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Driving an RV
It's fun traveling with your home as you explore the different regions of the country. However, it can be dangerous if you are not familiar with the differences that the weight, size, and visibility demands of your RV driving. The transition from driving the family car to driving an RV is different, but not necessarily difficult. The points discussed below will help you to be a safe RV driver.
RV HEIGHTS
Most RVs are taller than passenger vehicles so you will need to learn quickly about road clearances, service station canopies, bridge heights, and to watch for low hanging obstacles such as tree branches. Your owner's manual, your RV dealer, or the RV manufacturer are the best sources for helping you determine the maximum road height for your RV. Once you know, post the height somewhere on the RV or in the tow vehicle so it will always be handy as a reference.
RV LENGTHS
Many highways either restrict or recommend non-use for vehicles over a certain length. Vehicle Code 35400 restricts the operation of housecars over 40 feet only on specified highways and within one mile of either side of those highways for access to fuel, food, or lodging. These highways include, but are not always limited to, the National System of Interstate and Defense Highways and all state routes. For exceptions to this list, visit the Caltrans website at: www.dot.ca.gov.
MANEUVERING THE RV
When driving an RV, the additional weight and size (length) of the RV makes it less maneuverable than a passenger vehicle. A safe maneuver in your family car may be dangerous in the RV. Since it is heavier, the RV may not stop as quickly and you will need more following distance. Defensive driving in an RV requires making changes slowly, braking gradually, and being familiar with its handling characteristics.
BRAKING
Most RVs are heavier than passenger vehicles and require greater braking distances. You must allow more time for the vehicle to slow or stop. If you are towing an RV, you must also worry about brake fade. Brake fade can happen when the brakes are overheated from prolonged use or the brakes are out of alignment. To help avoid brake fade on downgrades, use the lower gears to allow the engine to help slow the vehicle.
SPEED
RVs are naturally slower than passenger vehicles. It takes longer to climb a hill in an RV because it's heavier than a passenger vehicle. Keep this in mind, practice good manners, make safety first and observe the law when driving an RV by using turnouts when there are five or more vehicles behind you that wish to pass. The drivers behind you will be able to see ahead more easily if you try not to drive next to the center of the lane. If you are traveling with other RV owners in a caravan, be sure to leave enough space between your RV and the RV in front of you for other drivers to enter when they want to pass.
SAFETY BELTS
Always wear your safety belt when driving and RV. Even though many motor homes accommodate passengers in places where safety belts are not required by federal law (i.e., dining table), if the area has a safety belt - wear it. Riding in a place which is not equipped with a safety belt increases the danger of injury in case of an accident.
WEATHER CONDITIONS
Bad weather conditions such as winds, fog, snow, and ice, are hazards to all drivers. An RV owner has an advantage over other passenger vehicles because of the added weight over the drive wheels. This gives the vehicle better traction in bad weather. However, its added weight can also make an RV more difficult to move if it gets stuck. Plan your trips to avoid bad weather conditions as much as possible.
As a safety tip remember, if hazardous weather conditions require the use of windshield wipers you must also turn on your headlights.
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