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With the freedom of the open road in Western Australia, it’s no wonder that so many people choose to hire a motorhome and explore during their trip to Perth. If you’ve never rented one of these bulky vehicles though, you should know that they handle a lot differently to your average car. There are also a whole host of additional features that you’ll need to get used to. To help you, here are seven tips that the RV novice might overlook at first.
- Know the types of RV before you buy or rent. Since there are a number of different models available, you’ll need to choose one that suits your holiday needs. From the massive Class A Motorhome to the smaller Campervan, there is plenty of diversity. Are you going to travel as a couple or a family? How much luggage are you bringing with you? What size are you comfortable driving in? Ask the right questions and you should find a suitable model.
- Always adjust the settings before departure. As the driver, you should be completely comfortable when on the WA highways. Shift the driver’s seat so you can reach all the pedals without discomfort. The tilt is also important here. Next, adjust the mirrors so you have a good view of what’s around you. The side mirrors are your primary viewing device unless your motorhome has some rear-view cameras mounted on the back as well. You should also find out where any blind spots are.
- Be aware of the increased vehicle size. If you’re used to driving a sedan or 4WD, remember that a campervan is much bulkier. This means you’ll need to swing out to the left if turning right and vice versa. When manoeuvring in Perth or other tight urban environments, be doubly careful about obstacles on the road. If possible, have a spotter who can let you know how close you are to anything that you might possibly hit while backing up or turning.
- Practise parking before you hit the road. By far the most difficult procedure with any motorhome is parallel or reverse parking. To prevent disaster, go out and practise how to park after conducting campervan hire in Perth. An empty parking lot can actually be a great place to do this in. Bring along some magazines to use as markers and then practice manoeuvring the vehicle in. Try repeatedly until you can park without hitting any of the markers you’ve laid down.
- Find out the height of your motorhome. Since these vehicles are generally higher than the average car or pickup truck, you’ll need to be aware of your clearance levels so you don’t end up stuck underneath a bridge or in a tunnel. Ask your rental agency what the height of the campervan is and then keep an eye out for clearance signs when approaching an over or underpass. If you can’t fit, at least you’ll be aware of this fact beforehand.
- Know uphill and downhill driving techniques. If you’re renting a manual RV, it is imperative that you know how to handle hills so you don’t burn out the breaks or stall your vehicle. For uphill sections, gear down and stay within your “power band”. This is the range of RPMs in which your campervan handles optimally. You should also gear down before starting a downhill run. In this way, you can rely on your gears to slow the vehicle down without the need for constant braking.
- Observe the wind at all times. Lastly, it’s important to stay aware of how the wind affects your motorhome. These vehicles are generally light with a wide surface area: a real issue in gale force winds. If you feel yourself being buffeted around, slow down so you can retain control of the motorhome. In extreme cases, park by the side of the road and wait until the storm passes. Just make sure to park pointing into the wind so it can’t blow the vehicle over.
These tips should give you the necessary knowledge to stay safe on the road and avoid accidents while on holiday in WA. Just be aware of the differences between an RV and a regular car and you should have a much more enjoyable road trip.
