lesson 18.4 SPECIAL VEHICLES AND TRAILERS You will have to use additional precautions when driving a recreational vehicle or a rental truck or pulling a camping trailer because of their large size.

Explain how maneuvering a special vehicle is different from maneuvering a passenger vehicle. OBJECTIVE

Recreational Vehicles A vehicle equipped for vacations and extended travel is called a recreational vehicle, or RV. A camper on a pickup truck, a trailer, and a motor home are all examples of recreational vehicles.

An RV is larger, heavier, and harder to maneuver than a four-door passenger car. Therefore, there are special considerations you must take when driving a recreational vehicle.

Limited Vision Your vision is limited in recreational vehicles, since some of them do not have a rear window. RVs usually have larger side mirrors that increase the view to the sides of the vehicle. RV drivers must pay attention to their surroundings and drive cautiously.

Backing Whenever possible, avoid backing. If you must back the vehicle, get another person to stand beside and behind the vehicle to guide you.

Maneuvering A recreational vehicle is heavy and less maneuverable than the average passenger vehicle. It will take longer to accelerate, slow down, and make turns.

Crosswinds During windy conditions, it is wise to slow down or stop because the vehicle can be buffeted by the wind.

Remember Your Size Observe posted maximum clearance signs whenever you are in a parking lot or garage. Check your routes for height and weight restrictions on bridges and tunnels.

Following Distance Your safe following distance is longer than that of a smaller car. You must be at least four seconds behind other vehicles to provide enough stopping distance. Is the driver of this RV keeping a safe following distance? What clue can give you the answer?

Fatigue Driving a recreational vehicle requires more focus than driving a passenger car. Plan frequent stops at rest areas and points of interest.

Describe the special equipment needed when pulling a trailer. OBJECTIVE

Trailers The extra weight when pulling a trailer will further affect the maneuverability of the vehicle. In order to operate an RV with a trailer safely, you must know how to attach and load the trailer, as well as how to drive safely with an additional load.

Equipment You will need a trailer hitch and a chain also known as a safety chain to ensure that the trailer hitch is safely connected to the trailer. You will also need larger side mirrors on both sides of your vehicle.

Pre-Departure Equipment Check Be sure to check the brakes, lights, and drive train the tire pressure on the vehicle and on the trailer; and the safety chain that the brake lights, turn signals, and license-plate lights on the trailer are working

Load Place the heavy items over the trailer’s axle. Make sure that about 10 percent of the trailer’s loaded weight is on the trailer’s hitch.

Towing Techniques When towing a trailer, remember that it will take twice as long to pass, stop, accelerate, and turn. When towing a trailer: Increase your following distance to four or more seconds. Travel at or below the posted speed limit. Make wide, slow turns at curves and corners. Slow down whenever approaching a turn or a bend in the road.

If your trailer starts to sway or “fishtail,” steer straight toward your target with your foot off the accelerator. Once the trailer is under control, brake gently to reduce speed. Allow at least twice the normal stopping and passing distance. Use a low gear when going up or down steep hills. Be ready to slow or adjust steering for crosswinds. Never allow passengers to ride in or on the trailer.

Backing If you cannot see where you are backing with your mirrors, have someone outside to the rear to help guide you.

lesson 18.4 review Describe how a recreational vehicle’s size affects your field of vision. Summarize the driving guidelines for towing a trailer.