_jure iStock
After seeing signs of bad weather, check the local forecast as well as the conditions at your final destination.
Words by Sam Leash/Harvest Hosts
Caution must be taken when driving any vehicle in inclement weather. Extra care is especially needed when driving or towing a motorhome given their size and heavier loads. Although we have reported on driving tips and techniques in previous issues, travelling in the rain and during thunderstorms can present several challenges.
It’s best to wait out any inclement weather. Considering it’s common to drive hundreds of kilometres from one region to the next, weather can change quickly and there are several best practices to learn so you can arrive at your destination safely without any incidents.
Raimondm Klavins
Wipers fail when you least expect it. Make sure they are ready and working when it rains.
Essential Gear and Supplies
It’s best to be prepared for the unexpected. Flash floods or downed trees can delay your travels for undetermined amounts of time. Stock up on groceries, water, fuel, propane, and other essentials should you find yourself delayed at a campground, boondocking site or even a rest area longer than expected.
It’s important to have an emergency roadside kit with flares and reflectors if you need to pull over on the highway or rural road for any amount of time for added safety from passing vehicles. A portable battery bank, extra fuses, necessary tools and an air compressor are other items to always bring on an RV trip.
Although special trailer service (ST) tires are designed for fifth wheels or travel trailers with several options for motorhomes, they must be in good shape, have the proper pressure, are not expired and don’t show any signs of extreme wear. It’s imperative to have optimal traction when the roads are wet. When you’re looking to upgrade, It’s best to speak to your local dealer about the best options for your RV.
Check the quality of your wiper blades. Depending on how often they are used, they may need to be replaced annually. If they’re just a little dirty, grab a towel and wipe them off to enhance their performance. You may also want to top up your windshield washer fluid and check your headlights to ensure maximum visibility.
arinahabich iStock
Leave extra distance between you and the vehicle in front of you.
Tips for Handling Your Motorhome
Experienced RVers know their RV drives much differently than a regular car or SUV. The main reason is motorhomes are almost exclusively rear-wheel drive. This means the back wheels power your RV forward and the front wheels are used for steering only.
It’s best to drive slowly - or at a comfortable speed - through a rainstorm and give yourself plenty of stopping distance for traffic in front of you. Should your RV begin to slide, this will lessen the chance of getting into an accident.
Whenever windshield wipers are used, it’s a good idea to have your headlights on as well. This increases your visibility to other vehicles. When it’s foggy, avoid using your high beams since the brighter illumination creates a glare in the fog. Aftermarket fog lights are available and should be considered as an added measure of driving safety.
Filip Zrnzević
Wet roads pose a challenge. Your motorhome and trailer tires should have proper treading with no signs of extreme wear.
Towing Your RV in the Rain
Towable a fifth wheel or trailer is a little different than driving a motorhome in the rain.
Most tow vehicles come equipped with 4WD, which greatly increases traction through slippery conditions. Avoid extremely large puddles or pools of water as much as possible to avoid any hydroplaning.
It’s just as important to leave a lot of distance between you and the vehicle in front of you when towing. It’s more difficult to brake quickly with any size of RV on the hitch and you’ll have the opportunity to slow down more gradually and reduce your risk of fishtailing.
J. Michael Jones iStock
If in doubt about the weather, stay in the comfort of your RV at a campground. It's better to be safe than sorry.
Some areas throughout Canada and the US receive more rain than others such as the BC coast and US Pacific Northwest. Alternatively, when visiting the dry climates and deserts in the southwestern US, flash floods may occur. Generally, the ground is so dry that a large influx of rain will not absorb quickly and water can pool near or on roads for extended periods.
To combat regional inclement weather in the late spring, summer and fall, research local climates and weather patterns to determine what type of conditions you can expect. Always check the forecast before any road trip.
Use your Judgment
Your comfort level may vary depending on the circumstances. Sometimes, the safest thing to do is pull over and let the storm pass, especially if it’s very windy. If you are expecting heavy rain in the region you’re about to visit, research campgrounds or sites like Harvest Hosts that are available along the way to stay overnight. It’s always better to be safe than sorry and will provide smoother and less stressful trips in the long run.
Try Harvest Hosts this Season
Have you ever wanted to wake up in the middle of a beautiful farm surrounded by peaceful wildlife and the most stunning sunrise you could ever imagine? With a Harvest Hosts membership, you can.
Harvest Hosts is the largest and most enjoyable RV camping membership. For less than $99/year, you can enjoy overnight RV camping at 4,346-plus farms, wineries, craft breweries, destination attractions, and more.
Take advantage of unlimited stays at unique locations without camping fees. Ditch the Walmart parking lots and join Harvest Hosts today.
For more information visit www.harvesthosts.com/
Joel Holland