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RV Handling & Driving Tips

Motor homes are not difficult to drive, and that is one reason they have become so popular. If you are an experienced driver, you can adapt to the greater size, weight, and height of a recreational vehicle. But when you are behind the wheel of your RV, it is a good idea to make use of all your defensive driving skills.

Staying alert, planning ahead, and driving defensively are critical to the safe handling of your RV. When you become one of the big rigs on the road, you are responsible for the safety of your passengers as well as the safety of the other vehicles with which you share the road.

Handling Tips

The way you approach driving situations like traffic, parking, and braking changes when you are driving an RV. Merging and yielding requires patience because your RV is bigger than a car. Driving with heavy traffic means you have to be aware of vehicles all around you, especially in blind spots.

Sometimes the easiest handling of your RV is when you're cruising down the interstate. When you begin to maneuver small streets, one-way roads, tree-lined avenues, and parking lots, the size of your RV becomes apparent. Parking your RV is easiest if you have someone directing you in; if you are alone, do a walk-around before backing in. If you can pull through a parking spot, that's even better―because you completely avoid backing up.

Braking any large, heavy vehicle takes longer than a regular car. As patience will help you in traffic, increased following distances will help you when braking. You will be sharing the road with many drivers who don't understand that you need the extra space in front of you. Some motorists will drive aggressively just to pass you and get in front―always be prepared to brake quickly.

When you vacation with other RV drivers, you can caravan down the road. Traveling in a group is a good idea because you are now more conspicuous to other drivers. Still, vehicles will work hard to get ahead of the caravan, so use your mirrors often to monitor the side and rear of your RV. One accessory that can enhance your safety is a rear camera that offers you an instant view of the traffic behind you (this helps with parking, too).

The wind will play with your motor home. The degree of influence it has on how your RV handles will depend on your rig's aerodynamics, height, width, accessories, and towing situation. Keep a good grip on the steering wheel as your RV rocks and sways from the weather―and slow down.

Driving Tips

Even experienced commercial drivers need to spend a few miles practicing their RV driving skills. Mirrors, windows, and even cameras can help you keep track of your immediate surroundings. Are there cars driving alongside? What kind of traffic is following you? Constant monitoring of the traffic around you will help your reaction time should something go wrong.

Braking is different for an RV. If you are towing, then your trailer might have brakes that are wired into your vehicle's braking system. Don't ride the brakes on your motor home or trailer, because they could get hot and stop working. Moderate your speed to prepare for braking―decelerate before an offramp―and keep your brakes in good condition.

Cornering with a large RV requires more turning radius. A sharp turn could find your rear tires up on the curb or tracking over someone's lawn. But you must also stay in your own lane to avoid a collision, so simply pull out farther into the intersection before starting the turn. Take some time to practice turning with your RV before you head out on a road trip.

Your RV is higher than a car or pickup truck. Some of the routes you are familiar with could be inappropriate for your RV. To avoid getting stuck below a railroad bridge or damaging your RV by hitting an overpass, know your height and the maximum allowed by tunnels, bridges, parking garages, and overpasses. A road atlas designed specifically for RV drivers or truck drivers will list the routes you can't drive on.

Heavy vehicles, like your motor home, drive differently from lighter vehicles. For example, if you were to go into a skid, your heavy RV would be much harder to control. At the same time, a heavy vehicle can better stick to the road with the proper tires, good suspension, load distribution, and center of gravity.

Speed affects your RV differently from a passenger car. Because heavy vehicles can pick up speed on a downslope faster than lighter cars, you will need to watch your acceleration. On the other hand, your speed will be reduced by wind resistance.

Inflating your tires to the recommended pressure will help you operate your RV because the vehicle will handle best with good rubber on the road. Check your tire pressure at least once a week. If you feel some sway or drag in the wheel, take a look at your tires.

Towing and Passengers

Towing a trailer, boat, or car changes the way you drive your coach. Not only must you be sure your overall gross vehicle weight (GVW) is right for your truck or motor home, but you have to be certain the hitch is used properly. A good habit for you to develop is a thorough pretrip, midtrip, and posttrip inspection of your hitch, tow bar, or trailer.

Passengers can be a distraction for any driver, but even more so in an RV because people tend to be talking, watching television, eating, or even playing cards. As the driver, you can reserve general authority over passenger activities. If this sounds severe, remember that you are responsible for the safety of your passengers while sharing the road. You can expect passengers to be courteous and respectful of your driving duties.

