Tips to Distribute Cargo in Your RV Like a Pro
Whether you own a travel trailer or a fifth wheel, you’ll want to practice safe cargo distribution techniques before hitting the road with your family. Even cargo distribution can make all the difference in your RV experience, and you want to take all possible measures to make your travels more fun and memorable. When you don’t spread out and secure your luggage and camping gear in your RV, your vehicle and cargo can get damaged during transit. You also put your safety at risk. So, avoid this by following the cargo distribution tips in this guide!
Refer to Your Owner’s Manual
Before you start loading cargo in your RV, be sure to consult your owner’s manual. This valuable resource has critical information about your camper, including its dimensions, the weight it can handle, and safety tips for keeping your RV in tip-top shape. You want to know your limits and avoid exceeding them.
You should consider your camper’s cargo-carrying capacity, the axle weight rating, and the weight-handling capacity of your towing vehicle. You’ll want to remember this when packing and loading your RV for a smooth traveling experience.
Pack Wisely
Next, you want to be strategic about the items you pack for your vacation. Essentially, pack lightly and smartly. This means you should bring only the essential supplies you need to stay safe and comfortable on your journey.
We often recommend our customers pack travel-sized models and multi-purpose items when traveling. This helps save precious space in the camper and enables passengers to travel comfortably.
Balance the Load
Once you have packed the cargo, you’ll want to start loading it into your RV. But remember to balance the cargo inside your camper for a stable and smooth on-road experience.
Ideally, follow the 60-40 rule, where you place 60% of your cargo near the hitch and the remaining 40% toward the rear of your RV. You‘ll also want to distribute the weight evenly from the left to the right side and place heavier items on the floor and the lighter ones near the ceiling, such as in overhead cabinets. This strategy will prevent the camper from swaying during windy conditions.
Secure Your Items
Finally, you’ll want to secure your cargo to prevent them from shifting during transit. Use sturdy straps and ties to hold your items in place, and enjoy traveling stress-free with your loved ones.
We hope you find these strategies handy traveling with your towable RV. If you need more tips to handle cargo safely and efficiently, contact Chesapeake RV Solutions. We proudly serve Chesapeake, Virginia Beach, and Suffolk, VA, so reach out today.