Community Forums

ready2roam · 09-29-2010, 05:26 PM

Just bought our first motorhome, a 2010 Newmar Ventana, picked it up in Knoxville, TN and are heading home to Scottsdale, AZ. Really love it and the RV parks we've stayed at so far but, due to time constraints, are stuck going all the way on I-40.

My question. When do I blink my ICC courtesy lights when a semi- is passing me and what should I expect in response. I've blinked them just after their rear end clears my bumper but I don't know how long or how many times to blink them. I want to do the right thing and not look like a complete novice.

Thanks for your help,

Jimmyzw22 · 09-29-2010, 05:41 PM

Proper etiquette is that as soon as they are well clear of you, about one car length flash the lights once, they will move over and then flash their lights once to thank you. In turn they should do the same for you. Hope this helps

denochs · 09-29-2010, 06:09 PM

Good advice on the proper etiquette. However, you should know that truck drivers have changed considerably over the last decade or so. Many, not all, are new. Some do not know or don't care to use simple courtesy & etiquette on the road. That may account for you not getting the normal courtesy response.

Dave

ready2roam · 09-29-2010, 06:16 PM

Thanks for the info, will do the proper thing from now on.
I'm sure we'll have more questions as time goes on, have only received great information from this forum.

Thanks again

akadeadeye · 09-29-2010, 06:17 PM

Good luck on I-40. I think I had my fill of it this Spring between Albuquerque and Flagstaff, and a few weeks ago between Little Rock and Memphis. The highway was very rough and the trucks far out numbered autos. We had to reduce speed many times to keep from getting shaken too much because of the road conditions.
. 98% of the truckers are good drivers, but the 2% who text and cross the center line while passing you are very dangerous. Use the air horn when you need to to get them to put the phone down. The consequences are too severe.

Congratulations on your purchase. You will love the Newmar quality and service response.

Our Allstar is 11 months old and we just returned from Nappanee for warranty work and first year check up. All issues have been minor but there will be issues the first year. Hang in there.

Don

bigskymt · 09-29-2010, 06:21 PM

I wait until it's clear for them to pull in then either flash my hi-beams or turn off the headlights for a second.
The ICC switch only affects your clearance lights, tough to see those in a trucker's mirror.

Dick Noble · 09-29-2010, 06:47 PM

I watch the big truck's mirror and, when I see the driver looking, I flash my lights.

RickO · 09-29-2010, 07:15 PM

Congrats on the new rig!

On mine, I have two buttons. One flashes my headlights and the other my clearance lights. I flash the headlights when they are clear to pull back in front of me at a safe distance and I usually flash them up to three times but try to catch them when they are looking. Then, if they are courteous (varies by which part of the country you're in at the time, etc) they will flash their clearance lights to thank you. I then respond back with a flash of my clearance lights. Gives me something to do.

We too are currently on I40 heading to Flagstaff and then on to Buckeye. If you are looking for an overnight stop about 40 miles west of Albuquerque, tonight we're at the Dancing Eagle casino. $10/night full hook ups. 2 for 1 rib eyes for $14 and you get $10 voucher for free gas if you have an out of state ID.

Rick