A RV IS NOT DIFFICULT TO DRIVE
Download this for your reference during your trip: Operating An RV
PRE-DRIVE CHECKLIST
- Interior-Exterior compartments closed
- Side windows closed
- Slides In
- Stabilizers Up
- Awning In
- E-brake Off
- Doors Secure
- Loose items stored
- Water, septic and power disconnected
..however, it is substantially wider, longer, and heavier than an automobile. These differences do call for special driving procedures. The procedures are easy to master and make your trip that much more enjoyable. The driver sits higher in a motorhome. This is a distinct advantage because you can see farther and react more quickly. It does take longer to accelerate and stop, therefore do not follow too closely in traffic.
The driver is farther to the left of the center of the vehicle. This causes most driveYs to drive too far to the right side of the road. Be aware of this and make the necessary adjustments.
MINIMUM height clearance is 12 feet on a motorhome. Be on the alert to avoid hitting overhanging tree branches, carport roofs, and low roofs over filling stations, motels, etc. Keep in mind that the rear air conditioner is sometimes higher than the front. Allow for plenty of clearance.
Due to the length of a motorhome, its turning radius is greater. Also, when driving from a flat surface up an incline or vice versa, the rear end will drag. Be aware that a motorhome is buffeted by cross winds and air currents created by passing trucks. Slow down your driving speed. Anticipate these effects and compensate for them.
When backing the vehicle, use the side mirrors and have someone watch out the back window. In close quarters, have someone give directions from outside while you view things through a side view mirror.
MOUNTAIN DRIVING
Watch the engine temperature carefully. If the engine overheats, immediately pull off to the right side of the road and wait for the engine to cool. Check the engine for coolant. Use low gear on inclines where the transmission is repeatedly upshifting and downshifting. The proper way to descend is to put the transmission in low gear, thus avoiding the overuse of the brakes. If at any time it appears that the brakes are fading, the coach should immediately be stopped and the brakes allowed to cool before proceeding.
GRAVEL ROADS
Motorhomes operate reasonably well on dirt and gravel roads. However, on such roads, gravel
thrown up by oncoming traffic can produce dents in the fiberglass or windshield damage.
SLIPPERY ROADS
Motorhomes are actually better at negotiating slippery road conditions than automobiles are. The fact that a higher percentage of the weight of the coach is on the rear wheels means that the traction will be good. However, slow down and exercise extra caution when you encounter slippery conditions. Traction may be better due to weight, but if you start to slide the same extra weight will carry you further than a car.
BACK COUNTRY ROADS
Motorhomes are not suited for traveling on really rough roads. These roads frequently wind through woods which have not been cleared sufficiently to permit the huge bulk of a motorhome to pass. Also, due to the height of a motorhome, any unevenness in the road, especially side to side unevenness, may result in a constant throwing about of all items stored in the upper part of the coach.
HIGHWAY DRIVING
Frequently, long lines of can collect behind a motorhome. When this happens, the driver should pull off the road to let the cars go by. If you do not do this particularly daring drivers will take a dangerous risk to get by and the motorhome will be the focal point of a potential accident.
WINDY CONDITIONS
Motorhomes, by their very nature, are high profile vehicles. Like all such vehicles they are adversely affected by windy conditions. If the wind is blowing your best bet is to slow down. Speed and wind make for very dangerous situations. Turn on the radio and check for wind advisories. If the situations are dangerous (or you see other high-profile vehicles such as large trucKs or other motorhomes and RVs pulled over to the side), pull over and wait for the wind to subside.
FREEZING WEATHER
When the temperature drops driving conditions change. In addition to watching for icy roads (including the hard—to-see black ice), cold weather may cause freezing of the vehicle. If the temperature drops below freezing, the operations guide gives specific actions to take to prevent damage to the vehicle systems. If you have any questions please call your rental operator.
FOR YOUR SAFETY
- ALWAYS utilize the factory installed seat belt restraints while vehicle is in motion
- SHUT OFF furnace, water heater, refrigerator, stove and generator as well as any other open flame object, while i refueling gasoline, diesel or propane.
- SECURE any loose object prior to movement of vehicle.
- ALWAYS use a lookout when backing vehicle even if equipped with rear monitor.
- BE AWARE of the total height of your vehicle, including root mounted accessories, and verify clearance of any low object before attempting to pass beneath.
- LOCK ALL door locks when vehicle is in motion.
- EXHAUST ports for furnace and water heater are extremely hot when in use. Contact with these can cause burn injury.
- EMERGENCY window exits are not to be opened except for emergency. Danger of falling from vehicle exists with emergency exit open. Observe and warn all children of danger.
- SHOWERS and tubs are slippery when wet and not for utilization while coach is in motion.
- ROOFTOPS are dangerous at all times and extreme caution must be observed if accessing roof for any reason.
- NEVER attempt to change vehicle tires. ALWAYS contact a professional tire facility qualified for this operation.
- OPEN stairwells and other objects are potential hazards during darkness. Be aware of their location and use minimal lighting if available.
- AWNING operation can cause finger and hand injury.
- DISCONTINUE travel during high wind conditions.
FAILURE TO FOLLOW THE ABOVE SAFETY INFORMATION MAY RESULT IN INJURY OR DEATH. READ ALL MANUFACTURER INFORMATION AND SAFETY TIPS. FOLLOW ALL LOCAL, STATE AND NATIONAL SPEED LAWS. PLAN YOUR ROUTE AND KNOW YOUR VEHICLE LIMITATIONS.
Above information provided courtesy of MBA Insurance