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Topic: For newbies nervous about driving a LD (Read 5 times) previous topic - next topic
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For newbies nervous about driving a LD
Yahoo Message Number: 19619
As of the day I picked up my LD, I had never driven anything larger than a car.

One advantage I had was that when driving in Britain I had been trained to watch the road lines in my side mirrors. We are spoiled in this country with our wide roads and when the roadway is narrow the speed limit usually drops to a crawl. This was not true in Britain where winding narrow roads are posted at 50-60 mph. (wider vehicle same effect) I never did get really comfortable driving over there but it only took a short time for me to get comfortable driving my LD.
 Parking tip. When you park figure out what your exit route is. Don't park somewhere where someone may come along and park to block your front drive away exit. I always park well out in a lot and walk the extra distance.  Make sure you don't leave enough room in front of you for someone to pull in with a small car.

If you get into a place where you have to back up just take it very slowly. I have a back up camera but a travelling companion can help with this chore as well.
 Gas stations are usually no problem as they are built to accommodate the large tankers that fill them up. If pulling out means a sharp turn watch that rear end in your mirrors and don't swing it into a guard post. This goes for other tight places as well. The rear overhang of the coach makes this action different than what you are used to with a car.

Know your height. This is the driving problem that I have heard about the most. Hitting an overhead canopy, etc. because you forget about your height. Overpasses on main highways and canopies in most gas stations are not a problem as they are built for the big 18 wheelers but there are other places that are not.

You must learn to use your side mirrors exclusively to change lanes etc.. Practice with your car.
 Error on the side of caution to start. It won't be long until you'll be taking her anyplace she will fit!

If I can do it, you can too!
Re: For newbies nervous about driving a LD
Reply #1 –
Yahoo Message Number: 19633
"Know your height. This is the driving problem that I have heard about the most. Hitting an overhead canopy, etc. because you forget about your height."

That's a great set of tips, Linda! Thanks for posting those.
 About the height: I measured the clearance to the top of the air conditioner shroud (the highest point on my rig) and added a couple of inches for safety...then I printed a sign that said "Clearance: 11 feet/Weight: 10,000 pounds" and mounted it right above the windshield where I can refer to it at a glance. Whenever I see a highway sign that refers to clearance or weight limits, I have the info right in front of me.

Andy Baird :-)
Andy Baird
2021 Ford Ranger towing 2019 Airstream 19CB
Previously: 1985 LD Twin/King "Gertie"; 2003 LD Midbath "Skylark"
 
Re: [Life With A Lazy Daze RV] Re: For newbies nervous about drivin
Reply #2 –
Yahoo Message Number: 19640
Andy Baird wrote:
 
Quote
I printed a sign that said "Clearance: 11 feet/Weight: 10,000 pounds" and mounted it right above the windshield where I can refer to it at a glance. Whenever I see a highway sign that refers to clearance or weight limits, I have the info right in front of me.
::Heh::

Thought I was the only one to post such signs for quick reference.
Mine says:

Height not including whip antennas: 10' 1", or 3.1m Width not including mirrors: 8' 3", or 2.6m Weight not including passengers: 13,000#, or 6.5t, or 4.9mt

What do I tape to the steering wheel when I'm docked somewhere? In a BIG font:

Unplug the electrical cord.

Once, it actually prevented a disaster.  I was about to depart at night and didn't notice the extension (my neigborhood has no streetlights -- and at that point I wasn't completely in the habit of plugging in when parked at home).

Valerie (26.5mb '01 -- mid coast, CA)