Escapees May June 2015 Demo

Tips

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Tips Helpful Hints, Ideas and Solutions for Today’s RVer

• Opinions, advice and information contained in “Tips” are offered solely to inform members about matters that may be of assis- tance or interest to them. Material is compiled from submissions from Escapees members who do their own research. Escapees RV Club accepts no responsibility for what is expressed here by any person, group or company. • E-mailed submissions can be sent to departmentseditor@escapees.com . Because of the large volume of material, we may not acknowledge receipt of material. If accepted, submissions will be edited for magazine style and formatting.

becomes even more dicey. If possible, roll onto a wide spot in the road on the opposite side, in which case you would need to put out caution lights and a passenger flagger ahead of the vehicle as well as behind. Only after you have stabilized the situation and elim- inated immediate danger to you, your passengers and approaching vehicles, should you start seeking emergency help from others. Ron Swartley, Guest Contributor

Mountain Bend Shutdown You’re driving up a winding, two-lane mountain grade and your engine, though struggling, performs as advertised. Although there’s no traffic immediately behind you, there could be at any time. Then suddenly the engine quits with- out warning and your vehicle comes to a complete stop. Now you’re halted on an up-grade at a sharp bend, and a vehicle coming up behind you could easily plow into the rear of your RV. The sudden engine stop could be due to any number of things, such as running out of gas, water or other contam- inants in the fuel or fuel pump failure. It could also be a simple vapor lock. Whatever the reason for the failure, the situation is dire and requires immediate action. The obvious first option would be to try and restart the engine. Even if you’re out of gas, maybe there’s just enough left to get you forward out of the danger zone. But, if lady luck isn’t with you on this occasion, it’s time to move to plan B. After setting the brake and engaging the emergency flashers, you and all passengers need to exit the vehicle immediately. If you’re a good “what if” planner, you’1l have distress flares and/or emergency beacons handy (under the driver’s seat, for example), ready to grab on your way out the door. Other passengers may trek around the bend for about 100 yards, ready to flag down an approaching vehicle as you set out your emergency illuminations. These devices will be needed, especially at night. With these immediate measures taken, you can then think about coasting the vehicle back around to the nearest turnout, on your side of the road or the other. If you decide to try backing up, keep in mind that backing around a steep mountain curve can be tricky. Also, your power brakes will probably not function without the motor working. If it’s night time, you may not be able to see where you’re going. It may be a tough call, deciding whether to stay in your hazardous situation, or try to back your way out of danger. If you have a trailer or tow vehicle, the backing option

30 . ESCAPEES | May/June 2015 | www.escapees.com