Community Forums

NewbieX · 09-14-2022, 08:40 AM

I'm considering buying a Class A RV around 40' long (something like a Dutch Star) for 3-6 months of full-timing.

The problem is that this would be my first RV. I've driven different kind of vehicles, but never anything larger than a u-haul truck (and only 1-2 times in one of those).

Can an average driver learn to drive a 40' Class A by watching online videos and then practicing in an empty parking lot or do I need something more? If, so what would the "more" be? I know you can hire RV instructors to come to your location to provide one-on-one training. Is this overkill?

Thanks in advance for helping a newbie out.

IAlreadyGot1 · 09-14-2022, 09:01 AM

Some states require a specific endorsement on a DL in order to operate certain vehicles, based on the weight or length of the vehicle. If you are licensed in, and the vehicle is registered in such a state, the law requires the endorsement.

The short answer is, Yes. You can jump in a 40’ MH and learn how to drive it, without taking a driving class from a trained professional.

Camp CA · 09-14-2022, 09:07 AM

Welcome to the forum!!

Depends on how confident you are about learning on your own whether you want to go out with an instructor. A Class A is wider than a bus, truck or class C at up to 101 inches so will need to learn where to position the motorhome in the lane to provide clearance on each side. Plus you will need to learn to take wide turns, espeacially with a 40 ft motorhome. Plus you will want to learn backing techniques you will need to back into campsites. My 2 cents.

Skip426 · 09-14-2022, 09:08 AM

Welcome to iRV2

Many states and provinces require special training and licensing for RVs of a certain weight or those with air brakes .
Check with your local DMV .
My air brake training course was a two day affair with 80% minimum required on the written test to pass.
Insurance on my coach would be void without the correct license .

If you're concerned about your abilities hire a professional trainer .
The damage you could cause to a coach while practicing could cost many times more .

littlebob · 09-14-2022, 09:35 AM

Some camping world sales places will take you out and teach you how to drive a class A moho

JFXG · 09-14-2022, 09:49 AM

The simple fact is that if you teach yourself via practice or YouTube videos, you risk incorporating whatever bad habits or practices may evolve along the way. A professional instructor will point out potential pitfalls and guard against letting these habits develop early.
As to necessity, most states do not require any training, but the true judge is yourself, and certainly not a crowd of strangers randomly queried. If you will feel more confident and comfortable with formal training then it is a good choice.
There is a training company available nationwide called- simply- The RV Driving School. They have many instructors all over, conduct the whole setup process online, and almost always the instructor is in your area. They do a fine job, with personal instruction in your own RV. Go to www.rvschool.com.
FULL DISCLOSURE: I formerly taught for the RV Driving School.
Good Luck!

deckape · 09-14-2022, 09:50 AM

You should take a driving course ,even if you did know how to drive a big rig . It's the little things they can teach you about being safe driving ,backing ,turning . Even a seasoned driver will learn something . Might even get a discount on you insurance .

NewbieX · 09-14-2022, 10:00 AM

Thanks for the quick responses and good advice.

Sounds like I COULD learn to drive a 40' motorhome myself, but some kind of formal instruction would be beneficial.

Ideally, I would like to arrange storage and then buy the RV (probably from a private party). As part of the sales agreement, I was considering having the current owner agree to deliver the RV to my storage facility. Of course, I would pay the usual lodging and transportation home.

Is this an unusual request?

dizcom · 09-14-2022, 10:04 AM

We really don't have any idea. You might pick things up quickly and not need any training and you might not. How do you feel about it? You're asking so I'm going to guess that you might feel a little uncomfortable. Taking a course is a good idea either way, really.

shootist · 09-14-2022, 10:10 AM

If you have never driven heavy wide vehicles take a training course. Just the cost of a minor tailswing scratch will cost more than the training. There are people who are perfectly capable of never making mistakes, so I'm told, but it's far from the norm.

IAlreadyGot1 · 09-14-2022, 10:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NewbieX

Thanks for the quick responses and good advice.

Sounds like I COULD learn to drive a 40' motorhome myself, but some kind of formal instruction would be beneficial.

Ideally, I would like to arrange storage and then buy the RV (probably from a private party). As part of the sales agreement, I was considering having the current owner agree to deliver the RV to my storage facility. Of course, I would pay the usual lodging and transportation home.

Is this an unusual request?

That going to depend on the seller. Most likely they’ll just want to hand you the keys and watch you drive away. You’d probably have to arrange for a 3rd party to deliver the coach to your storage facility.

Iceclimber · 09-14-2022, 10:25 AM

Never hurts to ask ! I didn't get training or a lesson and nearly had a heart attack on the way home. Started pouring rain, what are the odds right ?

so my hard lesson taught me - I should have taken training. I was a big boat owner and figured with that DNA how hard could it be, right. Well on a body of water there is much more room for error. Big RV's and big boats do share one thing - take your time above all else. Good luck in your search.

Tachdriver · 09-14-2022, 10:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NewbieX

I'm considering buying a Class A RV around 40' long (something like a Dutch Star) for 3-6 months of full-timing.

The problem is that this would be my first RV. I've driven different kind of vehicles, but never anything larger than a u-haul truck (and only 1-2 times in one of those).

Can an average driver learn to drive a 40' Class A by watching online videos and then practicing in an empty parking lot or do I need something more? If, so what would the "more" be? I know you can hire RV instructors to come to your location to provide one-on-one training. Is this overkill?

Thanks in advance for helping a newbie out.

Im in the same boat as you. I'm still in the planning stages and will probably have a similar schedule as well.

I've driven my friends Class A 30' before. Absolutely true the be concerned on lane placement, turning and backing.

I'm a pretty confident person but I do plan to get professional training.

Crasher · 09-14-2022, 10:54 AM

None of the people responding have any idea of your driving or learning skills. As with all new experiences, if you have to ask, then you need professional instruction. Why take a chance of damaging your coach or worse, injuring someone. Any instruction cost would be the cheapest investment you could make for your future and those around you. There is no such thing as "overkill' when it comes to big rig instruction, especially for a "Newbie".