Community Forums

Pexring · 10-05-2016, 08:32 PM

Today I hit 3 new milestones in driving a class A. Soon I hope to be criss-crossing the US like many of you do, but til then I simply dream of doing that.

Anyway, my 3 milestones today were:

1 - first day trip of over 300 miles.
2 - first trip in winds of 30-35+.
3 - first trip pulling a TOAD.

After driving in all that wind, I was whipped but I had to complete the drive today. Definitely will continue to try to avoid/alter travel schedules to avoid future windy & other bad weather days. But now I know I can do it! And I was impressed with how well my Newmar Dutchstar handled the wind. The TOAD pulled like a dream. Didn't even hardly know it was behind us!

jfran304 · 10-05-2016, 08:47 PM

Congrats!!!

You will find that each trip gets easier.

Jon

FIRE UP · 10-05-2016, 09:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pexring

Today I hit 3 new milestones in driving a class A. Soon I hope to be criss-crossing the US like many of you do, but til then I simply dream of doing that.

Anyway, my 3 milestones today were:

1 - first day trip of over 300 miles.
2 - first trip in winds of 30-35+.
3 - first trip pulling a TOAD.

After driving in all that wind, I was whipped but I had to complete the drive today. Definitely will continue to try to avoid/alter travel schedules to avoid future windy & other bad weather days. But now I know I can do it! And I was impressed with how well my Newmar Dutchstar handled the wind. The TOAD pulled like a dream. Didn't even hardly know it was behind us!

Great job!
And yes, you will find that, each and every time you get in the big beast, it will get a bit easier. Your skills will improve, your knowledge of how it handles, brakes and drives, will all improve, every time you drive it. But, in any case, DO NOT get complacent. Do pay attention all the time, especially at slower speeds, parking lots, cramped camp gounds, backing up, and all that. Have a ball, enjoy your fun while you can. Good luck.
Scott

TheBelchers · 10-06-2016, 07:23 AM

I am in the midst of my first year with my Winnie Vista LX 35F and have gone thru the same growing pains, excitement, and sense of accomplishment you have... It is amazing how quickly your skills improve....however, in my travels this year I have seen some nasty (including fatal) RV mishaps and it is critical to stay in your comfort zone when driving.....if its too windy, get off the road, if its too wet, get off the road, if you've been on the road too long (whatever distance or time that may be) get off the road....stay within YOUR comfort speed and always assume the other guy is gonna do something stupid......these are the things that I remind myself of before hitting the road. I never try to push myself remember tomorrow is another day and besides going there is half the fun of getting there.

MSHappyCampers · 10-06-2016, 08:53 AM

**JohnRR** · 10-06-2016, 09:41 AM

It's great when you cab get comfortable with it

Wbonsell · 10-06-2016, 09:55 AM

Regardless of what you are driving, drive defensively. Be continually aware of your surroundings. I raced cars for 5 years. The best advice I could give anyone is to look ahead...way ahead. And always be aware of whose beside you.

For me, its stopping for gas and making sure I can get in and out with car in tow. It's the only thing that gives me pause.

Safe travels....and congrats on your growing confidence.

beenthere · 10-06-2016, 12:08 PM

ya all good ..I time stop lights as going done the road..no slamming on brakes..just coast into light try not to brake//

markndianna · 10-21-2016, 11:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheBelchers

I am in the midst of my first year with my Winnie Vista LX 35F and have gone thru the same growing pains, excitement, and sense of accomplishment you have... It is amazing how quickly your skills improve....however, in my travels this year I have seen some nasty (including fatal) RV mishaps and it is critical to stay in your comfort zone when driving.....if its too windy, get off the road, if its too wet, get off the road, if you've been on the road too long (whatever distance or time that may be) get off the road....stay within YOUR comfort speed and always assume the other guy is gonna do something stupid......these are the things that I remind myself of before hitting the road. I never try to push myself remember tomorrow is another day and besides going there is half the fun of getting there.

very very good advice. I've traveled millions of professional miles accident free. in earlier years I seemed to always be rushed (how I survived, I do not know). The best advice I'd ever give, or ever been given; "always assume the other guy is gonna do something stupid..."

steppinstone · 10-21-2016, 12:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by markndianna

very very good advice. I've traveled millions of professional miles accident free. in earlier years I seemed to always be rushed (how I survived, I do not know). The best advice I'd ever give, or ever been given; "always assume the other guy is gonna do something stupid..."

That's so TRUE!!!! You can't fix stupid!!!!!

twogypsies · 10-21-2016, 01:23 PM

You're on your way to becoming a PRO! Keep on traveling!!

Hit_the_Rhod · 10-21-2016, 01:41 PM

Just remember, even the most seasoned pro on this forum started out with less experience than you have now! So you are ahead of EVERYONE when THEY started out!

awol50 · 10-21-2016, 04:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pexring

Today I hit 3 new milestones in driving a class A. Soon I hope to be criss-crossing the US like many of you do, but til then I simply dream of doing that.

Anyway, my 3 milestones today were:

1 - first day trip of over 300 miles.
2 - first trip in winds of 30-35+.
3 - first trip pulling a TOAD.

After driving in all that wind, I was whipped but I had to complete the drive today. Definitely will continue to try to avoid/alter travel schedules to avoid future windy & other bad weather days. But now I know I can do it! And I was impressed with how well my Newmar Dutchstar handled the wind. The TOAD pulled like a dream. Didn't even hardly know it was behind us!

My only rule for ME driving is I drive at my comfort level. There are good roads, bad roads, high or low traffic roads and windy days. Just adjust to each and stay within your level of comfort.
The more miles you get under your belt, the more confident you will become. But no matter the experience, stay within your level of comfort.

TnThompson · 10-21-2016, 04:24 PM

Glad to hear you are comfortable with your rig. I have not reached that point quite yet. Moved up from a Class C to a Class a 3 weeks ago and have only got to take a couple short trips so I'm still on the low end of the learning curve. Just taking my time and getting used to the handling.