In the second episode of Are You RV Safe?, hosts John and Borgy dive deeper into the essential steps you need to take before embarking on your journey. Whether you’re towing a caravan, camper trailer, or driving a motorhome, this episode simplifies the complex world of accessories, weight distribution, and towing safety, ensuring you’re fully prepared to explore Australia with confidence. Let’s get into what was covered in this episode!
Assessing your vehicle and RV setup
Before setting off on an adventure, it’s crucial to evaluate both your vehicle and your RV. In this episode, John and Borgy begin by helping our three learners—Jessica, Evan, and Martin—figure out what type of RV suits their needs. Whether it’s deciding if you need a caravan with bathroom facilities, extra beds, or a motorhome with a spacious lounge, your choice should fit your lifestyle and the size of your towing vehicle.
Borgy explains how to choose the right vehicle to tow your RV: “Your tow vehicle must legally be able to tow your RV safely.” This is a fundamental step in ensuring safety on the road. But how do you know what accessories you really need for your setup?
Your tow vehicle must legally be able to tow your RV safely.
Michael "Borgy" Borg —
Choosing the right accessories for safety
Our hosts and learners discuss which vehicle accessories are crucial for safe towing and RV touring. The episode introduces several essential accessories that not only make life easier but also significantly increase safety on the road.
- Reversing cameras: Jessica, a novice in towing, highlights how these cameras help prevent accidents by improving visibility. She admits to being clueless about vehicle accessories, but that’s where John and Borgy step in to explain their value. Reversing cameras are especially handy in tight spaces or when parking large rigs.
- Suspension, brakes and tyres: Evan, who’s had experience modifying 4×4 vehicles, suggests suspension, brakes and tyres as immediate upgrades. Borgy agrees, reminding viewers that these are the first contact points between your vehicle and the road. Good suspension and tyres, designed to handle the load and conditions, are critical when venturing off-road or towing.
- Extended mirrors: Another must-have accessory for safe RV travel is extended towing mirrors like these from Clearview Accessories. John advises checking them by standing at the rear corner of your caravan and looking up the side. If you can’t see your vehicle’s mirrors, you need extended ones. These mirrors ensure you have full visibility, allowing you to manage traffic safely, especially when your caravan or trailer is wider than your vehicle.
The importance of proper weight distribution
John and Borgy guide the learners through the process of balancing weight in their RVs, with some surprising results.
The team learns that placing too much weight at the front or rear of the trailer can cause instability. By distributing weight around the axles, you’ll improve your vehicle’s handling and reduce the risk of sway.
“Weight distribution isn’t just about safety; it’s about the comfort of your ride and the lifespan of your vehicle and tyres,” Borgy emphasises. He advises getting your setup professionally weighed to ensure you’re within the legal limits.
Trailer sway: How to avoid and manage it
The fear of trailer sway is something that all RV drivers share. Jessica, especially, worries about her family’s safety, knowing that trailer sway can occur unexpectedly. In the episode, John demonstrates how improper loading can trigger sway and explains how to correct it.
Contrary to popular belief, accelerating out of a sway can lead to a faster accident. Instead, you should ease off the throttle and, if your vehicle is equipped with independent trailer brakes, apply them gently to regain control. The takeaway here is clear: correct loading and calm, controlled reactions can save lives.
Understanding RV Weights: GVM, GCM, and ATM
Another key learning in this episode is understanding the various weight limits for your vehicle and RV. It’s a complex topic, but John and Borgy break it down into manageable terms:
- GVM (Gross Vehicle Mass): The maximum weight your vehicle can carry, including passengers, fuel, water, and accessories.
- GCM (Gross Combined Mass): The total weight of both your vehicle and trailer.
- ATM (Aggregate Trailer Mass): The maximum weight of the loaded trailer.
The learners are put to the test, packing items into their caravan and then checking the distribution of weight using professional scales. After some adjustments, they manage to distribute the weight correctly, keeping the setup safe for travel.
Aftermarket upgrades for safe touring
The episode also showcases some of the aftermarket upgrades installed on the learners’ vehicles. These include:
- BFG Goodrich All-Terrain tyres for off-road reliability.
- DBA heavy-duty brakes for better stopping power when towing.
- 2-inch suspension lift kits and a GVM Upgrade from The Ultimate Suspension for added clearance in tough terrain.
- Maxliner canopies for extra storage.
- Uniden UHF radios for reliable communication in remote areas, ensuring you can stay in touch with other road users.
- Front Runner Slimline Roof Rack for extra storage and mounting points
- KING Wheels to support the GVM upgrade and add some style.
- REDARC Tow Pro Elite for upgraded trailer braking
- Lightforce Driving Lights to see the road ahead.
Other important accessories highlighted are the TJM bullbar and bash plate, which adds essential front-end protection when navigating the Aussie outback and the brilliant TAG Towbars that also give you rated recovery points at the rear.
A practical lesson in trailer weighing
As the episode progresses, the learners dive into the nitty-gritty of weighing their vehicles and trailers. John explains how modifications like suspension upgrades and bull bars affect the overall weight, and how critical it is to know your setup’s exact payload.
The practical weigh-in session demonstrates how to correctly distribute items in a caravan to avoid overloading one side or axle. With a carefully balanced load, the learners increase the safety and stability of their rigs, which is vital when travelling long distances across Australia’s diverse terrain.
What’s next?
In the next episode, our learners will get hands-on experience behind the wheel. Will Jessica successfully tow a caravan for the first time? Will Evan avoid denting another rear bar while reversing? Tune in on Saturday, the 14th of September, at 12:30 pm on Channel 10 or 10Play to find out!
Join the RV adventure
Whether you’re new to the RV lifestyle or a seasoned traveller, Are You RV Safe? offers practical, real-world advice to make your journeys safer and more enjoyable. You can catch up on Episode One at 10play and watch the latest episodes every Saturday.
