Summary
- Before hitting the open road, first-time RV drivers should practice in empty parking lots to master basic maneuvers
- It’s crucial to know your RV’s exact dimensions to safely navigate bridges, tunnels, and tight spaces
- Because RVs require more stopping distance than passenger vehicles, maintaining a 4-6 second following distance is essential
- Outdoorsy.com offers comprehensive resources for new RV drivers looking to build confidence behind the wheel
- Preventing the most common accidents new RV drivers experience can be done by mastering proper mirror adjustment and understanding tail swing
Driving an RV for the first time can feel like you’re piloting a small building down the highway. The increased size, weight, and unfamiliar handling characteristics can make many first-time drivers nervous. But don’t worry – with the right preparation and practice, you’ll be confidently cruising in no time.
Must-Have RV Driving Skills for Beginners
Patience is key when it comes to first-time RV driving. You need to respect your RV because it’s not like your everyday vehicle. It takes longer to speed up, more time to stop, and needs more room to move around. Realizing this is the first step to being a confident RV driver. Taking the time to get used to how your RV drives before you go on a big trip will make your journey safer and less stressful.
Size Matters: RVs Don’t Drive Like Cars
Driving an RV is a whole different ballgame than driving a car. RVs can range from 20 feet for a small Class C to over 45 feet for a high-end Class A. That’s a lot more size and weight to manage on the road. The increased size affects everything from how you make turns to how long it takes to stop. The higher center of gravity also makes RVs more susceptible to crosswinds and the drafts created by passing trucks. You’ll need to make constant minor steering adjustments, but this will become second nature with practice.
Comparing RVs to Cars
Stopping distance for an RV: 2-3 times longer than a car
RVs accelerate: Much slower, especially going uphill
Turning an RV: Needs wider turns and more forethought
RVs in the wind: More sensitive due to their size
Operating an RV is not just about driving a vehicle, it’s about maneuvering a home on wheels with all its contents. Each item inside creates shifting weight distributions that can affect how the RV handles. This is especially noticeable during turns, when items that are not properly secured can slide and cause balance issues. It’s important to develop a sense of how your RV responds under different conditions and loads for safe operation.
Preparation Tips Before Your Maiden Voyage
Getting your head in the game before hitting the road is crucial when you’re driving an RV for the first time. This means understanding that you’re going to be moving slower than the cars around you, it will take you longer to get to your destination, and you’ll need to be more careful about the routes you take. This will help you avoid the stress and poor decision-making that can come from feeling rushed. Also, make sure you’ve read through your RV’s owner manual, especially the sections on weight limits, maintenance, and what to do in case of an emergency.
Many seasoned RV drivers suggest enrolling in a professional driving course that is tailored to recreational vehicles. These courses teach vital skills like how to turn correctly, how to reverse, and how to perform emergency maneuvers in a safe setting. The self-assurance that comes from professional teaching often more than covers the cost in the form of avoided damage and lower insurance costs. If professional training isn’t an option, think about asking a seasoned RV owner to accompany you on your initial trips.
Pre-Drive Checks: The Key to a Safe RV Trip
One of the best decisions a rookie RV driver can make is to create a thorough pre-drive checklist. This list should include everything from checking fluid levels to making sure cabinet doors are secure. Go through your checklist slowly and methodically before each trip, even if you’re excited and in a hurry to hit the road. Eventually, these checks will become habits, and you’ll drastically reduce the chances of preventable issues while you’re traveling.
Be Aware of Your RV’s Specific Measurements
Make a note of your RV’s exact height, width, length, and weight and keep this information handy near the driver’s seat. This data is important when you come across low bridges, tunnels, or roads with weight restrictions. Many RV-specific GPS units let you enter these measurements so you can avoid routes with restrictions that could affect your vehicle. Keep in mind that additions you make after purchase, like air conditioners or satellite dishes, can add a few inches to your height.
