DIY Network

Driving an RV Learn the basic tips for driving a Class A motorhome. From "RV Roadtrips" episode DRVR-101

Be sure to practice driving your RV in a safe and open area before hitting the road.

Host Gary Bunzer introduces Rob Tiisler to the basic tips associated with driving a Class A motorhome--from emergency braking to changing lanes. Rob learns all the driving tips he will need to hit the road.

Gary also demonstrates a helpful tip for knowing your RV's dimensions when you're on the road.

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	PDF Download the RV Rental Measuring Worksheet.
	Precise mirror adjustments are crucial for safe driving on the road.

Materials and Tools:

measuring worksheet (right)
tape measure

Getting Started

• Know the size of your RV. The biggest thing to get used to with a large motorhome is the size. To avoid getting into trouble at gas stations, shopping malls and campgrounds, the best thing to do is know your size and keep a record of it.

  Measure the RV from the ground to the top of the highest point on the roof--usually the air conditioner. Measure the width from outside mirror to mirror. Make a note of the measurements on an index card so you'll have it as a quick reference. (This way you'll know the size restrictions of your RV.)

• Adjust the mirrors. RVs come with flat mirrors and convex mirrors. Flat mirrors show what's directly behind the rig and they judge distance. Convex mirrors show the wider field of vision and the no zone--the area the flat mirrors can't see.

  Set the flat mirrors so that you can see the coach in the first inch of the mirror and with the rest of the mirror being reserved for your view backward and to the sides. Then check for blind spots. Have someone walk around the RV while you're looking in the mirror. This will tell you where the blind spots are located.

Figure A

Ready to Drive

• Be aware that as a driver of an RV, you sit higher (figure A) in a motorhome. This is an advantage because you can see farther ahead and react more quickly. Your focus point should be 15 seconds ahead. To find out how far off that is, fixate on a landmark, drive 15 seconds ahead and see how close you get. Compensate shorter or longer for the difference. This will give you a good eyeball distance of what 15 seconds looks like at that speed.

• Be aware that the driver is farther to the left of the center of the vehicle. This causes most drivers to drive to far to the right side of the road. Be aware of this and make the necessary adjustments.

Tip: Do a practice panic stop so you know what your brakes can--or can't--do in an emergency.

Parking lot practice is the way to go when learning how to drive a large road vehicle.

Turning

• Turning really comes in handy once in the campground, so it's good to practice a few times in a parking lot first.

• Be aware that making a turn in a motorhome is different than an automobile. The front and rear wheels will track paths much farther apart than those of a car.

Backing Up

• Always see a "forward" motion path out of any parking lot before you enter because you'll want to avoid having to back up as much as possible.

• When you do have to back up, always have someone on the outside of the RV directing you. Often times there can be unforeseen obstacles not shown in the mirrors. If no one is available get out and inspect the area behind you first--and then back up.

Changing Lanes

• Allow plenty of time for changing lanes on freeways. Big vehicles take more time to accelerate and slow down than small ones.

• The sheer weight and size of an RV causes momentum that makes the RV want to go straight as much as possible; in fact, much more so than an automobile. So you need more time to change lanes gradually.

• Be aware that while on freeways the motorhome is sensitive to air currents and cross winds. Slow down when big trucks pass. Anticipate the wind effects and compensate for them.

• While on back roads, if a long line of cars collect behind the motorhome, you should pull off and let other cars pass. If not, daring drivers could take dangerous risks and try to pass you. If this happens unsuccessfully the motorhome could be the focal point of a bad accident.