Jo's "Oh, Crud!" Moment - RV-Dreams Community Forum

Terry and Jo · RV-Dreams Family Member

Jo's "Oh, Crud!" Moment

Ckerr · RV-Dreams Family Member

An alternative response might've been, "Gee Honey, I'm not quite sure..." smile

Seriously, whenever I get concerned about how wide the 5th wheel is, I just check the mirrors and note that it is stll safely between the lines on the highway and instantly feel better.

Another thing I learned on our last trip. I feel much more comfortable driving on US Highways than the interstate. It's just much more relaxing. Not the constant push of traffic. I'm still cruising along at 65 or 70, but I don't have someone up my butt all the time if you know what I mean... Jo might find the same.

Thanks for the morning laugh!

phyllen · RV-Dreams Family Member

Main problem is getting through those dreaded toll booths here in the northeast. Can not get out of NJ (for the most part) without crossing a bridge and paying a toll.

wmalefyt · RV-Dreams Family Member

Actually, semi-trailers up to 102" wide are allowed on all interstate highways and many other highways as well. Most over-the-road 18 wheelers you see are hauling 102" wide trailers.

At one time, we owned a 1992 Gulfstream Class C motorhome that was 102" wide and had no problems driving it anywhere we wanted to go.

-- Edited by wmalefyt on Monday 9th of August 2010 03:04:55 PM

Terry and Jo · RV-Dreams Family Member

wmalefyt wrote:

Actually, semi-trailers up to 102" wide are allowed on all interstate highways and many other highways as well. Most over-the-road 18 wheelers you see are hauling 102" wide trailers.

At one time, we owned a 1992 Gulfstream Class C motorhome that was 102" wide and had no problems driving it anywhere we wanted to go.

-- Edited by wmalefyt on Monday 9th of August 2010 03:04:55 PM

Bill,

I haven't driven 18-wheelers since back in the '80's. For all I knew, the trailers were still 8 feet wide. But, perhaps it will give Jo some comfort knowing that there are some out there wider than us.

Incidentally, Jo is a VERY tolerant lady to put up with all the kidding that I have given her over the years. Enough so that she has stayed with me for nearly 42 years. It's a good thing, too, because I can't cook.

Terry

Roz · RV-Dreams Family Member

Terry,

Federal law permits trailers to be 102.36 inches wide, and that does not include lighting, ladders or other safety devices. The same goes for today's largest motorhomes and fifthwheels.

Dennis Hill of the RV Driving School explained it to Ethel the best. Simply concentrate on staying in your lane. It is only a rare exception that professional truck drivers will encroach on your lane. It may seem close, but Interstate lanes are sufficiently wide.

As all professional drivers note, it is automobiles cutting in front of you too soon after passing that cause the most problems.

Charles

Terry and Jo · RV-Dreams Family Member

Charles,

Jo did just fine with her driving and she said that she never got any negative sensations while behind the wheel last Saturday. It was just the afterthought on Monday that seemed funny to me.

But your last comment needs to be emphasized for the benefit of all the others. I distinctly remember an older couple in Kansas that survived the day simply because there was no oncoming traffic at the time. I was able to put my 18 wheeler in the other lane of that two lane road when they pulled out right in front of me from a side road. I'll bet that the big black and white rig flying by the driver's side so soon after he pulled on got him to thinking.

Everyone driving any kind of RV rig needs to ALWAYS practice defensive driving, keeping alert to all the traffic around and ahead of them, and anticipating every driving scenario that could occur. As an 18-wheeler driver and a former motorcycle owner, I can attest that defensive driving is a life saver. Both ours and the other guys lives.

Terry

jagco · RV-Dreams Family Member

Very good point to make about defensive driving, Terry!
We all need to be reminded of that from time to time.

Jeff