Community Forums

HighDesert · 05-04-2019, 05:55 AM

The driving class is not a bad idea, if you are somewhat close to the area it is offered. Also, if you have never driven a large vehicle before, it can help with the apprehension that the size causes. We just stepped up to a class A MH, and my wife was extremely apprehensive about tackling the driving part due to size. Fortunately, Beaver Coach Sales (Bend, Or) was having a driver course for class A MH's a few days before delivery. They provided new Tiffin Phaeton DP's and had a (fairgrounds) parking lot obstacle course to rive and then off to the public highways for experience. And the price - free! BCS plans to have this course on a monthly basis now.

wimpy · 05-04-2019, 06:12 AM

I had never driven anything larger than a 1 Ton stake body work truck (11K GVW). Driving a 30' RV wasn't an issue.

I think if you watch some of these recommended videos and rent a 35' RV for a few days, you can get your practice as well as check out likes/dislikes of the lifestyle.

Adjust seating for comfort, mirrors initially so you can see a portion of the vehicle.

Practicing in a large empty parking lot, backing, using planting strips/medians for left & right turns to understand where the rear tires will be in turns should give you enough knowledge to make you comfortable.

Understand braking distances will be much longer, you should drive looking as far ahead as you can see, adapt procedures recommended in the SIPDE or the SMITH sytem (Google). Ground viewing you should already be doing (approaching any vehicle on your left or right-always look at the steer tire closest to you...if the tire deviates from straight ahead, the vehicle will follow).

brokenrule · 05-04-2019, 01:18 PM

The videos the other folks posted sure helped us before we had to drive ours home. One way to get the feel of the big rv is to rent a big U-Hual (get the full insurance package) and go for a drive. Get on and off the freeway and cruise around in town. Drive it home and park it like you would do to load up for a trip. Seriously, if you can drive that around then the RV will be better.

oscarvan · 05-04-2019, 02:34 PM

Like Crasher I am fortunate in that my first big rig was 45 years ago..... But, there are some good tips in this thread.

It boggles my mind that some states allow you to get out of your Honda Accord and get into one of these rigs and drive off never having operated something this size. It also boggles my mind that the insurance companies don't care if you have the skill set necessary, and don't verify if you have the legally required credentials in those states where they are required.

I commend the OP for inquiring and his desire to get some training before getting behind the big wheel. Whatever it takes, get that training before you drive off.

FIY these are the (not enough) states that DO require an upgraded license:

RV Driver's License Requirements

f365gt4 · 05-07-2019, 06:54 PM

Best to know what your doing if you have air brakes. Over 26K in weight, most if not all states require a B license and especially with air brakes.

Ray,IN · 05-07-2019, 07:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by phays

There is usually a driving school at FMCA Conventions. There was on in Perry this Spring and will probably be one in Minot, ND, in August.

Escapees organization at their national rally does the same, they call it "boot camp"!
The SMART club=special military active recreational travelers, also has driving instructors available at their national muster.

Sonic · 05-07-2019, 09:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JuJubee68

My husband and I are planning on buy a Class A Motorhome in the next few months. My husband is wondering if there is any place that offers classes on driving a Class A BEFORE you purchase one. Like has inventory they teach people on so they can decide if they feel comfortable even going any further with considering purchasing something that big. Most of the places seem to require you have the rig already.

Thanks for any help.

I understand what you're going through but a Class A coach is not difficult to drive. The driving videos posted above are where I started and learned many valuable tips, then when we bought our coach from a private party 1,500 miles away, we arranged for a driving instructor to meet us at the point of purchase and take us through a day and a half of training before we made the trek home. It all worked out very well.
So if it's something you really want to do, you'll find that driving the rig is one of the easier aspects.

oscarvan · 05-07-2019, 10:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sonic

a Class A coach is not difficult to drive

A blanket statement which is not applicable to all. I know people that can't drive their way out of a wet paper bag in a Honda Accord. They would be a danger to anyone with a quarter mile if they drove a 30K rig almost as wide as their lane.

Some people have a knack for it. Most people can learn. It's not "easy".

Ray,IN · 05-07-2019, 10:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by f365gt4

Best to know what your doing if you have air brakes. Over 26K in weight, most if not all states require a B license and especially with air brakes.

Not exactly: https://www.campanda.com/magazine/rv...-requirements/

oscarvan · 05-07-2019, 10:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by f365gt4

Best to know what your doing if you have air brakes. Over 26K in weight, most if not all states require a B license and especially with air brakes.

Incorrect. MOST states require no special license. One more time:

RV Driver's License Requirements

Sonic · 05-08-2019, 10:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by oscarvan

A blanket statement which is not applicable to all. I know people that can't drive their way out of a wet paper bag in a Honda Accord. They would be a danger to anyone with a quarter mile if they drove a 30K rig almost as wide as their lane.

Some people have a knack for it. Most people can learn. It's not "easy".

I never said it was easy. That's your word, not mine. I simply said if they really want to do this, it is not difficult and should not be a show stopper then proceeded to suggest ideas for them to properly learn how to drive a coach.

JuJubee68 · 05-09-2019, 08:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JuJubee68

My husband and I are planning on buy a Class A Motorhome in the next few months. My husband is wondering if there is any place that offers classes on driving a Class A BEFORE you purchase one. Like has inventory they teach people on so they can decide if they feel comfortable even going any further with considering purchasing something that big. Most of the places seem to require you have the rig already.

Thanks for any help.

Thanks for all your replies. We did call Lazy Days in Tampa since we live on east coast of Florida and they said they do have a course you can sign up to use their coaches and get a feel for whether this is something you could successfully navigate before making a purchase and finding out it isn't your cup of tea after all!
Thanks to all of you. You are a great bunch of people!