Well, we finally bought our motorhome and should be in it and on the road first part of July. We are finalizing the paperwork, and our loan funds in about 5 days. With the holiday, we are not sure whether we will be in our 2004 Tiffin Phaeton by next Tuesday or a few days after that. With that said, we are now thinking we should get some instructions on driving. Bob has pulled a travel trailer and has driven once, in LA traffic at 5:00 p.m. a 35' Bounder, as far as Palm Springs and back to Ventura. Jacki has no rv driving experience. We are looking for advise on whether a driving school is worth the money or not, and if you do think a driving school is the way to go, can you recommend one or more.
Thanks
Bob and Jacki
2riker2go said
04:26 AM Jun 30, 2010
I haven't had any personal experience using RV driving school, but Jim and Dee who have been fulltiming since last year and write a blog did - I read about it on their blog (http://tumbleweed-jimdee.blogspot.com/). I think Dee posts on here so she will probably add more, but I did bookmark the driving school they used for when we buy our fifth wheel. It is http://www.rvschool.com/.
Roz said
04:48 AM Jun 30, 2010
Greetings, Bob and Jacki
Having driven heavy vehicles in the military, and a few over the years since, I felt comfortable driving our MH. A few years back, I arranged to have a joint venture for Ethel and myself with Dennis Hill, who now owns the RV Driving School.
This was just before our second or third Life on Wheels in Bowling Green, KY. The experience provided Ethel with the confidence and emphasis on safety that is paramount to get behind the wheel. I, too, learned how to be a better driver (old dog, new tricks syndrome).
I cannot say enough positives about Dennis, the course content or his demeanor in imparting sound knowledge. It is worth twice the cost of admission!
Mallo said
08:31 AM Jun 30, 2010
RV Driving School....
When we got the fifth wheel I had to learn to tow it bringing it home... 1400 miles.
So I was OK with towing.
The Brideandjoy though she was not so much. She would drive from rest stop to rest stop no more then an hour at a time only on the freeway thank you very much.
So last year she takes the driving class and is now very comfortable driving it when my work pulls me away she moves it around as she needs to. She does about a third of the total driving.
They covered how to disconected how to hitch up how to pull out and navigate hills, freeways, parking lots pretty much everything.
The cons are ... it cost some money yeah that's it.
Mallo
jb said
10:06 AM Jun 30, 2010
Catherine and I both took a day course offered by the dealership when we bought our motorhome. It really made her more comfortable and I learned a few things that are helpful as well. We previously towed a 26 ft. trailer and I pretty much did all the driving. Now- I barely get to drive the MH which is probalby a good thing as she is the better driver in general.
bjoyce said
10:11 AM Jun 30, 2010
Diane and I took RV Driving School in 2002 and still tell everyone it was a great decision. Our confidence was greatly improved and we both unlearned some bad habits along with learning some good habits.
Edit: The downsides are matching up with an instructor, which might require some scheduling and travel on your part, and the cost. The cost is less than repairing the damage when you hit something.
-- Edited by bjoyce on Wednesday 30th of June 2010 10:13:25 AM
jimdee said
10:37 AM Jun 30, 2010
Thank you for mentioning us about the RV driving class. I was afraid to get near the 5er when Jim hooked up. The class gave us both confidence and there's so many things you'd never pick up on your own.
They teach MH as well as fifthwheel classes. They teach defense driving and what to watch for and maneuver around obstacles It's well worth the money and you'll be glad you did it.
BobJacki2010 said
03:20 PM Jun 30, 2010
Thanks for all the great advise. We will definitely take it and sign up for a school. Thanks for the recommendations on schools also.
two travelers said
06:49 PM Jun 30, 2010
Driving school sounds like something I would like to do.. I will drive our Ford 350 dulley without the 5th wheel in open roads only.. So before we hit the road I would like to be comfortable driving. Where do you find driving schools? patti
bjoyce said
08:32 PM Jun 30, 2010
Look at 2riker2go's post where the website address is listed.
I haven't had any personal experience using RV driving school, but Jim and Dee who have been fulltiming since last year and write a blog did - I read about it on their blog (http://tumbleweed-jimdee.blogspot.com/). I think Dee posts on here so she will probably add more, but I did bookmark the driving school they used for when we buy our fifth wheel. It is http://www.rvschool.com/.
Greetings, Bob and Jacki
Having driven heavy vehicles in the military, and a few over the years since, I felt comfortable driving our MH. A few years back, I arranged to have a joint venture for Ethel and myself with Dennis Hill, who now owns the RV Driving School.
This was just before our second or third Life on Wheels in Bowling Green, KY. The experience provided Ethel with the confidence and emphasis on safety that is paramount to get behind the wheel. I, too, learned how to be a better driver (old dog, new tricks syndrome).
I cannot say enough positives about Dennis, the course content or his demeanor in imparting sound knowledge. It is worth twice the cost of admission!
RV Driving School....
When we got the fifth wheel I had to learn to tow it bringing it home... 1400 miles.
So I was OK with towing.
The Brideandjoy though she was not so much. She would drive from rest stop to rest stop no more then an hour at a time only on the freeway thank you very much.
So last year she takes the driving class and is now very comfortable driving it when my work pulls me away she moves it around as she needs to. She does about a third of the total driving.
They covered how to disconected how to hitch up how to pull out and navigate hills, freeways, parking lots pretty much everything.
The cons are ... it cost some money yeah that's it.
Mallo
Edit: The downsides are matching up with an instructor, which might require some scheduling and travel on your part, and the cost. The cost is less than repairing the damage when you hit something.
-- Edited by bjoyce on Wednesday 30th of June 2010 10:13:25 AM
They teach MH as well as fifthwheel classes. They teach defense driving and what to watch for and maneuver around obstacles It's well worth the money and you'll be glad you did it.