Generally speaking, interstates are plenty wide enough for any RV. Youll also need to consider your cargo weight, including passengers. You can usually find your RVs specs online, but its good to double-check them for yourself. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. That said, as long as you know some basic tips and tricks like weve listed below, you shouldnt have any huge problems. The standard rearview mirror on the windshield (if there even is one) will be pretty useless except for determining if your passengers are walking around or sitting down. Real Experiences. This is truly making 2021 the year of the RV, whether you're an experienced RVer or a newbie. Ensure all your batteries including auxiliaries are well-charged and in good working condition before leaving. Driving a RV for the first time - tips on how to drive a RV. Here are some tips for RV driving for the first time: Driving an RV for the first time is a lot like driving a car for the first time. First time driving a motorhome? RVshare makes the whole process simple and safe, taking care of all the rental logistics so all you have to do is sit back and enjoy your vacation. The best apps for planning a safe and fun RV route. If you really dont want to drive an RV, there are lots of RVshare rental owners who will drive it for you! Downshifting is a great way to save your brakes from heating up and transition some of the work to the engine. The right lane also gives you the opportunity to pull over off the highway quickly if any mechanical trouble should arise, and it provides you easy access to any exits you may need to take. You can move over one lane to let traffic in and then change back to the far-right lane, but since youre already on the highway, you have the right-of-way. This takes practice. Its important to know your RVs vital information. You also have more buttons and knobs in a motorhome that youll need to access. Before you even begin RV operation, you will need to pack the rig with some essential tools. Make sure there is no rain or snow in the forecast, as both of these things can make driving a big rig much more dangerous. Congratulations! Flip the breaker back on and you should have power. RV Rental CaliforniaRV Rental VirginiaRV Rentals Philadelphia PennsylvaniaRV Rentals Aurora ColoradoRV Rental OhioRV Rentals Memphis TennesseeRV Rental KansasRV Rental Columbus OHRV Rentals MississippiRV Rental Nashville TNRV Rentals near MoonRiver RV Resort RichlandRV Rentals near Loveland RV Resort LovelandRV Rentals near Californian RV Resort ActonRV Rentals near Pechanga RV Resort TemeculaRV Rentals near Ambassador RV Resort CaldwellRV Rentals Las Vegas NevadaRV Rental VirginiaRV Rental MARV Rentals Cleveland OhioRV Rental FloridaRV Rental TexasRV Rental NYRV Rentals Birmingham AlabamaRV Rental Chicago ILRV Rental Illinois, There is nothing like waking up to the sounds of, RVs are a wonderful way to see new places and, The best part of an RV road trip is that. There is one tiny little concern that may be bothering you How do you maneuver a vehicle thats practically as big as a house?! Sit down in the drivers seat and take the time to adjust it properly so that you can comfortably reach all controls, and pedals. If youre towing, then chances are your RVs brakes are wired to your tow vehicles braking system. Until youre really comfortable in your RV, try and stick to fueling up at truck stops. There are things to know and ways to practice before you leave on vacation to make sure you are ready to face any challenge ahead. (Read this article to find out how to choose the right RV for you.). Some RVs will also require that you put down stabilizer jacks. Adjust your mirrors for the best visibility. The pavement turned rough, the lanes looked narrow and there wasnt much of a road shoulder. Here's thel official lowdown from the gov.uk site on motorhome driving licencese, but in brief, if you're under 70 and passed your driving test before 1 January 1997, the C1 category on your driving licence permits you to drive a motorhome of up to 7,500kg.If you're over 70, passed your test on or after 1 January 1997 or haven't renewed the C1 category on your licence, you can still . We got to test out our windshield wipers, which thankfully worked great and were able to push large volumes of water off our windshield at no time was our visibility compromised despite the heavy rains. It was about six in the evening and we had been on the road for close to seven hours. Not only does the seat need to be forward and backward to the correct location, but up & down and tilt are just as important for long distance comfort. I will never forget that first mountain pass we drove over in our 42-foot RV. Heres a great tip: On the freeway, dont concentrate on the middle line, or the white line on the side of the lane. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. Now that you have an idea of how to get from point A to point B, lets talk about the next step of RV operation: setting up camp. Replacing It, RV Toilet Repair How To Fix That Problem Toilet, How To Diagnose Water Pump Problems Before Repairing Or Replacing RV Water Pumps. