New Class A Driver Questions

[Steve Ownby]

Originally Posted by H. Miller

You've also moved past 26,000 lbs. in total vehicle weight (probably) so many jurisdictions require another drivers license endorsement.

Here is a resource:

http://changingears.com/rv-sec-state-rv-license.shtml

[RudysWorld]

You just need to get out and drive. We have a 36' that is our first RV. My best learning came when I took 100 miles of 2 lane back from a trip to FL. After that I started getting comfortable. Take your time and you will be fine. I also pull our car on a tow dolly for some added length.

[MSHappyCampers]

Originally Posted by H. Miller

You've also moved past 26,000 lbs. in total vehicle weight (probably) so many jurisdictions require another drivers license endorsement.

Hal, don't those areas go by what your home area requires? i.e., if it's legal to drive it in your home area then it's legal to drive it anywhere ??

[rescueangel]

Thanks for asking the question and for the answers. I had the same questions and got a lot of of this thread.

[TheJeep]

An earlier post said to go to a parking lot and practice.

This is great advice!!! I would add a few things:

Be aware of your height.

When you make turns you will need a little more room. The longer wheel base will cause the back tires to track closer to the curb. Put a cone in a parking lot and practice making turns getting as close to as you can without hitting it. This will help you learn the turning radius of your new rig.

Stopping will take more room so make the necessary adjustments with speed and following distance.

You could also get a copy of your states CDL Drivers Manual. It has a lot of good information about larger vehicles. For example Air Brakes…..and it is free.

Also mentioned in a previous post are driver’s license requirements. Check with your home state as some have special requirements and others don’t.

[Fredpaul]

Here is a link to some good tips for big rigs: http://www.betterrving.com/Search.as...e&fSearch=true

[Silver Rebel]

We bought our 35' Coachmen Aurora while spending several weeks in Florida. With my wife following me in our SUV, I drove the 900 miles to our home in southwest Indiana over a two day period. No incidents, so considered it a successful "training" run.

[Selah]

Use this link to get to The Lazy Days drivers course vedios. These are absolutely great.
RV Driver Confidence Course: Part 1 - Better RVingRV Driver Confidence Course: Part 1 - Better RVing

[chboone]

All very good advise. As mentioned watch the swing out of the rear of the coach. One other point, the coach pivots on the rear axle. If an object is in front of the rear axle you will turn into the object. If it is at or behind the rear axle it you will swing away from the object. Selah is correct, the RV training videos at Lazydays are great. I had my Daughter watch the videos before I let her drive my coach. She did very good the first time out, had her drive around town and the 15 fwy up Cajon to Hesperia, CA and back.

Chuck Boone

[calhyatt]

Originally Posted by akadeadeye

Don't know if this is accurate, but you do need to be aware of "swingout" with a longer rig. All depends on the amount of vehicle behind the rear axle.

My swing out is about 2 feet and my rear axle is 14 feet from the rear of the motorhome.

Some have been known to take out a stop sign here and there, or gas pump bollards.

Don

x2 on the gas pump bollards.....Ouch.