four second rule when following
other vehicles at speeds under 40 mph.
Use a five second rule when following
at speeds over 40 mph.
Right Turns:
Negotiating a right-hand turn
while pulling a recreational vehicle can be
difficult. The operator may anticipate they can
not make the turn without entering into the
other lane or jumping the curb. A right-hand
turn can be negotiated using these tips:
When
approaching
a turn, look
into the mirror
to ensure the
lane to the left
is clear, then
move wide to
the left.
Prior to the
turn; the left
rear wheel
should touch
the center line of the road and driver’s
hip should be parallel to the roadside
curb of the corner being turned. This
will aid in avoiding a premature turn.
Slowly make the turn.
Check mirrors frequently. Be aware
of necessary clearance and space
management for the recreational
vehicle while negotiating the turn.
Left Turns
: The turn should be made when
the driver’s hip reaches the center of the
intersection. If two lanes are available, take the
right hand lane. A vehicle or object located on
the left-hand side is easier seen.
Ascending a Grade:
When approaching an uphill grade, assess
the grade and length before beginning the
climb. Prepare early for long climbs.
IMPORTANT SAFETY TIP:
Turn on the four way flashers if road
speed decreases significantly under the
posted speed. Use pullouts if traffic is
building.
Descending a Grade:
Prepare to descend a grade at the crest of the
hill. Observe any signs indicating grade angle
and duration. The sign may suggest maximum
downhill speed according to the Gross
Combined Weight. The combined weight of
the two vehicle and recreational vehicle.
Night Driving:
Be well rested and alert when driving.
If necessary, find a safe place to stop
and rest until ready to continue.
Avoid using any interior lights that
create a glare on the windshield. This
will decrease visibility.
Dim the dash lights to a comfortable
level to reduce the level of glare.
Extreme Heat and Hot Weather
Conditions:
Check tire pressure frequently when
traveling in hot conditions. Tire air
pressure increases with heat. Do not let
air out of a hot tire. The tires will return
to correct/previous tire pressure when
cool.
Winter and Cold Climate Conditions:
The recreational vehicle should be
prepared for cold weather use.
Keep speeds slow and steady; make
moves gradually and increase the
visual distance for a gain in reaction
time.
If the road or weather conditions are
treacherous, find a safe place to stop
and wait for conditions to improve.
Remove any ice build-up from the
entry step to avoid accidental slipping.
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