Ready to hit the road with your RV? In the second episode of Are You RV Safe?, John and Borgy walk us through the vital steps you need to take before heading off on your next adventure. Whether you’re towing…
Ready to hit the road with your RV? In the second episode of Are You RV Safe?, John and Borgy walk us through the vital steps you need to take before heading off on your next adventure. Whether you’re towing a caravan, camper trailer, or driving a motorhome, this episode breaks down the complexities of accessories, weight distribution, and towing safety into simple, practical tips that’ll have you touring Australia’s great outdoors with confidence.
Let’s dive into the highlights of episode two! – Missed episode one? Catch up on 10play
Before you even think about hitting the road, it’s important to take a step back and figure out whether your vehicle and RV are the right match. In this episode, John and Borgy help our learners—Jessica, Evan, and Martin—work out what type of RV suits their needs. Whether you’re after a caravan with all the bells and whistles like a bathroom and extra beds, or a motorhome with room to lounge around, your choice should fit your lifestyle and the size of your tow vehicle.
Borgy’s key advice: “Your tow vehicle needs to legally and safely handle the weight of your RV.” This is non-negotiable when it comes to staying safe on the road. But what about the accessories? What do you really need to add to your setup for a smooth, safe trip?
When it comes to vehicle accessories, John and Borgy explain that not all accessories are created equal. While some add comfort and convenience, others are critical for safety. The learners share their thoughts, and our hosts explain why a few essential upgrades are a must for towing.
Weight distribution is one of those things that’s easy to overlook but can be a game changer when it comes to handling your RV safely. Poor weight distribution can lead to trailer sway, make your rig harder to handle, and increase your stopping distances. John and Borgy take the learners through a practical demonstration, showing them how to balance their load correctly.
By placing too much weight either at the front or rear of the trailer, you can throw off the whole setup. The key is keeping the weight centred over the axles, which helps the vehicle tow smoothly and reduces the risk of trailer sway. As Borgy puts it:
“Weight distribution isn’t just about safety; it’s also about giving you a more comfortable drive and making sure your tyres and vehicle last longer.”
Michael “Borgy” Borg
Trailer sway is one of the biggest fears for RV drivers, and Jessica shares her anxiety about keeping her family safe on the road. In the episode, John shows the learners what happens when your trailer isn’t loaded properly and how it can lead to dangerous sway, especially at highway speeds.
Accelerating to “drive out” of a sway is a myth
One of the biggest takeaways is learning that accelerating to “drive out” of a sway is a myth. In fact, speeding up usually makes things worse. The right way to handle trailer sway is to ease off the throttle and, if your setup has independent trailer brakes, use them to bring things back under control. It’s all about staying calm and correcting the situation safely.
Understanding weight limits is a must for anyone towing an RV, but it can feel like you’re drowning in acronyms: GVM, GCM, ATM—what does it all mean? John and Borgy break it down for the learners, explaining each term:
The learners are put to the test by packing items into their caravan and then checking how the weight is distributed using professional scales. After a few adjustments, they manage to balance the load properly, keeping the setup within safe limits.
This episode also showcases some great aftermarket upgrades that can make your towing experience smoother and safer. The vehicles in the show were fitted with:
One standout accessory is the TJM bullbar, which gives front-end protection when you’re travelling through the Aussie outback.
The episode wraps up with a practical weigh-in session. John and Borgy explain that modifications like adding a suspension lift or a bullbar can affect the overall weight of your vehicle, and it’s crucial to know how much payload you’re allowed to carry. Payload includes everything from water and fuel to passengers, gear, and even the coins in your pocket.
By weighing the vehicles and trailers, the learners can see how adding a few extra kilos in the wrong spot can affect balance and safety. With everything weighed and packed properly, the learners hit the road with confidence, knowing their setup is safe and legal.
Test your knowledge on RV safety with this awesome quiz by rvSafe and see how prepared you are for your next adventure!
In the next episode, our learners get hands-on experience behind the wheel. Will Jessica manage to tow a caravan for the first time without a hitch? Will Evan avoid denting another rear bar while reversing? Tune in next Saturday, 14th September, at 12:30 pm on Channel 10 or 10 Play to find out!
Whether you’re an experienced traveller or just starting out, Are You RV Safe? gives you the tools to hit the road safely and enjoy the journey. Missed an episode? Catch up on episode one at 10Play and watch the latest episodes every Saturday at 12:30pm on 10.
