Are you itching to get away, but want to avoid large crowds and the tight quarters of public transportation? Or, perhaps you bought an RV because you just love the road. Either way, staying safe on your next road trip is an important part of having an enjoyable vacation. Here are some safety tips to help you have a great time.

Some people decide to rent a RV for a trip and don't realize how different it handles compared to their normal vehicle. Get your RV early so you can practice driving around. You might even be able to test-drive several types of RVs, choosing your favorite one for the road.

You will need to practice backing up so you can park at campsites. Keeping your RV on the right side of the road and trusting only mirrors to see behind you is often harder than you might think. You will want to feel comfortable by the time you have other people in the vehicle with you.

Whether you have your own or are renting an RV, check with your agent to make sure your plan covers this type of trip in case you break down. You don't want to find out that your policy covers a RV tow, but not the trailer you were pulling with all of your items. If you don't like your current plan, find an agent who will look for a better deal that provides the coverage you need.

Ideally, you will have a professional mechanic you trust check out your RV yearly. Some seasoned RVers do it themselves. You need to look at everything from the tires to the propane tanks to make sure nothing is off or out of place before you leave.

When you are on the road, remember that RVs are not wired to run everything at once. Keep your electrical load manageable by limiting how much power you are using at one time. You might have to turn off the AC to make breakfast.

You will also want to know your legal weight limits and make sure you practice even distribution. Supplies, water and fuel can add weight quickly. It helps if you can fill your fresh water tank close to your campgrounds so you can avoid driving with a sloshing tank.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), RVs are at high risk for back overs because the "blind zone" of a vehicle increases with the size and height. Backup cameras don't always see everything so its best to check your surroundings before backing out of a driveway or parking spot.