If you've decided to take the RV out for one last road trip before summer officially ends, be prepared for the possible breakdown. You never want to break down on the road, especially when you're driving your RV. However, it's best to be prepared, should something happen. If your RV breaks down while you're traveling, here are four steps you need to take right away.

Steer to Safety

If you encounter problems with your RV while you're on the road, the first thing you need to do is steer to safety. If your RV is able to be driven, even slowly, try to find an off-ramp to exit from. If you're unable to find an off-ramp, or your RV simply won't make it that far, get as far off the road as you possibly can. You want to avoid taking up too much space on the shoulder. Not only will you need space to move around your RV, you'll also need to ensure that passing motorists have enough space to move around you.

Make Yourself Visible

Once you're off the road, you want to make yourself as visible as possible, especially during times of low-visibility – such as night time, or during storms. The first thing you need to do is turn your hazard lights on. If your hazard lights aren't working, keep your right blinker illuminated. You don't want to turn your left blinker on or motorists might think that you're trying to enter the highway. If you have reflective hazard markers or flares, get them set up as quickly as possible. The more visible your RV is, the safer you'll be.

Conduct an Assessment

As soon as you're settled in a safe location, you'll need to conduct a quick assessment of the situation. Not only will this assessment allow you to identify the problem, it will also provide you with much-needed information should you need to call for assistance. Make note of issues that will need to be passed on to your tow driver, such as flat tires, fluid leaks, or odors that are out of the ordinary.

Call for Assistance

Finally, once you've assessed the situation, you'll need to call for roadside assistance. When you call the towing company, be sure to request a heavy-duty tow truck. Failing to do that will cause serious delays for assistance. That's because tow trucks used for ordinary passenger vehicles don't have the towing capacity for RV's. Not only that, but the tow truck won't be equipped with the type of tools that are necessary for RV assistance. To alleviate problems, and to get you the assistance you need, let the tow company know that you need heavy-duty tow assistance.

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