Embarking on the Ultimate RV Adventure
The open road calls, and there’s no better way to answer than with an RV, ready to explore the breathtaking landscapes of Australia. But before you hit the road, safety should be your top priority. In the premiere episode of our exciting new series, Are You RV Safe?, hosts John and Borgy take three eager learners—Jessica, Evan, and Martin—on a journey that’s as much about mastering RV safety as it is about the freedom of the road.
Meet Our Learners
Our participants come from different backgrounds and experiences, each bringing a unique perspective to the RV lifestyle:
- Jessica is a devoted mum of two who’s ready to take the wheel and learn how to safely tow a larger caravan. Her goal? To share the driving responsibilities with her husband and gain the confidence she needs for those family road trips.
- Evan is a seasoned four-wheel driver but a novice when it comes to towing. After a less-than-stellar first towing experience that left his bumper with a permanent dent, he’s determined to improve his skills.
- Martin has his sights set on purchasing a motorhome. Confident but cautious, he wants to ensure he’s fully prepared for the unique challenges that come with driving one.
Guiding them through their journey are John and Borgy, two of Australia’s most experienced RV driver trainers. Their mission? To impart crucial safety knowledge while keeping the adventure alive.
The Road Safety Challenge Begins
The episode kicks off with each participant being introduced to their vehicles:
- Jessica is paired with a Volkswagen Amarok V6 Style towing a Windsor Wild caravan—an ideal setup for her family, offering space and safety.
- Evan takes the wheel of a Volkswagen Amarok Style 2.0L TDI towing a Hitch Camper, a lightweight but robust option perfect for off-road adventures.
- Martin gets behind the wheel of a KEA River Motorhome, a luxurious yet manageable RV, well-suited for his future plans of taking the grandkids on school holiday trips
Understanding the Risks
As they begin, the episode emphasises the importance of understanding road safety, especially the unique challenges faced by RV drivers. John and Borgy highlight the dangers posed by speed, fatigue, and the most underestimated of all—arrogance on the road. Jessica’s personal story of a harrowing car accident underscores the gravity of road safety and the need to learn the right skills.
Seeing the Road from a Trucker’s Perspective
In one of the episode’s key moments, the participants are introduced to the world of road trains—massive, multi-trailer trucks that are a common sight on Australia’s highways. These behemoths can be over 50 metres long and weigh up to 200 tons, making them a serious consideration for any RV driver.
To drive home the point, our learners get a chance to sit in the driver’s seat of a road train to experience firsthand the limited visibility these drivers have. The exercise is an eye-opener, revealing just how difficult it can be for truck drivers to spot smaller vehicles like RVs, and emphasising the need for RVers to stay alert and give these giants plenty of space on the road.
Communication is Key
The episode also covers the critical importance of communication on the road. Borgy introduces the team to UHF radios, specifically the Uniden Xtrak Pro Models, which provide reliable communication without relying on mobile networks. The learners are taught how to use these devices properly, ensuring they can communicate effectively with other road users, particularly in remote areas where mobile coverage may be sparse.
What’s Next?
As the episode wraps up, our learners are starting to understand the complexities of RV driving. But the journey has just begun. In the next episode, they’ll delve into aftermarket accessories, weight distribution, and the legalities of RV travel. These topics are essential for anyone looking to optimise their RV setup and ensure a safe, enjoyable journey.
Join the Adventure
Whether you’re a seasoned RV traveller or just starting out, Are You RV Safe? is your go-to guide for hitting the road with confidence. Tune in to Channel 10 on Saturday the 14th of September at 12:30pm for the next episode to continue learning how to make your RV adventures as safe and enjoyable as possible.
