Maintaining my lane and not hitting mail boxes

[LarrytheBear]

When I first started driving my class A MH my DW was constantly saying “You’re going to hit that mail box!!” Well, I never did hit a mail box or road sign but I was probably closer than I needed to be. I know there are various ways to maintain a center position in your lane such as focusing several hundred feet ahead, checking mirrors to see where your lane lines are and probably others. I use these methods also but the most effective method that I have found that works for me is a ½” wide piece of post-it note stuck to the inside of my windshield. And no, I don’t write on it a reminder to maintain my lane… but I put it in a position where when I glance down at it, or see it in the edge of my vision and it is riding on the left side lane line (or centerline) I know that I am in the center of my lane. This helps keep me and my 102 inches where we need to be. I will still give a little to the right on a two lane road when an 18 wheeler or another MH is coming my way… just to be safe.
The pictures may help to see what I’m trying to explain. Have fun, be safe…

[MSHappyCampers]

Good idea Larry! I have that problem too!

[TomandGloria]

Many years ago when I was in the Army they sent me to bus drivers school. I remember the instructor telling us to watch our outside mirror and keep the left outside rear dual close to the center line. This way you will not anything on the right side of the bus.
That has always stuck with me, but DW complains now I track to close to the lines. Can't win, but I have kept it on the road without hitting anything over 26 k so far ��

[ctpres]

Been doing the same as LarrytheBear for years. Think gun sight. How I set marker/dot up is to string a water hose along edge of drivers side wheels and stretched out in straight line to the front. Adjust seat for normal driving position and place dot on windshield so it lines up with the hose. Not only does it help me maintain position in varying lane sizes, it helps me avoid trash in road and pot holes.

[Bucky1320]

Good way to do it. Unless you switch your seat back or are leaning back or in a different seating position. May not affect it that much for the left side though.
Can use the backup camera to get an idea too. I like the mirrors. On our old rv it always seemed like I was in the opposing lane, until I looked in the mirror. Unsettling.

[1bigmess]

Use your mirrors for lane placement. If you are afraid to look away from the road for a half second to check your mirrors, increase your following distance and/or decrease your speed. Eventually, unless you have vision issues, you should be able to train your brain to know if you are between the lines.

[Waiter21]

All the above, practice.

I mounted my rear view monitor at that aim point on the left side of the dash. That way I can watch the left side and the right side by looking at one place.

I tweaked the mounting of the camera so the green line on the monitor lines up with my passenger side rear tire. If the tip of that green line is touching the lane marker lines on the passenger side, then my tire is on that line. This is great for hugging a retaining wall on the right side when the lanes are narrow and there's an 18 wheeler on my left side.

I installed an inexpensive rear camera and monitor

Rear View Camera | 2001 Coachmen Mirada 300QB

..

[britcon]

Not questioning the " dot to mark left wheel location " method, however, I'd be concerned about running my left side down the center line. I always wince when a semi goes by in the opposite direction as mirrors seem awfully close sometimes. I imagine if they actually hit it would scare the **** out of me, not to mention the repair costs. I find I can keep my left side off the center by using mirrors, and keep rig centered in lane by forcing myself to look down the road.

[LadyFitz...]

There is nothing wrong with any of the methods mentioned so far as long as they work for whoever uses them but I've found using the side mirrors to see if I am centered between the lane lines or lane line and curb or road edge has worked very well for me most of my life, no matter what I was driving, be it a semi (ok, only occasionally before CDLs were required in AZ) or a small car. It only takes a couple of quick glances.

[Cat320]

We have Velvac mirrors, top, middle and bottom glasses in each one. The bottom mirror is trained on the front tire of the side it is placed on. One glance to each side and the driver can see the left tire and it's position with the center line, and the right tire and it's position to the curb/road edge.

Another way to check your position is a glace at the rear camera's picture. If the toad is in the middle of the road...so are you.

[brian-nicola]

I just keep my right foot in the centre of the lane.

[D Lindy]

The best way (and proven way) to stay in the center of your lane is to Look & Steer as far down the road as you have visibility. It's been proven that when looking at i.e. a hood ornament on a car or any close in reference to align the vehicle in a lane, that you will inevitably drift toward the center line of the road. What his wife was having issues was purely a spacell issue of having never road in a MH before and with the flat nose perception was that things were close when in reality they were 3-4' away.

[F4Gary]

Originally Posted by brian-nicola

I just keep my right foot in the centre of the lane.

This, an imaginary straight line from my eyes through my foot to the centerline.
Plus I use the OP's technique only I use my registration sticker for the left line and the right end of the defroster duct for the right line.

[NMRVer]

I agree with d_lindy, look down the road for a distance, it stops you from over correcting and nerves when a large vehcle is coming. I also use my mirrors to check where I am. This confirms Im where I want to be. Also, practice makes prefect. Good luck.