Correctly Position All Mirrors
Many beginner RV drivers underestimate the importance of correctly positioning their mirrors. Take the time to adjust your side mirrors so you can see as much as possible and eliminate blind spots. If you have a larger RV, you might want to consider adding convex “fish-eye” mirrors to extend your field of vision. Remember, in many RV models, the body of the RV blocks the standard rearview mirror, making your side mirrors the main way you can see what’s behind you. For those new to RVs, it might be helpful to explore a beginner’s guide to RV types to better understand your vehicle. It’s a good idea to practice using these mirrors a lot in a safe space before you start driving on busy roads.
5. Brake Early and Slowly
Because of their weight, RVs carry a lot of momentum and require a lot more distance to stop than normal cars. Start braking at least twice as far in advance as you would in your car, especially when you’re approaching intersections or exit ramps. Not only will this give you a safety buffer, but it will also reduce wear on your brakes, which can overheat if you’re going down a long downhill stretch.
Begin by applying light pressure to the brakes and gradually increase as necessary. This smooth, progressive braking technique is essential for preventing the dangerous “accordion effect,” where the contents of your RV shift forward violently. This can cause interior damage and destabilize your vehicle. On steep descents, use engine braking in lower gears instead of riding your brakes. This can cause brake fade and potentially result in brake failure.
6. Use Mirrors and a Spotter When Reversing
Backing up an RV requires patience, proper use of your mirrors, and, if possible, a spotter who knows basic hand signals. Make sure your spotter is in a place where you can see them in your mirrors and agree on clear signals before you try to back up. Remember, when you’re backing up, the steering is counterintuitive – if you turn the wheel to the right, the back of the RV goes to the left. Make small adjustments to the steering and stop often to check your position, instead of trying to do the whole maneuver in one go. For more on RV essentials, check out RV leveling block essentials.
7. Plan your Fuel Stops and Parking
When you’re driving an RV, you need to plan your fuel stops. Look for truck stops or larger gas stations that have high canopies and plenty of room to maneuver. Always approach the pump from the side that your fuel tank is on, and make sure you’re far enough away from the pump that you can turn when you’re ready to leave. When you’re stopping to shop, park in the outermost section of the parking lot where the spaces are usually bigger. Look for spots where you can pull through so you don’t have to back up.
First Day Practice Tips in Empty Parking Lots
- Find a large, empty lot (school parking lots on weekends work well)
- Set up cones or use parking space lines as reference points
- Practice basic maneuvers for at least 1-2 hours before attempting real traffic
- Bring a patient friend to provide feedback and serve as a spotter
Your first practice session should focus entirely on feeling comfortable with your RV’s size and handling characteristics. Begin by simply driving slowly in straight lines, getting accustomed to the seating position and how the vehicle responds to steering inputs. Pay particular attention to how the vehicle’s rear end tracks during turns – this awareness will help prevent costly collisions with curbs, signs, and other obstacles.
After you’ve gotten the hang of driving straight, it’s time to practice stopping smoothly from different speeds. You’ll see that the RV keeps moving forward even after you’ve hit the brakes. This drill will help you get used to braking earlier than you would in a car, which is necessary when you’re driving a larger vehicle. Start by stopping from 5 mph, then work your way up to 15-20 mph so you can see how the stopping distance changes.
Then, try driving backwards in a straight line for short distances. This basic skill is the groundwork for more complicated backing movements. Concentrate on keeping a straight line using only your mirrors as a guide. A lot of first-time RV drivers find it useful to put their hand at the bottom of the steering wheel when backing up – this makes steering more natural because the wheel is then turned in the direction you want the back of the RV to go.
Start slow and build up to more difficult maneuvers such as K-turns, backing into designated parking spots, and driving around obstacles. The more you practice in a controlled environment, the less stressful it will be when you encounter these situations on the road. Many seasoned RV drivers suggest spending a minimum of 3-5 hours in a practice lot before hitting the road for even a short trip.
