Are You RV Safe? is back with episode 3, and this time John and Borgy are taking things up a notch by putting our learners behind the wheel. From getting the hang of towing to mastering those tricky reverse manoeuvres, this episode is all about building the confidence you need to tackle Australia’s roads in your caravan or motorhome. Let’s break down the key lessons!
Towing: how to stay in control behind the wheel
The big test for our learners—Jessica, Evan, and Martin—kicked off with some hands-on driving experience. While Evan’s still recovering from a past jackknife incident and Jessica’s new to towing altogether, John and Borgy’s guidance helped them stay cool under pressure. Here’s how to make sure your towing is rock solid:
Towing tips for smooth sailing:
With these basic checks, Jessica and Evan were able to boost their towing confidence, showing that even with no experience, you can tow like a pro!
Reversing your caravan: not as scary as it seems
Reversing a caravan or trailer is one of the biggest challenges RVers face. But as John and Borgy demonstrated, with a bit of patience and practice, it’s not as daunting as it looks.
Simple tips to make reversing easy:
Even Evan, who was bracing for another jackknife, breezed through his reverse test, proving that a little practice goes a long way.
Brakes: why trailer brakes matter
Trailer brakes are an absolute must for safe towing, especially when you’re hauling a heavy load. In this episode, John and Borgy showed our learners how to use brake controllers to adjust braking strength, ensuring the trailer helps slow down the whole rig.
Top trailer braking tips:
With the Redarc Tow Pro Elite and upgraded DBA brakes installed, our learners learned firsthand how important these tools are for safe, controlled stops.
Getting your hitch right
One crucial lesson in this episode was adjusting the hitch height after the suspension settles. If your caravan is sitting nose down, it’s time to level things out.
How to adjust your hitch height:
- Disconnect the caravan: Use the jockey wheel to take the weight off the hitch.
- Adjust the ball mount: Raise or lower the hitch so the caravan sits level.
- Lock it all back up: Reconnect everything and check the caravan is towing level.
John walked Jessica through these steps, showing how a small tweak can make a big difference when towing.
Final challenge: nailing that reverse!
In the episode’s final segment, our learners faced the ultimate test—reversing their RVs solo. With John and Borgy cheering them on, each learner tackled the challenge with confidence, proving that practice really does make perfect.
Catch episode 3!
Whether you’re new to RVing or a seasoned road warrior, Are You RV Safe? is full of practical tips that will make your next trip safer and smoother. Watch episode 3 on Channel 10 this Saturday at 12:30 pm, or catch up anytime on 10 Play.
