RV FEATURE
We strongly suggest that you purchase a UHF radio , if you don ’ t already have one . Even a small , hand-held unit will do the job . Switch from channel 18 – the recommended channel for RVers – to UHF channel 40 , which is the channel used by truck drivers . Give the truck driver your location and direction , and ask whether it ’ s safe to pass .
Such a conversation might go like this :
Caravanner : “ Caravanner calling southbound road train outside of Tennant Creek . I ’ m in the silver Jeep Grand Cherokee about 50m behind you and would like to overtake . Are we clear to pass ?”
Truck driver : “ Copy . Suggest you hold off a moment – I see some oncoming traffic . I ’ ll call you when it ’ s clear .”
Make sure that you can be seen . Keep your lights on , especially in overcast conditions . When you feel comfortable – or have been given the all-clear over the radio by the truck driver – begin your overtaking manoeuvre . Crucially , keep your speed safe and consistent – and don ’ t forget to give the truck driver a friendly wave once you ’ re safely back in the left-hand lane .
BEING OVERTAKEN
Now , what about the opposite situation , when you see a truck approaching to overtake your tow vehicle and caravan ? The fact is , truck drivers work to tight schedules . Say what you want about that , but it does mean they might not have the luxury of sitting behind a caravanner who is travelling 20km / h below the posted speed limit .
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