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. So, what can you do? They tend to offer the most living space but also have the biggest learning curve when it comes to driving them. You may be at similar eye level, but the wind suction when a semi truck passes may still be enough to pull you toward them. First, the winds picked up and started blowing our twelve-foot-high motorhome around. If youre boondocking, you can keep a pencil thin stream of water running to help. 7 Thoughts while Driving a Big Motorhome for the very first time Money-Saving Tips For Repairing vs. Know your typical mileage to avoid running out of gas. Additionally, you may want to request pull-through sites at first until you get some practice with backing your RV up. Be watching for them. The more you practice in your RV the more confident you will feel. Theres a simple way to make sure youve got enough room to keep things safe. Theyre also located right by the highway for convenience. Posts: 5 Driving a motorhome for the first time . This is understandable. Obviously, you will need to unhitch if youre pulling a trailer or a tow car, and you should level the rig using leveling blocks under the tires. Dont worry if youre holding up traffic behind you. You can name your price, pick your dates and even choose your renters. Instead, make a point of navigating around cities. Tail swing is how far out the rear of your RV will go in the opposite direction of the way youre turning. Curtis I've been involved in RVing for over 50 years including camping, building, repairing, and even selling RVs and motorhomes. Motorhome Driving TipsThe first issue you need to address is driver comfort. Dont Gun The Engine!Many newbies think gunning the engine will help push their RV up those tough hills. But if you have a specific destination in mind, many RVshare owners offer to deliver and set up the rig at your campsite for you. Bottom line? (Read this article to find out how to choose the right RV for you .) First, its important that you know what amperage your RV requires. 1. If youre looking to have plenty of seating options, a bathtub, a large sink, and an oven, youll almost certainly be better off in a class C or class A rather than a campervan. As we were being pushed around, I learned not to fight the steering wheel. The types of RVs out there. We were on our own now! First time driving a motorhome? : r/GoRVing - Reddit Real Helpful. The math wasnt adding up. Relax, slow down, and enjoy the road ahead. For this reason, youll likely want to look into a larger motorhome that allows everyone to spread out and have their own space. Hey all, I'm hiring a motorhome for a weekender in a couple months. But if you follow a few best practices and make sure to prepare as much as possible, motoring your way through winter wonderland will be a piece of cake. Derailing your travel plans might be a bummer, but its a whole lot better than sliding off the road into an icy ditch, or worse. Take your time, and make sure you find the perfect position that puts everything you need within reach. Remember to adjust your speed, tap your brakes, and downshift as needed. I check, double check, and then check again. Consult your service manual or talk to your dealer or mechanic for more specifics for your vehicle. Car drivers tend to drive faster than RV drivers and take fewer and shorter breaks. As we set off on that first drive, I felt the absence of my safety net our RV salesperson calmly guiding and reassuring me during our test drives. The one thing youve looked forward to is that day you could hit the road and travel with the wind. They typically dont have slides and there isnt much room for many amenities or extras. On a curvy, two-lane stretch, we came around a corner and were greeted by a pack of wild burros along the roadside. How Fast Can You Drive an RV? Be sure not to use the regular automotive kind! Know what route you plan on taking and stick to it. Driving a Motorhome for the first time! Adjust your drivers seat just to your preferences. These are a great choice for large families or full-time living. When parking, its helpful to know your rigs width, and this measurement is also important for driving. If youre driving an RV, chances are youre on vacation. Because RVs are such small living spaces, storage space is very valuable. Of course, were not saying theyll let you hire them on as your personal chauffeur (although we guess it couldnt hurt to ask). The RS Q8 has been caught by our spies testing at the Nurburgring with only a small amount of camouflage. You are now ready to turn yourroad trip into an adventure! Turn the water on slowly and adjust as needed. RVing is such a fun and special way to travel, and we hope this post has helped quell any fears that may be keeping you from getting started on your journey. Roadtrippers Plus members can use their RV-friendly GPS to find routes based on their RVs height, propane restrictions, and more. For these individuals, weve compiled the lists below. Even if you routinely skip the snow tires on your day-to-day vehicle, youll want to spring for an upgrade in your RV. 2 gas bottles are better than one- if you have space in your gas locker, get a second bottle. Again, light pressure on the brakes will help control your momentum. If you experiencetrailer swaywhile towing, you may need to stop towing or reroute. You are not racing up the hill. Leaving yourself lots (& lots) of time to get to your destination means you can take on any challenges calmly & slowly - and reward yourself with a breather/beautiful view after conquering each one! Everyone knows that the Honda Civic offers practical, efficient, reliable transportation for the masses, but many of them are genuinely fun to drive too. Do