The last thing you want to happen on a fun motorhome trip is to run into any problems. Still, while you needn’t dwell on all the things that could go wrong, it is best to be prepared so you can handle any problems that might come up. One of the issues that could throw a wrench into your travels is a flat tire. Getting a flat on your motorhome isn’t quite the same as getting one of your everyday car, so it’s important to know what to do in this somewhat unlikely–but still possible–scenario.
Pull Over Safely
Just as you would if you got a flat on your car, once you realize you’ve got a blowout on your motorhome, you should pull over as soon as you can. While you’ll want to find a good spot on the side of the road that will accommodate the width of your motorhome, you should be wary of driving too far on a flat. Once you’re on the side of the road, put your indicator lights on. Consider bringing along in your trip some road cones or warning triangles that you can lay down behind your motorhome. This way, oncoming drivers will know to slow down and take caution as they pass you and your coach.
Why You Probably Can’t Fix It Yourself
If you’re more of a DIY person, you’ll find that, when it comes to fixing your motorhome’s flat tire, the deck is stacked against you. Most motorhomes don’t even come equipped with a flat tire, let alone a jack that will be able to lift the weight of your coach. Even if you did have the proper equipment, it would take up space that you may not have or want to give in your motorhome. Plus, while you may have had experience changing a car tire before, you probably haven’t had to change one on a motorhome, so when combining your inexperience against the backdrop of a possibly busy road, it’s safest just to let a mechanic to do the work for you.
Get a Professional to Handle It
Surely the last thing you’ll want to do on your trip is send your motorhome to the mechanic for a day or two, but consider this – do you want to risk further damaging your motor home, costing your more money than you would spend having it towed and fixed? Plus, there’s a good chance that your motorhome insurance covers just this issue, meaning you’ll only have to pay the deductible. Your insurance might not cover further damage caused by you in attempts to fix it yourself.
Prevent Flat Tires from Happening
While some flat tires are a result of just bad luck, you can do a few things to prevent them from happening in the first place. First of all, take a regular account of each tire’s pressure. You should check your tire pressure every morning before you drive. Ensuring that they’re at the right pressure will not only save you from a possible blowout, but it’ll also keep you driving with better fuel efficiency. It’s also a good idea to have your tires inspected every five years or so, and when driving, be sure you aren’t speeding and over capacity – these are two of the biggest factors in tire blowouts. A little work in maintaining your motorhome’s wheels can save you a lot of hassle from a flat tire.
