Driving a large vehicle such as an RV presents its share of challenges – at first. But, if you can master the basics of RV driving, you’ll be able to zip along with ease. If you’re new to RVing, or need to brush up on your skills, read our RV driving tips.
Use Your Mirrors – In an RV, your mirrors are your best friend. Proper adjustment is key. In an RV or motor home, the inside of the mirror should be aligned with the edge of the vehicle, so that when you’re looking at the vehicle from the front, the mirrors appear to be touching the vehicle.
Stay in Your Lane – One of the many challenges that comes with driving a large vehicle is staying in your lane. Because of the size of your vehicle, you have a lot less room to move around. This presents a challenge when it comes to staying in your lane, but, by looking four or five car lengths ahead, you can stay centered in the lines automatically.
Know Your Height – You can avoid dangerous situations by memorizing the height of your vehicle, and knowing which areas on your route you will have to avoid due to low-hanging bridges.
Turning – To turn, swing the vehicle slightly in the opposite direction in order to give yourself enough room to make the turn. Otherwise, you risk running into curbs, signs, and pedestrian walk areas.
Backing Up – It’s helpful if your RV has a back-up camera, but a back-up camera is not a replacement for good practice and common sense. It’s a good idea to readjust your mirrors as you go in order to have the best view possible of what’s going on behind you. It’s even better to have a friend help if you’re backing up in a tight space.
Exercise Caution – When you’re driving one of the biggest vehicles on the road, it’s up to you to exercise caution at all stages of your trip. Use your blinkers, avoid distraction and maintain safe distance between you and the other cars on the road.
Practice Makes Perfect – When you’re new to RV driving, it’s best to get in as much practice as possible. Spending an afternoon in an empty parking lot with a couple of cones can save you from stressful and dangerous situations down the road.Â
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