The first time you get behind the wheel of a 40-foot, 30,000-pound motorhome can be intimidating. Even if you’re familiar with towing a trailer, sitting in the driver’s seat of what’s essentially a bus is overwhelming. With all that weight and so much vehicle to be aware of, it’s important to stay calm. As with any vehicle the safety of yourself, your passengers and any others on the road should be the top priority. That’s why we have these tips for driving a motorhome. Here at Bradd and Hall, we want to make sure everyone arrives safe and happy, and your brand new Bradd and Hall couches are unharmed as well!
Practice makes perfect
As with nearly every skill, the key is practice! Before you take your RV on the highway or travel up a mountain road, try your hand behind the wheel at home. Driving near your home on roads with a lower speed limit is helpful for getting a feel for your new motorhome. If possible, do a few practice laps around an empty parking lot. This is especially useful for getting used to turns. Such a large vehicle means making very wide turns when driving a motorhome. It’s better to practice these in an empty parking lot, rather than on the road when others are at risk.
Space it out
When driving on the highway, leave space between yourself and the car in front of you. If switching lanes, make sure there’s plenty of room between cars. Larger, heavier motorhomes will take more stopping distance. Because you’re driving a motorhome, expect other cars to pass you or cut in front of you. When this happens, make sure to leave space between yourself and other cars. In a motorhome, the best thing to do is drive a little slower and stay in the right lane.
Wide right turns
Be aware that your new motorhome is going to make wide right turns, and you’re going to need a lot of space. This is where that parking lot practice will come into play again. Keep a close eye on your rear tires and watch out for other cars, especially those trying to pass you while you turn. Over time, you’ll have a better grasp of how much space you need to turn and the best methods for doing so.
Plan ahead
Planning ahead is essential when driving a motorhome. Especially when it comes to larger vehicles, like Class A’s. Mark the route you plan to take to your destination ahead of time, including anticipated stops. Most interstates will have plenty of room for your motorhome, but once you get onto state and country roads the planning comes into play. These roads may not be built to accommodate the height and weight of your vehicle. Make sure your scheduled route doesn’t include any low bridges, overpasses or tunnels. The last thing you need on your trip is to lose your A/C or satellite dish from the roof of your motorhome.
Stay calm
The most important thing you can do while driving a motorhome is remain calm! Be confident and aware of your surroundings. Panicking won’t help you or your passengers, and it can even make the situation more dangerous. Remember to relax and take deep breaths if you need to. You can easily pull into a parking lot or rest stop if you need time to gather your thoughts. No matter what, always stay calm when driving a motorhome. Or any car for that matter.
Step back
Unfortunately, a lot of campgrounds don’t consider the needs of large motorhomes. This makes them difficult to navigate, with narrow roads and tight turns. If you’re not sure if you’ll fit, always get out and look! Whether this means you or a passenger, it’s important to have an understanding of where you are. Tight campgrounds and small spots are especially an issue in older parks, so research where you’re staying in advance.
These are just a few basic tips for driving a motorhome. Although it may seem intimidating at first, you’ll get better with time. As you get used to being behind the wheel your confidence and skill will grow.
If you’re interested in upgrading your RV interior, Bradd and Hall is here to help. Stop by our showroom or shop online for custom RV couches, captain’s chairs, tables, desks and more.