How to Drive Your RV in the Rain
Whether you own a towable RV or a motorhome, driving with it can be somewhat challenging and one of the most challenging driving conditions you’ll have to face is rain. Here in the Midwest, we get our fair share of spring and summer thunderstorms that bring heavy rains that can even flood the roads in some areas, and they reduce your visibility and decrease traction as well. Here are some strategies you can try to make driving your RV in the rain more doable.
Turn On Your Brights
You’ll need to turn your lights on when driving in the rain to ensure that you can see and be seen. In some cases, your brights will be the more practical option than your standard lights. Make sure that all your lights are functioning properly before you leave.
Replace Wiper Blades
Old windshield-wiper blades won’t effectively clear rain off your windshield, so you need to replace them if they’re worn down. Make sure to fill up your windshield-wiper fluid as well. Clean the interior and exterior of your windshield to remove streaks and spots before a big trip.
Drive With Care
When driving through a rainstorm, you should slow down to around 10 miles below the posted speed limit. You’re going to need more time to bring your RV to a full stop when you have less traction on the roads. Watch for stopped traffic, accidents, animals and other obstacles in the road ahead so you can move around them as needed. Try not to make sudden movements or swerves that can cause you to hydroplane.
Pull Over
If all else fails, you can always take the next exit and pull into a rest stop or parking lot to wait out the storm. Trying to continue onwards when you know the rain is making it too difficult will only put you at risk, and it’s better to get somewhere late than not at all.
Ready to shop for a new or used RV? Come see us at our dealership in Indianola, IA, to take a look at our inventory. We can also provide you with RV financing options. Herold Trailer Sales serves the metro areas of Des Moines, IA, and Omaha, NE.