...However, it is significantly wider, longer and heavier than an automobile. These differences do call for special driving procedures. The procedures are easy to master and make your trip that much more enjoyable.

The driver sits higher in a motor home. This is a distinct advantage because you can see further and react more quickly. It does take longer to accelerate and stop, therefore, do not follow too close in traffic.

The driver is further to the left of the center of the vehicle. This causes most drivers to drive to the right side of the road. Be aware of this and make necessary adjustments.

The MINIMUM clearance height is 11 feet on a motor home. Be on the alert to avoid hitting overhead tree branches, carport roofs and low roof over filling stations, motels, etc. Keep in mind that the rear air conditioner is sometimes higher than the front. Allow for plenty of clearance.

Due to the length of a motor home, its turning radius is greater. Take all turns slowly and allow for wider turns watching the lower mirror to avoid running over low obstacles. Also, when driving from a flat surface up an incline or vice versa, the rear end may drag.

Be aware that a motor home is buffeted by cross winds and air currents created by passing trucks. Slow down driving speed and stay in the right hand lane. Anticipate these effects and compensate for them.

When backing the vehicle, use the side mirrors and have someone watch out the back window. In close quarters, have someone give directions from outside while you view things through the side view mirror or rear backup camera (if available).

Mountain Driving. Watch engine temperature carefully. If the engine begins to overheat, immediately pull off to the right side of the road and wait for the engine to cool. Check the engine for coolant. Use low gear on inclines where the transmission is repeatedly upshifting and downshifting. The proper way to descend is to put the transmission in low gear (and use exhaust brake if available) thus avoiding the overuse of breaks. If at any time it appears that the breaks are fading, the coach should immediately be stopped and the brakes allowed to cool before proceeding.

Gravel Roads. Motor homes operate reasonably well on dirt and gravel roads. However, on such roads, gravel thrown up by oncoming traffic can produce dents in the fiberglass or windshield damage.

Slippery Roads. Motor homes are actually better at negotiating slippery road conditions than are automobiles. The fact that a higher percentage of the weight of the coach is on the rear wheels means that the traction will be good. However, slow down and exercise extra caution when you encounter slippery conditions. Traction may be better due to weight but if you start to slide, the same weight will carry you further than a car.

Back Country Roads. Motor homes are NOT suited for traveling on really rough roads. These roads frequently wind through wood that have not been cleared sufficiently to permit the huge bulk of a motor home to pass. Also, due to the height of the motor home, the unevenness in the road, especially side to side unevenness, may result in a constant throwing about of all items stored in the upper part of the coach.

Highway Driving. Frequently, long lines of cars collect behind a motor home. When this happens, the driver should pull off the road to let the cars go by. If you do not do this, particularly daring drivers will take a dangerous risk to get by and the motor home will be the focal point of a potential accident.

New to RV'ing? Order new RV educational videos and learn everything important before you rent.