RV Trax Panama City

Category: RV Safety

  • Wheel Chocks and Leveling

    When backing up or pulling into a campsite with your travel trailer or fifth wheel, stop at the approximate spot where you plan on parking the unit. Check the leveling from side to side. If it is not level, pull forward or back about an foot. Put leveling blocks at the tires on the low side of the unit and pull onto the blocks. Verify the unit is level side to side and chock the wheels front and rear. Disconnect the unit and adjust the front jacks so the unit is level front to rear. Added stability can be encountered by leaving the front of the unit slightly low and extending the rear stabilizers, then adjust the front jacks back to level. This applies a little more load on the stabilizers to reduce rocking of the unit. It is important that the rig is level to avoid damaging the refrigerator cooling unit and for drains to work properly. Travel-trailer owners need to know to block the back and front of the tires on both sides of the vehicle, while parked at their campsite. Weight distribution through-out the camper will shift while you are enjoying the amenities of your home on the road. If the weight happens to be concentrated in the rear of the camper, well the front may pop up and you might find yourself taking an unplanned tour of the campground.

     

     

  • Tire Failure

    TIRE FAILURE
    After examining hundreds of RV tire-failures over the years, we have discovered that most tires are under rated for the overloaded weight of the RV. Tire manufacturers also recommend replacing the RV tires after five to seven years of service or if any tire cracking is present. Low or excessive tire pressures can result in catastrophic damage or loss of life. Tire ratings are engraved in the sidewall, along with a corresponding maximum cold inflation pressure.
    To increase tire life and safety, each wheel must be weighed individually when the vehicle is fully loaded. These weight measurements will determine how much tire pressure is required for a specific load. Tire manufacturers publish charts that establish the tire load capacities at various inflation pressures. This is required to achieve optimum tire performance. All tires on the same axle should be set based on the heavier side. If there is a major difference in side-to-side weight, the load needs to be redistributed.
    If any wheel weight exceeds the maximum tire load, the problem must be corrected immediately. Shifting the loads in your RV or upgrading the tires not to exceed the load rating of the wheel rim can remedy this.

    Remember, safety is your responsibility. For more information you can call a qualified professional at (850) 866-6999 or visit https://rvtrax.com

  • Weight Ratings and Limits

    WEIGHT RATINGS AND LIMITS
    Ratings are the limits established by the vehicle manufacturer, which are not to be exceeded. Ratings are based on structural strength, braking power, stability, control issues and performance. Exceeding a rating invites unsafe conditions, potential damage, may void a warranty, complicate an insurance claim and in some cases violate the law. The following load abbreviations are explained as follows:

    GVWR
    Gross Vehicle Weight Rating is the maximum allowable weight of the fully loaded vehicle, including liquids, passenger’s cargo, and the tongue weight of any towed vehicle.

    GAWR
    Gross Axle Weight Rating is the maximum allowable weight each axle assembly is designed to carry, as measured at the tires, therefore including the weight of the axle assembly itself. GAWR is established by considering the rating of each of its components (tires, wheels, springs, axle, etc.) and rating the axle on its weakest link. The GAWR assumes the load is equal on both sides.

    GCWR
    Gross Combination Weight Rating is the maximum allowable combined weight of the vehicle and the attached towed vehicle. GCWR assumes that both vehicles have functioning brakes, with the exceptions in some cases for a very light towed vehicle, normally less than 1,500 pounds. Check your manual, and towing guide.

    UVW:
    Unloaded Vehicle Weight is the total weight of the vehicle, as built at the factory, with the fuel full, engine, transmission, generator, oil, fluids and coolants. It does not include cargo, fresh water, LP gas, occupants or dealer installed accessories.

    NCC:
    Net Carrying Capacity is the maximum weight of all personal belongings, food, fresh water, LP gas, cargo, tools and dealer installed accessories, etc., that can be carried by the vehicle.

    SCWR:
    Sleeping Capacity Weight Rating is the manufacturers designated number of sleeping positions multiplied by 154 pounds.

    CCC:
    Cargo Carrying Capacity is equal to the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating minus each of the following: The unloaded vehicle weight, full fresh potable water weight including the water heater capacity weight, LP gas weight and the sleeping capacity weight rating.

    Neither NCC nor CCC tells how much can be carried without exceeding a rating. Know the distribution of the carrying capacity. For example, how much is available on each axle and on each tire.

    HITCH RATINGS
    GTWR
    Gross Trailer Weight Rating is the maximum towed vehicle weight. Each component (receiver, draw bar, ball) of a ball type hitch has its own rating. Some ball type hitches have separate ratings when used with a weight distributing system.

