How To Manage Weight Distribution On RV's For Safer Driving

Many people don't even think of weight distribution when they load up their RV. They simply pile in all their stuff and take off. This can be a dangerous practice as the Recreation Vehicle Safety Education Foundation (RVSEF) has found that the loads contained in many of the RVs they weighed exceeded the capacity of the tires. An overloaded RV is a dangerous one, so be sure to check yours before you take it on the road. You can find scales to weigh your RV in the yellow pages or online, and it is vital to check individual wheel positions as well as overall weight.

In many cases of overload, it was the back of the vehicle that was the problem. People tend to store their heaviest equipment in the back of the RV, thinking it will create stability, however if the back is overloaded it causes your RV to be out of balance. Weight needs to be distributed evenly throughout the vehicle.

The manufacturer of the RV is the one to establish various weight ratings. Not adhering to these is one of the major causes of accidents and breakdowns of RV vehicles, due to the extra wear on parts, or uneven distribution. RV.net sponsors safe RV driving lessons where you can learn about safety including weight distribution. Anyone who is a beginner at RVing would be well advised to attend one if they can, and they will find even veterans go to them and learn something new.

Weight distribution doesn't only mean the way in which you pack all your stuff, though that is important too. Weight distribution refers also to the way in which - say, a pop-up is hitched to the towing vehicle. Unless you have the right equipment for hitching, the weight resting on the ball mount could exceed the allowable 15% of the towed vehicle.

To know what class of hitch or receiver is needed on your towing vehicle, you need to estimate the weight of your additions to the RV; things like batteries and air-conditioner, plus all your equipment. The combined weights of the people and gear that will be in the towing vehicle must also be taken into consideration. If you have a towing hitch that is inadequate, not only will you wear out parts more quickly, but RV sway will be a problem. Mounting a friction sway control can be a good way to help minimize RV sway. You need to do everything necessary to make your RV trip a safe and enjoyable experience.