Class A Motorhome Driving Tips
Getting a Class A motorhome can be a great investment, given how comfortable your future camping trips will be, but it’s no secret that these rigs are big. It’s one of the most popular reasons to get one. Driving that kind of vehicle, however, can be a bit intimidating. That’s why Copley’s RV has provided you some of our tips for driving a Class A motorhome. If you’d like some first hand advice from our staff and you’re near St. Lucie County, Palm Beach County, or Jupiter Farms, Florida, then visit us today.
Brakes
One of the biggest challenges you’ll probably recognize right away is figuring out how to properly brake with a Class A motorhome. This is because motorhome brakes are not like the brakes on your car. Commuter vehicles generally use hydraulic brakes, which uses liquid to engage the brakes. The benefit is that you can stop faster by pressing harder on the pedal.
However, Class A motorhomes use air brakes, which use air compression to slow down the vehicle. These don’t have a way of braking faster using more pressure. In fact, it will take a moment for the brakes to engage even after you press down on the pedal. It’s constant pressure, rather than more pressure, that will stop the vehicle. The advantage of air brakes is that they’re more likely to continue working if there’s a leak, making it safer for you and the drivers around you.
Follow Distance
As you may have guessed, this means you’re going to need to make some adjustments when it comes to driving, particularly when it comes to follow distance. You’ll need to give yourself plenty of room between you and the vehicle in front of you so you’re not slamming into the back of smaller cars. When you’re traveling at high speeds, this will mean at least doubling your usual amount of distance, but a little practice behind the wheel should more accurately inform how long it’s going to take to slow down or come to a stop.
Also make sure you’re using your height to your advantage. Being able to see over cars will help you identify traffic pattern changes that might require you to adjust your speed. It’s a good habit to get into anticipating road hazards, rather than reacting to them, as a Class A motorhome does not respond quickly like a smaller vehicle
Common Challenges
If you find yourself on a curvy road, you’ll want to keep the construction or your rig in mind. Class A motorhomes tend to have a higher center of gravity, which can increase tipping risk if you’re not being careful. If you come to a bend in the road, search for the speed limit sign associated with that bend (hopefully there is one). Lots of car drivers like to ignore this, but in your rig, you’ll want to reduce your speed to 5-10 mph under that posting. You should hit this speed well before you reach the turn, and then accelerate coming out of it like you normally would.
Also be mindful of wind. Your rig’s size will act like a sail and catch both natural gusts and drag from passing vehicles. If you find yourself suddenly pushed by a powerful gail, remain calm and do your best to guide your motorhome through the situation by keeping it as centered in the lane as possible. Avoid over correcting, as this can create an even bigger hazard for drivers around you, and yourself. If you hear there’s a high wind warning for the area you’ll be driving through, then just pull off until it passes.
The only other piece of advice we can give you is to practice. Learning to drive a Class A motorhome will get easier, but only through experience, and it’s better to get in as much practice as you can before the day of the big trip. If you still need to find the perfect Class A motorhome, then stop by Copley’s RV. We proudly serve St. Lucie County, Palm Beach County, and Jupiter Farms, Florida.