If you say "I Can Get By" you're asking for trouble

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Using Your RV : Driving or towing

If you say "I Can Get By" you're asking for trouble
By Charles Culton

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A week ago I was wandering through a local RV show looking at what’s new this season when I heard the four words that send shivers up and down my spine, "You Can Get By." When I hear these words I think of the many RVs I have seen destroyed and the many faces of RVers who lost control of their RV, only to see it scattered all over the highway. Many of them also felt they could "get by."

All too often well meaning RVer friends, and even RV dealers, will tell a prospective RVer that the rig they want to buy -- the one that's right at or exceeds its tow vehicle gross combination weight rating -- is okay for them. "You can get by," they say. They might say that the automaker allows for a little overloading and therefore builds in a fudge factor. This information is false and can be dangerous -- or even deadly.

When buying an RV it's important that you know your tow vehicle's gross combination weight rating and the maximum tow rating. Do not rely on your auto dealer or RV dealer to tell you. Obtain a trailer-towing guide from your tow vehicle manufacturer or obtain a copy of the "Guide to Towing" by Trailer Life Magazine. Know the unloaded vehicle weight and the gross vehicle weight rating for the RV. This information can be found on the RVIA weight sticker located on the front driver side of the RV or located inside the RV, usually in a kitchen cabinet. Federal law also requires RV manufacturers to post specific weight definitions to help prevent overloading. These definitions are usually found on the RVIA weight sticker. DO NOT overload your tow vehicle or the RV. You should allow for a margin safety of at least 10% more then the actual gross weight of the RV.

Tow vehicles and RV’s that are overloaded are subject to:
•Improper handling.
•Lack of tow vehicle control.
•Increased stopping distance.
•Increased wear on brakes.
•Reduced acceleration.
•Reduced service life of components.
•Excessive tire wear and failure.
•Overheating.
•RV being out of balance.

By following the gross combination weight rating for the tow vehicle and the gross vehicle weight rating of the RV you will not fall victim to the dreaded phrase, "You can get by."

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