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MOTORHOME AND TRAILER TIPS (Yes Virginia, You Can Drive an RV!) |
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| Have you ever wondered what it would be like to slide behind the wheel of a motorhome, or hitch your van to a travel trailer and set off to discover North America? Your local RV dealer can open the door to a whole new lifestyle, filled with the freedom to ramble wherever your dreams may lead. Whether you lease, rent, or purchase an RV, there really is a model to suit the needs of every family, and every budget. Todayās RV models are as simple to drive as the family car. Every motorhome is equipped with power steering, brakes, and automatic transmission, resulting in a driving experience similar in many respects to driving a van. You donāt have to have the muscles of a truck driver to steer the vehicle, or the legs of a marathon runner to bring it to a stop · everything is adjusted to provide controls that feel just about the same as your typical family car · itās just bigger! Novice RV drivers only need a few minutes behind the wheel to become accustomed to the size and clearance requirements of a motorhome. Many new RV drivers are surprised at the enhanced visibility you enjoy when driving a big rig. Large windshields, mirrors, and optional rear-vision TV monitor systems give you a view of the highway that exceeds anything you are likely to find in a passenger car or van. Sitting in the captainās chair, above the majority of the vehicles on the road, you can see whatās happening all around you much better than the average motorist can ö and thatās a safety plus that makes motorhomes one of the most relaxing vehicles on the road today. A modern motorhome handles with ease, and provides surprising manoeuvrability for a large vehicle. Donāt let the size intimidate you ö if a city bus can negotiate downtown traffic, you can too! Just remember that a vehicle with a tag axle (two sets of rear wheels) will turn in a tighter circle that you might expect ö so leave extra room to make what the truckers call ćwide right turnsä. Towing an RV requires similar preparation, but it doesnāt take very long to get used to the feel of the rig. Keep in mind that your acceleration will be reduced because you will be moving more weight than the tow vehicle alone. Your trailer brakes, if properly adjusted, will provide stopping performance close to the tow vehicle alone ö but never exceed the speed limit with a towed RV, the combined vehicle handling is engineered for cruising at the recommended speed, itās an RV ö not a race car. Are you still nervous about your first RV expedition? Everyone is. Take the time to practice your driving skills in an empty parking lot, and then take a ride down a nice quiet road. Check out where the white lines fall in your rear view mirrors when your rig is centred in the lane, and take note of a spot on your windshield that lines up with the curb when your vehicle is parked just right. Remember the tips you learned when you first took driving lessons, and apply them to the RV, and youāll discover that driving a recreational vehicle can be a relaxing and enjoyable experience! Looking for more information? Find everything you need to know about the RV lifestyle at www.gorving.ca. This Canadian RV industry website provides links to tourism destinations throughout Canada, as well as an extensive listing of campgrounds and a wide range of information on all types of RVs. Call 1-888-Go-RVing (467-8464) to request a free brochure describing all the benefits of the RV vacation lifestyle. |
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Go RVing Canada, 2175 Sheppard Ave. East, Suite 310, Toronto, ON M2J 1W8 |
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