Community Forums

cfpaulm66 · 05-10-2018, 12:57 PM

Hi

My name is Mike. After doing some google searching it seems that this forum may be able to answer a couple of questions I have.

We are planning an RV trip for 3 weeks in the summer starting from Denver, going over to the west coast then back to Denver. We have driven a Class C, 28' motorhome before, but this time we are looking at a Class A, 35'. I am looking for some honest comments on the difference between driving these two vehicles. I am an experienced car driver, but still nervous about driving something so large. If it makes a difference, we are planning to visit Yellowstone.

We live in Mass and I have been looking to see if I can buy a driving lesson, but could only find lessons for RV owners. Any thoughts on that?

Thanks everyone!

beamisl · 05-10-2018, 01:27 PM

Hi,

Welcome to the Forum! Haven't driven a Class C so can't talk about the difference.

Would suggest you go to a RV place (that maybe has a used rig) and ask to drive a 33 FT Class A.

We have a 33 FT Class A and I am the wife and I drive it with no issues even pulling our Equinox. You have quite a TAIL on a Class A so you need to remember there is swing to it. You have to get it around the corner and then that TAIL swings out behind.

Good Luck and have fun! Lynne

MSHappyCampers · 05-10-2018, 01:59 PM

Hi Mike!

Welcome to IRV2! We're sure glad you joined the gang!

Never drove a Class C so can't answer your question.

Good luck, happy trails, and God bless!

momdoc · 05-10-2018, 03:14 PM

Welcome. Not as hard as you think. Do a Google search on motor home driving training (uTube) and there are multiple helpful videos to look at.
Enjoy the adventure

Stever53 · 05-10-2018, 07:05 PM

Hi Mike

I haven’t driven a class C or A, but I would think you’ll be able to handle it since you said you’ve driven the class C. Take your time and ease on down the road, you got this

Good luck

this place is great

Safe travels

**TonyDi** · 05-10-2018, 07:53 PM

Glad to have you here in the forum with us. You're gonna like it here.

The key to driving a class A is just to take your time. You will adjust to it very quickly. If you have problems, use a spotter for backing up, and plan your turns (especially to the right) before you get to an intersection. You'll be fine.

Happy Trails!!!

TimeAweigh · 05-11-2018, 09:50 AM

Mike,
Sounds like a great trip!
Differences:
- Class A will usually turn sharper than a C. Think of the last rental car bus you were on and how sharply it turned.
- You sit farther forward in the A. There is no engine or hood in front of you.
- The A will probably be taller, always check the vertical clearance at fuel stops, trees, bridges, low flying planes.
- The A most likely will not have a driver's door
- If it is a diesel pusher, you will not have near the engine noise
- With no bunk-over-cab, you get to see up from the driver's seat of an A!

Have fun!!
Steve

Macbow · 05-11-2018, 02:48 PM

The biggest difference I found (last year) was getting used to staying in the middle of my lane. Different perspective than class C witch is more like a truck.
I tend to croud the right edge of thr road.

The turning tadius isn’t hard to get used to.

psw-jmw · 05-11-2018, 07:08 PM

About a year ago we "upgraded" from a 31' Class C to a 40' Class A with a gas engine up front. It is a 2005 Itasca and we tow a 2002 PT Cruiser. I don't find a whole lot of difference other than the width and the fact that in traffic on the freeway you look into the truck cabs on your left and not up.

The big difference is turning. I was told that you drive a Class A by the seat of your pants. This is true don't start your turn until the "seat of your pants" are at the point you want to turn. Keep an eye on your side mirror and rear camera. You get used to it real fast.

The view out the front of Class A is fantastic. Have fun.

ThePowells · 05-11-2018, 10:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cfpaulm66

Hi

My name is Mike. After doing some google searching it seems that this forum may be able to answer a couple of questions I have.

We are planning an RV trip for 3 weeks in the summer starting from Denver, going over to the west coast then back to Denver. We have driven a Class C, 28' motorhome before, but this time we are looking at a Class A, 35'. I am looking for some honest comments on the difference between driving these two vehicles. I am an experienced car driver, but still nervous about driving something so large. If it makes a difference, we are planning to visit Yellowstone.

We live in Mass and I have been looking to see if I can buy a driving lesson, but could only find lessons for RV owners. Any thoughts on that?

Thanks everyone!

And

PSW-JNM