How To Safely Tow An RV In The Rain
You can hope for clear skies for your road trip, but Mother Nature may have other plans. Sudden rain can come out of nowhere - and make towing an RV all the more challenging. In some cases, you may not be able to simply postpone your trip or pull off to the side of the road and wait out the bad weather. It's important to learn how to safely tow an RV in the rain...before you get stuck in the situation.
Here at Camp Site RV, we strive to make your life easier. We created the following guide to safely towing an RV in the rain. If you have any questions or want to shop RVs for sale in Iowa, visit our dealership. We are located in Cresco, Iowa, and also serve those in Cedar Falls as well as Rochester, Minnesota, and La Crosse, Wisconsin.
Get The Gear For Rainy Weather
The right gear will help you better navigate the reduced traction and visibility that comes along with rain. Invest in rainy weather accessories and you'll enjoy an easier, and safer, RV towing experience.
For example, make sure your tow vehicle and RV tires are up for the task. Some tires are better able to handle slick roads than others. As a general rule, deeper tire treads will be better able to navigate wet roads. There are even rain tires that are specifically made for slick surfaces. You can always chat with a professional, such as the friendly staff at Camp Site RV, for model-specific recommendations.
Another key investment is your tow vehicle's windshield wiper blades. Make sure that they are able to perform at the level you need. You may want to invest in replacements if your current wiper blades are old or in a higher quality model.
You can even purchase rain-repellent windshield spray. This will make water droplets slide off of your windshield quicker, which will maximize your visibility during the rain.
Check Your RV And Tow Vehicle
The next step is to ensure that your rigs are ready for the road trip. Small performance or maintenance issues can become bigger safety threats when rain is involved. Remember that traction will be harder to maintain and obstacles will be harder to spot. If you have any issues with your tow vehicle or RV, make a service department appointment before your trip.
In order to uncover possible issues, you will need to conduct a thorough pre-trip inspection. Test all the lights and replace any burnt out bulbs. Test the braking systems. Measure the tire air pressure and tread levels. Double check the hitch quality. See that all the doors and windows are sealed properly. The more thorough inspection you can do now, the less you are likely to experience problems on the road.
Use Safe Towing Practices
When the time has arrived for you to hit the road, employ a few key driving tactics.
First, stay focused. It's easy to get stressed when you see rain first start to fall. But try to stay calm, collected, and alert instead.
Second, make sure your lights are on. This helps ensure that others can see you and that you can better see the road.
Third, try to drive in the middle lane if you can. Roads often slope towards the edges, which helps rain roll off better and reduces standing water. This often results in the middle lane being the driest (and often has less traffic).
Fourth, drive at a safe speed. Remember that speed limits depict the maximum speed you can safely drive in ideal conditions. When rain enters the picture, you will likely need to slow down.
Fifth, try to avoid rain-related obstacles. Puddles are often deeper than they look, so try to avoid going through them as much as possible. Keep your eyes peeled for spots that might be slicker due to the rain, such as oil patches or leaf piles.
We hope you enjoyed this guide to safely towing an RV in the rain. For more road trip advice or to shop RVs for sale in Iowa, head over to Camp Site RV. Our expert staff is happy to answer questions, give advice, and assist with anything you need. Explore our inventory online or head over to our dealership in Cresco, Iowa. We also proudly serve those in Cedar Falls, Iowa, as well as Rochester, Minnesota, and La Crosse, Wisconsin.