Confession.. September 11, 2016, 07:46:26 pm Neither my wife or I have ever even driven an RV or been camping in an RV but love the idea...I've been researching for years, and will be renting a class C for our first small getaway in Oct. I'm a little nervous about driving a vehicle this big. I hope RV camping is as wonderful as we think it's going to be!
Re: Confession.. Reply #1 – September 11, 2016, 08:12:37 pm Renting first is a great idea. You'll get used to the rig soon enough.Keep an eye on the rear end as you make your turns and navigating gas station pumps. Check YouTube for class C and A driving tips. The tail pivots around the rear axle so can be a bit of a hazard to traffic on your left as you turn right and things to your right as you go around things on your left. If your a quick study you should do fine. Branches can come out of nowhere too. Otherwise Class C's drive like an oversized van. Don't be afraid to ask other RVers at campgrounds for advice at dump stations. That part can be a bit intimidating to the uninitiated. Simple enough. Just be sure you fill your fresh water tank from the correct hose at the dump station (potable water for drinking). Have fun. RVing is far more than you can imagine. Like being a turtle on high octane.Kent 2 Likes
Re: Confession.. Reply #2 – September 11, 2016, 08:15:58 pm If you rent a U-Haul box truck and drive it around town and on the freeway, that'll give you an idea of what to expect. Won't be quite as heavy, and you won't be able to see as well, but it's good practice if you're new to larger vehicles. Plus, it's pretty cheap.Also, you'll get to know your vehicle's height, width, length, weight, turning radius -- the whole bit. The dimensions you should write on a post-it on the dash, so you always know (not guess) whether you can fit thru whatever constriction you're approaching.Best of luck.Chip 1 Likes
Re: Confession.. Reply #3 – September 11, 2016, 09:42:38 pm We hadn't driven a Class C motorhome either before driving our LD. I'd driven a Ford F150 crewcab truck for 13 years (which included an 18" catamaran for a bit) and then while serving Uncle Sam, drove some 2 1/2 ton trucks. If one simply pays attention to width while driving near trees and other obstacles on the right side of the road, half the battle is won. Secondly, pay attention to the rear swing when turning or cornering. The rear corner on a 27' might swing about 12" - 18" (actually I've never measured). We always give the corners more space than necessary, like leaving the gas pumps. Thirdly, we give way to oncoming traffic because our much loved LD doesn't have the power of a VW bug running on 2 cylinders. Next, pay attention to what's up above as you drive in off-road areas. Our LD is 10.25" inches to the top of the AC cowl and there is an amazing amount of stuff in that area when driving off the highways or freeways. In addition, pay attention to those signs and road conditions that look like a big dip ... it ain't hard to drag the rear of a MH when hitting those big dips. While entering a place, pay close attention to the question "How do we get out of here?" We sometimes drive by a place to scout it out before we enter especially when towing. And finally, DW is always my ground crew during landing, taking off, backing up and close quarter maneuvers. Hope this helps you a bit. 1 Likes
Re: Confession.. Reply #4 – September 12, 2016, 12:06:46 am One other item that some times is overlooked in towns and cities is that signs sometimes are over the curb and are into the road and you would not notice it till you try to park close to a curb and find that a parking or other sign is sticking into the parking space. This is usually not a problem for a car because the signs are 8 feet up but for a ten foot or taller motorhome it will get your attention! ~Liam98 - 26.5 MB 2 Likes
Re: Confession.. Reply #5 – September 12, 2016, 01:30:39 am I had never driven (or even ridden) in an RV before we got our LD. I let hubby drive it the first day and a half. Then my turn. I was a bit nervous at first; however, got accustomed to driving it real quick. Like others said, know your height, width etc, watch out for low branches/signs, etc. But the BEST 'help' I had/have with driving my RV is my mirrors. Our LD has the double (truck) mirrors. My hubby was a truck driver for a bit, so he knows exactly where each mirror should point and what each one is intended to show me. We spent about 10 minutes getting them set. I can see every car, everywhere. (Yes, I also wait three seconds before I change lanes after I put on my blinker). I can see the corners as I turn, I can see the side of the road, I can see cars right next to me. When those mirrors are set, it's easier than driving my SUV. (And it truly is, my LD has a backup camera, my SUV does not) 😉 1 Likes
