Driving an RV!

  <pre>Driving that big RV ... by Peggi McDonald

  When John and I picked up our first RV, the dealer included a three-hour familiarization promo as part of the sale procedure. It covered many aspects of how to live in our new home on wheels and use all the house type amenities. 
At that point we were handed the keys and told to go and have fun. John had 
never driven anything bigger than a sedan but he set out on a very challenging 
journey alone; we were not towing at the time so I had to drive the car home. 

 Both of us arrived safe and sound but unfortunately this scenario is repeated 
too many times when novice RVers take control of their new unit. As a result 
the onus is on you, the RVer, to find a safe way to travel the highways. On a 
positive note, driving an RV is not a difficult task once you gain a little 
confidence.  

  From the beginning seasoned RVers advised that we both should be comfortable 
driving our motorhome - we pass this advice on to all RVing twosomes. Although 
John prefers to be the primary driver I take a periodic turn at the wheel. 
Several years ago, John accidentally turned his right ankle while walking the 
dogs on a gravel road - he couldn't walk for a week due to a painful sprain. 
Since we were on the move from A to B; it was good that driving our motorhome 
was second nature to me.

  We both practiced parking maneuvres and controlling our unit in defined 
spaces at a nearby shopping mall parking lot after hours. We also fine-tuned 
our hand signals to direct each other into a specific area. Next we ventured 
onto quiet secondary roads with low traffic flow to get the feel of our longer 
length and height plus the drag of a truck passing. Eventually we our excursion 
included a major highway - but not during a high traffic times. Some RVers enroll 
in a professional truck driver course; it may be a bit costly but so is your RV. 
There is no special licencing to drive an RV unless your unit has air brakes 
then a course in most provinces and states is required for a licence endorsement. 
The rulings, regulations and type of qualifications differ, but training is usually 
a must. 

  Climbing mountains is the ultimate test of your driving skills. I will never 
forget our first such encounter at Siskiyou Pass, Oregon during year one. We had 
just came out of Mexico and although we traveled those mountains with relative 
ease this one was so long - four miles up, seven miles down. We had recently 
added new brake shoes to our motorhome and felt it was OK to use our brakes as 
needed. We were completely unaware that when going down mountains the general 
rule for RVers is to use one gear lower when descending a mountain than was used 
to climb it. That way the engine does the braking and limits the amount you need 
to use your brakes - otherwise they will get hot and fade from overuse. When we 
smelled burning breaks halfway down the mountain we had no idea it was our motorhome. 
Thank heavens a rest area was waiting around the next bend. The Mountain Directory 
by Richard Miller 
(Mountain Directory West) 
http://www.campingworld.com/browse/skus/index.cfm?skunum=17484  
(Mountain Directory East) 
http://www.campingworld.com/browse/skus/index.cfm?skunum=17483 
explains details of all Mountain Passes in the USA. It is so comforting to know 
distance, curves, elevations and what's waiting around the next bend.

Be aware of these cautionary alerts
Ø Over-the-counter drugs; many cause drowsiness. 
Ø Ask your pharmacist or your doctor if over-the-counter choices will conflict 
with your prescription meds. 
Ø A little coffee may help keep you awake but too much can work in reverse.  
Ø Take frequent breaks, a nap or switch drivers when possible at the first signs 
of becoming sleepy or if your eyes feel heavy etc.  
Ø Truck stops are preferred safe places for a prolonged stop rather than at a rest 
area. 
Ø An open window with a breeze in your face helps you stay alert; passengers can 
always cover up if they are cool. 

  Keep your tires properly inflated and check them regularly for cracking sidewalls.  
Most, but not all, RV manufacturers suggest you rotate all tires at regular intervals. 
Many RVers feel if the tread is in good shape and their tires have been subject to 
limited driving miles they do not need replacing. However sitting in one spot can 
cause mega problems to the strength of the sidewalls especially as tires near a 
five-year usage. When RV's have dual tires you should add a quality set of stainless 
steel valve extenders - it is the only way to check the pressure and add air to the 
inside dual. We recently ran over a nail and ruined a front tire on our car.  Now 
there are two new tires on our 'tow car' because it tracks better during flat towing 
when both front tires are of the same calibre.

<table><tbody><tr><td>Peggi and John McDonald are RV Lifestyle Consultants who understand the -idiosyncrasies all RVers. RV Packing Tips, RV Life Lessons and Easy Living Hints is Peggi's newest book and is actually three e-books in one. It is literally overflowing with handy RV tips and hints. A "must have" at only $12.95
Be sure to check out the McDonalds Webpage www.rvliving.net</td></tr></tbody></table>