No hesitation here - without a doubt check out the RV Driving School on the web.  There are various instructors in different regions. This will be the best investment you can make for your safety, your coach and your insurance rates.

The two best statements made during Ethel's great instruction from Dennis Hill, who has since sold the school, were "Stay in your lane and big trucks are going to stay in theirs."  and  "When not comfortable with a situation slow down."

You will do fine!

I just sent this link to another topic on this forum. It has some good videos on backing, turning and driving a DP.

http://www.betterrving.com/article/rv_tips/rv_driver_confidence_course_part_5_turning_in_your_motor_home

Learn to use the side-view mirrors as they will help you stay in your lane by looking for the white line on highways along the curb side.   They will also let you see other vehicles that are on either side of you before changing lanes.

Also, someone gave me a good tip that helped me a lot which was lining up the center pivot point on the driver's windshield wiper with the white line along the curbside edge of the highway.  This worked for me by keeping me from drifting off the pavement, but it might be different on other makes.  It also didn't work too well if the wipers were on! 

Another good tip is to make sure your driver's seat is even with the curb of the street you are attempting to make a 90 degree right turn onto before starting to turn the wheel.  This will ensure your rear wheels will clear the curb as you make the turn.

Good luck and have fun!

 

 

-- Edited by wmalefyt on Friday 6th of January 2012 04:49:43 PM

-- Edited by wmalefyt on Thursday 26th of January 2012 09:38:04 AM

Liz,

Another thought for you with regards to the Class A's.  Back when we were researching for our RV, we test drove a couple of Tiffin Phaetons.  Both of them were equipped with side and rear cameras that display on a screen near the driver's seat.

The way the Tiffins worked is that when you were going down the road, the rear camera showed what was going on behind the coach.  When the turn signal lever was operated, the camera on the side of the coach that corresponded with the direction of planned turn would show the view from the camera on that side of the coach.  That was especially beneficial when passing someone and being able to see the vehicle behind the coach after passing it.

Terry

I don't know whether you do this or not but if you don't, be sure to always look further down the road in front of you. I mean, don't look at the pavement right in front of you. If you center your view on a distant point, like another vehicle in you lane some distance ahead or some other convenient land mark, you will automatically drive straight to that point. If you center your view too close to the front of your vehicle, you will tend to fish tail down the road, weaving from side to side. It really helps in tight spots. Check your rear view mirrors often, it really keeps you aware of what is behind you or what is about to pass you.

Relax and use your head. You will be fine.

Roz wrote:

---

No hesitation here - without a doubt check out the RV Driving School on the web.  There are various instructors in different regions. This will be the best investment you can make for your safety, your coach and your insurance rates.

The two best statements made during Ethel's great instruction from Dennis Hill, who has since sold the school, were "Stay in your lane and big trucks are going to stay in theirs."  and  "When not comfortable with a situation slow down."

You will do fine!

---

 Right on Roz, Sometimes I think  it should be mandatory that we all pass a skills & safety course on how to properly operate the larger vehicles.

    I am old school and would have a hard time relying on cameras. Clean windows and mirrors are our friends.

-- Edited by 3fortheroad on Friday 20th of January 2012 09:48:08 PM

Terry and Jo wrote:

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3fortheroad wrote:

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 Right on Roz, Sometimes I think  it should be mandatory that we all pass a skills & safety course on how to properly operate the larger vehicles.

    I am old school and would have a hard time relying on cameras. Clean windows and mirrors are our friends.

-- Edited by 3fortheroad on Friday 20th of January 2012 09:48:08 PM

---

 

 Ron,

Thanks for the reminder on the part that is bolded above.  While the cameras are beneficial, as I mentioned, you are right in that one does not want to ignore the use of the mirrors.  However, the mirrors don't always show the smaller vehicles that may be at the side of the RV.

Terry

---

     Terry,

         We could go back and forth on the pros and cons of cameras. I don't know what the starting price on a unit with these options cost, but I think I will be relying on my mirrors and gut feelings for sometime to come.

  I have been kicking around the idea of adding airhorns on each side of the 5ver that would activate in 15 seconds after turning on blinker. (Just Kidding).

We used RV driving school in 2001.  Best thing we did.  Hubby had his commercial license and still learned stuff.  It was invaluable for me.  We pretty much split the driving duties.  Altho' it seems that it is always MY turn when we hit a construction zone.  I swear, they come out with a tape measure and say, "the coach is 102" wide....we'll make the lane 106 and see if they can get through!"

Sue

LizB wrote:

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Thanks everyone for the suggestions. Unfortunately I have been unable to locate any RV driving schools or private instructors in Northern Virginia. I called Reines RV, the closest dealer to me, and they were not much help. The only option appears to be a CDL class which I cannot afford.

Liz

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 We have never been to an RV Rally, don't know if any offer Safety seminars but might be something to look into.  Howard & Linda would probably be a good source to start with.

-- Edited by 3fortheroad on Wednesday 15th of February 2012 10:08:09 PM

Hey Liz,

The RV Safety & Education Foundation (RVSEF) is having Hands On Driver Training at its RV Lifestyle, Education & Safety Conference in Bowling Green, KY in May.  Call Walter Cannon at 321-453-7673 for more information.  He can offer other suggestions as well.

Other options:

George Mayleben just bought the RV Driving School in late 2011 from Dennis Hill.  George is the uncle of Jim & John Mayleben, two wonderful members of the RV-Dreams Family.

Give George a call at 530-878-0111 to see what he might suggest.

 

RV Basic Training has instructors in Texas, so maybe they can meet you when you pick up your rig.  Call Gary Lewis at   1-866-976-7878 to check on that possibility.

   
 

 

This year it will be 50 years I have been driving truck. The good Lord has watched over me all those years and kept me safe. I will tell you to start out small then go bigger as you learn the ropes. Keep a safe following distance and most of all go slow down the hills and don't get the brakes hot. If they get hot, stop as soon as you see a safe spot and let them cool. Good Luck.