Re: Confession.. Reply #6 – September 12, 2016, 09:16:21 am You are absolutely right; "mirror savvy" is critical! My 2003 had the little "things are closer than they appear" button mirrors in the corners; I found these to be virtually useless, and went to the split mirror Velvacs very quickly! Sometimes, the passenger side mirror is used less than the driver's side mirror, but I suggest making sure that one is also constantly checked; most of us spend a lot of time in the right lane, and "right shoulder passers" (cars, motorcycles, and occasionally, large trucks!) zooming around you are more common every day. Not that I needed a "mirrors are critical" reminder, but a blind trip over the Hood River-White Salmon bridge with the mirrors folded in provided it anyway; note the lane width and "advisories" listed in the link.Hood River Bridge - Port of Hood RiverI acknowledge not always making the smartest choices of roads; YMMV. 1 Likes
Re: Confession.. Reply #7 – September 12, 2016, 10:20:53 am Quote from: DazednConfused - September 11, 2016, 07:46:26 pmNeither my wife or I have ever even driven an RV or been camping in an RV but love the idea...I've been researching for years, and will be renting a class C for our first small getaway in Oct. I'm a little nervous about driving a vehicle this big. I hope RV camping is as wonderful as we think it's going to be!It is! I remember when I bought my '85 and drove it back to the Central Coast from the Los Angeles area. I had never driven anything that large either. First there was the L.A. commute to deal with (good timing on my part). Then, heading up the 101, I rounded the bend near Gaviota and encountered a huge gust of wind which unexpectedly blew me into the next lane. Thankfully, there wasn't a vehicle next to me! Then, on my first camping trip, there was that pesky kiosk at Lake Santa Margarita that I swear wasn't there when I started to make the turn, Ranger . . . . well, you get the idea . . . The more you practice, the better you'll get - just hope you don't do any major damage along the way! 3 Likes
Re: Confession.. Reply #8 – September 12, 2016, 01:02:07 pm Thanks for the 'heads up' on the bridge, Joan. Since I live in WA, I'm sure I'll be crossing it sometime, and I never look at road conditions/situations in advance. I just like to come up on situations and enter them blindly. 1 Likes
Re: Confession.. Reply #9 – September 12, 2016, 01:05:48 pm Along that stretch of the Columbia, crossing at The Dalles is a better choice! 😜 1 Likes
Re: Confession.. Reply #10 – September 12, 2016, 11:52:07 pm Nikolai, go slow, stop often. When navigating tight areas, GOAL: get-out-and-look. We use handheld radios to park, especially in the dark. The tail swing is pretty awesome, especially when leaving a gas station island after fueling, or negotiating a parking lot full of cars. As mentioned, in places with nearby objects, when turning left, go slow and watch that right hand mirror, and vice-versa. 1 Likes
Re: Confession.. Reply #11 – September 13, 2016, 01:27:58 pm Hi Nik,You've gotten some excellent advice and ideas. As Joan said, do keep an eye on your mirrors. Many years ago, I was told by Ed Newton to keep the white line (on the edge of the road) in your right (passenger) mirror. That will help keep you within your lane and off the shoulder of the road. Be very careful of scooting too far to the right. Too often the shoulder of a road drops a bit and can catch your right front tire pulling the rig off the pavement. Be careful of simply pulling off the road as the shoulder may be too soft and you will get stuck or it may be too steep of an angle. Remember that the RV is significantly heavier than a car so you need *solid ground* when you pull off. Driving something much larger than your car takes a little time to find your new perimeter. The advise to rent a U-Haul truck for a few hours of driving around is a good idea. Best wishes for a fun trip and a great experience,Juli 1 Likes
Re: Confession.. Reply #12 – September 13, 2016, 01:41:17 pm Quote from: JCT - September 12, 2016, 09:16:21 am You are absolutely right; "mirror savvy" is critical! My 2003 had the little "things are closer than they appear" button mirrors in the corners; I would like a sticker that says "Objects in mirror are younger, thinner, and more beautiful than they appear." fu 3 Likes
Re: Confession.. Reply #13 – September 13, 2016, 02:00:19 pm Our new to us LD came with a GPS unit that allows you to tell it you are a motorhome. It even shows a Class A on the screen. At first I was mystified by the routes it picked until I realized it is allowing for the size of a large RV. Interesting but after driving a mid bath for over seventeen years I ignore it's advice most of the time!Lisa 2 Likes
Re: Confession.. Reply #14 – September 13, 2016, 03:14:08 pm Quote from: Elizabeth West-Ownbey - September 13, 2016, 02:00:19 pmOur new to us LD came with a GPS unit that allows you to tell it you are a motorhome. It even shows a Class A on the screen. At first I was mystified by the routes it picked until I realized it is allowing for the size of a large RV. Interesting but after driving a mid bath for over seventeen years I ignore it's advice most of the time!LisaThis is great! What is the GPS program called?
