RVRVI – Rental Tips & Driving Standards

RV Rent Victoria rentals are popular because of ease, comfort, and affordability.Many of us would agree that renting an RV in Canada is definitely an exciting vacation. Sometimes we forget that it’s a good idea to plan an RV rental trip before setting out to explore British Columbia in particular Vancouver Island, arguably one of the most scenic parts of the world.

Though it’s completely up to you, here are some additional plans you may want to make with your RV on Vancouver Island:

• Go fishing, golfing, rafting, swimming, hiking, rock climbing
• Explore the west coast beaches or storm watch at Tofino
• Go wilderness camping
• Travel to a sporting or special event
• See museums, landmarks, or shows
• Visit Farmer’s or Flea Markets
• Make a few trips to see your family and friends

RV ITEMS YOU MAY WANT TO KEEP ON BOARD
There’s nothing worse than forgetting something that may have proven itself to be valuable. Here is a list of some things you may want to remember to bring:
TIP: You don’t want to go overboard. Verify the weight of your load with the weight label on your RV rental in order to make sure you don’t exceed the maximum capacity.

RV BEDS AND SEATING
When choosing your RV rental, you should think of who will be with you on your trip. You should choose an RV rental that accommodates adults, children or both adults and children. You may need extra beds every now and then if you’re expecting visitors at your RV site. You may also require an RV rental that suits those with disabilities or special needs. If you are the type that desires privacy, you should also take that into consideration before renting your RV.

RV STORAGE
Storage in an RV can sometimes be tight. Keep this in mind when choosing your RV rental. You should think of whether or not you’re packing for extended periods of time, how many people there are and how much they are packing, and how much food and clothes you will want/need to take. You should also allocate room for any toys, games & sporting Equipment.

RV CAMPING
The RV rental you choose should also match up with your requirements for RV camping. You should plan out whether or not you will stay at RV campgrounds with utility hookups and washrooms, etc. or RV campgrounds that are in more remote locations.

RV COOKING
An RV renter should also think about the kitchen they will need on their adventure on Vancouver Island. A larger RV will have a spacious kitchen with a fridge, stove, oven and microwave. There will also be more counter space, cupboards, and a dinette suited for more people. Portable BBQ’s are a must to bring along. You don’t want to bake in the oven, and then have to clean all the hard to reach crevices afterwards.

RV ACTIVITIES
If you are going to be bringing special equipment (bicycles, tennis, golf, etc.) with you, you may need carrying racks and extra storage. Not having some of these things planned out ahead of time can put a damper on the activities you planned on pursuing on your RV trip.

RV RENTAL DRIVING
One common thought that comes to an RV renter’s mind is that they may need a special driver’s license in order to operate an RV. To clarify, a large number of recreational vehicles (RVs) do not require the RV operator to obtain a special license. A full-privilege Class 5 driver’s licence is all you require.
Driving an RV is also not quite as complicated as many people believe it to be. If you were to ask an RV renter what they thought of the experience, a majority of them would say it was fun and easier than they thought it would be. Our motorhome is newer, therefore, possesses an automatic transmission, power steering, power brakes, and cruise control.

The MOST important aspect of driving an RV is to drive it safely. It is imperative that the RV operator becomes accustomed to the weight, size, and visibility demands of the RV as these details are quite different from the family sedan. Keep in mind that this is not difficult, it is only different than what most people are used to.

Here are some pointers that will assist you in becoming a safe RV operator:

RV DIMENSIONS – 8 Feet / 2.4384 Meters WIDE X 13 Feet / 3.9624 Meters HIGH
Most RVs are taller than passenger vehicles so you should learn about road clearances, service station canopies, bridge heights, and you should also watch for low hanging obstacles such as trees branches. The owner’s manual or RV Rent Victoria is the best source for helping you determine the maximum road height of your RV. Once you know, post the height somewhere on the RV or in the RV tow vehicle so it will always be handy for reference.

