If you are about to take a trip, follow these safety tips for used RVs. They are important if you are a newcomer to used RVs or an old pro. These safety measures for used RVs will give you comfort when on the road.

Used RVs and Safety: Before Leaving

1. First, check the used RVs belts and hoses. Do this before getting on the road. If any need to be replaced, then do so. Make sure they work as they are supposed to before driving.

2. Use a friend or a family member to look at the lights that will be used when driving in any used RVs. Lights will include blinkers, both the head and tail lights, and the lights on the used RVs dashboard.

3. All used RVs have used tires, so check the tread and make sure all tires have the appropriate amount of pressure.

4. If you are towing another vehicle or a fifth wheeler, then make sure you have the proper towing equipment. Some used RVs may need an upgrade to ensure towing safety.

5. Leave important emergency contact information with a friend or family member.

6. Check all used RVs for working fire extinguishers that have a good expiration date. If there are battery operated alarms, check to make sure you have extra batteries and that they work.

7. To avoid fires in used RVs, clean the cooking hoods over the stove.

8. Make sure your insurance papers are not expired and that you have a copy in the motor home.

9. To be safe, write down the used motor homes sizes ? height and weight. This will help you to avoid an accident.

Safety tips for when you are driving:

1. Make sure you and your passenger have the seatbelt fastened at all times, especially when the RV is moving.

2. Look and be aware of all of your surroundings. Practice good driving skills. Check for any blind spots with caution.

3. Use appropriate turn signals when turning, and brake early. Driving a large-sized motorhome is different than driving a regular automobile. By using signals, you are giving others on the road a signal to what you are expecting to do.

4. When you approach hills or any curves, adjust the speed you are driving in the RV. This is also important when you change lanes on the road.

5. Don’t speed up when approaching a yellow light. If you don’t know the weight of your RV or travel trailer, you may cause a large wreck. You could hurt yourself and the lives of your passengers, along with others on the road by letting your RV get out of control.

6. Use your hazard lights if you break down on the side of the interstate. Use your warning triangles if you have a flat tire or have to pull over.

7. If you are driving on a wet highway or in the snow, pay extra care. You want to only drive in good visibility weather, so don?t be afraid to pull over if necessary.

8. One major rule of the road is to avoid all cell phone usage while driving.

Julie Jacobs enjoys writing about Used RVs. Enjoy additional articles on RVs at www.pedatarvcenter.com.