Breaking down in your RV is different from breaking down in your small car. Not only is your RV more difficult to maneuver safely, but you also can be left at a loss regarding what to do next. The most important thing is to make sure to take care of your own safety and get your RV off the road.

Put On Your Hazards

If your RV breaks down, the first thing you need to do is put on your hazard lights. Other drivers need to see that you're stopped. You should try your best to maneuver to the shoulder of the road, but this isn't always possible. Whether you're on the side of the road or not, your hazard lights will alert other drivers that you are there.

Once your hazards are on, make sure that everyone gets off the RV safely. No one should be in a stopped RV, as the likelihood that the RV could be hit by another car is too significant. Be wary, though, as getting out of your vehicle can be dangerous if you're by the side of a busy road.

Assess the Damage

If the damage is obvious, such as a flat tire, it probably isn't dangerous. But if you don't know why your RV has stopped, it could be something more serious, such as a leaking fuel line. Examine your vehicle to determine what has been damaged. If you see leaking fluids underneath the RV, you should immediately get as far away from the vehicle as possible.

Mark Your Vehicle

If there isn't any sign of fuel or immediate danger, you may want to take the time to use flares or reflector triangles to further mark your car. This is especially important late at night. Reflector lights, triangles, and flares should be placed so they are visible to oncoming traffic. Your hazards will illuminate the back.

Call the Professionals

If your RV appears to have been seriously damaged and is leaking fuel or oil, you should call the police and let them know. These damages could be a hazard. Otherwise, you can call a towing company. If a towing company is not available (not all companies operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week), the police will usually be able to help.

Some issues may be able to be fixed while you're on the road. If your RV's battery is dead, if a tire is flat, or if there's some other obvious problem, give your roadside assistance service a call. They'll be able to send out a mechanic to fix the problem while you're on the road.

If your RV has to be towed off the road, on the other hand, you may want to call around to compare different rates on towing service.

Don't Go Back In

At this point, it's tempting for many people to go back in to secure things in the RV and make sure it's safe for transport. But this isn't safe while the RV is still on the road. Instead, let the RV get towed; you can make sure your personal effects are safe when you're at the towing lot.

Consult With Your Insurance

After your breakdown has been properly dealt with, you may want to contact your insurance company for further information about either the availability of a rental vehicle or lodging to stay the night. If you have a full-time RV, not only will you want to hit the road again, but you may also not have a place to stay. Many insurance companies provide reimbursement for these expenses, so you can get your RV repaired with peace of mind.

If you're experiencing problems with your RV, it's best to have a plan in place. Cambron Body offers complete towing services for cars, trucks, commercial vehicles, and more. Contact Cambron Body today to find out more.