RVs: They aren't just for old folks anymore

Sunday, July 18, 2004

By CAREY KISH

Summer is here and it's time to get out and enjoy Maine's all-too-short camping season. For some campers — myself included — that means hiking into the backcountry and pitching a tent. Others may enjoy car camping — driving to an established campground to set up a base camp. For many people, though, camping means packing up the recreational vehicle, or RV, and taking to the road.

"RVs are more than just a hunk of iron. For many, it's a lifestyle," said Rob Armstrong, owner of the Motor Home and RV Super Center in Auburn. "You've got your home and everything you need with you."

Now, you might think that RVs are just the domain of retirees, but that isn't so. According to Armstrong, there's a wide range of demographics in the RV business today. And more and more baby boomers — those about 45 and older — are seeking the camping comfort of RVs, while many young families in their 20s and 30s are buying tent trailers to haul behind their SUVs.

RVs can be categorized as either motorized or towable units. Motorized RVs range from large, bus-style coaches to smaller van campers. Towable RVs range from travel trailers that hook on behind your vehicle to campers that mount in the bed of a pickup truck.

Regardless of the style of RV, it's a given that you can carry a lot of stuff, enabling you to establish a pretty luxurious campsite. Over the years I've observed some elaborate RV setups and must admit to having been secretly envious of the comfort at times, especially whenever it was raining.

Between the driveway at home and that comfortable campsite, however, there are many important considerations for the RV camper, safety being at the top of the list.

"Driving an RV is a completely different ball game," said Don Wyse, a licensed driving instructor who has logged more than 4.5 million miles on the road as a commercial truck driver.

"RV campers always need to remember what they're driving while they're driving it," said Wyse. "RVs don't handle the same, stop the same or turn as well as a passenger vehicle."

One of the biggest problems with RVs is overloading the vehicle, which can lead to accidents. Wyse said most people just load it and don't think about weight.

"So, yes, you can pull it, but can you stop it?" asks Wyse.

RV campers should consider not only total weight, but also how the weight is distributed. Wyse recommends checking the owner's manual for your RV and following the loading guidelines carefully.

Before leaving for each trip, be sure your RV is in good operating condition.

"Regular maintenance is critical," Wyse said.

Take a walk around the vehicle before you drive it. Check the tires and mirrors. Look under the hood and check fluid levels too.

Once on the road, monitor the vehicle.

"Test the brakes, check your gauges, feel for vibrations," said Wyse.

Know the total height of your RV to avoid problems with bridge overpasses, utility wires and tree branches.

Wyse offers a few other "rules of the road" for RV camper safety:

Use your "co-pilot" for help in navigating and acting as a second set of eyes.

Drive within your comfort zone and capabilities. That may mean driving less than the posted speed limit.

Anticipate problems by looking farther down the road. Remember that it'll take you longer to stop in an emergency.

Check your mirrors frequently. RVs have big blind spots and you may not see everything.

Take frequent rest breaks along the way. Get out and stretch.

Relax! You're on vacation and supposed to be having fun.

"Never be in a hurry. That's when problems occur," counsels Wyse.

Hopefully, you've called ahead to the campground of your choice to be sure it can accommodate your RV. A pull-through site is always best, so you can easily drive in and out and not have to back up.

Once at your campsite, put down the leveling jacks, hook up the water and electric, roll out the awning, set up the tables and chairs and break out the cooler.

"Then it's time to relax," Wyse said.

A six-hour RV driver safety course, taught by Wyse, is offered through the Motor Home and RV Super Center in Auburn for $400. Participants may use their own RV for the training or the center will provide one. Call 783-169 for more information.

Carey Kish of Portland is the former president of the Maine Outdoor Adventure Club. He can be reached at: maineoutdoors@aol.com.

Jim Crocker is director of public information at the Maine Department of Conservation.

To top of page