Well, tell you what. From what I see motorhomers doing is small towns, parking lots, and campgrounds, I think that type of analytic approach to driving is what many newer drivers, and even some oldtimers need to know about. Take a look at Lazy Days RV Driver Confidence Course: Part 5 Turning in Your Motorhome, and then you will see the importance of it. Call if dumb if you want, but it is more that looking in your mirrors! Some folks look in their mirrors only to see their rear axle in the wrong place.
I was amazed at the sheer volume of noise, with everything clanking and banging - not to mention dishes flying out of the cupboard. I'm going to buy some bungee cords to prevent that.
Check with your chassis manufacturer for the Wheel Cut. Most coaches are 45 or 50 and above. Watch the following link that discusses wheel cut. You will also find that the information in the video will become very helpful in turning your coach.
There are 7 chapters listed under the above video. I would suggest that you view all seven of them.
RV Driver Confidence Course Chapters
Part 1: Adjusting Mirrors
Part 2: Your Front End Blind Spot
Part 3: Negotiating Curves
Part 4: Marking Your Back Tires
Part 5: Turning in Your Motorhome
Part 6: Your Rear View Monitor
Part 7: Backing into a Campsite
I agree with wny_pat, there is a heck of a lot more going on than looking in the mirrors.
wny_pat wrote: Well, tell you what. From what I see motorhomers doing is small towns, parking lots, and campgrounds, I think that type of analytic approach to driving is what many newer drivers, and even some oldtimers need to know about. Take a look at Lazy Days RV Driver Confidence Course: Part 5 Turning in Your Motorhome, and then you will see the importance of it. Call if dumb if you want, but it is more that looking in your mirrors! Some folks look in their mirrors only to see their rear axle in the wrong place.
That's where I got the idea from. Just judging by what I've done so far, I think I have to line things up with my hips.
randco wrote: Check with your chassis manufacturer for the Wheel Cut. Most coaches are 45 or 50 and above. Watch the following link that discusses wheel cut. You will also find that the information in the video will become very helpful in turning your coach.
There are 7 chapters listed under the above video. I would suggest that you view all seven of them.
RV Driver Confidence Course Chapters
Part 1: Adjusting Mirrors
Part 2: Your Front End Blind Spot
Part 3: Negotiating Curves
Part 4: Marking Your Back Tires
Part 5: Turning in Your Motorhome
Part 6: Your Rear View Monitor
Part 7: Backing into a Campsite
I agree with wny_pat, there is a heck of a lot more going on than looking in the mirrors.
I'm not a big fan of mirror-looking. In my first drive, I was so busy looking in the mirrors that I completely missed a red light....at lunch hour...downtown....on the Friday before a long weekend. The driving instructor got kinda pale at that point.
wny_pat wrote: Well, tell you what. From what I see motorhomers doing is small towns, parking lots, and campgrounds, I think that type of analytic approach to driving is what many newer drivers, and even some oldtimers need to know about. Take a look at Lazy Days RV Driver Confidence Course: Part 5 Turning in Your Motorhome, and then you will see the importance of it. Call if dumb if you want, but it is more that looking in your mirrors! Some folks look in their mirrors only to see their rear axle in the wrong place.
I watched that video. It is OK, nothing special. He reiterates multiple times, with cartoons, that this does not work in a parking lot (only on highways). The only REAL video shown is using this technique in a parking lot (campground).
The best rule of thumb that you can use is keep an eye on your mirrors and swing as wide as you can, until you get a feel for what you need to do.
This whole bumper/hip aligned with what you want to turn around depends a lot on how far you are from the curb. If you are farther from the curb, you can turn sooner. If you 2" are from the curb, the bumper/hip alignment method will not work.
Nui you are so normal that I really do have to LOL. It's about time some one gets a little truth out there about what a PIA driving these beasts really are (at least the gassers can't say about DP'ers.)
Think of it this way, it's OK for anyone with cash or a credit score to go out and buy a big Class A, jump in, and take off seeing the US of A. But, to jump in an 18 wheeler you need to take classes, and get a certified drivers endorsement. What's wrong with this picture.
Just wait till you get out there on the road and see how some drivers get confused in the RV park's buffet line, only to take off the next day thru some major city. It is just downright scary.
Good news is you realize your limitations at this point. That is very good, because of that you will be fine. Just give it time, and take it slow and easy. BTW, don't worry about the "cut" thing, like someone else said, it makes for good reading and that's about it.
I'm not a big fan of mirror-looking. In my first drive, I was so busy looking in the mirrors that I completely missed a red light....at lunch hour...downtown....on the Friday before a long weekend. The driving instructor got kinda pale at that point.
You have an RV driving instructor, but you are asking for random information on the internet?
Had - I paid a guy for 4 hours of driving instruction on day 1 with the Beast. He just helped me with some basic driving techniques but I find I'm getting a lot more useful advice from the people here.
Have the same motorhome and use the hip method as a guide and it seems to work ok.( unless your going 65 mph ) I generally start from the middle of the lane and by the time reaction etc cuts in you will clear the right curb. Watch for little old ladies with those shoppng basket/carts they tend to be impatient and stand right on the curb.
1999 Winnebego Chieftain
Wayne & Leila and Teddi (the Kid in the brown fuzzy pyjamas) We are not 2 people that own a dog, we are 2 people that are owned by a dog ..
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