RV MANEUVERING
The additional weight and size of an RV makes it less manoeuvrable than a passenger vehicle. A safe manoeuvre in your family sedan, may be dangerous in your RV rental. Because it is heavier, the RV will not stop as quickly, so you will need allow more distance. Swing wider around tight turns and obstacles such as gas stations stanchions, as the back end swings out beyond usual radius. Defensive driving in an RV requires making changes slowly, braking gradually, and being familiar with its handling characteristics. While reversing, or maneuvering around tight corners, ‘another set of eyes’ a person watching at the back end, is mandatory in order to prevent damage. That person should always be able to see the driver in the rear view mirror, and use visual hand signals to guide the driver back.

RV BRAKING
Most RVs are heavier than passenger vehicles and require greater braking distances. You must allow more time for the vehicle to slow or stop. Brake fade can happen when the brakes are overheated from prolonged use, or the brakes are out of alignment. While descending steep grades on hills or mountains, it’s VITAL to downshift to 2nd gear at 60-70 kms speed, 1st gear on ultra steep grades. This technique creates engine back pressure due to natural engine compression, which will slow the RV down, otherwise know as “engine brakes”. DO NOT ride the brake pedal, as this will ‘super-heat’ the brake pads and rotors, destroying them and causing loss of braking control.

Using the combination of tapping your brakes for a few seconds and down-shifting the transmission, this is a perfectly safe and acceptable from of slowing your RV.Besides disrupting your trip, you would be held completely responsible for finding a certified automotive repair shop, towing the RV to it, and completely paying for the resulting repair cost labour and parts.

RV SPEED
An RV is naturally slower than passenger vehicles. It takes longer to climb a hill in an RV, because it’s heavier than a passenger vehicle. Keep this in mind, practice good manners, and observe the law by using turnouts when there are five or more vehicles behind you that wish to pass. The drivers behind you will be able to see ahead more easily if you try not to drive next to the centre of the lane. If you are traveling with other RV owners in a caravan, be sure to leave enough space between your RV and the RV in front of you for other drivers to enter when they want to pass.

RV SEAT BELTS & DISTRACTED DRIVING
Always wear your seat belt when driving the RV, it is the law. The number of people in your RV must not exceed the number of seat belts in the RV. Riding in a place which is not equipped with a seat belt increases the danger of injury in case of an accident. In addition to seat belts, defensive driving can minimize the risk of accidents.

British Columbia has a law for Distracted Driving. This means use of mobile phones while driving. Please avoid a ticket by putting the phone down or pull over if you need to use it.

RVs & WEATHER
Bad weather conditions including winds, fog, snow, and ice, are hazards to all drivers. An RV renter has an advantage over other passenger vehicles because of the added weight over the drive wheels. This gives the vehicle better traction in bad weather. However, it’s added weight can also make the RV more difficult to move if it gets stuck. Schedule your trips to avoid bad weather conditions as much as possible.

RV TIPS
Before you start driving your RV rental, sit in the driver’s seat, and adjust all rear view mirrors for best visual road views. Make yourself comfortable and always stay calm.

When reversing your RV rental, ask someone to stand outside the vehicle to direct for you, using hand signals, and keeping you in the mirror. This prevents the driver from hitting any obstacles not seen in the mirrors. If another person is not available, the driver should inspect the area behind the vehicle before reversing.

RV ENGINE
The RV was fully serviced prior to being release to you. The RV has a regular maintenance schedule; inspection, tune-up, and oil change service. All fluids were topped up at this time including: Engine oil, transmission fluid, power steering fluid. DO NOT attempt to top up these fluids on your own. If you feel they are low on the dip stick, go to the nearest automotive service station and have a mechanic verify, before you attempt to add oil. Adding too much oil in the crankcase, or other fluids, will cause catastrophic engine failure. Besides disrupting your trip, you would be held completely responsible for finding a certified automotive repair shop, towing the RV to it, and completely paying for the resulting repair cost labour and parts.

RVRVI wishes you HAPPY TRAILS 🙂