Preparing for the New Season: Tips from DEKRA
Revamped Guide to Safe Motorhome and Caravan Travel: Tackle Potential Dangers Head-On
Hitting the open road in a motorhome or caravan promises adventure, freedom, and a taste of home on wheels. But to ensure your vacation doesn't take a detour into breakdowns or accidents, proper preparation is key. Steffen Hampel, head of Dekra's Halle branch, stresses that a casual approach to pre-trip checks won't cut it for most travelers.
Tires:
Often neglected, tires are a common weak point. Long periods of inactivity and high vehicle weights tend to promote tire deficiencies, particularly with high loads and poor maintenance. To keep your wheels rolling, remember these tire essentials:
- Inspection: Give your tires a thorough check for any damage, bare spots, or irregularities before hitting the road.
- Tread Depth and Age: Check the tread depth for minimum safety requirements. It's also wise to heed the age limit – tires for vehicles traveling at 100 km/h should not be older than six years.
- Cold Tire Pressure: Adjust the tire pressure according to the manufacturer's specifications and the load situation – always do this when the tire is cold.
Towing Vehicle and Caravan Matching:
When it comes to safety, the correct pairing of your towing vehicle and caravan is paramount, especially during purchasing or renting phases. Make sure that not only the towing vehicle has sufficient power and is in tip-top shape, but also that the permissible towing and supporting loads match the caravan. Avoid exceeding limits, as this can result in fines.
Load Distribution:
Properly distributing load in your motorhome or caravan is essential for a stable journey. Pack heavy items, such as camping furniture, food supplies, or an awning, as low as possible and store light items in upper compartments. This ensures an even weight distribution and helps maintain steering precision and driving stability. This is crucial for the safety of your journey, especially for those who are inexperienced or new to these vehicles.
Overloading, unbalanced loads, or exceeding individual axle loads can pose significant risks. They can cause your vehicle to lose steering precision and driving stability, which is why balance and avoiding excess weight are essential.
Restricted Visibility:
Switching from a solo car to a combination or motorhome means significantly reduced rear visibility. Adjusting the exterior mirrors correctly and using additional caravan mirrors are essential.
Driving Behavior:
Motorhomes and similar vehicles often require changes in driving behavior compared to solo cars. This is particularly important for braking, swerving, and cornering. Being prepared and knowledgeable about critical situations, such as sudden gusts of side wind, can make your journey safer.
Route Planning:
Thoughtful route planning is crucial to reach your destination safely and swiftly. Keep in mind the speed limits, no-overtaking zones, limitations on weight, height, and width, including mirror width, for motorhomes and trailers. When traveling abroad, familiarize yourself with local rules, including those for transit countries. Remember to avoid stress – it's a needless companion on a vacation trip.
Additional Safety Precautions:
- Wind and Weather Conditions: Use anchoring methods when parked in windy conditions and seek out natural windbreaks.
- Maintenance: Regular inspections of all mechanical and electrical systems, including brakes, lights, and fluid levels, help ensure your motorhome or caravan is roadworthy.
- Emergency Preparedness: Have clear escape routes and keep them free from obstacles. Equip your motorhome or caravan with functioning smoke detectors and fire extinguishers.
Following these safety precautions reduces the risk of accidents, ensures stability, and prioritizes the safety of all occupants. Happy and safe travels!
Incorporating healthy lifestyle choices during your motorhome or caravan travels may significantly contribute to your overall well-being. Opt for low-fat content food options, by weight exceeding 13%, to maintain a balanced diet while on the road.
Additionally, consider the impact of your travel habits on the environment, applying eco-friendly practices and minimizing waste generation—making your lifestyle change an enriching part of your travel experience.