Basic Exercise for Turning and Lane Positioning
- Set up cones in an S-curve pattern, making sure the “lanes” are 20 feet wide
- Drive forward through the pattern at a speed of 5-10 mph, while keeping in the correct lane
- Practice making 90-degree turns to the right and left, taking note of how much space you need
- Be aware of tail swing when turning (the rear corner on the outside will swing in the opposite direction of your turn)
The main thing to understand when practicing turns is the pivot point. This is the point that your RV rotates around when making a turn. The pivot point is usually located at the rear wheels in most RVs. It’s important to understand how this affects the turning radius when you’re trying to navigate in tight spaces. If you’re making a right turn, position your RV wide to the left before you start the turn. This gives your rear wheels room to track inside the path of your front wheels.
While you’re practicing driving your RV, make sure to pay attention to how it reacts when you cross over painted lines or hit small bumps. You’ll start to get a sense of how the RV’s suspension reacts to the road, which is often a surprise to new drivers. Even small maneuvers can cause a lot of movement inside the RV, which is normal, but it will take some getting used to. To ensure a smooth ride, consider referring to the essential RV maintenance checklist by season.
Once you’ve got the hang of simple turns, it’s time to try changing lanes, always keeping in mind how long your RV is. Mirrors are your best friend here – use them a lot. And always check your blind spots carefully before you change lanes. A good way to know when it’s safe to move back into your original lane: wait until you can see both headlights of the car behind you in your rearview mirror. For more tips on RV driving and maintenance, check out this ultimate guide to full-time RV living.
Get Used to Emergency Stops
Find an empty parking lot and practice making emergency stops from about 25 mph. This isn’t about slamming on the brakes but rather getting a feel for how your RV handles when you have to brake harder than usual. You’ll notice that the weight will shift forward quite a bit and the front end will dip down. This will help you get a sense of what your vehicle can handle. For more on maintaining your RV’s performance, check out the essential RV maintenance checklist.
Once you’re comfortable with emergency stops, set up a slalom course with cones spaced far apart. This will give you a feel for how the RV’s weight shifts during side-to-side movements. It’s a good way to build confidence in your ability to handle the RV if you need to make an evasive maneuver to avoid a road hazard. However, always remember that the best way to handle road hazards is to avoid them through attentive driving.
How to Back Up
Learning how to back up an RV is a bit of an art form, and it’s a little counterintuitive. When you turn the steering wheel to the right while backing up, the back of the RV actually goes to the left. This is why a lot of new drivers end up zigzagging back and forth – they overcorrect. The best way to get the hang of it is to make small, deliberate steering changes, then stop and see what effect they had before making more changes. For more tips on maintaining your RV, check out The Essential RV Maintenance Checklist.
The “pull-up” method is a great strategy for backing up. If you see your RV starting to veer off course while you’re backing up, don’t try to fix it by steering more. Instead, pull forward a little to straighten up, then start backing up again from a new angle. This reset method stops the mistakes from piling up and causing a jackknife or other tough situations. For more tips on maintaining your RV, check out the essential RV maintenance checklist by season.
If you’re driving a motorhome or a truck/trailer combo, try practicing your backing up skills in a straight line along a parking space line. This will help you get a feel for how to keep your RV straight while backing up. Once you’ve mastered that, try backing up into a parking space between two cones. As you get better, gradually decrease the width between the cones. And remember, even seasoned RVers will get out of their vehicle multiple times to check clearances during tricky backing up maneuvers. There’s no shame in the “get out and look” (GOAL) method.
Common Beginner Errors That Can Harm RVs
- Overlooking overhead clearance at petrol stations, drive-throughs, and campground entrances
- Ignoring tail swing when making tight turns close to obstacles
- Turning corners too fast, causing items to move or cabinets to open
- Not securing all inside items before driving
- Trying to reverse without a spotter or proper mirror checks
The most costly RV repairs often come from what seems to be minor neglect rather than major accidents. Something as simple as forgetting to shut roof vents before driving under low-hanging tree branches can lead to thousands of dollars in damage. Develop a disciplined routine of pre-departure checks that includes walking the entire perimeter of your RV to ensure all compartments are shut, steps are retracted, and antennas are lowered.
First-time RV drivers often don’t realize how much room they need to turn, which can result in expensive run-ins with curbs, poles, and other obstacles. Keep in mind that your RV needs a lot more room to turn than your car or truck. When you’re not sure, make your turns wider than you think you need to, especially in the city where corners can be tight. It’s better to be safe than sorry until you get a real feel for the size of your rig.