you have a new Class A or C that you're nervous about driving? The snow itself is enough to deal with you dont need to add darkness to the mix! Driving your motorhome to your first camping destination is quite an exciting experience. Not sure how much space 400 feet is? They will ensure youre safe along the way and that you always know where youre going, no matter where you may wander: Once you arrive at camp, these are the items youll want to have on hand in order to get set up and ready to enjoy your stay: One of the biggest fears people have when operating an RV for the first time is that theyll make a huge mistake and mess up the rig. We test drove several motorhomes over two months before buying our RV a 2016 Tiffin Allegro Open Road 32SA gas-powered motorcoach. The big picture-window windshield broadens your range of vision, and the high front seats place you higher than regular automobile traffic. Weve learned to slow down and enjoy the drive. MLB All-Star Game 2023: NL defeats AL, highlights, more - USA TODAY Drive off-road. We have many listings featuring instant RV rental bookings just look for the lightning-bolt symbol. Don't get poop on yourself If there's a toilet in your rig, you're going to need to dump the waste - the aforementioned black water - at some point. My estimated driving time did not include any breaks. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. Tow/Haul mode helps you use the engine for braking which becomes even more critical when driving a gas motorhome and not a diesel one. Some parking lots simply will not be able to accommodate you, and squeezing into others will be dangerous and tedious. Thats where a wireless observation camera can help. This post may contain affiliate links. When I had mapped the trip before on my phone app, it calculated the trip would take just over four hours. As you might have guessed, smaller RVs almost always get better gas mileage, but this isnt the only factor, so be sure to look at this before purchasing. The eight-time MotoGP world champion is listing his team's motorhome on Airbnb for one night, allowing fans to experience a truly one-of-a-kind, behind-the-scenes race weekend. The change from driving a car to "piloting" a Motorhome requires some special attention and concentration. When your tanks are full enough to dump, open your black water tank valve first, allowing everything to drain from the tank. Keep in mind: The far end of Walmarts parking lot always has plenty of space. Driving a Motorhome for the First Time - YouTube 0:00 / 9:05 Driving a Motorhome for the First Time Average Campers 7.22K subscribers Subscribe 159 Share 9.7K views 6 years ago Driving a. GasBuddy is a handy app for scouting out fuel stations. Your RV journey will take longer than you expect. RV travel is an unforgettable and relatively inexpensive way to see the country. But were here to show you that renting an RV through RVshare doesnt have to seem strange! In the early days of the pandemic, open roads and short-staffed police forces invited bad driving habits habits that have been hard for drivers to break, according to IIHS. will help you determine what size site you need when choosing a campground. Generally speaking, class As are the biggest of the drivable RVs (though there are some smaller models out there). We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. Know Your Size. Its responsible for more accidents at the gas pump or in other tight-maneuvering situations than anything else. Since that initial lunch break discovery, Ive learned quite a bit about the drive day experience: Feeling rested from our break, we headed back down the federal interstate freeway before turning onto a two-lane state highway across the desert. 27 Essential Motorhome Tips & Tricks for Beginners The thought of piloting a 38-foot long, 8-1/2 foot wide behemoth through the narrow streets of a city is a terrifying prospect, to say the least. Most of these will have a posted width limit. Less than a month before hitting the road to travel full time, we took a 250-mile weekend test trip from our home in Orange County, California to an RV resort on the Colorado River near Parker, Arizona. But in truth, emptying an RVs waste tank is just about as simple as turning on a faucet, and possibly even cleaner (especially if the faucet in question is one in a public restroom). Safety should always come first. 11 Top RV Driving Tips - Camper Report After all, RVs arent cheap. Most of the time the reason RVs cant take these routes is because of size. She has written for such well-known sites and companies as Do It Yourself RV, RVLife, Fulltime Families, and Coach-Net, and loves sharing her experience and knowledge here on the RVshare blog. Before a long trip, its a good idea to invest in a tune-up and general maintenance visit to your trusted RV mechanic. We had seen it all on our first drive. Being aware of this frequent occurrence wiil enable you to make slight corrections, as necessary. Also, if you do encounter mechanical problems, you may not find repair shops or auto parts stores open. Not only were we 42 feet long, but we were also towing a motorcycle and a car. Over a period of time, your confidence will increase. If you suddenly encounter bad weather that you can wait out, find a safe spot to park and use the conveniences of your RV. This is a lot to remember about RV operation, and youre sure to come across other little things youd like to keep in