Community Forums

majfrizz · 01-08-2016, 06:10 PM

Lisa,

Just FYI at the FMCA rally in Perry, GA in March they will be having a hands on driving course. Just thought I would pass it on if you were going.

Bob

Hammer bird · 01-09-2016, 06:23 PM

I'm also intend to learn how to drive our new Monaco. I'm really nervous but I think lots of practice will ease my jitters. I just think it's very necessary especially if something should happen or illness prevents DH from driving. Great tips here!

LisaE · 01-10-2016, 07:08 AM

I am so excited about all these tips.

I have driven my husband's F150 and it doesn't feel too much different than that. I would like to take a driver's class, but cannot travel long distances due to lack of vacation time until I retire (again). But, I do have a friend that drives a school bus and bet he would give a few classes. Hopefully, this spring I can really start practicing.

southernlady · 01-10-2016, 07:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LisaE

I am so excited about all these tips.

I have driven my husband's F150 and it doesn't feel too much different than that. I would like to take a driver's class, but cannot travel long distances due to lack of vacation time until I retire (again). But, I do have a friend that drives a school bus and bet he would give a few classes. Hopefully, this spring I can really start practicing.

As long as you use your own rig, yeap.

YC1 · 01-10-2016, 08:41 AM

https://search.yahoo.com/search?p=la...12&type=926458

Excellent training videos.

Ray,IN · 01-12-2016, 10:34 PM

NO-ONE can tell you how to drive, you must learn by practice. Sure some-one can tell you the basics, IF they know the correct basics.
There are a multitude of Utube videos to help with learning the basics.

backing a MH

is just one. You'll find many more such videos on the webpage, like

New RV drivers confidence course

southernlady · 01-13-2016, 06:42 AM

What Ray,IN said is true...no one can really teach you how to drive a MH BUT the flip side of that, how does one learn to drive a car...(I'm 61 so driving schools were not common) but I do remember driving in parking lots LONG before being allowed on the road and when finally on the road, an experienced driver was with you. (Usually a parent). Same idea...

You actually have to get behind the wheel, not in front of a youtube, to see how something that big handles in a parking lot then moving to real streets. That's why a driving school is so invaluable. And SOMETIMES taking the course and getting the proof will help with your insurance.

But bottom line is to practice IN your MH. And practice where you are far less likely to hit anything.

southernlady · 01-13-2016, 06:45 AM

Oh, and it took our instructor to prove just how tight a turning radius we had in our MH. He stood JUST in front about an arm's length out (I was on the side to make sure the wheels did not straighten) and then told my hubby to make a HARD right turn...it was amazing to see how little clearance we actually needed versus our perceived amount.

barmcd · 01-13-2016, 09:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LisaE

We bought our RV last month and I did drive it about 5 miles on country roads before the sale. However, I need lots of practice and was looking for tips.

I believe my DH will be the main driver and we just took it to storage yesterday. I was thinking about practicing how to turn and back up in this storage lot with some orange cones, since the storage lot is big with wide paved lanes and lots of turning around room.

Any ideas how to get proficient? Thanks for your comments.

Practice. I had only driven a motor home a few times prior to looking for one and it was pretty nerve racking the first couple of times we took one out for a test drive. One of the salesmen at MOT put me at ease by telling me that I did much better than a lot of other people he drove with.

I find that having previous experience driving a truck with a long 5th wheel provided some of the skills and habits that you need to drive a MH like how not to cut a corner and end up hitting a pole or running in a ditch. I use my mirrors a lot while moving forward!

eprman1 · 01-15-2016, 06:26 PM

definitely take a course if you can . It really helps.

Mr_D · 01-15-2016, 07:17 PM

DW has never driven any of our MH's nor even our P/U and TT. Should have started her driving the 1988 Type B MH we bought new and taught her to drive each newer and bigger as we got them. But I valued our marriage too much to try and do that! New she just sleeps as I drive, won't even help navigate.