Community Forums

"007" · 12-05-2010, 08:25 AM

RV DRIVING SKILLS

BACKING 5TH WHEEL & TRAVEL TRAILER

THE USE OF YOUR PAC BRAKE, or Jake brake.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR PROPER PSI IN YOUR TIRES

**NLOVNIT** · 12-05-2010, 05:18 PM

I highly recommend a driving course - for experienced a well as newbie drivers. I took an abbreviated, hands-on one at the FMHA rally last summer. I learned SO much. Although I've driven every RV we've owned (SUV+TT, HD truck+5-r & now MH+toad), I never felt comfortable doing so - I was a white knuckle driver the entire time. After taking the course, I'm much more confident & assured in my driving. Sure, I still have those scary moments (i.e. construction zones, close quarters at campgrounds), but I'm better able to handle those situations after taking the class.

Lori-

max49 · 12-05-2010, 05:46 PM

I think they should have stressed that we should check all mirrors about every 10 seconds so we are always aware of other vehicles coming up behind us, that way we know if someone is in our blind spot.

"007" · 12-05-2010, 05:59 PM

My rear view monitor is under my TV where your rear view mirror would be mounted, very convenient also has sound of passing vehicles from monitor.
Monitor is always on while driving.
Max makes a very good point in checking your mirrors every 10 seconds, thats what I would instruct new drivers, keeps you alert to your surroundings.

SW4UA · 01-05-2011, 08:21 PM

I just got back from Tampa with our new Phaeton. Took the RV driving course there and it was great. It really helped bringing it home and understanding how to turn, back etc. Highly recommend it.

Glassalley52 · 03-16-2011, 05:34 AM

Does anyone know of a training course for 5th wheels? There is a world of difference between the old pop-up and the new 5er.

pwf16129 · 04-11-2011, 09:36 AM

something the company i work for stresses highly and works great is 15-7 look 15 seconds down the road in front of you and keep 7 seconds away from vehicles in front of you .
as a newbie rver it has made life much less exciting getting used to my coach .
best wishes frank,cricket and harley the dog

Loren B. · 05-19-2011, 09:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pwf16129

something the company i work for stresses highly and works great is 15-7 look 15 seconds down the road in front of you and keep 7 seconds away from vehicles in front of you .
as a newbie rver it has made life much less exciting getting used to my coach .
best wishes frank,cricket and harley the dog

At 60 mph (88 fps) seven seconds works out to 616 feet. That's over 1/10th of a mile. I doubt that anyone, including any of your company drivers, actually maintain that much distance.

The rule I have heard for years is two seconds.

-- Loren

RuckOfTheRidge · 05-29-2011, 07:04 PM

Is there not an insurance discount for taking the course, or is it only for certain companys?

JimmyLeggett · 07-21-2011, 07:46 PM

not only is my rear view camera always on, with the sound on too. my mirrors have a top hat convex mirror, when someone is passing i have them in sight from behind the coach and when they leave the camera view i pick them up in the mirrors and they are in sight til passed. I also use a lane marker placed at eye level (simple, just a square of blue painters tape). when the left tape is on the center line the coach has room on both sides. I also use a right line marker as well for those construction zone areas and tight spots.
The only driving courses I have taken were all army couses for 2 1/2 ton to 10 ton trucks and tank driving courses (talk about driving nearly blind), but they help me out here.

GMRHost · 10-30-2011, 03:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Loren B.

At 60 mph (88 fps) seven seconds works out to 616 feet. That's over 1/10th of a mile. I doubt that anyone, including any of your company drivers, actually maintain that much distance.

The rule I have heard for years is two seconds.

-- Loren

Two seconds was taught for automobiles, not tractor-trailers or fully-loaded RVs, especially when towing. Tractor-Trailer drivers are taught to allow 1 second for every 10 miles per hour. Following that guideline is up to the individual, but what I would suggest for anyone to do, is go out in your representative vehicle, on a clear, open, dry road and get up to road speed. As you pass a sign or other signifigant marker, hit the brakes and stay on them til you stop.
Pull off, and walk the distance back to the marker you hit the brakes at; that's the minimum distance you should be keeping, and for every 10 mph you travel over your test speed, increase your distance, because stopping will take even longer.
Do not take my word for this; try it yourself.

sdennislee · 10-30-2011, 04:41 PM

I try the 7 second rule, unfortunately those that pass me then cut back in 1 or 2 car lengths ahead of me make it impossible to maintain. Once I have my laser cannon installed it will be much easier to maintain.

2 seconds is no where near enough to stop 33,000 pounds of motorhome ding 60 mph. Not even on dry pavement.

GMRHost · 10-30-2011, 05:06 PM

I know what you mean about them 'Jumping in there!'
Unfortunately, we have to drive for the idiots, too. Forgive my lack of political correctness, but I'd still have the idiots ahead of me where I can keep an eye on 'em, .

Nedra · 11-30-2011, 02:32 PM

I took a class a couple of years ago and really wish I had taken it years ago. It was definitely worth it and I highly recommend it for women who have not gotten behind the wheel yet. Taking a private one is much better than taking a condensed version at a ralley.