Community Forums

Winemaker2 · 02-03-2022, 07:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 8v8tor

Hope this makes some of you feel better. I have been a truck driver for about 49 years. Private Pilot for quite awhile too. Started out pulling mobile homes, was a car hauler for a short time and freight box for most of those years. Over 5 million safe miles. Have never driven a class A, thinking about buying one, and yes I'm a bit nervous about my first drive.

Lots of online videos with tips that I'm sure you will pick up quickly if you aren't aware of them from prior experience. I'm guessing there were some unknowns and learning for each of the various jobs and this will just be another minor adjustment.
One welcome difference us I will guess you had no rear camera on those other rigs. I didn't see what unit you are getting into but many include side blind spot cameras as well.

n2zon · 02-03-2022, 08:27 AM

An experienced Class A driver brought me to my road test. He was very nervous because the coach doesn't handle quite like a truck...but of course he did fine!

8v8tor · 02-03-2022, 11:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tropical36

You're kidding and after all that? Com 'on now!
Main thing with any newbee of which you are not, is to swing wide for making right hand turns and for anticipating your stops way in advance. I'm simply saying that tailgating does not apply here.

Guess I didn't articulate my point very well. Do I think I will have a problem driving a class A, no. But even with my background I don't expect to just jump in and be totally comfortable after a drive around the block. So to those who have never driven a large vehicle, don't be so hard on yourself. Take your time, one trip is not going to do it. I read one post that commented "no wonder professional truck drivers hate RVs" that is so not true. I love seeing all of you going down the road. I do my best to be as courteous as possible when operating around you.

Kjon · 02-03-2022, 11:27 AM

I have found that steering with my eyes focused 100 - 200 feet ahead seems to take the stress out as the need for constant steering correction seems less.

tropical36 · 02-03-2022, 11:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Crasher

Isn't that the same thing if driving faster makes one feel uncomfortable?? I just don't understand why everyone should conform to the wishes of the faster driver.

I don't either and if everyone would just conform to the laws that are in place.
I do believe that about 40mph is the min speed on most interstate highways, so if a vehicle is at least traveling that speed, then it's not your business to be dictating otherwise.
Having said that, I can't see how a behemoth can be safe at 70mph and more if that's the max. speed allowed for Ferrari's, but again the law is the law and if you should find fault with them, then it should be explained to the officer that pulls you over.

mlpeloquin · 02-03-2022, 11:53 AM

You did not talk about how your rig handles.

Does it sway when gusts of wind hit it?
Do passing trucks have a tendency to push it around?
Does it bounce up and down when going across dips in the road?

What is the front and back weight. Get that done at a KAT scale with it fully packed up. Look up the required tire air pressure in the tire manufactures load/pressure table charts. Add ten psi to that. Then get a front end alignment with it packed up. Drive it. It should be better. If you are still not comfortable, then think about Safe-T-Steer, Koni shocks, and air bag isolators. Only do, if necessary, one at a time. Do not spend money if you do not have to.

Country Road · 02-04-2022, 08:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kjon

I have found that steering with my eyes focused 100 - 200 feet ahead seems to take the stress out as the need for constant steering correction seems less.

I think this guy or gal will need more training. This happened yesterday about 30 miles from my home.

Isaac-1 · 02-04-2022, 08:29 AM

You are probably right, though we really should not make guesses without knowing contributing factors.

D Gardiner · 02-04-2022, 10:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 8v8tor

Guess I didn't articulate my point very well. Do I think I will have a problem driving a class A, no. But even with my background I don't expect to just jump in and be totally comfortable after a drive around the block. So to those who have never driven a large vehicle, don't be so hard on yourself. Take your time, one trip is not going to do it. I read one post that commented "no wonder professional truck drivers hate RVs" that is so not true. I love seeing all of you going down the road. I do my best to be as courteous as possible when operating around you.

So many good points 8v8tor. Driving larger vehicles is different from small passenger cars or SUVs. Never professionally drove big trucks, but drove 30' box trucks with 20' car trailers for quite some time. They were the old International trucks with stick shifts. Driving our class-A feels completely different.

My dad drove Mack B61s in Australia, and my brother-in-law drove in the military and professionally. Those two can tell you some crazy stories. They don't necessarily hate 4-Wheelers, just the shenanigans they do around trucks. Cutting carved up is the biggest one. RVs not staying inside of the painted lane lines is another. Can't blame them, when something goes wrong, often the trucker is blamed first.

Because of that I do my best to drive friendly around big rigs, regardless if I'm driving the RV or the cars. Now, to mention truckers have various nick names for things is common place. I always liked the nick name Wiggle-Wagon for double trailer trucks. Always makes me laugh.