Motorhome Driving Tips
If you’re looking to see the country in a new way, a recreational vehicle can help you do it in style—and a motorhome is one of the most comfortable and spacious options! These roomy vehicles offer the ultimate camping experience with their modern appliances, cozy furnishings, and a variety of layouts to choose from. You’ll also have plenty of space to accommodate everyone you want to bring along on your trip.
However, learning to drive a motorhome requires some practice and changes to your usual driving style, since these rigs are much bigger than most other styles.
This guide to motorhome driving by Horn Rapids RV should put you on the road to success. If you have any questions or if you want to check out some of these incredible campers, be sure to call us or visit our dealership in Richland, Washington.
How to Brake
Your motorhome is equipped with a different style of brake than what’s typically found in a passenger car or a truck. Your car has hydraulic brakes, which immediately respond when any pressure is applied, while a motorhome has air brakes. These make use of air compression instead of liquid to slow down the vehicle. They need constant pressure applied over time in order to bring the whole rig to a complete stop. You’ll need to practice braking in your camper to get used to how this braking style operates. Find a large, empty parking lot or a time with low traffic to hone your driving skills. Go slowly at first and learn to determine how quickly your vehicle responds to the pressure applied.
Maintain a Safe Distance
Since your brakes require more time to bring your motorhome to a complete stop, you’ll need to increase your following distance on the highway. Put two times the normal distance between yourself and the cars ahead of you and stay at or below the speed limit. Allow other vehicles to pass you and try not to change lanes.
You will need to pay close attention to the traffic around you since it won’t always be predictable and you’ll require more time to react to sudden changes because your rig will not be as agile. Giving yourself more space on the road will help with this, and you’ll want to slow down and give even more space in bad weather conditions.
Highway Driving Tips
Another thing to be mindful of as you’re driving on the highway is the size of your rig. The higher profile of a motorhome means it’s vulnerable to high winds that can cause it to sway or even tip over if conditions are severe. In those situations, you’ll want to pull over to safety, but in lesser winds, you’ll simply need to remain calm and try to keep in your lane. Remember to check the weather forecast to see if high winds are anywhere on your route so that you can adjust your itinerary accordingly.
How to Turn
Turning in your motorhome will also present more of a challenge because of the high profile and length. You don’t want to take any turns too quickly and risk tipping over. You’ll also have to have a much wider turning radius to navigate corners and avoid jumping curbs or hitting obstacles.
Reduce your speed to under ten miles an hour when you’re turning so you can maneuver through it successfully. Accelerate as you complete it and slowly get back up to speed.
Motorhomes are equipped with all the amenities you need to make every camping adventure feel like a dream. Learning to drive them can take some practice, but once you master it, you’ll feel confident to go wherever the road may take you. If you’re still in search of your dream camper, visit our dealership in Richland, WA, to see our selection of motorhomes for sale. Horn Rapids RV proudly serves our customers in Kennewick.