General Tips for New RVers

Tips for new RVers are helpful even if you are not new! But, if you have just purchased your first RV or are inching closer to making that big decision, good for you and welcome to the club! Getting started with the RV lifestyle can be both exciting and daunting at the same time with the endless miles of highway quickly calling while you learn how to operate the new rig and its many functions. Although the new RV is a tool to unlock years of endless adventure and magical memories, it is also a big responsibility that shouldn’t be taken lightly. To keep any RV in proper working condition while driving safe takes some knowledge and experience. While you may be eager to get your hands on the wheel and get moving, there are a few general tips that can benefit all new RVers out there.

Safety First, Second and Third

The first tip come as an overall cautious warning to keep things safe and steady in your new RV. If you have never driven a large vehicle before, it is not that much more complicated than operating a normal passenger vehicle, but due to its size, safety is of the utmost concern. A larger vehicle such as an RV takes much longer to stop, can have significant blind spots, handles slowly and takes more patience and focus to operate. The best way to improve your RV driving skills is to fire it up and get going as experience behind the wheel and on the highway are where you really learn how to properly drive the vehicle.

Everyone has to start somewhere, however, and a new driver should practice a few small trips around the neighborhood or easy highway drives to get comfortable. Start off slowly and stay slow and controlled on these maiden voyages. Have a soft foot both on the gas and on the brake. An RV will rarely have a ton of accelerating power with the engine having so much weight to push. When braking, make sure to brake slowly while giving plenty of space to the vehicles in front of you. The size of the vehicle also inhibits the time it takes to get it under control and slowed down so if you drive too close to the other cars in front of you, it can be a recipe for disaster. Take it easy, always. Your life and the lives of others onboard and on the highway are at stake.

How to Handle the Highway

An RV handles differently than other vehicles, especially at highway speeds. In addition to the suggestions above of accelerating and braking slowly, you should also be extra cautious when turning through corners and changing lanes. One easy tip is to never step on the gas while turning. This will allow you to maintain added control of the vehicle while being able to hit the brake to keep things under control. Giving the RV gas while cornering can make it very top heavy and lead to forces of momentum that can easily make the vehicle harder to handle. Plus, taking a corner too fast can throw open the cupboards and send food and supplies flying.

When changing lanes, be sure to double check both mirrors and pay extra attention to your blind spots. You will almost certainly not have the benefit of a rearview mirror, so your side mirrors are the only options when it comes to making sure the coast is clear to change lanes. If you are unaware of any blind spots, have a friend or co-pilot walk around the vehicle while parked. Watch them in the mirrors and if at any point they disappear, you’ve just found a blind spot. Purchase a few blind spot mirrors from your local auto shop or hardware store to make up for this dangerous situation.

Pay Attention, Listen Close

Another tip that should be followed closely is to always remain alert and attentive while behind the wheel. This is practical advice when operating any vehicle but with an RV, it becomes even more important. Keep both hands on the wheel as much as possible while trying to limit any distractions that could keep your eyes or focus away from the task at hand. Again, such a large vehicle takes longer time to react to your controls so any lack of focus or diminished reaction time can quickly lead to consequences. Check your mirrors often, even when not turning just to know your surroundings and always keep a good eye out for any obstacles that might lie ahead on the road.

You will also want to listen closely to the sound of your vehicle. If you get a sense for how the engine and other critical functions of the RV sound at normal operating conditions, it will help you know and understand when something is out of whack or in need of repair. This doesn’t mean you need to be a master mechanic, but will help you realize when you might need one! Any loud squeaks, rattles, bangs or pops should be assessed and taken seriously as a small problem can quickly turn big when left unchecked.

Have Fun and Enjoy the Ride

It may seem like there is a lot to know and take in to consideration when it comes to RV driving and operation – and that’s because there is. With a little knowledge, preparation and actively engaging in and educating yourself with proper RV safety and the suggestions above, you will only further your possibilities for fun down the road. An RV is a one-way ticket to freedom and adventure that is sure to bring a smile to your face. Everyone, at some point, takes their first trip and although that first drive might be intimidating, turn the key and get going. Remember to drive slowly, pay attention, remain alert and take it easy. Follow these few simple suggestions and you will be able to get where you intend on going in no time, or as long as you want it to take.