Community Forums

MuddyPaws2 · 10-08-2017, 04:25 AM

I know that some insurance companies offer discounts to folks that take a driving class. I also know that for me, I want to take a driving class before I'm set loose on the highway system.

For those that had never driven a MH before.

Did you take a class?

Did you find it useful?

Is there one that you'd recommend over the other?

Do all the big dealers offer a drivers course like Lazy Days (did or does?)

Thanks
Angie

nothermark · 10-08-2017, 04:42 AM

Take the safe driving course every 3 years for the insurance discount. Did not take a course on driving motorhomes before driving our C. If you have experience with Vans it helps. Anyone going to a Class A with over 26,000 lb rating will be dealing with air brakes and needs to learn both air brake and diesel driving as it is different than gas.

Wellsie · 10-08-2017, 06:24 AM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4CeThR_A4VI

I have been a truck driver for many years but found this video very helpful.

Riley1 · 10-08-2017, 06:37 AM

Where are classes offered?

Thanks,
Rick

PandS · 10-08-2017, 06:38 AM

RV School

We took their two day /two driver course when we picked up our first RV in Atlanta last June. Our instructor was Michael Lynch. He was great! He gave us the knowledge and confidence we needed to make the long drive back to Connecticut. Heck, he even had me parallel parking the 43 foot motorhome, when I have trouble parallel parking the Honda!

Susan

ThomB · 10-08-2017, 06:42 AM

We took a class at Lazy Days in Tampa.

krudawg · 10-08-2017, 07:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wellsie

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4CeThR_A4VI

I have been a truck driver for many years but found this video very helpful.

When I was new to Motorhome ownership, I watched this video before I drove the coach away from the sellers house. It help me navigate down the road and took a lot of "What do I do now" thoughts and buried them deep in my brain. The video is well done. Thanks for posting

Stripe34 · 10-08-2017, 07:55 AM

X2 on RVSchool.com. We took the 12-hour lesson with Glynn Carson, who was excellent. He let us spread it out as three, 4-hour days which worked perfectly.

Make sure you “click” with any instructor, and discuss expectations and methods before the training starts. I have seen/heard some of the old-school male instructors make gender-based generalizations and jokes, which really gets my back up. I have also heard of some of the instructors whose students felt rushed/pressured into doing more than they wanted to, or felt comfortable with, too soon/too fast. As in: made fearful students drive busy, narrow city streets before they were comfortable. So, talk things over with the instructor before you commit.

My .02

Air Conditioned Gypsy · 10-08-2017, 08:45 AM

I took the class from RV Driving School when we bought our coach. There was a brochure at the dealer. The course was helpful and the instructor (Michael Lynch in Atlanta) was VERY experienced and also a good guy. All basics were covered and gave me a place to start getting experience on my own. Glad I did it.

PS - he told me at the beginning that he would have me parallel parking it before the class was over and I thought he was pulling my leg. Sure enough, we did it.

MuddyPaws2 · 10-08-2017, 10:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stripe34

X2 on RVSchool.com. We took the 12-hour lesson with Glynn Carson, who was excellent. He let us spread it out as three, 4-hour days which worked perfectly.

Make sure you “click” with any instructor, and discuss expectations and methods before the training starts. I have seen/heard some of the old-school male instructors make gender-based generalizations and jokes, which really gets my back up. I have also heard of some of the instructors whose students felt rushed/pressured into doing more than they wanted to, or felt comfortable with, too soon/too fast. As in: made fearful students drive busy, narrow city streets before they were comfortable. So, talk things over with the instructor before you commit.

My .02

Oh good advice!

Really there are still men around that think it's okay to make jokes at my expense? Who woulda thunk it

I do truly appreciate the advice, I've driven pickup trucks, tractors, and my Jeep. No vans or anything like, but I think it's something I need to know how to do in case the need arises. I might get to where I'm going with my hands cramped shut, but at least I'll get there safely!

Angie