seatboard
South Carolina
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Joined: 08/10/2007
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I did the same thing, white nuckles and some other white and wet places. What scared me the most was when I decided to pull in for gas. As I did, I looked back in the mirrow and the gas tanks were getting closer and closer. I stopped, backed up and got a line on them and pulled in ok. I still make d%$m sure what I am doing while pulling in for fuel.
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Peeta
Sault Ste Marie, Ontario, Canada
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Joined: 08/26/2005
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I too agree with everyone else. We are fortunate and have a couple that travel with us quite regularly and he does the driving since he drives bus. So for us to take it out on our own the first time was quite a challenge. We had many Class C's and I can put one of those anywhere, but the A was a huge difference. Time driving is the best medicine. After awhile driving you will be more comfortable. Today I drove 600 km alone to pick up my father in law after surgery and felt great after pulling in the driveway. I too had to learn many of the tricks the hard way. One thing that has always stuck with me from other posters is to look ahead of you and not right in front of you. That alone was a huge help. You will get to be a Pro someday. Good Luck, and have fun.
* This post was
edited 08/20/08 08:34pm by Peeta *
2007 Fleetwood Bounder 38P
2004 Chevrolet Suburban
1 Spoiled Dog
2 Fat Cats
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flhtci-rider
Montreal, Canada
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Joined: 12/25/2005
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NO scratches, dents, marks of any kind??? You did good. Wait till you start towing a toad or even a trailer. Only one suggestion. Keep an eye on the dummies who change lanes in what seems like just under your mirrors,
 2006 Scepter
2008 24' Haulmark EDGE
2008 Grand Vitara
My best friend DW
1 fur ball Max (AKA - PITA)
And enough solar power so I never have to start the Gen Set
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John S.
Northern Virginia
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Joined: 03/22/2002
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Wow you will have the memory now that will be there in a few years but without the sweaty palms. I got my first Class A in TN and then took it on I 40 through the smokies in a pouring rainstorm from a tropical storm. The truckers said what the heck is that RV doing going 45 in a 55. Well I was looking at the huge drop off and saying stay on the road. Now almost 6 years and over 200K miles later I can tell you what wheel will hit where. It will take you about 2000 miles to get comfortable and then another 8K miles to really learn to trust yourself. Just keep going it is fun.
John
2001 42' Foretravel U320
2007 Bornfree 24 Painted
2001 Jeep Wrangler
2007 Burgman 650 Executive
Susie and Dolly (Cavalier King Charles Spaniels)
Dolly now in our hearts and thoughts 8-27-05
Doodle a Black and Tan Cavalier
Lolly a Ruby Cavalier
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BudParrish
Houston, Texas
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Joined: 02/08/2008
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Wmlee;
You did the right thing. Once behind the wheel, I'm not sure you'd be able to tell a 40 footer from a 45 footer. And, the more you are in it, the smaller it becomes. It is a phenomena! Happens with boats, too!
Most 40's are not tag axle. Yours is, and is inherently more stable. We bought an '08 Monaco Diplomat. I really like it, and have wished that I'd gotten a Dynasty or Signature, well, daily.
I've been really satisfied with my Monaco. The fit and finish have been excellent.
See you on the road.
Bud
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kjburns
Prescott Valley, AZ
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Joined: 07/13/2008
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I know the feeling well, having just taken our first trip. I-10 through Tucson gets pretty narrow with most of the west side under construction. Before the trip I bought and watched a DVD on driving these beasts. It helped.
The most important thing I took away from the video was getting some points on the windshield where I knew the left and right sides are. From my vantage point, about four inches in from the split in the windshield is my right side. If I move the line on the right to the windshield center line, I'm pretty much centered in my lane. I do verify my position in the mirrors pretty often just to double check.
For a little added excitement, I had a truck pass and move back to the right lane before he had cleared me. I had to lift (exhaust braking on) and move to the shoulder a little to keep us from sharing space and paint.
2003 Fleetwood Excursion 39P
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ArchHoagland
Clovis, CA, USA
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Joined: 11/28/2004
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Welcome to the crowd.
Aim for the middle and hope for the best!!!!
2004 Monaco
La Palma 36DBD
Two Slides
2 Potties
Workhorse 22 chassis
8.1 gas engine & Allison transmission
6.9 MPG based on a 6,000 mile trip around the U.S.
2000 LEXUS RX300 FWD 22MPG 4020 LBS
US Gear Toad Brakes
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Tinstar
McKinney, TX
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Joined: 09/13/2003
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I white-knuckled our first trip on a busy one lane, two way roadway. After that I found some deserted roads so I could "study" where everything was and how I was situated on the roadway. I did that for a few hours then went to an abandon shopping center set out cones then drove, parked, braked, and backed a lot.
I felt pretty comfortable after that. Got on I-20 and drove about 600 miles without a single white knuckle. I rarely think about it any more unless I'm meeting a larger truck at one of those bridges under construction with just one single 20 foot lane for both of us and I've came across a two places that are literally 20 foot wide. I figure most all of us think about it then, or maybe just lie about it.
 Never pass up a chance to go somewhere
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fourfurz
Memphis
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Joined: 03/23/2008
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Tinstar wrote:I rarely think about it any more unless I'm meeting a larger truck at one of those bridges under construction with just one single 20 foot lane for both of us and I've came across a two places that are literally 20 foot wide. I figure most all of us think about it then, or maybe just lie about it.
It's those bridges with lots of scrapes that get me wondering most. We carry a sonic measuring device so we can make sure there is enough clearance. Don't want to leave the A/C's and satellite dome behind. That would be a mess!
2007 Mountain Aire 4528
2006 CRV SE
Based in Memphis area
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69RoadRunner
VA
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Joined: 01/18/2008
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My Ventana is my first RV. I had to drive it home through evening rush hour traffic from Thurmont, MD to Springfield, VA. 270 and the DC beltway are definitlely trial by fire.
09 Newmar Ventana 3942
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