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RV Driving (and Hauling) Tips for Newbies

Apr. 21 2021 Ownership Tips By Schwab's RV World

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RVing is fun and this is the perfect season to enjoy a family vacation! Don’t let the huge size of these vehicles overwhelm you before you drive one. At Schwab’s RV World in Leduc, Alberta, we have put together this brief guide to share some useful driving tips so you can drive your rig like a pro. Visit our store to upgrade or service your rig before you hit the roads. We are also happy to serve all those in Edmonton.

Practice

Practice makes perfect. Before undertaking an outing, it’ll be a good idea to practice driving your RV. Make use of an empty parking lot and, if possible, practice under the guidance of an expert. If not, at least have someone to watch while you brush up your turn and reverse skills.

Travel trailers need more space to turn. Depending on its length, you many want to pull up further than you would normally. Signal a turn well in advance. Also, while you are reversing, remember that a trailer will move in the same direction as you steer. So, you must steer in the opposite direction of where you want your trailer to move.

Know When to Brake

RVing is supposed to be a leisurely experience – don’t rush to arrive at your destination. Rather enjoy the drive by maintaining a slow speed. This will offer you better control over the rig and you’ll avoid frequently applying the brakes. On the highway, try sticking to the 60-mph speed recommended by most RV experts.

RVs require more space to come to a full stop. Also, the strain on the brakes will be greater on an RV compared to a smaller vehicle. Calculate both these aspects while applying the brakes, more so when hauling a travel trailer. Keep appropriate distance from other vehicles and be extra cautious when going downhill.

Prevent Sway

Trailer sway can be hard to prevent and may cause you to panic. However, remain calm and keep driving straight by slowing down. Watch out when you are driving through an enclosed area, such as a tunnel, or if strong winds are predicted in your area. If you aren’t able to handle it, pull over and wait it out.

Additional Tips

Keep the below in mind to stay safe while driving your camper:

  • Avoid driving when tired. Pull over and take a little rest before you resume the journey.
  • Remain courteous to other motorists and always signal as early as you can.
  • Maintain distance and avoid tailgating.
  • Stick to the right lane, especially in the early days.
  • Adjust your mirrors so that the sides of your camper and the road are clearly visible. Use a wide angled mirror if required.

We hope these tips help you to drive your RV safely and confidently. If you need help with servicing your rig or upgrading to the latest model, head to Schwab’s RV World in Leduc, Alberta. Our latest inventory will spoil you for choices. We are happy to serve our friends in the greater Edmonton metropolitan area.