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RIG DYNAMICS
When hauling a camper, you will encounter:
Increased Stopping Distances. To compensate for increased
•
stopping distances, while following another vehicle on the
highway, stay one rig length away from the vehicle in front of you
for every 10 mph of your speed.
Decreased Rear View Visibility. Wide or extended mirrors will help
•
remedy this hindrance.
Higher Center of Gravity. With the weight of your camper siting
•
high up on the back of your truck, you must be extra careful when
turning to keep your camper and truck well balance.
Different Vehicle Handling Dynamics. Your vehicle will be more
•
sensitive to steering in windy conditions. Larger vehicles passing will
have a greater effect on the control and handling of the vehicle.
Slower Acceleration. You will need a longer distance to pass, due to
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slower acceleration and increased length.
DRIVING PRACTICES
Safe driving practices and habits:
Slippery conditions. Slippery road surfaces will be more dangerous
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when driving a loaded vehicle, compared to driving without.
Rainy Weather. While rain may seem harmless, the dangers of
•
hydroplaning increase if you do not reduce your speed. It may be
helpful to turn on your emergency flashing lights to help others
on the road to see you better, especially in heavy rain where
visibility is reduced.
Black Ice. In rainy weather when temperatures drop to 32° or lower,
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black ice is possible and will show up on bridges first. Reduce your
speed to reduce the risk of losing control.
Vehicle Imbalance. This is caused by excessive steering, wind gusts,
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roadway edges, the camper's reaction to the force created by
passing trucks and buses, or improper loading of cargo in the
camper – a frequent problem.
•
Check rearview mirrors every 2-3 seconds to observe accompanying
traffic.
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Always check your rearview mirrors before changing lanes and
always use turn signals.
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Use a lower gear when driving down steep or long grades. The
engine and transmission should not serve as a brake but rather to
maintain a lower speed. Use brakes to gently reduce speed then
rely on your engine to maintain the speed. Do not ride your brakes,
as they may overheat and become ineffective.
•
Always be aware of your camper height, especially when
approaching bridges, roofed areas, and trees. Know your exact
clearance height and check the height dimension of each bridge
before passing underneath.
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Obey all traffic rules. They are for your safety.
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Wear your seatbelt.
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Be alert and courteous to fellow drivers.
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Look out for motorcycles, bicycles, and pedestrians.
WARNING
Never allow anyone to ride in the camper
while traveling. Not only is it against
the law in many states, it may result in
serious injury or death.
WARNING
Excessive speed in hazardous road
conditions could result in loss of control,
serious injury or death. Slow down in
hazardous road conditions or pull off the
road and wait for the weather to clear up.
Follow all weather safety directions.
nucamprv.com • Truck Campers
17
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