Driving an RV is not difficult, but it is not easy either. Practice will help you develop good driving skills that can keep you and your passengers safe. Before you get behind the wheel, plan your trip and get plenty of rest―and then drive carefully.

New RVer asks: Should I have my trailer tires balanced?

Tire balance may be one of the most hotly debated subjects among RVers. Motorhomers will agree, balancing tires on their rigs is critical--after all, it's a motor vehicle. But trailer tires? Perhaps the most frequent argument is: "I've never balanced my trailer tires, and I haven't seen a bit of difference. It's just a waste of money!"

Let's back up to why tires--in general--need balancing. Tires (and wheel assemblies) aren't perfectly symmetrical. There may be just a bit more weight here, or there. As the wheel assembly rotates, those slight differences can cause the tire to hop or wobble. Since this disturbance is caused by a lack of balance, the faster the wheel rotates, generally the worse the hop or wobble becomes.

In a car or truck, the driver may perceive the out of balance condition in the steering wheel. If the situation is severe, even the passengers may detect the out of balance condition. Since we rarely (if ever) carry passengers in a towed trailer, it's not likely to be noticed. But just because vibration and hop isn't noticed, doesn't mean it doesn't exist.

An out of balance wheel that causes shaking, vibrating, or "tire hop," can have some nasty consequences: First damage comes in the form of tread wear, often seen in unusual tread wear patterns. The possibility of tread separation from the tire itself can't be ruled out, and tire separation at freeway speed can have some serious consequences -- we know, we "totaled out" a tow vehicle when a tire separated and tore apart a wheel well and did extensive body damage to one of ours.

Besides tire wear issues, out of balance tires can also negatively impact the axle spindle, wheel bearings, and suspension components on your trailer. Damaged spindles or bearings can lead to visually funny, but too often tragic, wheels coming off your chariot.

Finally, shake and vibration will be transmitted into the coach itself. Imagine having your kitchen cabinets hooked up to a paint shaker. Maybe the illustration is a bit extreme, but prolonged shaking and vibration can actually shake the interior components of your rig apart.

The few bucks charged for a dynamic spin balance on your tires can go a long way to reducing the bad consequences of out of balance tires.

courtesy of newrver.com

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Hey RV fans! You can never have enough camping tips!

From a “macro” perspective, the general principles of camping are relatively simple. More than anything else, it’s a matter of adaptation and acclimation to living outdoors rather than within four walls. Regardless, there are a multitude of tips and tricks to help make that transition easier, and allow your time spent camping to be more relaxing and enjoyable.

General Outdoor Tips

The tent is the focal point of most camping trips. If you’re a beginning camper, there are a couple of different tent tips to remember. First and foremost, practice pitching your tent before you head to the campsite. Being able to do it quickly and effectively is extremely valuable. When looking for a place to set up, always look for a “natural bed” of soft, flat soil – but avoid the bottom of hills or valleys. Finally, always set up a tarp below your tent to avoid potential damage or water-logging.

Campers can also benefit from a few non-specific outdoor principles. Rule number one, no matter the time of year, is to dress in (or at least carry) layers. It’s the easiest and most effective way to control your body temperature. Secondly, learn how to use a GPS or map and compass. No matter how familiar you are with a certain wooded area, getting lost among acres of similar-looking trees is very easy. Finally, practice basic outdoor skills such using and sharpening a utility knife, tying various knots, and building a fire. It’s this knowledge that separates the amateurs from the seasoned campers.

What to Bring on a Camping Trip

With any luck, each camping trip proves to be a unique experience. There are many wonderful things that nature has to offer. But, no matter where you’re headed, a few things should always come with you. Below is the “short list” of camping essentials that should always be packed.

• A Tent, Tarp, and Sleeping Bag
• A pot, pan, dishes, utensils, and fire-starting materials (preferably waterproof matches or a butane lighter)
• A utility knife and length of rope
• Plenty of water (get gallon sizes for cooking and cleaning)
• Energy rich, easily prepared foods and snacks (think items like pasta, beans, ground beef, peanut butter, chicken, trail mix, and oatmeal)
• Plenty of clothing (a good rule of thumb in temperate areas is enough for two to three layers daily)
• A tight-closing cooler to store your food items in
• Hand sanitizer and soap
• Optionally, outdoor gear like fishing poles and hiking equipment

How to Budget for a Camping Trip

Like most anything else, budgeting for a camping trip is easiest when you start big and work your way down. First, decide upon an amount you can afford, and make a resolution not to exceed it. Then, begin to factor in the larger expenses – things like food, gas, necessary equipment, and campsite fees. From there, work your way down to smaller items until you come close to the spending limit.

