In episode 3 of Are You RV Safe?, hosts John and Borgy take our learners to the next level, putting them behind the wheel to face real-world driving challenges. From understanding safe towing techniques to mastering trailer braking and reversing, this episode covers essential skills for anyone looking to travel confidently in a caravan or motorhome. Here’s a breakdown of the key lessons to ensure you’re RV-ready.
Getting behind the wheel: towing confidence and control
Our learners—Jessica, Evan, and Martin—are in the hot seat as they drive a Volkswagen Amarok and a KEA motorhome. John and Borgy walk them through key driving techniques to ensure they’re not only safe but also comfortable behind the wheel of these large vehicles.
Towing safety checklist:
Don't forget to check your RV's tyres, safety chains and breakaway system, handbrake and gas bottles.
- Tyre check: Ensure tyres are inflated correctly before you start your trip.
- Safety chains and breakaway system: Ensure the caravan or trailer is properly hitched, with chains attached, and the breakaway system working.
- Handbrake and gas bottles: Always release the handbrake and make sure gas bottles are secured and turned off during transit.
- Compartment doors and windows: Double-check that all doors, windows, and spare tyres are locked.
Mastering the art of reversing a trailer
Reversing a trailer can be one of the trickiest skills to learn, but John and Borgy break it down into simple, easy-to-follow instructions. Reversing takes spatial awareness and patience, especially in tight spaces. Here’s how to do it properly:
Tips for reversing:
Use your mirrors, keep it slow and steady, watch the back corner and practice patience!
- Use your mirrors: Adjust your side mirrors so you can see the rear wheels of your trailer.
- Slow and steady: Keep your speed low to maintain control. Small adjustments are key.
- Watch the back corner: If you see the back corner of the trailer moving towards one side, turn the wheel in that direction to correct it.
Evan and Martin both faced their fears of jackknifing and excelled with the support of these techniques. By the end, even first-time learner Jessica was reversing like a pro!
Trailer braking: the importance of controlling your speed
Trailer brakes are critical for safe driving, especially when towing heavy loads. In this episode, John and Borgy demonstrate how to adjust brake controllers for optimal braking performance. Understanding how to use these controllers can prevent accidents and reduce wear on your vehicle’s brakes.
Brake controller tips:
Test your settings, practice for emergencies, and do your best to brake evenly
- Test your settings: Start with a low brake setting, then gradually increase it based on how much stopping power the trailer adds.
- Emergency braking: Learn to perform an emergency stop by applying the trailer brakes before the vehicle brakes to prevent sway.
- Brake evenly: Use progressive braking—slowly building pressure rather than slamming on the brakes—to maintain control of both the car and trailer.
Our learners tested these techniques at various speeds, discovering how effective brake controllers like the Redarc Tow Pro Elite and DBA brake upgrades are for ensuring safe, controlled stops.
Adjusting your hitch for safe towing
One of the most important lessons in this episode involved hitch height adjustment. Over time, suspension can settle, leading to uneven weight distribution, which causes the caravan to sit nose down, putting strain on the front axle.
Steps for adjusting hitch height:
Disconnect the van, use an adjustable ball mount and secure everything
- Disconnect the caravan: Ensure the jockey wheel is engaged and the hitch is free.
- Use an adjustable ball mount: Raise or lower the hitch so that the caravan sits level with the vehicle.
- Secure everything: Once the adjustment is made, ensure the hitch is locked, the jockey wheel is removed, and all safety chains and electrics are properly reconnected.
This adjustment ensures your towing setup is safe, with even weight distribution and improved handling.
Final challenge: reversing test
In the episode’s final segment, the learners take on one of the most dreaded aspects of RVing—reversing! With the guidance of John and Borgy, each learner was able to navigate tight spaces and back up their rigs with greater confidence.
Don’t miss episode 3!
Are You RV Safe? is packed with real-world driving tips and practical lessons every RV enthusiast needs. Be sure to catch episode 3 on Channel 10 this Saturday at 12:30 pm, or watch on 10 Play if you’ve missed it.