Improper weight distribution is another common mistake, particularly in trailers and fifth wheels. If you load unevenly, you can create dangerous sway at highway speeds or affect your ability to stop quickly. Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for weight distribution and consider investing in a weight distribution hitch for trailers. Professional RV dealerships like those partnered with Outdoorsy can provide personalized guidance on properly loading your specific RV model.
Not Paying Attention to Tail Swing
When you drive an RV, you need to be aware of tail swing, which is when the back corner of your RV moves in the opposite direction of your turn. This is especially common in longer motorhomes that have a lot of overhang behind the rear axle. For instance, if you’re making a right turn, the left rear corner will swing out to the left. This can cause you to hit things like gas pumps, signs, or even other cars. Always check your mirrors when you’re turning to keep an eye on this swing area, and make sure you leave extra room on the side opposite your turn.
Underestimating Overhead Space
Most RVs are between 10’6″ and 13’6″ tall, which means that overhead obstacles are always something to look out for. Gas station overhangs, fast food drive-thrus, tree branches, and building overhangs can all be dangerous for an unsuspecting RV driver. Make sure you know exactly how tall your RV is (including air conditioners and antennas) and always give yourself an extra 6 inches of clearance just to be safe. If you’re ever unsure about whether or not you can clear an obstacle, it’s always better to be safe than sorry – a few minutes of inconvenience is much better than a damaged roof.
Turning Corners Too Sharply
When you’re driving an RV, you need to make wide, sweeping turns to get around corners safely. The longer your RV is, the wider your turns will need to be. You should position your vehicle on the outside of your lane before you start the turn, and aim to finish the turn with your front wheels towards the outside of your target lane. This gives your rear wheels the room they need to follow the correct path without “cutting the corner” and possibly hitting curbs, signs, or other obstacles. For more tips on handling your RV, check out our guide on RV leveling block essentials.
When you’re trying to maneuver through tight spaces like campground roads or narrow city streets, don’t be afraid to ask your passengers to get out and help guide you through the more difficult turns. They can give you an outside perspective and provide important information about clearances that you may not be able to see from the driver’s seat, even if your mirrors are adjusted correctly.
Road Trip Tips for First-Time RV Drivers
Driving an RV on the highway isn’t the same as driving a car. You’re dealing with more wind exposure, longer stopping distances, and slower acceleration. To stay safe, keep at least a 4-6 second following distance from the vehicle in front of you. Always keep an eye on the road at least a quarter-mile ahead to anticipate traffic flow. This proactive approach gives you plenty of time to react to slowdowns, construction, or other hazards without having to slam on the brakes or make sudden lane changes that could destabilize your RV. For more tips on driving an RV for the first time, check out this helpful guide.
Choosing Your Lane and Staying In It
How to Choose Your Lane on the Highway in an RV
Right lane: This is your best bet for maintaining a steady speed
Middle lanes: These should only be used when you need to pass a slower vehicle
Left lane: Try to stay out of this lane unless you’re on a highway with multiple lanes and you really need to use it
Remember to always get back in the right lane after you pass someoneKeep your RV in the middle of your lane. Many new drivers have a tendency to hug the right side of the lane out of fear of the vehicle’s width. However, modern highways are designed with lanes wide enough to accommodate commercial vehicles, so you’ll have plenty of space on both sides when you’re properly centered. This will also give you a buffer from passing vehicles and help prevent your tires from dropping off the edge of the pavement, which could cause you to lose control.
Be extra careful with your speed when you’re going down a hill. Your RV is heavy, and that extra weight can make you go faster than you should if you’re not careful. Before you start going down a big hill, shift into a lower gear. This lets your engine do some of the braking, so your brakes don’t get too hot. If you’re going down a really steep hill, or if the hill is really long, you might want to stop at a truck pull-off to check your brakes and let them cool down if they need it.
