| "body"> | | | | Gross Combined Weight Ratings (GCWR), and Gross |
| "Are RV's dangerous to own and operate?" After | | | | Axle Weight Ratings (GAWR). NEVER exceed any |
| giving this question some thought I realized that this | | | | manufacturer weight ratings. It is quite possible to be |
| one short question covered a very large spectrum. | | | | within the weight ratings, but still exceed a tire rating. |
| There is no quick or easy response to this question. | | | | This is why you must weigh each axle end |
| In most cases it's not the RV that is dangerous, but | | | | separately to insure that the load is within the |
| the individual that is operating the RV that is | | | | capacity of the axles, wheels and tires and to see if |
| dangerous. Some examples of unsafe acts that I | | | | the load is properly distributed.oHave the LP gas |
| have witnessed are carrying a full spare LP gas bottle | | | | system inspected every spring before using the RV. |
| inside the RV, sleeping in the RV with the generator | | | | Take your RV to a qualified service center and let |
| running and never weighing the RV or checking the | | | | them check the LP gas system for proper appliance |
| inflation pressure in the tires. | | | | operating pressure and to check the system for |
| When you begin your search for an RV, the first | | | | leaks. Familiarize yourself with the odorant added to |
| thing to verify is that the RV manufacturer is a | | | | LP gas to assist you in detecting a leak, and what to |
| member of the Recreation Vehicle Industry | | | | do if there is a gas leak. If you smell LP gas or the |
| Association (RVIA). If they are, the RV will have an | | | | leak detector alarm goes off: |
| oval shaped RVIA seal displayed on the exterior, | | | | 1) Extinguish any open flames and pilot lights. |
| usually by the entrance door. This seal means that | | | | 2) Do not touch electrical switches. |
| the RV manufacturer is in compliance with more than | | | | 3) Shut off the gas supply at the tank valve(s) or |
| 500 safety requirements regarding electrical, plumbing, | | | | gas supply connection. |
| heating, and fire and life safety. These safety | | | | 4) Open the doors and windows and leave the area |
| requirements are established under the American | | | | until the odor clears. |
| National Standards Institute (ANSI) A119.2 Standard | | | | 5) Have the LP gas system checked and repaired by |
| for Recreation Vehicles. This should put to rest any | | | | a qualified technician before using the system again. |
| concerns you may have about the RV itself being | | | | It is not recommended that you travel with the LP |
| safe when it is manufactured. | | | | gas turned on. If you do have the gas on while |
| The next step is to educate yourself on the systems | | | | traveling turn off each individual pilot light, appliance, |
| of an RV and what is required to operate the RV | | | | and the main gas supply before refueling.oThe |
| safely and properly. If you're going to be towing a | | | | onboard generator makes your RV fully |
| three or four ton travel trailer, or driving a six ton | | | | self-contained. It allows you access to 120 volts |
| plus motor home you need to understand the | | | | when there is no shore power available, but keep in |
| importance of proper hitch work, weights and driving | | | | mind that carbon monoxide is deadly! NEVER sleep in |
| techniques. I also explained that anytime you are | | | | the RV with the generator running! Before you start |
| dealing with petroleum products like LP gas and | | | | and use the generator inspect the exhaust system. |
| gasoline generators there is cause for concern, but if | | | | Do not use it if the exhaust system is damaged. |
| handled properly there is nothing to worry about. A | | | | Test the carbon monoxide detector every time you |
| good place to start is with our RV video and DVD | | | | use the RV. Know what the symptoms of carbon |
| library. | | | | monoxide poisoning are: |
| In no particular order, I offer the following advice | | | | 1) Dizziness |
| concerning RV safety:oTake care of your RV's tires | | | | 2) Vomiting |
| and they will take care of you. When you're not | | | | 3) Nausea |
| using your RV keep the tires covered to protect | | | | 4) Muscular twitching |
| them from the damaging affects of ozone in the air | | | | 5) Intense headache |
| and UV rays from the sun. Invest in a quality inflation | | | | 6) Throbbing in the temples |
| pressure gauge and check the tire pressure in all tires | | | | 7) Weakness and sleepiness |
| every time you use the RV. Check and adjust the | | | | 8) Inability to think coherently |
| pressure when the tires are cold, before you move | | | | If you or anyone else experiences any of these |
| it. Maintain the pressure recommended by the | | | | symptoms get to fresh air immediately. If the |
| manufacturer. Consult the owner's manual for proper | | | | symptoms persist seek medical attention. Shut the |
| tire inflation and never exceed the maximum | | | | generator down and do not operate it until it has |
| pressure located on the tire sidewalls.oWeigh your | | | | been inspected and repaired by a professional. |
| RV and tow vehicle. The only way to know if the | | | | In my opinion, these are some very real concerns |
| weight is properly distributed and that you are within | | | | that all RVers need to be aware of. I also want to |
| the allowable weight ratings for the RV and tow | | | | mention that this is a very short list. There are many |
| vehicle is to have them weighed. Look for certified | | | | other safety issues involved in owning and operating |
| platform scales in your yellow pages under moving | | | | an RV, but by practicing common sense, and through |
| companies or truck stops. When you weigh your RV | | | | education, RV ownership is not only safe, it's lots of |
| and tow vehicle have them fully loaded for travel to | | | | fun. |
| include passengers, cargo, fuel, personal belongings, | | | | Happy Camping, |
| and full fresh water and propane tanks. Verify that | | | | Mark |
| you do not exceed any manufacturer weight ratings | | | | Copyright 2006 by Mark J. |
| such as, the Gross Vehicle Weight Ratings (GVWR), | | | | |