While some RVers may feel a sense of panic when it comes to driving at night, there are actually several advantages to it. Besides being a quieter time to drive, you’ll have less traffic on the road as well. That means you can take your time and enjoy the sights.
Dealing with Low Light
Driving an RV at night can be a challenge, but there are things you can do to safely deal with low light. You can add auxiliary lighting on the sides and back of your RV, use reflective tape, or install LED bars.
You should also adjust your headlights for proper visibility. Over time, the plastic covers on your headlights can develop a film or haze that reduces their effectiveness.
High-intensity discharge (HID) and LED lights are good options for driving in low-density traffic areas and can provide excellent straight-ahead illumination. However, they can blind drivers and can be a safety hazard in foggy weather or heavy snow.
Glare
When driving at night, glare from oncoming headlights can make it difficult to see the road. This is especially true on two-lane highways, which tend to have more curves and hills than a freeway.
Luckily, there are some things you can do to reduce glare and keep you safe on the road. First, don’t look directly into headlights when they’re facing you. This can cause you to drift off course.
Driving Slower
Driving an RV at night is a different skill than cruising on the highway. It requires more attention and a lot of focus. It also involves constantly checking for traffic, and ensuring your side mirrors are in good shape.
Because you can’t see as well at night, it is important to drive slower than normal. This will give you more time to react to potential hazards such as potholes, wildlife, and other cars that may be driving distracted.
Minimizing Interior Lights
When you’re driving an RV at night, it’s important to minimize interior lights. This includes cabin lights, screens, and anything else that might distract you from paying attention to the road ahead.
Pro Tip: Some RVs have headlights with a bubble level inside that helps you adjust them correctly to maximize visibility. Check with your owner’s manual for instructions on how to do this.
Over time, the plastic covers on your RV’s headlights can develop a film or haze that can decrease the light you can see. This is especially true for newer RVs, so take care to polish the glass.
Don’t Drive Tired
Driving an RV can be a challenging task, even for the most experienced of drivers. Not only do you have to deal with low light and glare from oncoming vehicles, but you also have to watch out for animals on the road! It’s important to avoid driving while you are tired. Getting too tired can cause you to drift out of your lane, struggle to keep your eyes open or get frustrated with other drivers on the road.
Listen to Music
Listening to music while driving is a popular pastime for many people. However, it can also be dangerous if done incorrectly. Researchers have found that drivers who listen to music that’s fast paced are more likely to change lanes, erratically drive, and overshoot speed limits. To safely listen to music while driving an RV at night, choose music that is calm and easy to hear. Also, watch for road hazards such as wildlife and make sure your vehicle is visible.
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