How to Drive an RV

Are you wondering how to drive an RV? Feeling a bit jittery about driving an RV for the first time? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. But guess what? Driving an RV isn’t as daunting as it seems. Keep reading to learn everything you need to hit the open road.

What to Know Before You Drive an RV

Do You Need a Special License to Drive an RV in Canada? You don’t need a special license to drive a motorhome or tow a trailer, as long as it falls under a certain weight (usually under 11,000 kg combined). A regular driver’s license will do.
Know Your RV Type. Not all RVs are the same. Visit our Explore RV page to learn more about every type of RV out there, but here’s a quick breakdown:
Class A: Large, bus-style motorhomes (can be up to 45 feet long).
Class B: Compact campervans, easiest to drive and park.
Class C: Mid-sized motorhomes with a cab-over design.
Towables: Travel trailers and fifth wheels that attach to your vehicle.
✅ Tip: If you’re brand new, consider starting with a Class B or small Class C RV for easier maneuverability.

How to Drive an RV: Key Tips for Beginners

1. Practice in a Wide-Open Space
Before hitting the road, find a large empty parking lot to get comfortable with:
Turning radius
Braking distance
Reverse and backing up
Take it slow—this is your time to build confidence.
2. Use Your Mirrors (A Lot!)
RVs have big blind spots, so mirrors are your best friends. Some RVs come with backup cameras—use them, but don’t rely on them completely.
3. Take Wide Turns
Because of your RV’s length, you’ll need to swing out slightly wider on right-hand turns to avoid curbs or clipping corners.
4. Allow for Extra Stopping Time
RVs are heavier than passenger vehicles. Brake early and coast into stops, especially downhill or in wet weather.
5. Watch Your Height and Weight
Know your RV’s clearance height (especially for Class A or C rigs) and weight limits. Always watch for low bridges, overpasses, and weight-restricted roads.
🚧 Tip: Post a sticky note with your height and length on the dash—you’ll thank yourself later at the first drive-thru or ferry terminal.
6. Slow and Steady Wins the Road
Drive at a safe, steady pace—especially on winding roads, in mountain passes, or when it’s windy.

RV Parking, Backing Up & Campsite Setups

Parking and backing up an RV is one of the biggest worries for new RVers—but with a little practice and a few smart strategies, you can master it in no time.

1. Use a Spotter—But Agree on Signals First
This is RV rule #1: never assume your spotter knows what you’re thinking.
Before you begin, agree on clear, visible hand signals for:

Stop
Keep going
Turn left/right
You’re aligned

✅ Pro Tip: Have your spotter stand where you can see them in your side mirror—not behind you or out of sight. And keep a set of walkie-talkies on hand as backup when cell service is weak

2. Master the “Pull-Through Preview”
If you’re headed into a back-in site, pull forward past the entrance first to get a better angle. This move—called the “pull-through preview”—lets you scan for overhanging branches, slope, and any obstructions you might not catch from a 90-degree approach.

3. Practice With Cones (Not Cars)
Before your first campground arrival, set up traffic cones or empty bins in an empty lot and practice backing between them. This low-stakes environment is perfect for understanding how your RV responds to steering input in reverse.

4. Use the G.O.A.L. Method (Get Out And Look)
Even experienced RVers swear by this: stop, hop out, and assess the space before backing in.
Look for:

Hidden tree stumps or rocks
Uneven ground or slopes
Fire pits, picnic tables, or low branches
Sewer and electrical hookups (and their locations relative to your slide-outs)

5. Know Your Pivot Point
Here’s one most people don’t realize: your rear axle is your pivot point.
When backing up, everything behind that point swings in the opposite direction of your steering. Keep this in mind when judging how close you are to obstacles near your rear end or tail swing.

6. Plan Your Fuel Stops Like a Trucker
Pulling into a regular gas station can be a nightmare. Use truck stops or large travel centers whenever possible, or scope out gas stations on Google Street View before your trip.
Pro Tip: When entering tight lots, go nose-first into the furthest pump so you have maximum room to exit—even if that means circling the station once.

7. Align Yourself Before Backing
If possible, approach the site with your RV straight and lined up before beginning your backup. It reduces the need for extreme steering and gives you a smoother entry path.
🎯 Bonus Trick: Use the “Swoop” method—pull slightly past the site and angle toward the opposite side before beginning your turn. This sets you up for a cleaner back-in.

8. Use All Windows and Walk-Arounds
Yes, your mirrors and backup camera are essential—but so is your passenger window. Don’t be afraid to open the windows and stick your head out to get a better view when parking.
Also: walk all the way around your RV before final leveling. A small rock or uneven slope near one tire can cause issues later when you extend your slide-outs or stabilize.

9. Watch for Soft Shoulders (and Soggy Sites)
Not all campsites are created equal. If it’s been raining, test the ground before driving fully in—especially with heavier Class A or fifth-wheel RVs. Soggy or unreinforced areas can lead to getting stuck or sinking into the ground.
Pro tip: Carry wooden boards or heavy-duty plastic pads to place under your stabilizers or tires if needed.

✅ Backing Up Safely, Parking Smoothly
The best thing you can do to improve? Practice when the pressure is low.
Find an empty parking lot on a weekend morning and spend 30 minutes backing into imaginary campsites, making three-point turns, and spotting your blind spots.
With time, these maneuvers will feel second nature—and that stressful first arrival will turn into a smooth, confident start to your adventure.

Final Thoughts: Learning How to Drive an RV Is Easier Than You Think

Every RVer was new once—and most will tell you that the first drive is the hardest. With practice, patience, and the right tips, you’ll be cruising down the highway in no time, soaking up the freedom of the open road.
So don’t let the size of your rig stop you from exploring. With the right prep, you can drive an RV safely, confidently, and stress-free—and discover just how easy it is to make the road your own.

Ready to try RVing? Head over to our Find a Dealer page to rent an RV and start planning your trip!