RV Safety Tips
The Leader-Post April 29, 2010

 - Perform regular tire maintenance. When your RV is not in use, keep the tires covered to protect them from the damaging effects of ozone in the air and UV rays from the sun.

Invest in a tire pressure gauge and remember to check the pressure in all tires every time you use the RV. When the tires are cold, check and adjust their pressure. Make sure to maintain the pressure recommended by the tire manufacturer, and consult your owner's manual for proper tire inflation.

Never exceed the maximum pressure (indicated on the sidewalls).

- Weigh your RV/tow vehicle. This is the only way to know if the vehicle's weight is properly distributed and the vehicle is within the allowable weight ratings.

Truck stops and moving companies often have certified platform scales.

Have your vehicle loaded to include passengers, cargo, fuel, personal belongings, propane tanks and fresh water when you have it weighed.

Verify that you do not exceed any manufacturer weight ratings such as, the Gross Vehicle Weight Ratings (GVWR), Gross Combined Weight Ratings (GCWR), and Gross Axle Weight Ratings (GAWR). It is possible to be within weight ratings, but still exceed a tire rating.

Each axle needs to be weighed separately to ensure that the load is within the capacity of the axles, wheels and tires and is distributed evenly.

- Take your RV to a qualified service centre each spring and have the LP gas system inspected for proper alliance operating pressure and to check the system for leaks.

Learn to recognize the odourant added to the LP gas, so you can detect a leak. If you smell LP gas or the leak detector alarm goes off:

- Put out any open flames and turn off pilot lights

- Don't touch electrical switches

- Shut off the gas supply at the tank valve(s) or gas supply connection

- Open all doors and windows and leave the area until the odour clears

- Have the LP gas system checked and repaired before using it again.

- The onboard generator makes your RV fully self-contained. It allows you access to 120 volts when there is no shore power available.

Keep in mind that carbon monoxide is deadly! Never under any circumstances sleep in the RV with the generator running. Inspect the exhaust system before using the generator, and don't use the generator if the exhaust system is damaged. Every time you use your RV, check the carbon monoxide detector.
© Copyright (c) The Regina Leader-Post
 
 

Read more: http://www.leaderpost.com/safety+tips/2969630/story.html#ixzz0nGw1tvLe