Driving in windy conditions demands your full attention, particularly if you’re in a larger RV, such as a Class A motorhome or a fifth-wheel trailer. Crosswinds can force your RV to drift into another lane, so you’ll need to adjust your steering to stay in your lane. Keep a tight grip on the steering wheel, but don’t tense up. Make small, smooth adjustments as necessary. If you’re passing a large truck or one is passing you, be ready for the wind to buffet your RV. Slow down a bit and keep a firm hold on the steering wheel.
Joining the Highway Safely With Reduced Speed
Joining the highway in an RV needs careful consideration and patience. Use the slip road to slowly build up as much speed as you can before you reach the point where you join the highway, but be aware that you may not reach the full speed of the highway, especially on shorter slip roads or ones that go uphill. Start indicating early, look for spaces in the traffic, and adjust your speed to fit into the spaces that are available. If you need to, don’t be afraid to come to a complete stop at the end of a slip road – it’s much more dangerous to try and force your way onto the highway than it is to wait for a big enough gap in the traffic.
Navigating Steep Hills
For first-time RV drivers, steep mountain roads can be quite intimidating. When you’re driving uphill, your RV will likely slow down a lot – you might find yourself going 45 mph or even slower on long 6-8% grades. That’s okay! Don’t push your engine too hard trying to go faster. Instead, shift into a lower gear early on in the climb, and try to keep a steady pressure on the gas pedal instead of flooring it, which could cause your engine to overheat. For more guidance, check out a beginner’s guide to RV types to ensure you have the right rig for your journey.
When driving down a long hill, you must be extra careful. Before you start going downhill, slow down and shift into a lower gear. This is usually one gear lower than the one you would use to go up the same hill. This technique, known as “engine braking,” helps you control your speed without having to constantly use your brakes. Use your brakes in short bursts instead of all the time to keep them from overheating. Overheating can cause your brakes to fade and possibly fail. If your brakes start to feel less responsive or you smell something burning, pull over as soon as you can do so safely to let them cool down. For more tips on choosing the right RV equipment, check out our guide on RV air conditioners for comfort and efficiency.
How to Park Your RV With Ease
For many first-time RV drivers, parking is the most nerve-wracking part. The secret to parking without stress is to prepare in advance and take your time. Call the campground before you arrive to find out what to expect from the parking situation, and ask for tips for your specific RV size. Most campgrounds will assign you a site that fits your vehicle and your level of experience. If you’re a newbie, don’t be shy about saying so – most campground hosts are more than willing to give you extra help or a simpler site.
Start with Pull-Through Sites
As a novice RV driver, you should choose pull-through sites for your first few trips. These sites are designed to let you drive straight in and out, so you won’t have to worry about the tricky task of backing up your RV. Even though pull-through sites are easy to navigate, you should still take your time and approach them slowly. If you can’t see well, have a passenger get out of the vehicle and guide you. Be mindful of where the hookup pedestals, fire rings, and picnic tables are located. You want to make sure that your RV’s access doors and slide-outs are properly aligned.
As you pull into a pull-through site, make sure to drive far enough forward that your entire vehicle is off the campground road before you start to straighten out. A common mistake for new RVers is to stop too soon, leaving their back end sticking out into the road. Once you are completely in the site, position your vehicle so that you can easily reach the hookups, but also ensure that all slide-outs will extend without hitting any trees, posts, or other obstacles.
Leveling can be difficult even in pull-through sites. Most campgrounds are not perfectly level, so you’ll need to make some adjustments after you’ve parked. Modern motorhomes often have automatic leveling systems, but trailers usually require manual leveling blocks. If you have a trailer, try to get your tow vehicle and trailer as level as possible before you unhitch. Sometimes, making small adjustments in position can eliminate the need for extensive blocking.
Back-In Parking, Step by Step
Sooner or later, you’ll have to use a back-in site. When that time comes, follow this step-by-step process: First, drive past the site and position your vehicle parallel to the campsite, leaving enough space for your turning radius. Turn your steering wheel away from the site to position the rear of your RV at roughly a 45-degree angle to the site. Back slowly, making small steering adjustments while constantly checking mirrors. Have a spotter positioned where you can see them in your mirror, using agreed-upon hand signals. Don’t be afraid to pull forward and realign if your angle isn’t working – even experienced RVers often make multiple attempts at challenging sites.
