Are you rvSafe? – Episode 1 recap

Discover the essentials of RV road safety in Episode 1 of Are You RV Safe?. Join our hosts as they guide three RV newbies through towing, motorhome driving, and the importance of road awareness. Perfect for anyone looking to travel safely across Australia.


September 6, 2024

Kicking off the ultimate RV adventure

The open road is calling, and what better way to answer than by jumping in an RV, ready to explore every nook and cranny of Australia? But before hitting the highway, it’s crucial to sort out your safety game. In the first episode of Are You RV Safe?, our hosts, John Eggenhuzien and Michael ‘Borgy’ Borg, show three keen learners—Jessica, Evan, and Martin—that mastering RV safety doesn’t have to be boring.

The cause

This RV Road Safety project is designed to raise awareness and provide education specifically for the RV industry. The rvSafe program is funded by the Federal Government’s Road Safety Awareness and Enablers Fund and is proudly supported by the Campervan & Motorhome Club of Australia Limited (CMCA). We are incredibly grateful for their support, along with that of our other amazing sponsors, who made the ‘Are You rvSafe?’ series possible

Meet the crew

We’ve got a diverse crew of RV rookies, each with their own unique story and reason for hitting the road:

  • Jessica, a mum of two, is eager to help out with the driving on family trips. She’s ready to learn how to tow a larger caravan, way bigger than the camper trailer she’s used to.
  • Evan is a four-wheel-driving enthusiast, but when it comes to towing, he’s a bit less confident. After a mishap with his first camper, he’s here to iron out the kinks and avoid future mishaps.
  • Martin is gearing up to buy a motorhome, but before he dives in, he wants to make sure he’s up to speed on handling it safely.

Guiding these eager learners are John and Borgy, a couple of seasoned RV veterans who are more than ready to share their wisdom while keeping the experience light and fun.

The road safety journey begins

The episode kicks off with each learner getting matched with their rig:

  • Jessica is paired with a Volkswagen Amarok V6 towing a Windsor Wild caravan. This setup provides plenty of room for her family, along with a hefty dose of safety.
  • Evan is behind the wheel of a Volkswagen Amarok 2.0L TDI, towing a Hitch Campers Canning camper trailer. It’s a lightweight yet durable combo, perfect for his off-road adventures.
  • Martin takes the wheel of a KEA River Motorhome—a luxurious yet manageable RV, ideal for those future road trips with his grandkids.

Understanding the risks

John and Borgy immediately dive into road safety, highlighting common but serious risks—speeding, fatigue, and arrogance behind the wheel. Jessica shares a powerful, personal story of a car accident, driving home the importance of having the right skills before hitting the road.

Seeing the road from a trucker’s seat

A standout moment in the episode is when the learners get a firsthand view of the road from a trucker’s perspective. They explore one of Australia’s massive road trains, which can stretch over 50 meters and weigh up to 200 tons! Sitting in the truck’s cab, they realise how difficult it is for truckers to spot smaller vehicles like RVs. This experience is a real eye-opener, underscoring the importance of giving these massive vehicles plenty of space on the road.

Communication is key

Next up, Borgy stresses the importance of communication while driving, introducing the learners to UHF radios. Specifically, they get to test out the Uniden Xtrak Pro Models, essential tools for staying connected, even in remote areas. The team learns how to use these radios to keep in touch with other drivers, especially when out in the sticks.

What’s coming up?

As the episode wraps, our learners are just getting started. In the next episode, they’ll dive into aftermarket accessories, weight distribution, and the essential dos and don’ts of packing your RV. For anyone wanting to kit out their rig and ensure they’re road-ready, this is one you won’t want to miss. The season continues, and the full episode list can be found here

Join the journey

Whether you’re an RV veteran or just getting started, Are You RV Safe? is the ultimate guide to hitting the road with confidence. Tune in to the next episode to keep learning how to make your RV adventures safe, smooth, and packed with fun.

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