You’re Driving Your RV, Suddenly a Tire Blows.... What Should You Do?
Alright RVers, class is in session. The thing that all RVers dread is a rapid tire deflation while driving (otherwise known as a “blow out”). Today I'm giving a pop quiz - a passing grade means you get to keep your life and your RV: Here's the question, Your RV has a blow out in the right front tire - What do you do?
a. Slam on the brake
b. Step on the accelerator
c. Lightly apply brake pressure
d. Downshift and put on the exhaust brake if you have one
e. Shout, “We’re All Gonna Die!”
Well, if you answered “Step on the accelerator” you are correct. Don’t believe me? Take it from the Professor, this information will save your life. I STRONGLY recommend that all RVers (regardless of the type of RV you own) go to the Michelin website and view this short documentary called “RV The Critical Factor” here:
RV Tire Blow Out Video
Keeping you safe on our highways and byways - Jim Twamley, Professor of RVing
Labels: Tires
posted by Jim Twamley at
8/21/2007 08:36:00 PM
4 Comments:
If you have a travel trailer or fifth wheel, shut off your brake controller before stepping on your brakes. Having the controller on risks the tire locking up once the brakes are applied resulting in a smoldering tire that could catch fire!
By
Anonymous, at August 21, 2007 1:22:00 PM PDT
Thanks for the tip -- the video says this is true for cars, too. Now I have to hope that the panic impulse to brake can be overcome if the time comes. :D
By
Eustace Bright, at August 23, 2007 8:36:00 AM PDT
E. Bright writes he hopes "the panic impulse to brake can be overcome if the time comes." To a certain extent I still have that concern, but I have been "mentally practicing" since I first viewed that video more than a year ago. As I drive I sometimes play a blowout scenario in my head. I like to select different traffic patterns and terrains when doing it. I hope I never have to use what I've practiced, but I feel more secure I will take the appropriate action than I did a year ago.
By
Jim, at August 25, 2007 9:30:00 AM PDT
The michellin video "Rapid air loss" is excellent. I used the technique and it really made a big diiference. I experienced a blow on my suv, driverside front tire. I had a piece of road debris fling toward my tire and blow it out doing about 60 mph in traffic. First split second instinct was to slow down, WRONG. I remembered the video instruction and increased my speed and was able to control my suv. I then slowly move to the right to pull off the freeway. WOW, in LA traffic I caused no accident. I now tell all family and friend about the Right way to handle a Rapid Air Loss situation. Hope this posting helps from someone who used this technique. Thanks Rene
By
Anonymous, at September 7, 2007 11:26:00 AM PDT
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