Driving Technique

[PeteDr]

We have only managed to put 2500 miles on our new 2019 Ventana LE 37 in 18 months. During that time I have managed to develop turning techniques from experience and reading. What I need is an evaluation by the members on what I am doing and how to improve.

First, the dreaded 90 degree right turn. My observation is I need to use both lanes of the street I am turning into to avoid contact with items close to the curb on the right, such as utility poles, stop signs, etc. On a two lane road that is the entire width, both directions???? I do try to make left turns when possible.

I only back in anything close with my spotter. Stay straight is the challenge. Any tips on this?

I am now setup for a flat tow and will do my first run in Spring. In my case the tow is a GMC Sierra, 2018, Elevation, crew cab. Will the tow stay within the footprint of the coach on turns???

And one observation I have is I am always going faster than I think, especially going into a tight intersection turn without stopping, leading to hard braking in the turn. I attribute this to sitting higher from the road that a regular car/pickup. Others experience this illusion??

Thanks

[Dutch Star Don]

Getting better, comes with practice and developing an eye for how much room you need, especially to make turns. Right hand turns can be done in a few different ways and depends on the road you're on and the one you're turning onto. Again, comes with experience.

The truck will pretty much track behind the coach, but you'll need to watch the toad while making right turns, in the passenger mirror.

[Oldkarphart]

If it too tight to turn right, three lefts equal one right!

[Nellybelle]

There is a You Tube video where the author places a couple small pieces of tape on the mirror and windshield to assist. Pretty interesting.

[twogypsies]

Don't avoid right turns or backing in.... that's the only way you'll perfect it!

[BillJinOR]

The “proper” way on a right turn is to stay in the right lane but as far left as possible but stay in your lane. Then proceed out into the intersection and turn taking the oncoming or turn lane of the oncoming traffic if needed to not hit the curb. This May mean you have to wait in the middle of the road for it to clear. Not all drivers do this but it’s the proper “button hook” turn. Taking the left lane to make a right turn can cause drivers to dive down your right side and be Hit by you turning. ( at least that’s the concern )
A good rv course or practice in a empty lot with some cones is a good idea. Otherwise it’s “on the job training” just take it slowly as you go.

[tomgrigsby]

On the 90 degree right turn (and left, for that matter) rear tires will track completely inside of front tires, so yes, It's best to go out farther than you think you need to, and watch the mirror to see how close the rear tires come to the curb. I usually go at least 1.5 lanes in the front. Easy does it

Backing with a spotter is always good. I usually don't have the luxury, so I back slow and use the rear camera. I have the screen marked so that I know what the width of the coach is compared to the width of the view. I struggle a bit with keeping straight. Have to be ahead of things or front has to make wide swings to correct.

Can't help with flat towing - haven't done that yet

You'll get better at judging your speed, but use your electronics to monitor your speed until you gain that experience. I have a ScanGauge D on top of the dash which displays MPH among other things. Makes it easier to see my speed vice looking down through the steering wheel at the dash. Also have a dash top gps that shows speed. Best to stay far back from anything ahead - not only don't tail gate, but stay far back from cars ahead in your lane. Same with intersections - slow much farther in advance of what you think you'll need. Our coaches are so large that most car drivers won't usually act aggressively toward us. In any case, the laws of gross tonnage apply, so take all the time you need in order to be safe. My opinion, anyway.

[Alpine36]

One way or another on a RH 90 degree turn your going to use two lanes.
Either straddle both lanes before you turn, or turn slightly in to oncoming traffic once you commit to making the turn. Either way, go slowly and signal your intentions clearly. There are many great videos on YouTube describing these turns. Don't be ashamed to use both lanes when necessary. As my daddy once explained to me, "you paid for both lanes, may as well use em."

[Unplanned Tourist]

Get some cones and practice in a parking lot.

Also, if you are able to hire a driving instructor for half a day, it will be money well spent. (One bad turn can cost a LOT more)

[twinboat]

The toad track depends on how much overhang you have behind the rear axle.

With significant overhang, as your MH turns, the rear actually swings away from the turn. That pulls the toad along into a wider turn.

You can download a truck driving training manual that teaches you the proper way.

Plenty of fact based information.

[KenZ71]

When turning right I overshoot intentionally up to front wheels almost touching opposite curb.

I'll be taking at least half the oncoming lane for a bit so mind as well go all the way. Would much rather go too far into the intersection than drag the rear over the curb or worse have to backup in an intersection.

[Xmcdog]

Watch a semi making a right turn.
Done correctly it is a precision turn.
Then practice on an easy turn on a slow day with little or no traffic. Take your time and if you need to wait for oncoming traffic and block the intersection for a minute, so be it.

Watch your mirrors at all times. The five second rule applies here.
Just remember those professional drivers had to learn how to handle their rigs as well.

Good luck and go slow.

[JFXG]

Originally Posted by PeteDr

We have only managed to put 2500 miles on our new 2019 Ventana LE 37 in 18 months. During that time I have managed to develop turning techniques from experience and reading. What I need is an evaluation by the members on what I am doing and how to improve.



First, the dreaded 90 degree right turn. My observation is I need to use both lanes of the street I am turning into to avoid contact with items close to the curb on the right, such as utility poles, stop signs, etc. On a two lane road that is the entire width, both directions???? I do try to make left turns when possible.



I only back in anything close with my spotter. Stay straight is the challenge. Any tips on this?



I am now setup for a flat tow and will do my first run in Spring. In my case the tow is a GMC Sierra, 2018, Elevation, crew cab. Will the tow stay within the footprint of the coach on turns???



And one observation I have is I am always going faster than I think, especially going into a tight intersection turn without stopping, leading to hard braking in the turn. I attribute this to sitting higher from the road that a regular car/pickup. Others experience this illusion??



Thanks

Pete.....
1) Yes, you’ll always take a piece of some other guy’s lane making that right turn. Ref advice above. Go to a residential area to practice.
2) Backing straight: be sure to use the flat mirror, not the convex portion. The convex will give you a distorted view. Adjust it if necessary, even when moving. That’s why they made it adjustable. Use the sidewall of the coach in the mirror as a straightedge guy reference line. Line it up with some mark in the rear, like a tree or power pole. Use the steering wheel to keep the sidewall aligned with that point.
3) Unless you have an unusually large toad, your toad track will remain outside of your coach rear wheel track. IOW, if the coach makes the turn without hitting the curb, the toad will do the same.
4) And YES, you ARE going faster than you think. All due to the seat height. Common phenomenon. When maneuvering, no faster than a walk. If you think you’re OK, slow down. [An RV’s not so bad... when taxiing a 747 your height of eye is 35 ft. Must use the nav system to monitor GS.]

JFXG

[veraken]

Here's a video from Lazydays that is very good for someone new to driving a MH

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