Driving an RV is completely different than driving a car. Whether you’re a new driver or experienced, operating a motorhome can be intimidating. Since they’re much larger than your standard vehicle, it will take some time to get the hang of it.
So, if you’re a new RV owner or you’ve recently rented one, there are a few things you need to be aware of before hitting the road. The RV driving tips provided in this article will make you feel more comfortable and confident behind the wheel. Let’s begin.
RV Driving Tips to Keep in Mind
An RV is a great option for taking a little family road trip around the country. But, before you get behind the wheel, you need to be aware of a few safety tips.
Keep Practicing
Practice can help you become more confident at just about anything, including driving an RV. However, it will be a little more difficult than learning how to drive a normal vehicle. So, take out a few hours from your weekly schedule to practice driving your RV. The more you practice, the quicker you’ll be able to hit the roads!
Monitor Your Speed
While everyone on the highway is in a hurry trying to get to their destination, you need to monitor your speed. The average speed that an RV should travel is 65 mph. Although this doesn’t sound like a lot, you have to keep in mind you’re operating a much larger vehicle. Driving a bigger vehicle makes it difficult to make sudden moves. That’s why it’s best to go a little slower than everyone else.
Maintain a Safe Distance
RVs are very large vehicles and that tends to make their reaction time slower. So, it’s best to maintain a safe distance between you and the car in front of you. Ideally, this would be 400 to 500 feet. If the driver in front of you has to slam on their brakes you want enough room to come to a stop.
Drive in the Far-Right Lane
If you’re going 65 mph on the highway, you might be disrupting the flow of traffic. Therefore, it’s best to ride in the far right lane so you don’t get in the way of other drivers. Also, being close to the shoulder gives you a place to pull over if you start having any mechanical issues.
Avoid Driving When Tired
This safety tip is not only for RV drivers but for everyone. Since RVs are typically for longer journeys, there can be times where you feel sleepy or fatigued. Any type of distraction can lead to an accident.
Therefore, if you don’t feel fully focused driving your RV, stop and get some rest or ask someone else to drive.
Monitor the Weather
RVs are already difficult to maneuver in general; therefore, you don’t want to add bad weather into the mix! Monitor your weather app and set it up to where you get notifications if a storm is coming through. If you feel the weather conditions aren’t favorable for driving, take a break or postpone your trip for a later date.
Wrapping Up
Owning or renting an RV has a lot of perks. Such as, it’s a great way to escape the bustling city life and go on an adventure. However, before you hit the road, take into account our various RV driving tips!
Sources
https://www.campingrvbc.com/blog/top-10-tips-go-rving-canada/