Steps to Level Your RV When Parked
It is important to level your RV for both comfort and the functioning of appliances like refrigerators and water heaters. You can start by checking the side-to-side level using a bubble level placed on the floor or counter. You should correct the side-to-side leveling first by driving the wheels on the lower side onto leveling blocks before unhitching (for trailers) or deploying stabilizing jacks (for motorhomes). Once the side-to-side level is achieved, you can adjust the front-to-back level using the tongue jack on trailers or front jacks on motorhomes. After basic leveling, you should deploy stabilizing jacks to prevent movement while inside, but remember these jacks are designed to stabilize, not level – trying to level with stabilizers can damage your RV’s frame.
Weather-Related Advice for New RV Drivers
RVs are more affected by weather conditions than regular cars. Always check the weather forecast before you head out, and consider delaying your trip if bad weather is expected. High winds, heavy rain, and especially ice or snow can make RV driving unsafe if you’re not used to it. If the weather takes a turn for the worse while you’re driving, don’t be afraid to pull over and wait it out – RVing is about enjoying the journey, not getting to your destination as fast as possible. Keep in mind that it can be harder to find a safe place to stop in an RV, so start looking for a good place to pull over before the weather gets too bad.
Navigating Through Heavy Winds
High winds can cause your RV to drift sideways, which can require continuous steering adjustments to stay in your lane. When winds are over 20 mph, you should decrease your speed by 10-15 mph, and consider pulling over when winds are over 30 mph or gusting winds make it hard to control your RV. When parked in heavy winds, point your RV into the wind, and if winds are expected to be extremely heavy, retract your slide-outs. Many seasoned RV drivers use weather apps made for RV travel that send wind alerts and suggest alternate routes at lower elevations when it’s windy.
Driving in Rain and Low Visibility Conditions
When driving in the rain, it’s important to increase your following distance and reduce your speed, typically by 5-10 mph below the speed limit, depending on how hard it’s raining. Make sure to turn your headlights on (not just your daytime running lights), and avoid using your hazard lights while you’re moving, as this can confuse other drivers. If the rain gets so heavy that it significantly reduces visibility, it’s safer to pull over completely rather than continue driving at an unsafe speed. Keep in mind that because your RV is so heavy, it’s at risk of hydroplaning at higher speeds than regular cars, but this risk still exists, especially if your tires are worn or not properly inflated.
First RV Trip: Start Small and Build Confidence
When planning your first RV trip, aim to build confidence rather than cover a lot of miles. Choose a destination within 1-2 hours of home, preferably on routes with minimal traffic and gentle terrain. Many first-timers find success with a “shakedown” weekend at a campground close to home, where they can focus on mastering driving and camping skills without the pressure of a complex itinerary. This approach also allows you to discover what items you’ve forgotten or systems you don’t fully understand while still within easy reach of home or support services. Outdoorsy.com offers excellent beginner-friendly trip planning resources that can help you identify suitable destinations for your skill level.
Frequently Asked Questions
First-time RV drivers often have the same worries about the law, when to travel, and how to stay safe. We’ve answered the most common questions based on our long experience with first-time RV travelers. But remember that the rules can be different in each state and for each type of vehicle, so always check the specific rules for you.
Do I need a special license to drive an RV?
For most RVs under 26,000 pounds (which includes most Class B and C motorhomes and many Class A’s), a standard driver’s license is typically sufficient in most states. However, a few states do require special endorsements or licenses for larger RVs, particularly those exceeding specific weight thresholds. California, for instance, requires a Class B non-commercial license for single vehicles over 26,000 pounds, and Texas requires a Class A license for combination vehicles with a gross combined weight over 26,000 pounds where the towed unit exceeds 10,000 pounds.