mind for next time. Secure heavy objects for travel, and ensure that your cargo weight is evenly distributed. You now know the basics of how to start RVing. Plan your journey, find amazing places, and take fascinating detours with our app. Or is there hope for the first time motorhome driver? This is especially nice when the weather isnt great and everyone finds themselves stuck indoors. Taking right turns is even more difficult because of your proximity to the curb. Diesel RVs tend to be stronger and do better on mountains. Ive been involved in RVing for over 50 years including camping, building, repairing, and even selling RVs and motorhomes. The side mirrors and the rear and side view cameras were put there for a reason and I was going to have to use them! Other people will go around you, but thats okay. Braking is different in an RV compared to a car. Have you rented a moving fan and driven it across town? Ive been involved in RVing for over 50 years including camping, building, repairing, and even selling RVs and motorhomes. They sure do make big RVs these days, dont they? Instead, they provide just the basics in an easy-to-drive vehicle with the benefit of being able to adventure off the grid pretty much anywhere. (Read this article to find out how to choose the right RV for you.) The First Drive When my wife Camille and I started test driving Class A motorhomes, I had barely been in an RV, let alone driven one! Well, not exactly. The average RV weighs nearly 5,200 poundswhich is more than 2 tonsthat youll need to stop safely again and again. RV travel is more demanding, so youll want to take more breaks. RV Operation: The Basics of RVing for First Timers - RVshare First Time Driving a Class A RV - YouTube This, of course, can be disastrous, leading to failed itineraries, broken plans, and worst of all, a negative camping experience that could keep them from coming back and discovering exactly how awesome this travel lifestyle can be. I do all of my own repair work. So before you set out into the frozen tundra, heres what you need to know. Originally published on March 17th, 2021. You dont want to throw off your campers center of gravity. This ensures you never run too low on fuel, and if you do enough research, you can even make sure the stations you choose are big enough to easily pull into and back out of. START SLOW. This means theres no real reason to rush and every reason to take things slow. Even if youre towing, keep in mind that youve got a lot of weight behind you, and if you brake too late or too hard, that weight will push your vehicle around to say nothing of the risk of jack-knifing, should the trailer skid. On our test drives, the salespeople said it would feel like youre closer to the center line than you are. If youll be spending lots of time in your RV, youll probably get tired of being in close quarters with family pretty quickly. If your site doesnt have a spigot, you will need to fill the freshwater tank before you park. You might think motorhome driving tips are all for when you are actually driving. It gives you the opportunity to wander off the beaten path, stay in the moment, and stay comfortable as you do so. A large vehicle needs more time to respond. Well, that doesnt work in a Class A motorhome. Our preferred travel distance is around 250 miles and never more than 300 miles. Marissa started driving a straight stretch on cruise control in the right lane, but many people start in a parking lot. Connect your water pressure regulator to the end of a freshwater (white) hose and connect the pressure regulator to the spigot. Operating an RV for the first time can be easier when you prepare properly. Take advantage of the opportunity to gas up, and maybe even to explore a town that wasnt originally on the docket. Just like any other new vehicle, driving an RV comes with a slight learning curve but youll be a pro in no time. What started out as a sunny, summer day turned dark and threatening. Thats especially true when it comes to RV rentals by owner for those of us used to dealing with large, commercial rental dealerships, it can feel a little confusing to go down the peer-to-peer route at first. Here are a few tips to guide you as you prepare for driving a Class C motorhome for the first time. This post contains affiliate links. And I even had fun! Five adults and five children were inside the home at the time of the shooting, which was at approximately 12:30 a.m. . First: relax, slow down & enjoy the journey. How To Drive A Class A RV Motorhome - RVshare For the first couple of fill-ups, have your traveling partner direct you. My suggestion? You feel very wide in a motorhome, but youre probably not more than one to two feet wider than you would be in a car. The higher the wind speed, the more difficult its going to be to operate your RV on the road. Dont let other drivers pressure you into moves your vehicle cant handle. With a Roadtrippers Plus subscription, you can plan a proper route, locate places to stay, and find fun, interesting stops to make along the way. Copyright 2022 RVshare.com Another thing that fits better in a bigger motorhome? We were just a few miles to our destination when one last test was thrown our way. We highly recommend using an RV-specific GPS or GPS app like RVlife. In the Bronco, there's a mechanism that sits on the stick shift like a turtleneck that can slide up and down. Of course, as in any driving situation, its always important