You’re ready to hit the road in your RV. Whether you’re an experienced RVer or a newcomer to the lifestyle, protecting your vehicle from fire hazards can mean the difference between a dream vacation and a disaster.
As your home on wheels, your RV presents greater fire dangers than a standard vehicle. With features like kitchens and curtains, there are more opportunities for things to go up in flames. There also are electrical and mechanical components that can present a fire risk if not properly maintained. Here’s what you need to know to keep your family safe.
Electrical Systems
RVs use both AC (alternating current) and DC (direct current) power. AC operates your appliances and outlets while DC powers your engine and battery. Solar panels also are gaining popularity and can be configured to provide either AC or DC power.
Bumps and vibrations can loosen connections. Check your electrical systems regularly to make sure connections are secure.
Check for frayed wires and damaged outlets. Never use wires or outlets that are compromised. Replace as needed.
If the circuit breaker shuts off power to a certain circuit, it’s probably overloaded. Other signs include lights that flicker or buzzing noises from outlets and switches. Consult a professional to ensure that you don’t have an overloaded circuit.
While power strips are generally safe for small wattage appliances (charging cell phones or table lamps), they may not do well with high wattage. They also cannot handle continuous loads required by space heaters. Power strips can overheat and ignite combustible material in the walls.
Don’t cover electric cords with rugs or carpets.
Only use extension cords rated for outdoor use. If left out overnight, cords can get wet.
If you have an electrically charged fire, don’t use water to extinguish it. Use a fire extinguisher approved for type C fires.
Propane Appliances
Propane commonly powers stoves, refrigerators and water heaters in your RV. It’s an efficient fuel that also can be dangerous if mishandled. Propane leaks can cause fires and explosions.
Regularly inspect your propane tanks and lines for leaks or any issues. Do not use tanks and lines that have been damaged.
Always store propane tanks in an upright position in a well-ventilated area away from a heat source.
Turn off propane-powered appliances when not in use.
Make sure propane-powered appliances are off when you are in motion. Gasoline vapor and an open flame are not a good combination. Also, many propane appliances need to be level and roads are not.
Get your RV LP-certified. A licensed liquid propane technician can inspect and test your propane system.
Consider switching to an induction cooktop and electric fridge to reduce the use of propane.
Cooking Accidents
The small space and low ceilings in most RVs make it more dangerous to cook there than at home. Most RVs use propane stove tops, which can be an added risk.
Properly vent fuel-burning appliances. Never operate them in an enclosed space such as a bathroom, bedroom or storage area. Turn on the exhaust fan, open a window, or cook outside.
Keep flammable materials away from the cooking area.
Never leave cooking appliances unattended while preparing meals.
Turn off appliances before leaving the RV.
Check and maintain your appliances regularly. Keep them clean; make sure there are no loose or chewed wires.
Do not use cooking appliances to heat your RV. That could create a dangerous situation where there’s insufficient oxygen in a small space.
Pro Tip: For curtains, choose natural fabrics (cotton, hemp) which are less flammable than polyester.
Engine & Mechanical
Your RV is not just a home; it’s also a vehicle. That means it’s equally important to keep the engine and mechanical systems well maintained.
Check brakes and bearings. Improperly adjusted trailer brakes can overheat. Wheel bearings also can overheat if not properly greased.
Make sure there are no leaks. Place a piece of cardboard under the RVs engine for a few nights to see if you have a leak. Repair any engine or transmission leak as soon as possible. Transmission fluid is highly flammable.
Check the battery. Most RVs use lead acid batteries which must be ventilated, or they can give off dangerous gasses. Make sure the battery is open to the outside by vent or hose.
Trailer chains that are too long can drag on the road and create sparks. Adjust them as needed. Just one spark can cause a fire.
Improperly inflated tires can overheat and cause a fire. It also can cause the tire to fail.
Exhaust systems can become very hot. If they have contact with flammable dry grass, it could ignite.
Safety Gear
Outfit your RV with the right safety gear so you’re alerted to any potential emergency, and you can act quickly.
Check the alarms and detectors, and switch batteries every spring and fall.
Fire extinguishers should be in easy to reach areas, for example near the door. Get one that is rated type A (for wood, plastics, cloth) and type B (for liquid fuel like grease, oil, stove and motor fuel) and type C (for electric fires).
Test your emergency exits including windows that can be used as an escape route. Make sure you have at least two ways out and nothing is blocking those paths.
If you smell gas:
Extinguish all open flames pilot lights, lamps.
Shut off the gas supply.
Do not turn on an electrical switch as that can create a spark that causes an explosion.