- Class A motorhomes over 26,000 pounds may require special licensing in some states
- Fifth-wheel combinations exceeding 26,000 pounds combined weight may require commercial-style licenses
- Consult your specific state’s DMV for current requirements for your vehicle weight
- Some states offer non-commercial “recreational vehicle” endorsements
Even if not legally required, consider taking an RV driving course that provides a certificate upon completion. Many insurance companies offer discounts for drivers who have completed formal training programs. These courses typically cover safety procedures, backing techniques, and emergency maneuvers that can save you thousands in potential damage.
When you rent an RV through a platform like Outdoorsy, the rental company will check the license requirements for the specific vehicle and your home state. They may also provide a short training session to help you get used to the vehicle’s specific handling characteristics.
How much longer should I expect to travel in an RV compared to a car?
Expect your RV travel time to take about 30-50% longer than the same trip in a car. This extra time is due to slower average speeds (usually 60-65 mph versus 70-75 mph in cars), more stops for gas, longer breaks for meals (since you’ll probably park further from restaurants), and the fatigue factor – most RV drivers find they need to take breaks every 2-3 hours to stay alert. A car trip that takes 4 hours might realistically take 6 hours in an RV. For more insights, check out these beginner tips on how to drive an RV.
One more crucial aspect of planning an RV trip is to establish feasible daily travel distance goals. You may be able to drive 500+ miles in a day in your car without any problem, but a more achievable and pleasant day in an RV would be 200-300 miles, especially if you’re a newbie. Keep in mind that the aim of RV travel is to take pleasure in the journey – pushing yourself too hard too quickly is counterproductive and can lead to unnecessary stress and exhaustion. For those just starting out, exploring a beginner’s guide to RV types can be beneficial in choosing the right vehicle for your trip.
What speed should I drive my RV on the highway to stay safe?
Even if the speed limit is higher, 60-65 mph is the safest speed for most RVs on the highway. This speed is better for fuel economy and reduces wear and tear on your tires and drivetrain. It also gives you more time to react in an emergency. Crosswinds and passing trucks can push your vehicle out of its lane at higher speeds, so this speed also helps minimize that. Instead of trying to go as fast as you can, focus on making steady, safe progress. Keep in mind that RVs need a lot more distance to stop than cars – you’ll need almost twice as much distance to stop at 65 mph.
What should I do if I have a tire blowout while driving an RV?
When a tire blowout occurs, it’s instinctual to want to slam on the brakes. However, doing so could cause you to lose control of the RV. Instead, hold onto the steering wheel with both hands, stay in your lane, and let off the gas pedal slowly. This will allow the RV to decelerate on its own. Once you have control of the RV and have slowed down considerably, you can then apply the brakes lightly. Continue to slow down until you can safely get the RV off the road.
Keeping your tires in good shape is the best way to prevent blowouts. Make sure you check the tire pressure when the tires are cold (before you start driving) and that you maintain the inflation levels recommended by the manufacturer. You should also inspect your tires for signs of wear or damage before every trip, especially the sidewalls, which are often the first to fail in RVs due to UV exposure during storage. Even if the tread seems fine, you should replace your tires based on their age (usually every 5-7 years) because the rubber compounds break down over time, regardless of how many miles you’ve driven.
It’s a good idea to think about getting a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) that gives you instant warnings for pressure changes or temperature rises that come before blowouts. These systems usually cost between $200 and $500 but can stop you from having to pay thousands in damage and greatly improve safety. A lot of seasoned RVers think that TPMS is one of the most important safety additions you can put on any recreational vehicle. For more safety tips, check out The Essential RV Maintenance Checklist by Season.
Getting ready and practicing can make your first time driving an RV the start of many unforgettable trips. Go slow, respect the learning process, and remember that every seasoned RVer was once a beginner. For more resources, personalized help, and the perfect RV for your first trip, visit Outdoorsy.com – where adventures begin with confidence.
Driving an RV for the first time can be a daunting experience, but with the right preparation and mindset, it can also be incredibly rewarding. It’s important to familiarize yourself with the vehicle’s controls and dimensions before hitting the road. Practice in an open area to get comfortable with turning and parking. Always plan your route ahead of time and be aware of low bridges and narrow roads. For more detailed guidance, check out these beginner tips on how to drive an RV for a smoother journey.
