Tips for Driving Your Camper at Night

Dec. 12 2023 RV By Pete's RV PA

It’s important to prioritize safety when traveling with your camper, especially during nighttime rides. Operating a recreational vehicle after dark can be challenging due to limited visibility and fatigue, but don’t worry! There are multiple tips and hints to help you stay comfortable and safe while navigating roads at night.

Here are a few key tips for when driving your camper at night.

Dim Inside Lights

The interior lights in the driving cabin of your motorhome can make it hard to see out the windshield or windows. Don’t let your passenger use the interior lights while driving to ensure you can see the path ahead.

Avoid Driving While Tired

Driving or hauling a recreational vehicle when exhausted is risky, as this can slow your reaction time and cause you to make careless maneuvers or mistakes. If you feel like you can’t keep your eyes open, make sure you pull over and rest. Don’t lean on caffeine or other stimulants to keep yourself up because sleep is the only cure!

Remain Vigilant

When driving your camper after dark, be mindful of nocturnal animals and reckless motorists. Nocturnal animals can attempt to cross the road or dart into your path, which can cause you to lose your balance. Stay on the lookout for those yellow signs and limit your speed, especially in rural areas and on two-lane highways.

Another thing to consider during nighttime rides is that other motorists may be distracted, tired, or even intoxicated. Try to give these drivers a wider berth than usual and watch out for any car or truck that seems to be swerving in and out of lanes or making maneuvers that don’t seem safe.

Keep Your Windshield Clean

Streaks on the interior or exterior of your windshield can cause glare at night when oncoming headlights or streetlights hit the glass. With that said, remember to keep your windshield wiper fluid topped off and replace worn-out blades before you hit the road. You can use a glass cleaner to clean your windshield’s interior when necessary.

Replace Dull Lights

Driving with dull or burned-out lights can impact your on-road safety. It’s a good idea to check the brightness of your camper’s lights before you head out. In addition, make sure to change out any faded or broken bulbs before leaving home. If your camper’s bulbs are not bright enough, you can swap them out for LEDs, which tend to burn brighter and last longer.

The open road awaits! Purchase your camper at Pete’s RV PA, located in Mountville, Pennsylvania. We also proudly serve Hershey, Philadelphia, Harrisburg, York, and surrounding areas.