Remember to evacuate first. Call the fire department, and then try to put out the fire.
If you’re renting an RV:
Remember to do your due diligence to make sure your RV is safe.
Choose a newer model. Older models of RVs have fewer and less advanced safety measures. Older engines and equipment also are more likely to fail.
Ask the last time it was inspected.
Look at the fire extinguisher expiration date.
Look at the indication lights on the propane system and carbon monoxide system to see that they’re working properly.
Check smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors.
If you suspect an issue, address it before you sign the paperwork.
Finally, if you’re driving your own RV, make sure it is fully protected by insurance for your own peace of mind. Safe travels!
This article is furnished by California Casualty, providing auto and home insurance to educators, law enforcement officers, firefighters, and nurses. Get a quote at 1.866.704.8614 or www.calcas.com.
It never feels good to fall victim to a scam or pay more for a product because of it. That’s what it is like with car insurance fraud.
Car insurance fraud happens when someone lies to get a better rate or a larger payout. It could be intentional or accidental, but either way it can cost you money in premiums. The FBI estimates that car insurance fraud costs the average family an additional $400 to $700 every year. In addition, nearly 7 in 10 consumers are tricked into illegal schemes, according to the Coalition Against Insurance Fraud. Here’s what you need to know about car insurance fraud, including some clever scams that could catch you unaware.
What are the types of fraud?
Staged Accidents
In staged accidents, dishonest people intentionally cause a collision with an unsuspecting driver. Then they misrepresent the situation, putting the other driver at fault—and thus get a payout that they don’t deserve. Common scenarios for staged accidents include:
Two vehicles trap your car and force you into a rear end collision.
Someone waves you on that it is safe to pull out, and then another car collides with you.
You are tricked into turning early and the oncoming driver moves forward and collides with you.
Another car purposefully sideswipes your vehicle in a dual left turn intersection.
A car deliberately and abruptly brakes in front of you.
Injury Fraud
Dishonest people can file claims for unnecessary medical treatments or for treatments that they did not receive. Injury fraud also includes claims where people exaggerate the extent of their injury to get a bigger payout.
Exaggerated Claims
Sometimes after an accident, a dishonest person can cause additional damage to their vehicle to receive a bigger payout. That’s why taking photos of the damage is so important to do at the scene of the accident. Another exaggerated claim could be to file multiple claims for the same accident. Finally, disreputable shops can charge for repairs that weren’t made or for substandard work.
Counterfeit Airbags
If you have your airbag replaced by a dishonest shop, you might be charged for the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) bag but get a counterfeit one installed. In a worst-case scenario, a disreputable shop could install a garbage bag stuffed with rags. Counterfeit bags are dangerous and may not protect you in the event of an accident. The good news is that it’s easy to check. With an airbag, the light on your dashboard will flash when you start the car. You can also ask an authorized dealer to check that you have a quality airbag.
Windshield Replacement Scams
There are a variety of different scams associated with windshield replacement. Here are some of the most popular.
A stranger approaches you in a parking lot and offers a free windshield replacement. They point out nonexistent damage that can be fixed. They take your insurance information and file an exaggerated or false claim.
Windshield scam artists also could go door-to-door or call you with a “special” for customers in your area. Then they follow a similar process of filing a false claim.
If you live in one of the states that has no deductible for windshield replacement, con artists can file a claim for your windshield and charge you for the deductible.
Tow Truck Scams
Tow trucks that appear right after your accident could be “bandits” who will only tow your vehicle to their shop and charge you hundreds to repair and release it. Calling your own tow truck will help you to avoid this scam.
False Reports of Stolen Vehicles
Reporting a vehicle that hasn’t really been stolen as stolen is illegal. So is misrepresenting the value of a stolen vehicle.
False Documentation
Intentionally providing a false address for your policy to get a better rate is a form of fraud. Understating the annual mileage, misrepresenting the use of a commercial vehicle, and failing to add a new driver also is fraud.
What are the consequences of fraud?
It depends on the seriousness of the fraud. For minor infractions, your claim can simply be denied. For more serious offenses, your policy may be canceled, you could be fined or even serve jail time. A misdemeanor for auto insurance fraud can come with a fine and probation. A felony conviction can result in significant fines and prison time.
How can you fight against fraud?
Carefully check your insurance application forms for mistakes.
If you’re in an accident, take good notes of all those involved. Take pictures at the scene. Don’t sign any documents or agree to any terms at the scene of the accident.
Don’t accept fault for an accident if you believe you are not at fault.
Be wary of individuals offering services that you didn’t request. Avoid sharing details about your auto policy with those who may be disreputable.
