Nohr’s RV Center is dedicated to life on the road and doing it successfully. We want you to enjoy the RV lifestyle, and that means understanding the complexities of driving your motorhome. Not only is your RV an expensive piece of equipment, but it also behaves differently than passenger vehicles. Before you set out on an RV adventure, take the time to brush up on the driving skills necessary for safe motorhome travels.
Drive Defensively
Awareness is crucial to motorhome driving.
Find a place to stop periodically and grab a meal or even take a nap. If you
must drive straight through, take along a co-pilot to take over when you are
feeling road-weary. Pay close attention to your immediate surroundings, but keep an eye out for developments farther down the road as well. Be prepared for upcoming traffic signals, vehicles changing lanes or turning, and maintain a safe driving speed matching the specifications of your motorhome and the road.
Maximum Clearance Matters
The minimum
interstate clearance for overpasses varies from state to state and ranges from
13’-6” to 15 feet. However, this clearance is only for the interstate system,
and smaller roadways have little or no regulations at all. Before you leave
home, measure the height of your vehicle from the ground to the top of the highest object on your vehicle, including equipment
like a satellite dish. As you drive, pay close attention to posted clearance
signs, including off-the-road stops like gas stations, rest areas, and parking
lots.
Tips for Turns
The turn radius of a
motorhome depends on the distance between the front and rear-most wheels. This
means the rear wheels of a trailer or vehicle if you are towing one. The best
idea is to practice before you hit the road. Set up cones or empty boxes in an
empty parking lot and spend a little time getting used to the turn radius, stopping distance, and
backing into a parking space.
RV Friendly Fueling
You will not be able
to fuel your motorhome at every gas station along the way. Some will have low
canopies, some require close maneuvers, and others simply won’t have enough
space to be useful. The best idea is to fuel up at a truck stop or a station which
advertises “trucks and buses welcome.” If possible, plan your fuel stops before
leaving home, and keep in mind that fuel stops are common at state lines -
especially when there is a noticeable price difference between the two
jurisdictions.As with any activity, mastering the use of an RV requires practice and patience. The more you develop those traits, the safer and easier operating a motorhome will be. If you are in Tracy, CA, or anywhere in the Bay Area, stop by Nohr’s RV Center and ask for tips on learning to operate your RV.
