RVs can provide convenient ways for families to travel during the winter. Still, winter driving poses risks to RV operators.
Insurance can help defray costs associated with some of these risks. Even so, travelers need to be aware of their responsibility when driving in the winter. Before hitting the road, RV drivers should take proper precautions.
Protecting Yourself During Winter RV Trips
RVs are different from the standard vehicle. Therefore, the resources needed to operate them vary. During the winter, drivers should take unique precautions when planning to travel.
1. Review Your Insurance Coverage
Ensure that your RV coverage will remain active during your travels. Remember, you may encounter winter weather, bad road conditions and holiday congestion. You should have high collision, comprehensive and liability coverage to protect you and the vehicle. If you feel you need to increase any of your coverage levels, talk to your insurer.
2. Prepare the RV for Travel
Winter conditions can affect most vehicles, including RVs. If you don’t take care of the vehicle during winter travel, you could damage the vehicle.
- Protect internal systems by changing the oil, servicing the engine and other systems. This can help insulate and protect the RV during use. Remember, cold or dangerous weather might strain these systems. It is always best to see to their maintenance before a trip.
- Check your undercarriage and tires. Deterioration in these systems may cause control issues. They could put you at risk of accidents. Some drivers add snow tires to their RVs during this time of year. This can help control the vehicle on roads affected by winter weather.
- Keep the interior systems in good working order. Your ranges, gas supplies, heating and plumbing systems may see a lot of use during this period. A malfunction could damage the RV.
- Keep the RV sealed and secure to ensure you have appropriate protection.
3. Plan Your Trip Carefully
Some areas refer to the winter as their RV off season. In these areas, RV use tends to slide during the winter. Therefore, travelers may not have access to services normally available to RVs. For example, RV parks may close and certain travel centers may not accommodate RVs. Therefore, find out what resources you have available before travel.
Furthermore, inclement weather and cold conditions might make for hazardous driving. RV operators should stay aware of weather patterns during their times of travel. If hazardous conditions threaten, it is often best to avoid these areas.
Do you need RV insurance? Let Miller Insurance help you get the right coverage for your winter travels. Call us at 409-203-2027 for more information.
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