RV Safe Driving

Tips for safe driving in your RV

With spring just around the corner, it’s a great time for a “spring break” RV trip. Whether you’re heading to Hayward or planning your getaway a lot farther from home, you’ll want to make the trip safely.

At Mower Insurance, we want you to travel safely too. Here are some great tips to help you get out there and back without worry, because nothing can ruin an RV trip faster than trouble on the road.

First, know your ride — even if you’re just along for the ride

Of course, knowing the features (and limitations) of your RV is the first step to safely driving it. Are you towing a car? Be mindful of how that will affect your stopping power and maneuverability. Know the dimensions of your vehicle to help with parking and any tight spots you might encounter on the road. Make sure you know that you can fit under the overpasses and bridges on your route.

And even if you’re just a passenger, it’s a good idea to learn how to drive the RV as well. You might need to take over in an emergency or other situation.

Maintenance, maintenance, maintenance

Just like a car, keeping your RV well-maintained is extremely important. Are your tires in good shape and properly inflated? If you’re towing a car or boat, do you need additional braking power? Are your mirrors angled correctly? Is your safety equipment (for example, your fire extinguisher) in good working order? Doing a walk-around and conducting some quick checks before you leave can save you a lot of frustration down the road.

Down the road!

Your RV is much bigger than a car, of course, and that means you need to act more carefully when you’re driving it.

·         Know your blind spots and use caution when changing lanes, merging or turning.

·         Be patient and aware at all times. Consider installing a rear camera to help give you a complete picture of your surroundings.

·         Other vehicles may act aggressively to get around you, and sometimes will cut you off once they have passed. Prepare for these situations and understand that many drivers don’t realize that you need additional space in front of the RV.

·         Because your vehicle is far heavier than others, it picks up speed faster when going down hills or mountain passes, so keep an eye on that speedometer.

What about parking?

·         It’s best to have someone to guide you into a parking spot. If you don’t have anyone with you, check out the area before you try to pull in.

·         Practice turns and backing up before you leave on your trip.

·         Of course, never park for the night in an area unless you have approval or know that it’s safe.

Need to learn more?

Consider taking an RV driving safety course, if possible. At the very least, practice in a large parking lot before hitting the road. Taking a little time to learn how best to drive your RV or improve your skills can have a big impact for you and your family!

Sidebar:

You’ll find a lot of helpful resources online for RV owners. We like:

·         Good Sam Club at www.goodsamclub.com

·         Family Motor Coach Association at www.fmca.com

·         The list of RV clubs at www.rv-clubs.us/rv-clubs.html

·         Great safety tips at www.safeco.com/rv-insurance/rv-safety-tips

Remember to give us a call at 715-723-5525 when you need coverage for your RV or anything else. We’re here to help!

Convertibles

Put the top down and hit the road in Chippewa

The call of the open road is at its strongest during the summer - and so is the call of the convertible. If you’re one of those drivers who has long dreamed of dropping the top and heading across Wisconsin, Minnesota, and beyond, we here at Mower Insurance have some buying tips for you.

And before we forget, make sure you’ve got plenty of sunscreen!

Safety considerations

Of course, you want to be safe when driving your new car, so here are a few things to look for in a convertible, according to Edmunds.com.

·         Roll bars: Generally, convertibles offer some sort of roll bar to protect passengers should the car roll over.

·         Airbags: Side airbags that deploy from seats can be an optional feature on less-expensive convertibles and something you should consider. Some of these airbags offer extra protection for the head.

·         Rear-view cameras and sensors: When the top is up, it can be difficult to see out of the rear window. Cameras and sensors can provide added safety.

Hard or soft top?

You have two main choices when it comes to tops: Soft, which can result in more road noise and may be more susceptible to damage, and hard, which often look better but add weight and take up more trunk space when down. (A third option is a completely removable hard top, such as those found on some Jeeps.) This choice is largely a matter of personal preference, though cost can be a factor.

You’ll also want to test the top for leaks - regardless of whether it’s a soft or hard top. Spray water where the roof connects with the windshield and where the glass meets the roof along the sides. You’re looking to make sure no moisture gets inside.

Everyday issues

If you’re planning to drive your convertible frequently (and why wouldn’t you?), there are some practical things you should take into consideration:

·         Wind noise: When you have the top down at Wisconsin’s highway speeds, you might find it difficult to hear the stereo system. If you’ll be driving a lot with the top down, getting the upgraded stereo might not be worth it. Then again, a better stereo can have more power, allowing you to actually hear your music.

·         Putting the top up/down: A motorized top, of course, makes everything easier. But they are more complex. Be sure to test out the top and how long it takes you to put it up or down, especially if it’s a manual process. After all, if it starts raining suddenly, you want to be able to get the top up as quickly as possible!

·         Luggage space: Most convertibles aren’t large to begin with, but trunk space is even smaller when the top is down. If you plan to take your convertible on vacation (or pack golf clubs or other bulky items), it’s a good idea to really take a hard look at the trunk space before you buy.

·         Passenger space: Do you need to take more than one passenger on many of your drives? If so, a roadster (two seats) isn’t an option. But even if the convertible you’re eying has four seats, hop in back and check the comfort level. If you aren’t comfortable, your passengers probably won’t be, either.