As that line is tested, you’ll have to make the nitpicky decisions that ultimately determine your trip’s bottom line. For instance, you could eliminate that traditional fast food stop on the way there in favor of pre-prepared sandwiches. Little decisions such as these tend to add up in the grand scheme of financial matters, especially when it comes to discretionary spending.

Now that you know the basics of camping, what to bring, and how to squeeze outdoor adventure into your budget, nothing is left to keep you from hitting the woods! If you’re interested in more detailed information, take a look at the links below for some specific advice on the more nuanced aspects of camping.

Camp life is made easier by gaining experience and learning the tricks. Here are some great camping tips and advice to help make your camping adventures more enjoyable.

courtesy of lovetheoutdoors.com

Mountain Driving Tips For RVers: How To Drive Up Hills & Down Hills Without Burning Up Your Brakes

Mountain driving in an RV requires a bit of special attention to what you’re doing.

With both climbing and descending (on long or steep inclines) you need to plan ahead and understand what your RV is capable of doing. 

You have to maximize your resources, in order to avoid problems and conquer the hill safely.

Like Lucy and Desi in the movie The Long, Long Trailer, you don’t want to find yourself with too much trailer and too little power, just because your rock collection got way out of hand!

RV Uphill Climbs

When climbing long inclines, your RV needs to be operated within its power band.

The power band is a span of engine RPMs where you have the maximum horsepower available to handle the extra load imposed when going up long inclines.

This becomes even more noticeable with diesel engines. Their power band is usually a rather narrow band of RPMs. When operated within their assigned power band, you will have a tremendous amount of pulling power. Fall below that RPM, and it will do you no good to push harder on the throttle. All you’ll get is more black smoke coming out of the exhaust.

To stay within the power band, you must downshift to a lower gear, and you may even be required to  let off the throttle a bit so the engine can work more comfortably. Pushing too hard will only create more heat and increase the likelihood of overheating.

The whole point when climbing long inclines is to adjust your gearing, so you will remain within the comfortable RPM range that your engine likes. Maintaining a certain speed because the sign on the side of the road says that’s the speed limit may be impossible. Slow down and use a lower gear instead.

RV Downhill Descents

So you’ve safely crested the high point in your RV. Now it’s time to come down the other side of the hill.

This is where you make your engine and transmission work to hold you back. That way, you save your brakes for when you really need them.

The time to set up your downhill decent strategy is at the top of the hill — well before you’ve picked up so much speed that you’re in trouble.

You only have one set of brakes. If they get too hot, they may fade away and your RV will become a runaway train — a situation rapidly headed for disaster.

Experience will teach you how many gears down you need to drop from top gear in order to descend a hill without constant use of the brakes. If you’re new to steep descents, it’s best to error on the safe side by going down a hill in too low a gear. You may be slow, but at least you’ll be safe. It’s very hard to go back and have a do over, if you picked too high a gear at the top of the hill.

Many diesel engines are equipped with a retarder that will help hold you back. It functions by blocking off some of the exhaust gases from your engine. This helps to keep the engine from revving too high when the weight of your RV is trying to push you down the hill.

Some large diesel pusher motorhomes are also equipped with jake brakes.  A jake brake is an engine-mounted device that turns some of the cylinders into an air compressor when you let your foot off the throttle. Jake brakes are a very effective way to control your descent speed without the need for constant braking.

If you find yourself going downhill faster than the engine and transmission can hold you back, your braking should be done in short bursts. It’s far better to brake hard for a shorter distance than to ride the brakes for a long period of time.

The longer you apply the brakes, the hotter they will become. At some point, they may just fade away — leaving you helpless and unable to slow your RV to a safe speed. Overheating your brakes can also do permanent damage to your RV’s brake components. Rotors, drums, and shoes can all be quickly destroyed by riding your brakes too long down a long hill.

courtesy of thefuntimesguide.com