How to drive an RV

Did you know you can drive most RVs with a regular driver’s license. Today, RV motorhomes come with back-up and side cameras to help you get comfortable behind the wheel. Watch a young mom learn for herself that she can in fact drive an RV. Driving an RV is not difficult it’s just different and if you have experience driving then you’re already set to hit the road. There’s no test or special license required for most RVs, just a few things to keep in mind before you get behind the wheel. Driving an RV won’t feel the same as driving a car. Depending on the size, it could feel like driving a minivan or even a commercial big rig truck. So it’s important to always pay attention to the size, height and weight of your motor vehicle, so compare the different RV sizes for yourself.

BEFORE LEAVING ON YOUR FIRST ADVENTURE IN A MOTORHOME, YOU SHOULD:

• Sit in the driver’s seat and adjust all mirrors for optimal road views.
• Allow for the size of your vehicle when turning. The front and rear wheels will track paths much farther apart than those of a car.
• Allow more time to brake or to change lanes. Big vehicles take more time to accelerate and slow down.

IF YOU’RE TOWING A FOLDING CAMPING OR TRAVEL TRAILER, YOU SHOULD:

• Match the proper tow vehicle to your RV. Most full and mid-size family cars can pull a trailer; so can today’s popular vans, SUVs, and light-duty trucks.
• Use the right trailer hitch, and make sure it’s hitched correctly.
• Connect brakes and signal lights. Make sure that the trailer’s brakes, turn signals, and taillights are synchronized with the towing vehicle.
• Back up with care. By placing your hand at the bottom of the steering wheel, the trailer will move in the direction you turn your hand. (For example, to move the trailer to the right, move your hand to the right.)
• Once the trailer is moving in the proper direction, avoid any sharp movements of the steering wheel.
• When reversing: ask someone to stand outside the vehicle to make sure the driver avoids any obstacles not seen in the mirrors. If another person is not available, the driver should inspect the area behind the vehicle to prevent surprises and accidents.