Professionals Give Advise And Talk Safety On How To Best Tow With Long Recreational Vehicles And What Is Too Much
Motor Homes on the road today run the gambit in size from what could be consider a glorified van to bus types as long as 45 feet in length. In many of the campgrounds currently across the country, Class A's running 35 to 45 feet are the norm. But one additional aspect that many fail to include is the necessity and expansion of towing vehicles.
At one time, there was the simple trend of compact cars obediently tagging along behind these large vehicles whereas today, these additions are more likely to be a full sized Jeep, mini-van, small pick-up truck, SUV or even large cargo trailers that might be half the size of the camper itself. When the length of these bigger tow rigs are added together with the length of the motor home towing it, and it adds up to quite a large rig. With that in mind, a few questions may pop up concerning safety.
The obvious concern for some would be the size. Between the motor home and the tow vehicle or cargo trailer, the question becomes is there a point where we start asking how long is too long, especially for something that is for recreational use? According to Pamela Kay, Director of Communications for FMCA, “it seems to be a matter of personal preference and how the vehicle will be used”.
Don Pezza, a long time RVer and retired campground owner of Waterloo Harbor in New York’s Finger Lakes region agrees, adding he was putting in new sites; he made them longer to accommodate the bigger motor homes and larger tows. The thought pattern in doing this allowed for the provision of a few areas where the large cargo trailers could be unhitched and parked parallel despite the length.
As far as the industry itself on what it recommends to make towing safer for these larger rigs, Kay continues that “one thing FMCA has done is to share information about supplemental braking systems [in such publications as Family Motor Coaching Magazine] and to recommend their use”.
In keeping with the brake discussion, Don Pezza states that “speeds up to 60-65 mph are best. [However] anything over [this speed] and it will be difficult to stop [which] applies even if you are not towing. When traveling mountainous areas, [always] use a lower gear to save your brakes and prevent them from over-heating”. Pezza also suggests to keep check on the lugs of the tow vehicle, making sure that they remain tight. The air pressure in the tires of both the motor home and the tow vehicle needs to be maintained as well as checking the hitch connection itself to make sure that the tow vehicle is still firmly connected.
“The hitch dictates how much you can tow,” continues Pezza. “If it is rated for 5000 pounds, then the tow vehicle must be at or below that weight. Otherwise, should an accident occur and it is discovered that a heavier weighted vehicle is being towed than what the hitch is rated for, it will automatically negate the insurance and any claims that you might have.” The weight capacity of the hitch is specifically [and in most cases] written right on it, making it easy for the consumer to make sure that the correct hitch is being purchased.
From time to time though, the issue of special licensing or training for those who drive these big motor homes (and tows) rears its' head. When it comes to special licensing, Kay continues that “it has always been my understanding that RV drivers have good overall safety records. They tend to be mature, responsible drivers.” She adds that “some states do require a different license for motor home drivers depending on their vehicle's weight, length or whether it has air brakes.”
Pezza agrees in this assessment. However he also mentions that someone purchasing an RV can “ask the dealer to go out with them on the road on the day you pick up the camper”. This way the dealer can point out things that the new owner/driver may need to know as well as offer suggestions. This offers owner/driver the opportunity to ask hands on questions as well.
In conclusion, while the combined lengths of motor homes and tow vehicles (or, by extension, cargo trailers) have become longer over the years, the aspect of safety, in most instances, depends on the knowledge of the driver as well as keeping up to date on anything that may be applicable to their own specific vehicle(s) and equipment (such as recalls). With more technological advances including rear cameras, proximity alerts and computer assisted braking, this new world of towing to continues to expand.
Kim Pezza
A graduate of State University Of New York At Fredonia with a BA in Creative Writing, Kim is an author for Hatherleigh Press [Random House] and Seaside Publishing. She enjoys camping, cheese making and historic crafts.
Make Sure To Stay At:
Blackwell Island RV Resort, located on the water with full hookups and drive-thru convenience. Sit on the beach or take a dip in the water, or catch bass from the dock.