Community Forums

geocacher924 · 12-17-2016, 11:05 AM

Any tips or informational links on cornering a 40' class A. Driving a class C for several years but can never stop learning new techniques/knowledge.
Thanks, Terry.

Topkick1sgt · 12-17-2016, 11:08 AM

Yeah, give yourself more room to turn and stop[emoji848]

rgvtexan · 12-17-2016, 11:22 AM

Remember! Your steer wheels are under your butt. There are a couple good videos some where on the web. Search on RV driving.

https://video.search.yahoo.com/searc...ving&fr=mcafee

tkcas01 · 12-17-2016, 11:23 AM

I assume you mean how to turn corners without having the rear portion of the rig either run up on a curb or otherwise hit an obstruction. If you are talking about a class A DP, where the driver's seat is AHEAD of the front wheels, the prior owner of my rig gave me what I have found a fool-proof technique....

When entering a turn, keep the wheels STRAIGHT until your hips are lined up with where you want your rear tire to end up. For example, if turning left, keep the wheels straight until your hips are lined up with the left lane marker of your target lane. Then, make as tight a turn as needed to enter that lane and not hit any obstacle at your right corner.

This might vary based on your wheelbase, but it works great for me.

FormerBoater · 12-17-2016, 11:25 AM

Was taught during my first drive in an American Eagle (40 ft. DP) to do 2 things:

-Do not swing wide left to initiate a right hand turn

-Wait until your hips line up with the curb and then swing the wheel rapidly to the right

-On left hand turns, when there are 2 turning lanes at a traffic signal, always select the lane that is on the left (this is a legal requirement for large vehicles in some states, but it will make your left turns very easy in any state).

After a while these techniques will become automatic.

Have fun driving your rig!!

UFO Pilot · 12-17-2016, 11:43 AM

1. Turn later, not wider.

2. Remember your "pivot" point is your back wheels. Many turning accidents come from turning too soon.

3. "Hug" the left line when turning right.

4. Where there are 2 or more left turn lanes, I always choose the farthest right as it gives me more room to maneuver.

5. Always be aware of the tail swing as you make your turn.

6. When teaching my wife to drive our 40 footer, I found a vacant parking lot and set up a cone. I told her to make a left and a right turn without running over the cone. It took a few times before she could master the concept.

geocacher924 · 12-17-2016, 11:56 AM

Great advice. I thought I read somewhere that for left turns that have 2 lanes you should be in the right lane.

Stealth01 · 12-17-2016, 01:10 PM

Set your mirrors where you can see your drive wheels... You will learn much...

JohnBoyToo · 12-17-2016, 01:15 PM

All good points...
I mainly try to keep my 'outside' wheel on a turn as far to the outside as I can.

82ndCowboy · 12-17-2016, 05:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FormerBoater

Was taught during my first drive in an American Eagle (40 ft. DP) to do 2 things:

-On left hand turns, when there are 2 turning lanes at a traffic signal, always select the lane that is on the left (this is a legal requirement for large vehicles in some states, but it will make your left turns very easy in any state).

After a while these techniques will become automatic.

Have fun driving your rig!!

WRONG!

This will get you creamed on the right side eventually. The right side is your blind side.

You should be in the RIGHT hand lane when there are 2 or More left turn lanes. You can swing wider keeping your vehicle out of the left lane. When you chose the left or inside lane you may be forced into the right lane by a curb or sitting vehicle that is over the stop line and you wont be able to see if the traffic in the right lane is yielding to you swinging into THEIR lane. YOU will be ticketed in a crash.
Wherefore the right lane, even if you are forced to encroach the left lane, you can see if traffic is yielding to your encroachment and stop if necessary. Avoiding tickets and vehicle damage and higher insurance premiums.

CampDaven · 12-17-2016, 05:37 PM

jacwjames · 12-17-2016, 05:49 PM

We owned a Class C for ~9 years before buying our Class A. Both my wife & I basically just took our time when first driving the Class A. We both think the Class A is easier to drive the Class C. You sit higher and have better visibility.

Suggest take your time until you learn how the rig handles. Approach the turning slowly and allow yourself plenty of room.

stang37 · 12-17-2016, 06:23 PM

This is what I think is the best driving video for a newbie. Since I'm a newbie I watch portion of this each time I get ready to leave home after an extend layover. Never too late to refresh.