Driving an RV is very different from driving smaller vehicles, and there is some important information to remember to ensure you enjoy your RV safely. If you plan to travel to remote areas for sightseeing, take the contact details of a company that offers emergency recovery services. Also, make sure to follow the tips on safety and defensive driving below. 

How to Drive an RV Safely 

1. Increase Stopping Distance 

RVs can’t slow down as easily as a car because they are much heavier. That means you should increase your stopping distance, leaving at least a four- or five-second gap between your RV and the vehicle in front. Use a marking or shadow on the road to count how long it takes for you to reach the point the vehicle in front reached. Start to slow down for lights and stop signs sooner than you would in a car.

2. Stay in the Center of the Lane

People driving an RV for the first time often get confused about where their vehicle is positioned in the lane. In a class A motor home, the driver sits further to the left of the lane than they would be in a car, which creates a tendency to drive further to the right than they should. You're too far to the right if you can’t see the white line on the road in your right-side mirror.

3. Learn to About Air Brakes

Most class A motor homes use air brakes, which are generally found in commercial vehicles. Air brakes take around half a second longer to be applied after you touch the pedal, so keep an eye on the road up ahead and anticipate emergencies.

If too much air is lost due to a leak, the brakes will apply automatically even if you’re traveling at high speed, which is dangerous. Watch the air pressure gauge on the dashboard, and if it gets too low, then pull over immediately and call for recovery service as you shouldn’t be driving the vehicle. 

4. Pass With Caution 

Because RVs can’t get up as much speed as a car or small truck, it takes much longer to pass another vehicle. Make sure you have plenty of time to pass the vehicle without encountering oncoming traffic and avoid passing if it’s not necessary. 

Even careful drivers have problems with their vehicles sometimes, so it’s good to know you can rely on Goldbeck Towing Service in La Crosse, WI, to provide recovery service at any time of day or night. Having served the area since 1956, this locally owned and operated company takes pride in customer service and has a fleet to handle any size of vehicle. Call (608) 781-4869 to request assistance or visit them online for more information.