This month, my husband and I set off for our annual RV trip that takes us from Michigan to the West, and back home – about 5,000 miles round-trip. For many years, my husband happily did the driving of our RV while I plied him with caffeine and conversation. However, for the sake of time and sanity, I realized I needed to contribute to the driving. The past couple years, I’ve been learning the ropes of driving a huge vehicle – 77 feet bumper to bumper – and becoming quite good at it! It was a bit scary at first driving something so large, and I still don’t know how it doesn’t require a special license to operate, but here we are! At 5’ 3”, my first hurdle was being able to reach the pedals and see over the dash at the same time! Thank goodness for air-suspension seats. I started somewhere that felt comfortable, which was the middle-of-nowhere South Dakota on a straight, flat highway. I’ve since graduated to places with more stop-and-go traffic, more vehicles on the road, and small grades. Throughout the process, I’ve learned some valuable lessons and have become a more compassionate driver. Here are a few takeaways from my time behind the wheel:
Let the big rigs in
I know we’ve all been there. We don’t want to get stuck behind a slow-moving semi or RV, so we pretend not to notice they’re trying to change lanes. Let them in! They don’t want to be in the fast lane any longer than they have to be. When someone flashes their lights, indicating I can merge into the next lane, it’s an instant relief knowing they’re at a safe distance for me to make a move. I find myself doing this more and more with big rigs when I’m driving my car.
Keep a safe distance when merging in front of heavy vehicles
Semis and other large vehicles cannot stop on a dime the way cars can. It takes time and finesse to slow down tens of thousands of pounds barreling down the road. This can be troublesome when a vehicle decides to squeeze in at the last minute when approaching stopped or slowed traffic. Always use your signals, and be cognizant that heavy vehicles need a safe and abundant stopping distance to ensure an accident doesn’t happen.
What goes up must come down
A good rule of thumb that I learned when driving grades in the RV: whatever gear you use to go up the grade, use the same gear to come down the grade. Also, using the engine brake while feathering the brakes helps you maintain control and keeps your brakes from burning up. Despite using these tips, we have had issues a couple times over the years where our brakes started smoking on a steep mountain descent. When that happens, the best thing you can do is coast to the nearest flat or uphill part of the road, stop, chock your tires, and release the brakes until they are able to cool down. Use a fire extinguisher as a last resort as cooling the brakes too quickly may cause them to crack.
Every trip that I’m able to get in some driving time, it helps build my confidence. My next goal is to gain skills at driving grades over 6%. No matter how comfortable I feel behind the wheel of the RV, I know the key is to take it slow and to be vigilant of other drivers and conditions, just as I would when driving my car.
Happy trails to all of my fellow travelers!