Don’t tailgate. This gives criminals a chance to take advantage.
If your car needs repairs or maintenance, go to a trusted professional.
Don’t accept a windshield replacement offer.
Choose OEM parts for vehicle repairs to avoid counterfeits. Before buying a used car, have a certified mechanic check that there are authentic air bags.
Avoid rushed decisions. If someone is pressuring you into something, that could be a red flag.
If you suspect fraud, report it to your insurer as well as to the National Insurance Crime Bureau at 800-835-6422 https://www.nicb.org/.
This article is furnished by California Casualty, providing auto and home insurance to educators, law enforcement officers, firefighters, and nurses. Get a quote at 1.866.704.8614 or www.calcas.com.
As May comes to a close, classes are ending, the days are getting longer, and temperatures are slowly beginning to rise. You know what else that means? Vacation. Summer is calling and many American families are planning to spend their free time on the road relaxing and enjoying the sun.
Traveling, in all forms, is at its peak in the summer months. Road tripping and RV-ing are currently on the rise, so much so that Fox News reports that 73% of Americans would rather road trip than fly. Aside from all of the scenic views that are available when traveling by vehicle, travelers feel a sense of freedom by land, with the knowledge that they can stop or change their destination at any point in time instead of following a strict schedule like you would in an airport.
Whether your destination is the beach, the mountains, or just the open road, it is critical that your vehicle is ready to make the journey with you. So before you jam all of your luggage in the trunk, be sure to check the following in preparation for your summer road trip adventure:
Periodically check and test batteries for proper charging. Summer heat drains batteries faster than the cold of winter.
Check the air conditioning system for leaks and proper coolant.
Check the tires for tread and proper inflation.
Be sure your cooling system has the proper anti-freeze/coolant and all belts, hoses and the water pump are properly working. Never open a hot radiator cap; the liquid inside is a scalding 200 degrees or hotter.
Verify the viscosity of your motor oil will stand up to hot weather days, 10W-30 or 10W-40.
Make sure the spare tire is inflated and there is a jack and tire changing tool.
Test your windshield wipers and change them if they are streaking.
Consumer Reports advises that, as well as checking your vehicle before leaving for your destination, you should also travel with a basic safety kit that consists of:
Cell phone and spare battery
First aid kit
Fire extinguisher
Warning light or reflective triangles
Tire gauge
Jumper cables
Foam sealant for flat tires
We don’t like to think that things could go wrong on vacation, but you never know what you will run into on the open road and that is why it is important to be prepared. Here at California Casualty we proudly support our customers and want you all to have a fun and safe summer full of road trip adventures, so before you hit the road, make sure that you and your vehicle are adequately protected for the unexpected you may encounter far from home.
Current customers call a California Casualty advisor for an auto policy review at 1.800.800.9410 or visit mycalcas.com/customerservice. If you are not a customer please contact us 1.866.704.8614 or visit www.mycalcas.com to request a FREE Auto Insurance quote.
Where do you plan on traveling this summer? Or do you have a dream road trip destination? Comment below and give us ideas for our summer travels! And if you are wanting to hit the road, but need a little help as to where check out Fox New’s Top 15 things to do on America’s travel bucket list.
Happy Travels!
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In many areas of the country, inclement weather can occur year-round. Regardless of where and when you drive, heed these safety precautions for bad weather driving!
Slow down. Put extra distance between your vehicle and the cars ahead of you.
Wear your seat belt at all times and make sure all children ages 12 and under are seated in the back seat.
Keep your headlights, taillights and windshield clean, and your wipers in good condition.
Keep your headlights on while driving. Don’t use your brights because snow and fog can reflect back into your eyes.
In an emergency situation, don’t slam on the brakes. The wheels could lock, causing you to skid.
If your car does start to slide on a frosty road, turn your wheels into the direction of the slide, and then straighten out.
Be extra cautious when driving over bridges and dips in the road. They could present dangerous “black ice” driving conditions.
In many areas, the weather has been pretty good so far this year. But, this week started a flurry (pun intended) of winter weather, and I thought it would be a good time to recap some important safety tips for cold weather!
What to do when your pipes freeze – It happens to the best of us (or, at least, it happened to me!). A quick guide to getting your pipes thawed without flooding your house.
Carbon monoxide safety – Firing up your heaters can lead to hidden dangers. Here are some tips for CO prevention.
Driving Safety in Snow and Ice – When the snow and ice come down, the roads get slippery. Here are some tips for making that commute safely.
In many areas of the country, inclement weather can occur year-round. Regardless of where and when you drive, heed these safety precautions for bad weather driving!