Special features

According to Edmunds.com, there are certain features that truly make a difference in convertibles, such as wind deflectors, heated/cooled seats and sun-reflective upholstery. Certain features, such as heated seats, can make your convertible much more comfortable to drive on cooler days in Chippewa.

Above all, you’ll want to choose the convertible that best fits how you’ll use it. If you’re lugging golf clubs (and golf buddies) around in the summer, you probably don’t want a roadster. Conversely, if your idea of a great weekend is to toss a duffle bag in the passenger seat and hit the road, smaller may be better.

One of the great - and annoying - things about buying a car is the sheer number of options out there. But if you get frustrated, remember one thing: You’re buying a convertible. Your friends are probably envious!

And when you buy that convertible, give us a call. We’ll make sure you’ve got the right coverage - and we’ll probably be envious, too!

Spring Motorcycle

Is a motorcycle right for you?

As springtime approaches, you probably notice something in addition to the warmer weather and blooming flowers: more motorcycles on the roads of Western Wisconsin.

                           

Riding looks like a lot of fun, doesn’t it? Just imagine heading down 29 with the sun shining and the road stretching out to the horizon. There are other benefits motorcycle riders enjoy as well, such as lower fuel costs and easier parking; but riding a motorcycle safely requires different skills than driving a car.

If you’re thinking that this is the year you’re going to buy your very own bike, let us at Mower Insurance help you determine if a motorcycle is right for you. We’ve provided some questions below that the Motorcycle Safety Foundation recommends you honestly answer before becoming a bike owner.

Are you a risk-taker? Or are you safety-minded?

Think about how you drive your car. If you have aggressive tendencies or do things like talk on your phone while driving, a motorcycle probably isn’t for you. Motorcycles lack the protection that cars can provide in an accident, so driver focus and caution are extremely important.

How is your vision? What about your balance and coordination?

It’s extremely important that you see well – peripherally and in general – when riding a motorcycle. Motorcycles are not as visible as other vehicles on the road, so riders need to be alert and aware at all times. And, of course, riding requires balance and coordination, much like a bicycle. If you’re not great on non-motorized two-wheelers, you might want to think again about motorcycling.

Do you respect dangerous machinery?

When you use a chainsaw or other equipment that can cause harm, do you always follow the instructions and wear the proper safety gear? If not, a motorcycle probably isn’t right for you. Maintenance and protective equipment is vital to riding safely. What you might be able to get away with when driving a car or using power tools could lead to a tragic outcome on a motorcycle.

Are you willing to invest in riding safely?

The best way to stay safe on a motorcycle is to invest some time before you get on the bike. Take a safety course and learn how to ride the right way. Purchase the right gear, including approved helmets and padded clothing. And learn about properly maintaining your motorcycle.

If you’re prepared and commit to safe riding, motorcycling can be a great way to get around. The freedom you’ll feel on the road is different than driving any car, which is just one reason millions of people find riding to be incredibly rewarding.

And when you’re ready, we are too! Feel free to give us a call at 715-723-5525 to discuss your motorcycle insurance options as well as safety tips!

Sidebar:

Motorcycle safety resources

There’s a lot of great information out there about safe riding. We’ve just scratched the surface. To read more, check out:

·         Motorcycle Safety Foundation: http://www.msf-usa.org

·         SMARTER: http://www.smarter-usa.org

·         Safeco Insurance motorcycle page: http://www.safeco.com/motorcycle-insurance/do-more

Mother's Day Gifts

Pamper Mom and make a difference this Mother’s Day

Having trouble dreaming up a special idea for a Mother’s Day gift this year?  The second Sunday in May is fast approaching, and while traditional gifts like flowers, jewelry and breakfast in bed are always appreciated, why not give mom a gift that gives back this year… one that makes not just her day, but that of someone in need?

Luckily, options for gifts that care abound.  At Mower Insurance Agency, we want to share some of our favorite feel-good gift ideas that both pamper mom and make a difference.

·         Soap that saves lives. Let your mom indulge with a monthly delivery of LifeSoap (www.lifesoapcompany.com) –luxurious, organic, beautifully scented soaps whose sales help fund clean-water projects in the developing world.

·         A shoe in.  Buy her a pair of Crocs (www.crocs.com) or Tom’s (www.toms.com) fashionable women’s shoes, and support efforts that put shoes on the feet of people who don’t have the means to buy them.

·         Daily inspiration… and style. Give your mom a more inspired look—and life—with Beckons Organic Yoga Clothing (www.beckonsorganic.com). With four collections to suit every body type, each Beckons garment bears an inspirational “intention tag,” and the company donates clothing to organizations like the Samburu Tribe of Africa, the Women’s Resource Network, and Community Closet, among others.

·         All chocolate… no guilt! Vosges Haute Chocolat (www.vosgeschocolate.com) is produced using 100 percent wind energy—not to mention it’s melt-in-your-mouth delicious, 100% organic, and utterly divine.

·         Shopping with meaning. If you want to shop more broadly for socially responsible gifts, visit www.shopwithmeaning.org, where you can shop by category or by cause. 

·         Brunch… with a twist.  Instead of taking Mom out for a fancy brunch, make it a potluck and send the money you save to Dining for Women, a nonprofit that sends your “dining out” dollars to programs that empower women worldwide.

Whatever you decide to give, and however you celebrate the second Sunday in May, we at Mower Insurance wish you and your mom a wonderful Mother’s Day!