Re: Confession.. Reply #15 – September 13, 2016, 07:02:27 pm Quote from: JuliW - September 13, 2016, 01:27:58 pmHi Nik,You've gotten some excellent advice and ideas. As Joan said, do keep an eye on your mirrors. Many years ago, I was told by Ed Newton to keep the white line (on the edge of the road) in your right (passenger) mirror. That will help keep you within your lane and off the shoulder of the road. Curious. We had one of the last demo rides given by Ed, back in late 2006. His son and another employee had to lift him into the driver's seat (gulp!). But that's another story. Anyway, Ed told us to pay attention to the line on the LEFT side of the lane, and to drive as far left as you could, reasoning that the right would then take care of itself. I suspect both methods are equally valid, and maybe he just liked to mix things up. He certainly was a character. -- Jon ('06 TK "Albatross") 1 Likes
Re: Confession.. Reply #16 – September 13, 2016, 07:40:52 pm On many roads, there is no white line on the passenger side. I guide primarily by the lane divider line; of course, sometimes there's not one of those, either! But, frequently checking the rig's right side of the road position can keep one on the pavement and reduce the chances of catching a wheel and possibly losing control; this situation is particularly dangerous if the "catch" involves the duals, there is no shoulder, and another vehicle is coming at you! In addition to the edges of many roads not being "white lined", many are also crumbling and/or undercut; there may be a drop of a few inches between the paved surface and whatever the shoulder surface is - if there's a "shoulder" at all. Maybe I should just pick better roads.... 2 Likes
Re: Confession.. Reply #17 – September 13, 2016, 09:15:28 pm Even Joan's tongue in check advice is worth heeding. On first trips play it safe, stick to the big roads as much as you can. Many GPS programs let you set or pick a truck or RV profile. Rand Mc Nally, Copilot are two I know of. This is helpful, especially in the east, I think. I must confess to being a "bad" person occasionally. When in LA I hit the center or left lane and let others pass me on the right. I justify this because too many people don't know how to merge, creating bad problems if I'm in the right lane lumbering along at 55. 2 Likes
Re: Confession.. Reply #18 – September 13, 2016, 09:34:02 pm I've got no problem taking the second lane from the right while driving freeways in the L.A. area. So many times the far right lane ends up being the transition lane to upcoming freeways and exits...especially the 605 and the 210.Stick close to 60 mph and generally travel before a.m. commuter traffic. Wish I had a dimmer for the left outside mirror. Danged lights from behind can be a real bother.I also don't have any problem with going over an extra lane to the left to avoid Gravel Trucks. Probably the biggest reason for getting rid of the window on the sleeper nose.Kent
Re: Confession.. Reply #19 – September 13, 2016, 10:35:38 pm Quote from: Kent Heckethorn - September 13, 2016, 09:34:02 pmI also don't have any problem with going over an extra lane to the left to avoid Gravel Trucks. Probably the biggest reason for getting rid of the window on the sleeper nose. I'm not sure gravel hitting that window was the biggest reason for getting rid of it, although I'm sure a few did. I think it was more of a design flaw which caused the windows to crack from flexing when traveling down the road. I know that's how mine cracked. Good call by Lazy Daze to finally eliminate it. 1 Likes
Re: Confession.. Reply #20 – September 13, 2016, 10:51:10 pm Word is from the Mother Ship that the window elimination was due to the problem of water leaks around those front facing windows.
Re: Confession.. Reply #21 – September 13, 2016, 10:54:39 pm And the reason that there were then 'faux' painted windows instead is because Ed (at that time CEO) said he did not want his Lazy Dazes looking like a damned bread truck coming down the hiway! 2 Likes
Re: Confession.. Reply #22 – September 13, 2016, 11:28:40 pm Quote from: HiLola - September 13, 2016, 10:35:38 pmI'm not sure gravel hitting that window was the biggest reason for getting rid of it, although I'm sure a few did. I think it was more of a design flaw which caused the windows to crack from flexing when traveling down the road. I know that's how mine cracked. Good call by Lazy Daze to finally eliminate it.The one piece cap is the best reason why one should buy a post-1990 LD. IMO, it is one of the most important improvement LD has made. Almost every older LD (pre-91) I have looked at has evidence of leakage in the front corners and/or the front window. Now, the most common source of leaks is through the end caps and the around the windowsIn 1991, all models had fuel injection and overdrive transmissions, along with the one-piece front cap and are mechanically similar to the present day LDs.I begged Steve to delete painting the fake windows, when ordering our 2003 LD. He said his father wouldn't let him.The windows are painted with a cheap paint and looked bad within a few years. Thanks Ed.Notice that the "new" paint scheme did away with the fake windows.Larry
Re: Confession.. Reply #23 – September 13, 2016, 11:41:39 pm Quote from: Kent Heckethorn - September 13, 2016, 09:34:02 pmI've got no problem taking the second lane from the right while driving freeways in the L.A. area. So many times the far right lane ends up being the transition lane to upcoming freeways and exits...especially the 605 and the 210.Wish I had a dimmer for the left outside mirror. Danged lights from behind can be a real bother.When driving through LA or any other metro area, staying one lane over from the right helps save my sanity.Freeway entrances and exits can be a nightmare. We have had too many close calls, especially when towing, trying to stay in the right lane.The sure cure to being blinded by the lights is to retire and drive only in the daylight.Larry
Re: Confession.. Reply #24 – September 13, 2016, 11:51:16 pm Quote from: Larry Wade - September 13, 2016, 11:41:39 pm"...The sure cure to being blinded by the lights is to retire and drive only in the daylight..."LarryTwo more years for me. Well that's the plan, anyway. Until then, I suppose I could just ware my shades until the sun comes up. Kent
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