As a new motorhome owner or if you’re renting one for your next adventure, the experience can be a bit overwhelming. The prospect of driving a vehicle as large as a motorhome can seem quite intimidating. But don’t worry! This article provides essential tips and tricks for beginners, along with safety advice and more!
The Fundamentals of Driving a Motorhome
We recognize that operating a motorhome can be daunting. There’s plenty to remember, such as its height and length. This section will cover some key basics to boost your confidence.
Here are some important considerations when driving a motorhome:
Take Your Time: Don’t allow the dealer or anyone else to rush you into driving. It’s advisable to pick up the motorhome before the rental company closes, giving you time to learn about operating the vehicle.
Know Your Dimensions: Write down the height, length, and width of your motorhome. Being aware of these measurements will help you avoid low bridges and other potential issues during your travels.
Use a Motorhome GPS: It’s wise not to depend solely on Google Maps. A motorhome-specific GPS can help ensure a safer journey, guiding you away from obstacles like low bridges and narrow roads.
Adjust Your Seat and Mirrors: When positioning your seat and mirrors, make sure you have a clear view on both sides, including blind spots. Most motorhomes come with two mirrors; the lower one helps with blind spots. Adjust your seat for comfort, ensuring it’s not too far back or too close to the wheel and pedals.
Familiarize Yourself with Controls: Determine whether your motorhome has a manual or automatic transmission, and locate the gear shifts accordingly.
The best way to get comfortable driving your motorhome is to have a dealer or a trusted individual demonstrate how to operate it. They can walk you through the features and take you for a test drive to help build your confidence.
Gaining Confidence Behind the Wheel
Confidence is crucial when driving a motorhome. The best way to build this confidence is through practice.
Many couples travel together in a motorhome, but usually, one person drives more often. It’s essential for both partners to know how to drive the motorhome in case one becomes unable to do so. Make sure both drivers are covered by the motorhome’s insurance and have opportunities to practice.
Understanding Your Width
One of the more challenging aspects of driving a motorhome is mastering its width. You’ll need to navigate around obstacles like parked cars while ensuring you stay centered in your lane.
Typically, a motorhome is about 3 feet wider than a standard car. It’s important to recognize how the white lines on the road relate to a point on your dashboard. This will help you maintain proper lane positioning.
Use your mirrors to assess the gap when overtaking other vehicles. Consider adding wing mirror protectors if your motorhome lacks them.
Learning to gauge the width of your vehicle takes time and practice. Initially, it may feel unusual, but with experience, you’ll soon feel more comfortable staying within your lane.
Making Wider Turns
A common mistake among novice motorhome drivers is turning as if they were in a car. Remember that a motorhome behaves differently when turning. Be aware of the vehicle’s length and ensure you pull out sufficiently so that the entire motorhome can clear the turn.
As a general guideline, don’t begin turning until the rear wheels are aligned with the obstacle, like a curb or a post.
If you think you’ve turned too early, steer in the opposite direction before making your turn again.
Also, take it slow. Gradually building your confidence is key!
Be Aware of Speed Limits for Motorhomes
Motorhomes often have specific speed limits, particularly if the unladen weight exceeds 3.05 tonnes or if you’re towing another vehicle.
Here’s a quick overview of the speed limits according to the Gov.UK website:
| Type of Vehicle | Built-up Areas (mph) | Single Carriageways (mph) | Dual Carriageways (mph) | Motorways (mph) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Motorhomes up to 3.05 tonnes | 30 | 60 | 70 | 70 |
| Motorhomes over 3.05 tonnes | 30 | 50 | 60 | 70 |
In Summary
These tips will help you get started with driving a motorhome. While it can be daunting to handle one of these large vehicles for the first time, with practice and an awareness of road rules and your vehicle’s dimensions, you’ll soon feel like a pro behind the wheel!