Driving a 40ft RV?

[Falcon190]

Originally Posted by Tony Lee

Two main rules - turn out wide on right hand corners and watch the tail swing if the overhang is large, - and always get out an check all around you before reversing and if necessary get out and check every couple of yards if the situation is cluttered.

Make sure you are fully familiar with air brake operation and techniques for getting up and down steep long grades without overheating either the brakes or the engine

have fun.

"lots of scrapes and scratches" - big bonus since you won't need to worry about your first little scrape.

x2
I figure that I'll get the scrapes out on my current big rig and hopefully be a better driver by the time I get my next one. Be extra careful when backing into sites. I was just at a CG that had the regular utility post but also a short metal post for cable TV. It was after dark, I was in a hurry to get settled; I didn't see the cable post and put a three inch scrape on a compartment door. Let's just say I wasn't too happy.

And if you pull a toad, make sure that the emergency brake is off - Just yesterday I started to pull out of an RV service center and left a twenty foot skid mark! Fortunately, I double checked before hitting the street!

But, in spite of the inevitable mishaps, I love driving a 41' motor home with a Wrangler toad! Sure, $#%¡ will happen, but is it worth it? Truck yeah it is! You'll get used to it pretty quickly. Read all the iRV2 advice, learn from other's mistakes, and just never assume you know what you're doing! Happy travels!

[njs42]

You go girl, get in that rig and drive. You can learn what you need to know, it is not about brawn but brain. Find a big lot and take an hour or so to practice and you will know what you need to know. Have fun with the extra room.

[WheelingIt]

Driving is no issue at all. I've driven our 40-foot plus toad for years. The biggest issue is backing up into an RV space. Easy to do if you have good access, but can be tricky with some spots because you can't always see the full swing and corners of the RV. The times I've moved the rig on my own, I've asked someone at the campground to spot for me. Usually people are helpful and very willing to lend a hand.

Nina

[Vette4ba]

Ok, I now own a 2004 Holiday Rambler Endeavor M-40DST 330HP -YEAH!!!
Thank you to al of you for your help and confidence boosters. I think my license plate is going to say "I can do it".
Hey Vincee, you are the 2nd person to tell me about Kruszka's. I guess I have found my "RV guy".
Happy trails everyone, and thanks again!

[JFXG]

Originally Posted by Trek5

.... driving a MH requires you to be much more attentive and to anticipate not only what you are going to do but what other drivers are doing.

Excellent point! You're right, Trek..... that's the key. "Mass Management", as we used to call it. The laws of physics are predictable and immutable. If you have 30K lbs moving on a particular line, it will continue on that line unless some other force is applied. You have to be the one that controls it. It will take longer to accelerate, decelerate, change lanes, etc., so you have to be looking ahead and thinking ahead.

[Ray,IN]

Hopefully these links lead to information that you find useful:
IMO, this is the best auxiliary braking system for your towed vehicle.

How to handle a blowout in your motorhome video

.
RV tech library.

Motor Home driving tips videos/utube

After we switched from a 40' 5th wheel to a 40' MH, these links were quite helpful.

[Deucenut]

Congrats on the recent purchase. Feel free to post up some pics. If I were you, I'd take a short RV driving course if you're feeling nervous. Also, a good idea is to take an air brake course and get your air brake endorsement. This will give you a very good understanding of air brakes since they don't act/react like normal hydraulic brakes. Happy RVing...

[Cfyanes1]

We have a 42'- 2 women and the "Beav"
It's easy, just turn wide

[vincee]

Hey Vette, Congratulations on the big rig! Many many happy, fun, adventurous and safe miles. Always enjoy the day!

[Charrua72]

Originally Posted by Vette4ba

I have a 28ft Class C now and am looking to buy a 40 ft coach. It just seems soooo big? I have driven a 36 ft with dealers but the 40 just seems so much bigger? Any words of encouragement to convince me that a 40 ft will be OK for a single woman? I will be traveling with a friend and 2 schnauzers but no one else will be driving. You will not hurt my feelings if you say that is just too big for a "girl" to drive. Thanks!

Man/woman has nothing to do with anything. I see you put an offer on it, good luck and wish you well. Was going to say if you feel it's to big then it's probably to big, you need to go with what's comfortable for you.

[Whatnobeer]

Originally Posted by Vette4ba

Ok, I now own a 2004 Holiday Rambler Endeavor M-40DST 330HP -YEAH!!!
Thank you to al of you for your help and confidence boosters. I think my license plate is going to say "I can do it".
Hey Vincee, you are the 2nd person to tell me about Kruszka's. I guess I have found my "RV guy".
Happy trails everyone, and thanks again!

Congrats!!! Now you can look at it like this all the while your inside is like this . Good luck with your travels and I'll be the 1st to ask...WHERE ARE THE PICS? Safe travels young lady.

[evesely]

Driving a 40 footer is not much different then your C class 28 footer. Just make wider turns because of the longer vehicle. Do not park to close to other objects because the longer vehicle will swing out further with the back when turning. The width of both vehicles are about the same and your visibility will be much better because you are sitting higher up. Enjoy your new vehicle

[BJFletcher]

You won't have any trouble driving the 40. My wife drives ours, bit nervous in traffic but otherwise no issues.

[TechWriter]

Originally Posted by Vette4ba

You will not hurt my feelings if you say that is just too big for a "girl" to drive. Thanks!

My wife does most of the driving & all the parking. You have nothing to worry about.