Etiquette On the Road

By the time you read this, we'll be basking in what many in our RV touring community consider the best time of the year! Spring is here, bringing mild temperatures and the perfect weather for hitting the road. It’s the perfect time to "pack up and go," and enjoy the blooming landscapes and vibrant spots.

We've said it before, but the RV lifestyle is booming, with more people embracing the open road every day. Tens of thousands of newcomers to the RV community mean it's an exciting time for all of us. Whether you're exploring in a motorhome, converted bus or coach, fifth wheeler, slide-on, campervan, caravan, camper trailer, it's fantastic to see so many people adopting the RV way of life. At KT Insurance, we're excited to protect your journey every step of the way.

So, whether you're a seasoned traveller or new to the RV scene, there's a lot to learn and support needed with so many new folks joining in. Our lifestyle is amazing, but it comes with its own set of challenges. Our vehicles are bigger, heavier, and trickier to handle. We often travel long stretches of highway. If you’re towing a big caravan, that’s a whole other challenge. It’s a lot to take in, but that’s part of the adventure!

Education comes in different shapes and sizes. You've got your formal stuff like towing and driving courses or getting involved in great programs like CMCA’s RVSafe program. Then there's the more laid-back, community vibe where we help each other out, answer questions, and just look out for one another, whether we're on the road or chilling at home.

Here’s a few things that we think can make a huge difference to making everyone's life on the road safer:

• Remember that you were a beginner once. You see it all over social media. Someone asks a simple question, clearly new to the scene and seeking advice, and there's always a mix of helpful and not-so-helpful comments. Communities like these are fantastic for sharing knowledge and embracing the lifestyle, but they can be pretty intimidating for newcomers who are just trying to learn the ropes. If only more of these communities took a leaf out of the CMCA Members Connect Facebook group's book!
• Courtesy and care go a long way. And this applies even in simple situations, like when we're out on the road. Let's be mindful of those around us, especially as we head into a busy season. There are too many instances of dangerous accidents involving caravans and other RVs. So, if you notice a line of vehicles building up behind you, either pull over or make sure your radio channel is clear so others can get in touch and arrange a safe pass.
• Campsite etiquette – When you pull up to camp, think about how you're setting up your site. If you've got little ones or plan on having a late one, maybe opt for a spot further away from others already there or position yourself so you're not facing directly at them. And if there are rules posted at the campsite, follow them; stuff like when you can use generators and when to keep things quiet. Most importantly, clean up after yourself! This last point is especially crucial if you're camping in national parks, state forests, or free camps!