Expert Tips for Driving Motorhome
If you’ve only ever driven sedan-sized cars, the thought of getting behind the wheel of a large motorhome can be daunting, but it need not be.
Don’t be phased by driving a larger vehicle. Undoubtedly, the sheer bulk of some motorhomes may put some potential owners off. A little trick is to remember that many motorhomes are still smaller than the majority of commercial trucks and buses on the road and there is a maximum width that all vehicles can be, that’s 2.5m (8ft 2in).
Have a practice drive
If you are a newcomer to motorhomes, then before venturing onto busy roads, it’s not a bad idea to get some practice on quiet roads just to get a feel of the vehicle you are driving. In doing so, you should get a feel for the turning radius of your motorhome as well as the vehicle length. In both cases that will give more confidence about handling the motorhome, when performing actions such as overtaking or manoeuvring around tight places such as a caravan park.
Basic maintenance
To help you feel confident about driving anywhere, it’s important to always do a minor maintenance check before heading off on a long drive. This includes checking the tyre pressures, mirrors, reversing camera if fitted, brake light and indicators.
Secure everything
This might sound very basic but it’s important to ensure that all gear is secured properly, particularly inside the motorhome and especially large items. The last thing anyone needs is loose items flying around in the event of heavy braking or an accident. It’s not a good idea to have anything heavy stored in the luton peak nor above the cab in A-class motorhomes.
Your vital statistics
When driving under bridges or on narrow roads it’s a good idea to know the length, width and height of your motorhome. Motorhome rental companies generally have a reminder sticker somewhere in the cab area that’s easily seen by the driver and it’s not a bad idea.
Allow extra braking distance
Large and heavy vehicles have much longer stopping distances than normal cars and utes, so giving yourself extra braking distance does keep the blood pressure and stress levels down and reduces the risk of accidents. Except of course when other unhelpful road users duck into the extra braking distance you have left.
Give more time for merging
Motorhomes are long vehicles and therefore require more manoeuvring room when in traffic, such as when entering freeways or overtaking another vehicle. Not having the same acceleration as smaller vehicles simply means giving more space and time to road manoeuvres.
Watch the weather
While driving in bad weather isn’t usually much of a problem, it can be in the event of strong crosswinds. Being bulky objects, motorhomes make nice windbreaks and that can push the motorhome around. The usual solution to this is to drive a little slower and learn to be a bit more reactive with the steering wheel. That’s something that comes from experience rather than anything else.
Don’t forget your blind spots
Large vehicles do have blind spots, particularly around the rear area. A rear-view camera can often solve that problem but without one, it’s something to keep in mind. We’ve all seen that sign on the back of trucks that says something like ‘If you can’t see my mirrors, then I can’t see you’, but there’s always the chance someone on the road isn’t doing the right thing, so stay vigilant.
Plan rest breaks
Any old hand will tell you that taking your time in RV travel is the way to go. To avoid driver (and even passenger) fatigue, factor in plenty of rest breaks along the way. If some interesting sight happens to appear along the way, then give yourself an extra break and enjoy the scenery. It’s not a bad idea when distances are long for both driver and passenger to take a turn at driving.
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