wmlee
Cobourg, Canada
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Joined: 10/03/2007
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I have a new appreciation for all of you who drive large Class A motor homes. I purchased my first RV last week in Florida and had to drive it home to Canada. First time behind the wheel of any RV. It was a hair raising situation to say the least and you Class A drivers are something else. I had to increase my blood pressure medication to reduce my heart rate as I drove through construction sites with the concrete wall on the right, just sitting on the solid white line. As I drove at 55 MPH, I knew I was about 1" from the wall as some tractor trailers would pass me; knowing there was only 1" on that side as well. Talk about sweaty hands!! Then the toll booth person in Penn. jumped out of her booth screaming at me as I was about to hit the guard rail on the passenger side. I think they allow you 1" on either side as well. After inching through the toll booth (knowing I had many more before I got home), I instantly started looking for an RV campsite that I could pull into and leave my RV there forever. She was very kind and told me in future to use the lane on the far right which I did all the way home with success. In any case, after 1500 miles I didn't put any scratches or bumps on the RV, but did end up with many more grey hairs and a real appreciation for all of you out there who handle the RV's like Pro's. All I need now is to get my nerve up to get out there again and get my hands sweaty again!
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FrankReno
Reno, NV
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Joined: 08/01/2004
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Welcome!
What kind of MH did you buy? There are many mods to make your driving a happy time!
Frank & Marion
2004 Southwind 36B
Workhorse W22
Little Green Jeep Toad
Driver Jake The Wonder Dog
Copilot Chip the Pup
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Johng
Gilbert, AZ, USA
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Joined: 08/23/2002
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wmlee, it will get better and the next thing you know you are the pro. It is a lot of fun, I really like driving my MH, DW will not, I keep telling her to keep inbetween the white lines.
Happy RVing and congrats on your MH
John and Judy 
US Air Force - Retired
05 Beaver Santiam 40DST
08 Malibu Toad/Brake Buddy
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FrankReno
Reno, NV
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Joined: 08/01/2004
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Dw would not drive ours! A couple of mods and she is a pro!
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asian_driver
North Tustin, CA.
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Joined: 06/06/2008
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I got my MH in June and I was as the same way driving it home kept taking up two lanes on the drive home. Two mouths later, now I only use one lane and getting better at driving the MH every trip. Just keep driving and you will get better. Congratulations on the new MH.
2008 Georgetown SE Bunk Beds
2005 HD Road King Classic
ATVs for the whole family
Wife and 2 boys age 8 & 6
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Greyghost
San Jose, CA and Brunswick, ME
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Joined: 10/12/2001
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Thanks for the chuckle Bill and welcome to the Class A Forum. After 1500 miles you are a pro. You just need to get as much time behind the wheel as you can. Which means you'll have get a lot of camping in before winter sets in. I think that the thing that impacted me the most was the information overload of that huge windshield. You have much more visual coming at you and it can get overwhelming at first. Take some liesurely drives off the interstate and get used to your new rig. If it doesn't feel right post your experience here on the forum.
Enjoy your new motorhome.
Pat & Roger Fisher
2004 Mountain Aire 3501
2007 Honda CRV EX-L 4WD,
Sampson(The Beast) Bouvier Des Flandres
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joppa
Massachusetts
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Joined: 09/12/2006
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I think the inaugural drive of a big RV is something that doesn't get as much air time here as it deserves. Our first trip from Tampa to Boston had the same affect on us. Damn some people can do it without thinking twice but I'm one who had to struggle. A year later and two trips to the body shop and I'm starting to feel more confident. Mmmm guess it's time I became a real RV'er and started towing the Cherokee.
The World is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page. ~St. Augustine
2007 Foretravel Nimbus
Cummins ISM 500HP
Allison MH4000w/Retarder
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JohnandCara2
Evergreen CO.
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Joined: 08/22/2005
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The sales man insisted that Wife drive when we bought, now I have to wrestle to get my turn in the (dr) seat. Enjoy the ride
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BudParrish
Houston, Texas
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Joined: 02/08/2008
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congratulations on your new MH!
It is a harrowing experience driving thru "Jersey walls" for the first million times.
The next time you're in the States, drop by a State Highway Patrol Drivers License bureau and pick up a study guide for the Commercial Driver's License. Study like you have to take the test. It really will make you a better driver, and will certainly help you appreciate your new investment more fully.
I learned more about air brakes and pre-trip inspections than I could have ever learned from an Owner's Manual.
Good luck and safe driving.
Bud
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cooper841
Maryland
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Joined: 02/17/2008
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Good one. I know how you feel it was the same way with me.But now it is much better.Congratulations.
Dana & Julie Cooper
Kozy & Pierre
2007 Fleetwood Fiesta LX 31M
6'x12' enclosed Trailer
Harley & Suzuki Motorcycles
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