#4: Methods to Drive (or Tow) an RV
Driving an RV for the primary time can appear scary. Once we check drove our first RV, a forty five′ Class A motorhome at an RV show, we have been sweating! However we obtained comfy within the driver’s seat fairly shortly.
Our greatest suggestion is to discover a massive, empty parking zone, and observe driving there. Follow tight turns to see how a lot room you want and watch how the rear (aka the overhang) of your RV swings out. Follow backing up, particularly in case you’re towing a trailer or a fifth wheel.
In brief, get used to the best way your RV strikes and the house you require.
You can also make this enjoyable, too. Arrange some cones or upturned buckets in a “slalom” sample, and see how shut you will get to them with out really hitting them or working them over along with your rig.
By the point you’ve spent a few hours training, with no hazard of damaging your rig or different automobiles, you’ll really feel prepared for the street. Once you do drive, non-crowded highways are best. You gained’t have tight turns, slender roads, or site visitors lights to fret about.
Even in case you’re an skilled RVer—however particularly in case you’re first beginning—we suggest utilizing a pre-departure checklist earlier than you journey. Once you arrive, comply with it in reverse order to arrange camp. It’s one of the simplest ways to ensure you don’t neglect one thing necessary, like retracting the awning, latching drawers or unplugging your energy twine from the pedestal, earlier than you head down the street.
We don’t use this gadget anymore since our present rig is small (we’ve a Class B camper van), however once we first began in our Class A RV, an RV-specific GPS unit was indispensable. You may also use software program like RV Trip Wizard to plan your route prematurely.
Backside line, ensure you don’t try any street that may’t deal with your RV’s dimensions. There’s nothing worse than approaching a bridge or low overhang and never being certain if it can clear your roof (and air conditioner!).