Driving Your RV in the Mountains
Summer is the perfect time to go camping in the mountains! If this will be the first time that you’ll be driving your RV up the steep slopes, it’s natural that you may be anxious. After all, driving on the flat roads versus driving up and downhill aren’t the same.
Worry not — Rte. 125 RV & Marine is right here to offer you the tips and tricks to help you navigate the slopes safely and enjoyably. Visit our dealership in Rochester, North Hampshire, to shop for the perfect motorhome for your trip or to get your concerns addressed by our service experts. We proudly serve all our customers in Massachusetts and Maine, too.
Even if you aren’t a beginner, you can still use our list of safety hacks to brush up your skills!
Prepare for the Trip Ahead of the Travel Day
Before you head out, it’ll be a good idea to gather as much information you can about mountain driving. An understanding of grade percent, the number of miles per grade, turns, etc., will enhance your driving and overall travel experience. Look up reliable sources on driving motorhomes in the mountains and fortify your preparations. Make a note of the expected weather and road conditions, too.
Familiarize Yourself with the Route
Planning the route is key to enjoying your outdoor adventure – more so in the mountains. Make a note of the distance, overpasses, restricted roads, etc., so you know what to expect. Having an idea of the terrain and traffic movement will also help with your preparation. If possible, ask motorhome drivers, who have hands-on experience of driving in the hills, to suggest you some easy routes.
Assess Your RV’s Condition
Measure your rig’s dimensions and figure out its turning radius. This will help you to avoid getting stuck in narrow passageways. Also, ensure that you get a service expert to check your camper. From the braking and lighting system to the safety gears, a professional assessment of each part will help you fix a potential issue before it troubles you on your trip. If your motorhome comes with the Tow Haul mode, you can utilize this mode while driving uphill.
Drive Safely
Traveling light is a good idea. Follow the 60:40 ratio when balancing the cargo weight in your RV. 60% towards the hitch and 40% of the weight towards the rear will keep the load balanced and make the ascend and descend comfortable.
You should also make sure to prevent overheating of your motorhome. If it does, pull off the road and switch off the engine. Let it cool down for some time before you resume your journey. We strongly recommend that you connect with our service experts to get the real cause of the overheating diagnosed. Mechanical failure is often the reason, which can be serious if neglected.
Be Patient and Drive Slow
Keep the speed of your motorhome slow – you’re there to enjoy the mountain-scape and not to win a race! Beware of sudden drops in the visibility, it’s common for mist, clouds, and fog to appear unexpectedly in the hills. Drive slowly and remain patient to travel safe.
Utilize the Tow Haul Mode
For better handling and to control the speed of your towable RV, we’d recommend using the Tow Haul mode. This uses different gear shifting and allows you to drive the vehicle safely in hilly terrains. Ask our service experts at Rte. 125 RV & Marine to help you utilize this feature on your camper.
Use Hazard Lights as Required
As a safety precaution, you may want to turn on the hazard lights when it’s appropriate. This will alert fellow drivers of your rig’s slow speed and help prevent a mishap. When it comes to using hazard lights, different states follow different rules. Ensure that you adhere to the relevant protocols.
A few quick tips for better movement up and downhill:
- Properly secure all items in the RV.
- When moving uphill, downshift the RV into a lower gear. This will power the engine for a smooth climb.
- While going downhill, keep the speed slow to minimize the use of the brakes. This will prevent the system from overheating and a potential breakdown.
- Make use of the signal lights and consider the gap at the curve when approaching turns.
- Never overtake on blind curves.
We hope these tips come in handy when you go camping to the mountains. To get your motorhome, and other RV types, inspected prior to your trip or to get help for any repairs, get in touch with us at Rte. 125 RV & Marine. If you still need the perfect recreational vehicle, visit our dealership in Rochester, NH, to take a look at what we have in stock right now. We carry a wide selection of motorhomes for sale near Massachusetts and Maine, so it will be easy for you to find a model that meets your budget and lifestyle needs.