Ah, summertime! Let's get the RV out of storage and plan some serious recreation.
Regardless of the length of your planned road trip, operating an RV safely and legally will maximize your pleasure and head off trouble before it happens.
Towing most recreational vehicles does not require more than a valid Class 5 or Class 7 driver's licence here in B.C.
However, some castles on wheels weigh more than 4,600 kilograms when fully loaded require either a house trailer endorsement (code 07) on these licences or a higher licence class or a heavy trailer endorsement (code 20). Forget this detail and a traffic check can halt your vacation trip on the spot.
Now that you have thought about it and decided that you need the house trailer endorsement, how do you proceed? Pick up or download a copy of Towing a Recreational Trailer from ICBC.
Study it thoroughly because you will have to pass a recreational trailer knowledge test. You will also have to have your vision and hearing checked and answer questions based on your medical health.
You will be issued a learner driver's licence if you are successful.
Once you've practised, schedule your road test. Be prepared to demonstrate a proper pre-trip inspection and complete the road test while towing a house trailer that weighs more than 4,600 kilograms.
Also, check out your local driving school. Many schools have specific RV towing courses to help you prepare with confidence.
For more information on this topic, visit www.drivesmartbc.ca. Questions or comments are welcome by e-mail to comments@drivesmartbc.ca. Tim Schewe is a retired RCMP constable with many years of traffic law enforcement experience. His column appears Friday.