If you’re thinking of going out in your RV, you might be asking yourself; how easily does an RV tip? This depends on a lot of factors, but on the whole, they don’t tip too readily as long as you have taken the proper safety precautions. However, like anything, they can be unstable if you aren’t prepared!
How Easily Does An RV Tip Over?
If you have ever felt your RV swaying or rocking behind your vehicle when you’re traveling, you’ll know how scary this sensation is. Anyone who has pictured (or actually had) their trailer tipping over while they’re towing it will be well aware of what a mess and how expensive this can be.
Your RV should not tip readily if you have followed the manufacturer’s guidelines, however. After all, they are designed to be stable, because the damage and expense can be phenomenal if they do tip.
It’s important to thoroughly familiarize yourself with the safety requirements, the towing stats, and your particular RV’s handling. Don’t try it on a difficult road before you’ve got accustomed to driving with it on flat, easy roads. Do a practice run (or three!) before you go on a long trip.
How To Avoid Tipping Your RV
What can you do to minimize the chance of your RV tipping over? There are a few things.
The first involves paying attention to the weather conditions you are going to be driving in. Wind can make a massive difference to the stability of your RV, and you should plan your trips to avoid heavy weather.
If it gets windy unexpectedly, pull off the road and stop somewhere sheltered until conditions improve, rather than risk getting into an accident. RVs are wide blocks that will be subjected to enormous force if a gust of wind hits them.
Next, think carefully about weight distribution. If you have all your gear piled on one side of the RV, it is bound to be less stable than if you balance the vehicle. Pay attention to weight on the hitch in particular, and don’t exceed maximum weight recommendations.
Always practice before you take a new trailer on a long journey; knowing your trailer’s quirks can make the difference between a safe trip and an accident. You may even need to do a practice run with a trailer you know well if it’s some time since you last used it.
It’s also important not to drive too fast – and this doesn’t mean not exceeding the speed limit. It means thinking about what is safe, and sticking to it. Often, when you’re towing something, you need to drive below the speed limit to be moving safely. In wet conditions, go even more slowly, because your braking will be affected.
Before setting out on a trip, check your tire pressure, as this can affect the maximum load of the vehicle. If your tires are over-inflated or under-inflated, you may find that the handling is different from what you expect.
You should also avoid making any sudden movements when steering. Do not try to make an abrupt turn because you have missed an exit; this is seriously risky and could easily result in the RV tipping over. Instead, drive on until you reach another exit or you can safely turn (depending on the roads).
It may take longer, but you will at least ensure everyone arrives in one piece and save yourself major damage to your vehicle and your RV.
What To Do If Your RV Tips Over
If you do have an accident, the first thing you should do is get out of the vehicle (with all other passengers). Do this even if the accident doesn’t seem too bad, and step away from the vehicle. Get clear of the road and any other cars involved in the accident.
Next, phone the police and report the accident. You may also want to call an ambulance so that you or anyone else can get checked over. Even if there are no injuries, you may need treatment for shock.
Wait for the police to arrive and deal with the incident, and then – if necessary – visit a hospital. You will also need to organize a tow company to get your trailer off the road and to a repair garage.
How Easily Does An RV Tip? – Final Thoughts
If you are taking an RV out for the first time, you should be aware of its stability and practice driving with it a few times first. Check how it handles and get a feel of braking and accelerating. RVs should not tip too readily, but accidents can happen, so be careful!
