OK, you bit the bullet and bought a big luxurious motorhome. The problem is you are intimidated to drive it. Or perhaps only one-half of the available drivers does ALL the driving.
If for no other reason than safety and emergency preparedness, all adult travelers should have the ability to drive the rig. (More on that here.) Of course, having more capable drivers on board also adds to convenience and splits up the driving chores more evenly.
In this informative video, the folks from Endless RVing share nine simple motorhome driving tips that can help you feel safer and more confident when driving a large Class A motorhome.
And even though they demonstrate on a 37-foot Class A motorhome, the RV driving tips contained in the video can also apply to smaller motorhomes and even towables. It’s really worth watching.
The video starts out with why driving large motorhomes can be so intimidating. This includes the many things you need to stay aware of at all times. They also explore all the ways that driving a motorhome is different than driving a car.
Of course, they cover stopping as this is where drivers who have never driven an RV get into a lot of trouble. And speed considerations. After all, RVs are NOT made for speed.
Tail swing is another problem area and the number one most frequent cause of RV insurance claims. Your RV has a BIG BUTT and this video will teach you to control it.
Also, considerations when fueling your RV are covered as this is another instance when people can get into trouble. You want to make sure that you can get in, and just as importantly, get out of gas/diesel stations.
All this great information comes before they even get to the 9 simple tips!
OK. So what is covered in the motorhome driving tips?
- Driving in wind
- Keeping aware of surroundings
- Being courteous while staying SAFE
- Going downhill
- Height, width, length and weight considerations
- Keeping your distance
- Parking a motorhome
- No distracted driving
- How to take wide turns
##RVDT1932
At one point, MJ stated “I have the RIGHT OF WAY”. I SERIOUSLY doubt that. I was a Law Enforcement Officer in NY for 30+ years. NOWHERE in NY’s VTL (Vehicle & Traffic Laws) does said law give ANYBODY “Right of Way”. What the VTL clearly states in numerous instances is that Vehicle “A” SHALL YIELD” right of way to another vehicle / person (ie a person in a crosswalk, emergency vehicle displaying lights & siren etc). That is a CRUCIAL distinction. I expect V&TL in other states are worded similarly. If a “burdened party” FAILS to yield Right of Way, that does not give permission for a “Favored party” to proceed into a crash. Point#2: you warn of the dangers of “tail swing” but only explain HORIZONTAL tailswing. VERTICAL tailswing is a very real problem. As the front wheels go UP (say entering a driveway), the REAR of the coach GOES DOWN much more that the front went up. In serious cases, the tailcap of an RV can be popped off the RV! Otherwise, a generally good tutorial.
One more problem with large motor homes is driving into or out of a place where there is a drop in the drive that may cause you to drag the rear end or even lift your drive wheels off the ground.
You’re scaring me when you take your eyes off the road to look in the camera AND when you take BOTH hands off the wheel.
Like stated in the video, take it easy and slow. You’ll reduce the chances of making a mistake. RVing should be a very relaxing, enjoyable part of your life.
Good reminders – however, I note your reference to driving a motorhome at 75 mph – just another reminder or suggestion – “Be sure your tires are speed rated for that high speed!”