to take your time, brake early, and double check your blind spots. Since RVs tend to be long and wide, turns need to be long and wide, too. One of them is . RV Masters How to Drive an RV - New Driver - First things to do! BRAKE EARLY. My wife and I discussed pulling over and waiting out the storm. And in a rear-wheel drive vehicle, that means you have less control and traction. Slowing yourself down, leaving plenty of space between yourself and other vehicles, and hanging out in the right-hand lane whenever possible will make your travel a lot less stressful and a lot safer. Semi trucks have nothing on you, except weight. Driving downhill in an RV is dangerous and can be more challenging than driving uphill. This will help you further narrow down your options so you know just what youre looking for when you start shopping for an RV to rent or buy. As an option, some motorhomes will have rear vision cameras, giving you a clearer picture of whats happening behind you. As mentioned before, class B and smaller class C RVs are easier to drive than the bigger rigs out there. Woman killed in suspected drive-by shooting in Westminster Rent a rig for a quick weekend staycation at a nearby State Park, or even in your own backyard. Still not sure which option is right for you? It seems like working out a deal one-on-one with a private RV owner could be a much longer, more drawn-out process. Please try signing in with another option or create a new account with Roadpass. Lets start by listing our favorite benefits of camping in a small motorhome. Youll also want to look at the tow rating of each drivable RV you consider. USE TOW/HAUL IF TOWING. When in doubt while backing up, get out and look. Insurance claims are a hassle that youll want to avoid. Before driving over a bridge with a posted limit, think about the weight of your RV (plus everything youve loaded into it) to be sure its safe to cross. In an empty parking lot, you can minimize the risk of doing any major damage. Driving a Motorhome for the first time! (Camper driving Tips for For the most part, just take your time and try to not put yourself into a place that will require you to maneuver in ways youre not confident with. Disconnect all wires and pipes, shut off appliances (except the refrigerator). They are built on a van chassis and have a piece that juts out over the cab to make space for a bed, or sometimes an entertainment center. If you stay within the power band you will limit the stress on the engine, and you will climb the mountain safely. This is the sweet spot. How To Use Pinterest To Plan Your RV Trip. Even the boldest driver can be a little nervous when it comes to driving a vehicle thats more than twice the size of your day-to-day car. Before your trip, check the weather report. Driving An RV For The First Time? 12 Ways RV Driving Is Completely These essential tips will help you feel more comfortable and confident when hitting the road with your RV. Taking it slow is the key to safety and success when driving an RV. Take your time when parking, and always make use of your mirrors. The amount of correction varies, based on the weight of your motorhome (and how much weight youre carrying). You can opt out at any time via the unsubscribe link in each email. Generally speaking, we like to stick to roads with a 6% grade or less, especially if the incline lasts for miles (and especially if were in a large RV). That said, you might want to double-check every route against the truckers atlas just to be sure you can handle any steep grades you might come across. The largest thing youve ever driven was a string of sub-compact cars that provided cheap, yet reliable, transportation for your commute to and from the suburbs. Driving a large motorhome for the first time can seem challenging or even stressful. WRONG. Its about 7-7.5 metres long and 3 metres high, 4-berth. Brake replacement is expensive and crawling down a hill, pumping the brakes will cause extreme stress. (Camper driving Tips for newbies and beginners)I drove our motorhome for the first time- which is the first time I've. Once you have your electric hookup sorted, its time to turn your attention to the water. Its very common for new RVers to rent a rig without scheduling in any getting acclimated time. All of this means that the vehicle youre traveling in is going to require even more room to slow down. Drivers cut me off or wouldnt allow me to change lanes. What you need to know before driving your RV for the first time While speed limits in some areas can be 75 to 80 mph, we recommend not to exceed 65 mph. It's Erin's turn to drive! Below is a compilation of the most important RV basics for beginners. You Can Book This MotoGP Champ's Trackside Motorhome - The Drive The First Drive When my wife Camille and I started test driving Class A motorhomes, I had barely been in an RV, let alone driven one! Some states restrict vehicles of a certain size on certain roads. It is an experience. Continue with Recommended Cookies. Yes, its true that RVs are great for taking you to new places where you can enjoy some pretty awesome surroundings, but its important to be prepared to occasionally cross difficult terrain. They offer plenty of storage, sleeping space and amenities that you can't find in smaller motorhomes. And the notion of directing something that large down the freeway at 70mph seems more like navigating a run-away train that could easily destroy everything in its path.