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RV adventures are supposed to be about freedom, fun, and maybe the occasional marshmallow mishap—not about your towed vehicle deciding to make a break for it on the interstate!
Unfortunately, that’s exactly what happened recently on I-65 in Franklin, Tennessee, when a vehicle being hauled by an RV became unhooked and caused multiple crashes.
According to WSMV, the incident led to slowdowns and even a propane leak from the RV itself. It’s a wild reminder that towing safety is no joke, unless you find rogue vehicles funny.
Let’s take a look at five things you can do to help prevent your own “runaway vehicle” moment, inspired by this cautionary tale reported by WSMV.
1. Double-Check All Hitch Connections
Before you hit the road, make sure your hitch is more secure than your grandma’s cookie jar.
Taking a few extra minutes to double-check all connections can save you from a lot of headaches—and possibly from starring in your own viral news story. Remember, you want your vehicle to follow you, not take the lead!
2. Use Safety Chains (And Use Them Correctly)
Safety chains aren’t just there to collect rust; they’re your backup plan. If safety chains had been properly used, maybe those crashes would’ve been avoided—or at least turned into a weird parade instead of a pile-up. T
hink of safety chains as the “seatbelt” for your towed car: not optional, and definitely not just for show!
3. Inspect Your Equipment Regularly
Don’t wait until you’re leaking propane on the side of the highway to realize something’s wrong. As WSMV mentioned, “The RV also crashed and is leaking propane, according to TDOT.”
Regular inspections of your towing setup can catch issues before they become explosive (literally).
Besides, poking around your RV with a flashlight makes you look like a professional—even if your only qualification is watching YouTube videos.
4. Invest in Quality Towing Gear
You wouldn’t trust a dollar store umbrella in a hurricane, so why gamble with cheap towing equipment?
The article highlights the chaos that can ensue from a simple failure.
Upgrading to high-quality hitches, locks, and chains might cost a bit more, but as you can see, saving a few bucks can lead to a whole lot of trouble. At least if you splurge, you can brag about your “top-of-the-line” gear at the next RV park potluck.
5. Practice Safe Driving Habits
Even the best gear can’t save you from bad driving.
Slow down, leave extra space, and avoid sudden maneuvers. The incident on I-65 caused “slowdowns on I-65 near mile marker 61,” proving that one mistake can ripple out and ruin everyone’s day.
Drive like your vehicle is trying to escape—because apparently, sometimes it is!
