Question about driving a big rig - RV-Dreams Community Forum

cherylbrv · RV-Dreams Family Member

Question about driving a big rig

Ckerr · RV-Dreams Family Member

I was traveling in a 40 foot 5th wheel. As far as stopping in small towns off the major highways... Just find a side street and pull up next to the curb. That is assuming you are good with walking a short distance. I know other RVers who travel with 2 vehicles -- one towing the 5th wheel and the other driving separate. That makes it easy to stop and park in a larger parking lot and then run to the attraction in the 2nd vehicle.

Never ran into any issues on windy roads... Just go slow and be careful.

cherylbrv · RV-Dreams Family Member

Very good advice; thanks! smile

DorisandDave · RV-Dreams Family Member

We have not had any problems on mountain windy roads. I'm sure a few more will jump in and say "it all depends on your weight and what size truck you are pulling with".

Terry and Jo · RV-Dreams Family Member

Something to keep in mind, one that I didn't know of until a couple of years ago, in Colorado when one turns onto some roads, there is a sign that states something to the effect of that road not being suitable for "vehicles" over a certain length. (And no, I didn't learn that the hard way. We were in a much smaller vehicle.)

Howard and Linda have suggested Mountain Directory East and Mountain Directory West as good resources for determining such things as grades and such. Not sure if that one give bridge and overpass heights, though.

Terry

dream reachers · RV-Dreams Family Member

We fulltimed in a 35' fifth wheel pulled by a MDT {Freightliner} because of weight. We had no problem pulling hills or winding mountain roads that were Interstate or US highways. Get a truckers atlas that have truck highways highlighted. You will not have any worries on those roads. We did get off those roads and as long as we watched for warning signs we had no problems. We now have a 40' MH pulling a Jeep. You have to look ahead for a place to park as you exit an interstate or enter a town. There are sometimes that a parking place is not available and you have to drive on. We did decide not to take the Silverton to Ouray pass in Co. because of our length and other peoples recomendations. We have been on the road fulltime for 4 years and have traveled all over the USA and parts of Canada and love it. It may take a little time to feel comfortable pulling, but it will come.

Wishing you the best.

flyone · RV-Dreams Family Member

One must keep in mind at all times that they are in a big rig. Do not pull into a smallish parking lot--you'll probably end up backing out, which is no fun at all. Try to keep in mind that you cannot go any place a semi can't go. If you can find a large parking lot you would be better off forgetting about it at that time. Maybe go back after setting up camp. Building canopies, parking post, protective curbs, are all dangers and will do damage. Find a big lot park and walk back--becareful in fuel stations as well--I have a diesel and always pull into the big truck side, I know people who have damaged their 5r's while trying to get gas--most gas pump islands are not designed for big rigs--the same can be said for ATM's, bank lots most restaurants and little shops. As far as little winding roads and wind good advice already given--take it slow and easy and keep a watchful eye--like my DW always says were not in a race slow down.

just my 2cents

Flyone

-- Edited by flyone on Friday 24th of February 2012 12:27:26 PM

The Bear II · RV-Dreams Family Member

90% of the time you will be towing from point A to point B and then unhitch at point B to go sight seeing. You'll run across most of your "just have to stop" places in small towns while not towing the 5th wheel.

For the other 10% of the time like others have said you find a big place to park and then walk back to the little cafe or museum you "just have to stop" to see.

A couple of our 10% experiences:
We needed fuel so I pulled off at the next little town and then realized it was made up of narrow two lane streets, even main street was narrow like it had been since horse and buggy days. I did find a gas station but in order to fill up, I had to leave half of the 37ft 5th wheel sticking out on to Main St. Folks were friendly and just went around the 5th wheel until we were through and could pull out. Now I make sure I fill up while on the interstate and plan where I will stop for fuel.

We decided to stop at a large Zoo on our way to another stop over. It was early morning and the ZOO had a large parking lot but no designated big rig parking. We chose a spot at the far end of the parking lot. It was completely empty for hundreds of yards around our spot. We enjoyed several hours at the ZOO and when we came out the parking lot was completely full. I thought we were going to have to stay until others cleared out from around us. I had my DW spot for me as I made the attempt to get out of the spot. I made a couple of forward and back adjustments and had just enough room to get out with out damaging any thing. Luckily the roadways were just wide enough.

TXRVr · RV-Dreams Family Member

flyone wrote:
One must keep in mind at all times that they are in a big rig. --like my DW always says were not in a race slow down.

I took the liberty of editing flyone's post, but agree with all of it. Well said.

My answer to your question..Is it even possible to do things like that -- stop impulsively wherever you want?...Of course it is. And it's one of the major reasons we all enjoy RVing.

But trust your judgement as it matures into experience. If it doesn't look right..it probably isn't. And that applies to more than going down a particular road or finding a place to park!!

When you make the decision to stop, then just find a parking spot you are very comfortable with even if you have to walk a reasonable distance. The excercise will be good for you and there is the possibility of discovering another shop along the way to happily browse thru.

You'll eventually learn the limits of parking your new rig. Who cares if it takes an extra 15 minutes to be safe? Time well spent for peace of mind.

And by the way. When you successfully navigated Small Town USA, have eaten a great meal, bought some trinkets from a local shop, and are back on the road to your destination, you will have one of the best RV experience there is to have.

cherylbrv · RV-Dreams Family Member

Thanks so much guys; you've continued to fan the flame of this dream. Let's just pray the loan comes thru so we can fix up this place and get it SOLD!!!