Last modified on Thursday, June 13 2019 @ 09:38 am UTC
Basic RV Safety 101 by: Mark J. Polk
I recently received an email from someone that was considering purchasing an RV. After explaining their interest in RVing there was one short question. “Are RV's dangerous to own and operate?” After giving this some thought I realized that this one short question covered a very large spectrum. There was no quick or easy response to this question. I responded by saying that in most cases it's not the RV that is dangerous, but the individual that is operating the RV that is dangerous. I gave some examples of unsafe acts that I have witnessed like carrying a full spare LP gas bottle inside the RV, sleeping in the RV with the generator running and never weighing the RV or checking the inflation pressure in the tires.
I told them when they begin their search for their RV the first thing to verify is that the RV manufacturer is a member of the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA). If they are, the RV will have an oval shaped RVIA seal displayed on the exterior, usually by the entrance door. This seal means that the RV manufacturer is in compliance with more than 500 safety requirements regarding electrical, plumbing, heating, and fire and life safety. These safety requirements are established under the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) A119.2 Standard for Recreation Vehicles. This should put to rest any concerns you may have about the RV itself being safe when it is manufactured.
I explained that the next step is to educate yourself on the systems of an RV and what is required to operate the RV safely and properly. If you're going to be towing a three or four ton travel trailer, or driving a six ton plus motor home you need to understand the importance of proper hitch work, weights and driving techniques. I also explained that anytime you are dealing with petroleum products like LP gas and gasoline generators there is cause for concern, but if handled properly there is nothing to worry about. A good place to start is with our RV Safety DVD[*1]
In no particular order, I offered them the following advice concerning RV safety.
It is not recommended that you travel with the LP gas turned on. If you do have the gas on while traveling turn off each individual pilot light, appliance, and the main gas supply before refueling.
If you or anyone else experiences any of these symptoms get to fresh air immediately. If the symptoms persist seek medical attention. Shut the generator down and do not operate it until it has been inspected and repaired by a professional.
I finished my response by explaining that in my opinion these were some very real concerns that all RVers need to be aware of. I also mentioned that this is a very short list. There are many other safety issues involved in owning and operating an RV, but by practicing common sense, and through education, RV ownership is not only safe, it's lots of fun.
Happy Camping,
Mark
Copyright 2000 - 2009 by Mark J. Polk owner of RV Education 101
RV Expert Mark Polk, seen on TV, is the producer & host of America's most highly regarded series of DVD's, videos, books, and e-books.http://www.rveducation101.com/[*2]
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RV Education 101 quickly established themselves as THE go to resource for RVers. RV 101 provides RV operation, RV safety and RV maintenance information from a reliable RV expert. With hundreds of thousands of training and informational videos, DVDs and books sold, along with his many TV appearances as the RV Savvy Guy, Mark Polk is recognized as THE authority for everything RV.
Founded by Mark Polk, who started in the RV industry as an apprentice technician as a teenager. "I really enjoyed working around RVs and performing basic service on customers’ units”, Polk explained. “You could say I was bit by the RV bug early on.” Mark Polk is a pioneer of qualified RV "How To" content on the Internet.
Mark and Dawn felt that there is not enough emphasis placed on properly educating the RV consumer on the complexities of owning and operating an RV. "Our goal is to provide you with as much RV information, tips and safety advice as possible. Topics covered include: RV walk through orientation videos, RV winterizing & storing, trailer towing and towing behind your motorhome, and much more!"
Check out our training Videos, books & e-books on using and maintaining your Recreation Vehicle (RV)[*32]