    TWR/TLR/VLR
    Tongue Weight Rating, Tongue Load Rating, or Vertical Load Rating are different terms for the maximum vertical load that can be carried by the hitch.

    For more information you can visit https://rvsafety.com or call a qualified professional at(850) 866-6999 or visit https://rvtrax.com

  • Safe Operation Of Your RV

    SAFE OPERATION OF YOUR RV

    FIRE PREVENTION
    Always properly maintain the RV, including often-overlooked engine maintenance.
    Never keep flammable materials around the stove, generator, or any other electrical components.
    Always keep the appliances, including the generator, clean and operating properly.
    Always turn the LP gas system off and beware of static electricity when refueling.
    Always have at least one good fire extinguisher in an easily known accessible location.
    It is better to have a few fire extinguishers at several accessible locations.

    If you ever find yourself in a fire situation, the first thing to do is escape the RV to save
    lives. ONLY FIGHT THE FIRE IF YOU CAN DO SO SAFELY!

    ESCAPE WINDOWS, HATCHES AND DOORS
    Never screw or seal an escape hatch, window or door shut. Know the locations and operations of these escape routes in case of an emergency. Fires consume RV’s quickly. If a fire is present, GET OUT IMMEDIATELY. Do not attempt to extinguish a fire until all life has exited the RV and the fire can be extinguished safely.

    SMOKE DETECTORS
    At least weekly, verify that the smoke detector is operating properly. Replace the battery at least once a year. A recommended addition or replacement of the existing detector is a Photoelectric Smoke Detector. It only requires a simple installation and it is more receptive to smoke from fires and less susceptible to false alarms.

    CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTORS
    You should have at least one detector in your bedroom mounted either to the ceiling or wall at least 8” from the ceiling or 4” up from the floor. A higher mounting location is best because Carbon Monoxide rises since it is lighter than air. Do not install close to an inside corner. Carbon Monoxide is a colorless, odorless, invisible, poisonous deadly gas that can kill without warning. When an engine or generator is running, even from
    another vehicle parked next to you, it is producing this deadly gas that can enter your RV. Carbon monoxide detectors have a lifespan of 5 to 8 years.

    PROPANE DETECTORS
    LP or Propane gas is heavier than air, therefore the detector must be mounted close to the floor. These detectors often have a dual function. A slow beep is generally an indication of a low battery condition and a continuous beep is from propane detection. Chemicals such as cleaners, colognes, alcohol, hairsprays or sewer gasses can cause the detector to activate a false alarm. NEVER DISCONNECT AN LP DETECTOR. Test the detector at least monthly. Many propane detectors are connected to an LP valve that will turn off the LP gas when the alarm is activated.

    BATTERY SAFETY
    Batteries emit hydrogen gas that is explosive, therefore batteries must be properly vented to the outside atmosphere. Check the battery electrolyte fluid monthly and fill with distilled water only. Keep the caps tight and the battery clean. If the battery appears swollen or damaged, replace it immediately. For more information see the article BATTERY MAINTENANCE.

    GENERATOR SAFETY
    Keep the generator’s fluid levels full, clean and properly maintained. NEVER use the generator compartment for storage. Inspect the fuel lines and exhaust for cracks or leaks. The exhaust tail pipe should protrude at least 1 inch past the exterior wall edge of the RV. When operating the generator, try to park your RV with the exhaust facing down wind, to carry the fumes away from the unit.

    TIRE SAFETY
    Check the tire pressures, including the spare tire before any trip. Inspect the tires for any visual defects present and replace every 5 to 7 years. Tires should be rated for the load of your vehicle. See the article TIRE FAILURE for more information.

    EXTERIOR INSPECTION
    Before leaving with the RV, check that all fluids, exterior lights, wipers and horn are operating properly. Also, check for fluid or exhaust leaks, ensure that the antenna, awning, slide out and leveling systems are retracted and locked. Make sure that all hoses, cords and cargo are stored properly.

    TOWING
    When towing an RV, trailer or a tow vehicle, test the operation of the turn signals, parking lights and brake lights. Manually engage the brake controller while rolling, to verify that the brakes are operating properly. Follow the manufacturers instructions for the towed vehicle.

    These are just a few of the many issues of concern. I hope that this article will help you become better prepared, have a safe trip and avoid many potential problems. Remember, common sense goes a long ways towards safety. For additional information you can call a qualified professional at (850) 866-6999 or visit https://www.rvsafety.org