RV FEATURE
BLOWING A GALE
Travelling with an RV in strong winds is just like towing a windsock, so you really need to decide whether it’ s actually safe to be on the road when high winds are forecast. It could simply be a safer option to stay put for an additional night until it subsides.
If you can’ t avoid driving in the wind, slow down to minimise any vehicle and RV sway. It’ s also a good idea to have a UHF radio so you can communicate with other road users about overtaking and general speed control. It adds another level of safety in difficult conditions.
Having a shady campsite is nice in warm weather, but eucalypts are renowned for dropping their limbs. The simple action of checking your overhead surroundings before setting-up camp is something that’ s often overlooked. Avoid parking directly underneath these trees especially during long heat spells and wind, as these are the times when trees are likely to be stressed.
A gust of wind caused our awning to rip.
On more than one occasion, we’ ve seen unexpected wind gusts play havoc with RV awnings. Yep, it’ s happened to us, too. A good habit to get into is to use awning deflappers, spreader bars and appropriate tie towns each time you set-up. Alternatively, consider putting your awning away nightly or if you’ re going to leave your campsite unattended.
Dust and dusty conditions aren’ t necessarily caused by wind, but driving conditions can be more challenging when the wind aggravates the dust kicked up by your travelling set-up. A good safety practice is to drive with your headlights on whenever you hit the dirt. That way you can be seen by oncoming traffic and anyone coming up behind you.
Our tip: Make a quick phone call to your insurance company before travelling to a cyclone-prone area and have them verify your coverage should you need to make a claim. Not all insurance companies are the same when it comes to‘ acts of God’, and you don’ t want to find out later there’ s a clause that lets them off the hook.
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