Pull behind campers are easily toted from a truck or SUV by their trailer hitch, providing an inexpensive and convenient means of getting your home on the road.
However, these vehicles may not always be secure. They could pose a danger if they take an abrupt detour off the road or disengage from their hitch at high speeds.
Age Restrictions
Many campgrounds don’t take into account the age of your RV when making their selection. If it’s clean and presents well, staff may not even ask to inspect it.
Before renting an RV, be sure to verify the age requirements in your state. These rules can vary from company to company, but in most states you must be 21 or older in order to rent a vehicle.
There are some exceptions, such as Hawaii where passengers under 13 years old cannot ride in the back while it’s moving. Most states will require a means of communication between drivers and passengers – like a cell phone or walkie-talkie – in order to guarantee everyone’s safety while riding in a trailer.
Communication Requirements
Some states have strict requirements that must be met if you want to ride in a pull behind camper trailer. These may include age restrictions, communication needs, and other safety measures designed to guarantee your safety when transporting the camper on your vehicle.
Many states also require passengers to communicate clearly with the driver, which is important in order to report any issues they observe. Some of these states even mandate a fast way for passengers to contact the driver, such as through two-way radio communication.
Most states allow passengers to ride in fifth wheel trailers as long as they have a communication link with the driver. Furthermore, these RVs must have approved safety glass windows and one or more unobstructed exits.
Safety Measures
Though towing shouldn’t deter you from owning a travel trailer, it does make driving more complex – you’ll have decreased visibility behind and around you, be pulling a heavier load (requiring quicker brake response than when uncoupled), and always be aware of where your trailer stands in relation to objects around it (making turning corners or backing up difficult).
Additionally, a vehicle and trailer may become stuck together if not properly hitched. This could cause your vehicle to jack-knife or take an unexpected detour.
Another safety risk is sway and bounce when the trailer is hitched to your vehicle. This can cause passengers to be thrown from the vehicle, potentially leading to injury.
Therefore, using a hitch designed to reduce sway and bounce is essential. Doing so helps passengers avoid being jolted out of their RV, as well as prevents the trailer from separating from its tow vehicle due to excessive sway.
Legalities
When traveling in a pull behind camper, there are certain legalities to take into account. Since these regulations may differ from state to state, research the laws before embarking on your long journey.
Most states permit passengers to ride in a travel trailer or fifth wheel, however some don’t permit it at all. Hawaii for instance prohibits riders from being inside these vehicles while they’re moving.
In some states, drivers who tow a trailer must stay in the left lane. This helps alleviate traffic congestion and ensure everyone’s safety on the road.
Though it may appear to be a minor inconvenience, it can actually be quite hazardous. A driver could easily get into an accident if they attempt to use the right lane when not allowed to. Many people end up swerving, changing lanes, or otherwise risky maneuvers when not allowed.
Chris is a passionate learner and writer. When he’s not working on his blog or learning something new, he’s a full-time systems administrator and father of two beautiful girls. Chris loves spending time with his family, reading, writing, and playing hockey.