RV FEATURE
SLOW DOWN
We all like to sit on the maximum speed limit while hurtling along the freeways and well-formed bitumen roads . That ’ s all well and good , provided the situation and conditions allow .
But handling a few tonnes of vehicle , including trailers or caravans tacked on at speed on a dirt track , takes more skill . Throw in corrugations , washouts , bull dust or any other constantly varying road surface , and it makes for a dangerous situation in the hands of the untrained .
The easiest way to keep safe in these situations is to slow down , way down at times . Obviously , you can ' t crawl along a major corrugated outback track at a snail ' s pace . First , that ’ s the wrong way to tackle corrugations , and second , you ' ll be creating an unsafe situation for other road users trying to get past you either from in front or behind .
Drive to both your abilities and the road conditions , and consider the traffic around you .
Driver changes , music and keeping track of your partner ’ s well-being go a long way towards remote-area happiness .
Yep , you got it : slow down .
Take extra care when going over cattle grids ; they can return a decent wallop to your tyres and suspension .
PAYING ATTENTION
Here ’ s one more point for good luck : lack of attention to your surroundings , including your caravan , your vehicle , your and your fellow travellers ' health and well-being , and where you are on planet Earth .
Paying attention to everything is vital to the ongoing longevity of all things mechanical and personal safety . The second you hear something odd or different from your engine bay , under the vehicle or caravan , or even inside the vehicle or van should alert you to the potential failure of something .
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