DIY Network

RV Safety Don't hit the road until you know your RV will transport your family safely. From "RV Roadtrips" episode DRVR-111

Host Gary Bunzer and the Quigley family (Kevin, Margaret and their four children Ashling, Brendan, Conor and Shane) demonstrate a variety of safety tools and gadgets that should be onboard their RV to ensure that everyone arrives safely to their desitination—New Brighton State Beach in Capitola, Calif., along Monterey Bay.

With four children in the family, safety is paramount in Kevin's mind.

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	Before the Quigley family heads to the beach in their Hybrid Trailer, seen here, Gary Bunzer equips their RV with the latest safety gadgets.
	Figure A
	Figure B
	Figure C

RV Safety: Tire Monitor

Correct tire pressure is an important issue when towing a heavy trailer, especially when driving at high speeds on the freeway. Gary Bunzer shows the Quigleys how to operate a Tire Monitor System (figure A), which works by communicating with sensors applied to the tires. The system monitors each tire on the travel trailer and car up to a 16 tire positions—and will warn you when a tire is losing pressure. Ninety percent of tire failures are caused by under-inflation.

1. Plug the monitor into the power adaptor in the cab of your tow vehicle or Motorhome.

2. Replace all caps on tires with sensors.

3. After replacing each cap, sync to monitor individually.

4. Check the instruction in tire pressure monitor kit to make sure each tire is set properly.

RV Safety: Mirror Extenders

To get the extra visibility you need when towing a long trailer, install extended mirrors over your current side view mirrors. They simply slide over and fit into place over your existing mirrors.

RV Safety: Deer Warning Device

Hitting a deer can be dangerous, especially with a trailer in tow. You may want to install a wind-activated deer warning device on the front of your RV. This device sends out ultrasonic sound waves (inaudible to humans) that safely warn animals, including dogs, of the approaching vehicle.

1. Remove adhesive backing.

2. Position on the front (figure B) or roof of your vehicle.

Safety Tools in Case of a Breakdown

Don't hit the road without the following:

• Collapsible Safety Cones—A trailer is a big investment and if it does breakdown on the side of the road you want to ensure it won't be hit by oncoming traffic. Collapsible safety cones (figure C) are safer than flares and sturdier than safety triangles. They can be stacked easily and stored away when not in use.

• Flash Cube—If you have a breakdown with a trailer (a blown tire or problem with the hitch, for example), you'll most likely have to unhitch the tow vehicle and use it to get help. The problem is that a trailer left on the side of the road has no electricity and thus no hazard lights. A flashcube, which is an inexpensive and easy to use, is an accessory that provides emergency flashers and campsite illumination to travel trailers.

FYI: Kevin and Margaret Quigley started camping when they met at the ages of 18 and 20. They went backpacking around Europe and took a tent and slept on beaches.

RESOURCES :

All Featured Products
Doran Tire Monitor System, Mirror Extenders, Deer Warning Device, Collapsible Safety Cones and Flash Cubes
Other safety products include a Family First Aid Kit, Tinted Blind Spot Mirrors and a Propane Detector
Website: www.RVupgrades.com