Driver25
Pennsylvania
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Joined: 07/06/2011
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OK, so I'm new to RVing as pilot in command. I've been on a few outings, practiced backing, backing, backing. I'm getting comfortable on country roads and major routes. Haven't (yet) taken out a mailbox, gone up over a curb, sideswiped a car (on the road) or wrecked a gas station. Like i said, YET.
Anyway, the big problem is that I'm very uncomfortable on limited access highways because of lane changes. I'm happy to putter along in the right lane for the time being, but then there are the times when cars are merging and I have to move over. I'm a little leery moving to the left, but when I have to return to the right lane I feel completely unsure of when it's safe unless I have at least two aircraft carriers distance between me and the nearest car in the right lane. I should mention that I drive solo, so I don't have someone looking out to tell me it's OK, I have to do it totally by mirrors. I'm in a 27' MH with no tow. Truckers do it, and they are solo and WAAAAY longer than I am, so what's the secret?
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fordsooperdooty
Southern California
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Joined: 08/13/2004
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Maybe you need another spot mirror so tht you have a better view of the right lane. Put the turn signal on to change lanes, and start to merge over.
Unless the driver to your right is the "typical clueless Californian" on their cell phone while drinking their Starbucks coffee...they'll get out of your way.
An additional side marker turn signal helps too.
My posts shouldn't be taken for factual data. They are purely fictional, for entertainment purposes and should not be constituted as actually related to scientific, technical, engineering, legal, spiritual or practical advice. Amen. 
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Shearwater
NE Ohio
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Joined: 12/23/2004
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A good set of mirrors including both flat and convex mirrors helps a lot in those situations. Another option that I know exists (but don't know much about) are options for one or more backup cameras that increase your rear vision.
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magnusfide
On the Road Again and Again and Again...
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Joined: 10/30/2009
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Driver25 wrote: so what's the secret?
Sometimes moving over isn't an option because the lane is bumper to bumper or it would be unsafe. I stay put in my lane as I have the right of way and the merging traffic will simply slow and find another merge point.
It's far better to stay put than to attempt a maneuver that's too risky for your skill level. It's even more dangerous to just signal and start moving over when someone is in the lane next to you. A trucker hit my car and spun me around doing just that when I was right beside him. Fortunately only our vehicles were damaged and we weren't. Stay put, the mergers will adjust and both of you will be safer.
* This post was
edited 05/14/12 11:29am by magnusfide *
First law of science: don't spit into the wind.
Keep on rollin'!
Magnus
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korbe
Northern California
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Joined: 11/20/2009
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fordsooperdooty wrote:Maybe you need another spot mirror so tht you have a better view of the right lane. Put the turn signal on to change lanes, and start to merge over.
Unless the driver to your right is the "typical clueless Californian" on their cell phone while drinking their Starbucks coffee...they'll get out of your way.
An additional side marker turn signal helps too.
Hey Ford, I wouldn't recommend merging blindly.
2004 F250 SD PSD
2004 Crossroads Cruiser CF25RS
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the bear II
Torrance CA.
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Joined: 02/14/2008
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Add a camera or two. One at the back of your RV and one that looks down the rightside. Monitor on the dash.
You can glance at these to make sure the lane is clear and no one is coming up fast on your right.
Alternate is to test your blind spot in a parking lot with a friend's car. Have them drive slowly past you on the right as you watch in the mirror. With good mirrors and spot mirrors you should be able to see the car before they reach your rear bumper all along the side until the front or hood of the car is visible looking out your windshield.
Truckers use what they call a lap mirror. It's mounted at the top of the right side door and allows them to look straight down to see if a car is next to the cab.
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old guy
Oregon (pronounced Or e gun)
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Joined: 03/15/2006
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I know what you mean, I've been there done that. I was on the freeway in Portland Oregon and had a bad experience with getting into the right lane. I just about wiped out a car who didn't show up in my mirror and he did want to let me in. He changed his mind when my door way just about met his. A good set of mirrors is a must.
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cm
Dillon, CO USA
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Joined: 08/01/2002
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While many people think that you moving over when you are the vehicle in the lane the reality is that the merging vehicle should be adjusting to you. If you do something other than holding your "course and speed" and there is an accident then you may be at fault.
Unfortunately, about half of the drivers on the road are clueless about how to properly marge. They think that you should get out of their way because they are merging.
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StanleyandIris
Louisiana
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Joined: 06/17/2007
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Well, you could just remain in the right lane and let the merging traffic wait for you to pass or stay in the left lane and hold up traffic for a few seconds until you are comfortable with switching lanes. No one likes to let a MH get in front of them, when you put on the turn signal - they speed up to dart in front of you. Me, I don't ming being a road hog for a few minutes.
OR you could get mirrors and a back up camera installed.
Iris
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five'er
Canada
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Joined: 09/25/2006
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Pay attention and watch your mirrors (ALWAYS). When you are moving forward be aware of where everyone else is at all times. I check my mirrors constantly no matter what I'm driving. I usually know where everyone is at all times and am anticipating the stupid things they are about to do. If you move to the right, first check your mirrors and see where everyone else is.. Make a mental note of where everyone is. You merge to the left to allow a car to get on. Keep checking your mirrors and watching. When the car merges and gets on it's likely going to overtake you on the right or pass on yor left.. Once he's clear, check mirrors again to see that nothing has changed or no one is "missing" and merge back. If you always watch your mirrors and pay attention it makes it simpler. When a car or truck dissapears then you need to Find it but otherwise you should be comfortable with the space around your RV. By knowing where everyone is, you will always have a pretty good idea of a "way out" should someting go wrong.
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