Are you RV safe? episode 3 recap – Nailing driving, braking, and reversing

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:

• Check your tyres: Make sure they’re properly inflated before heading off.
• Hitch up right: Double-check that your safety chains and brakeaway system are securely in place.
• Turn off the gas: Always travel with gas bottles off and properly secured.
• Lock it down: Make sure your windows, doors, and spare tyre are locked up tight.

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:

• Get your mirrors right: Adjust them so you can see the rear wheels of the trailer.
• Go slow: Keep your speed low so you have plenty of time to make corrections.
• Watch the back corner: If the trailer’s rear starts veering in one direction, turn the wheel that way to bring it back in line.
• Stay patient: It’s all about small, steady moves. There’s no rush!

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:

• Start low, go slow: Begin with a lower brake setting and test how it feels.
• Emergency braking: Apply the trailer brakes before your vehicle’s to prevent sway.
• Brake steadily: Use progressive braking for a smoother stop and less strain on your brakes.

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:

1. Disconnect the caravan: Use the jockey wheel to take the weight off the hitch.
2. Adjust the ball mount: Raise or lower the hitch so the caravan sits level.
3. 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.