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RV
Manual We are developing an online Manual so that you may enjoy your RV to it's fullest. This is a work in progress and is subject to change at any given time. It is also a generic peace of work and is meant only as a general guide, it should not be taken as absolute fact. Each RV is distinct and individual in it's own right, do not take anything written here literally as it may or may not apply to the exact RV you will be using. Some information provided in these pages are only suggestions. Please read Your RV page as we have more helpful information.
When turning, remember that you will need more head and tail room than a car does. Your rear tires track inside your front ones. Use your mirrors to look behind every 8 to10 seconds. Your convex mirror should take care of the “blind areas along the sides of the coach, but be aware that small cars, bikes, etc. can creep up beside you. High speed turning requires practice for safety because the geometry of a typical RV rig. In general, the mass of 10+ tons causes a momentum that makes the rig want to go straight much more so than an automobile. This 10+ tons has a much higher center of gravity and thus turning causes a lot more tipping. The suspensions of RV's are not as capable as a car and you need to practice to know how your RV handles. Practice turning maneuvers on a traffic free side road so that you will be prepared to dodge any hazard that you will encounter. And you will -- its just a matter of time. Do simulated emergency lane change turns at graduated speeds so you will know what the RV and yourself can really do when it's required. Start this practice at a speed of 20 mph and work your way up to 60 mph. It is always easier to turn a rig than it is stop it, so this practice develops an important skill. Low speed turns require practice since the longer wheelbases of RV's require you to make wider turns. Knowing where the rear axle is during these maneuvers is as crucial as knowing where the rear bumper is swinging and proper use of mirrors will assist you in doing these turns safely. Practice these maneuvers on traffic free side streets using traffic cones to simulate rocks, ditches, poles, etc. |
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