RV Driving and Parking: A Guide for Beginners

Understanding Your RV’s Dimensions

Before you even start the engine, it’s crucial to familiarize yourself with your RV’s dimensions. Knowing your vehicle’s height, width, and length is essential for navigating underpasses, narrow lanes, and tight turns without incident. Keep these measurements visible on your dashboard for quick reference during your travels. Additionally, be aware of the weight of your RV, including the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR), to ensure you’re within safe operating limits.

Quick Tip: Practice walking around your RV to visually understand its dimensions and turning radius. This mental mapping can be invaluable when you’re on the road.

Essential Driving Tips

1. Start Slowly: If you’re new to RV driving, begin in a low-traffic area, such as a large, empty parking lot. This controlled environment is perfect for practicing turns, reversing, and getting a feel for your vehicle’s blind spots. The more familiar you become with the RV’s handling, the more confident you’ll feel on the open road.
2. Mirror Adjustments: Properly adjusted mirrors are crucial for maintaining a clear view of your surroundings. Adjust your side mirrors to minimize blind spots and consider adding convex mirrors for an even broader view. A well-adjusted rearview camera, if available, can also be a valuable tool.
3. Braking Distance: RVs are significantly heavier than standard vehicles, requiring a longer stopping distance. Always anticipate stops well in advance and apply the brakes gently but firmly. This not only ensures a smoother stop but also helps prevent the contents of your RV from shifting.
4. Turning Techniques: Your RV’s length means that turning requires more space than you’re likely used to with smaller vehicles. Make wider turns to prevent the rear of the RV from clipping curbs, poles, or other obstacles. Practice makes perfect, so take your time and don’t rush through turns.
5. Handling Wind and Weather: High winds can pose a serious challenge to your RV’s stability. Reduce your speed and maintain a steady grip on the wheel during windy conditions. In severe weather, it’s often best to find a safe spot to park and wait until conditions improve.
6. Speed Management: RVs are not built for speed. Maintain a moderate pace, especially when descending steep grades. Use lower gears to help control your speed and avoid over-relying on brakes, which can overheat on long descents.
7. Night Driving: If you must drive at night, ensure all your lights are functioning properly, and keep your speed in check. Reduced visibility and fatigue can increase the risk of accidents.

Quick Tip: Always plan your route in advance – considering any potential challenges like low bridges or narrow roads. GPS systems designed for RVs can be a great asset. You probably shouldn’t trust a regular GPS system designed for cars – they don’t always note low bridges or other conditions that could affect an RV.

Quick Tip: Don’t Panic! This is where many people get in trouble – by missing their turn – or missing their exit. When these things happen – don’t be tempted to do something stupid – like trying to make a U-turn or backing up on the freeway. Remain calm and find a safe place to pull over and re-evaluate your next move.

Parking and Setup

1. Site Selection: Look for level ground, adequate tree clearance, and easy access to utilities. If you’re new to RVing, opting for a pull-through site can make the parking process much simpler.
2. Back-In vs. Pull-Through Sites: While pull-through sites are more convenient, it’s essential to practice backing into spaces in less crowded areas. This skill will be invaluable when pull-through sites aren’t available.
3. Guidance and Spotters: When parking, especially in tight spaces, a spotter can be your best friend. Have someone guide you from outside the RV, using clear hand signals or walkie-talkies for communication. If you’re traveling alone, consider investing in wireless backup cameras to assist with parking.
4. Utilizing Technology: Modern RVs often come equipped with backup cameras and parking sensors, which can be incredibly helpful in avoiding obstacles. If your RV doesn’t have these features, consider investing in aftermarket options for added safety.
5. Practice Makes Perfect: Like any skill, parking your RV gets easier with practice. Take every opportunity to park in various conditions, so you’re well-prepared for any situation.

Quick Tip: It’s helpful to have a spotter while you’re backing in – so you can concentrate on backing and they can watch for obstacles. Work out your hand signals BEFORE embarking on your journey. Some people use walkie-talkies to communicate. WARNING: If you lose sight of your spotter – STOP immediately.

Here are a couple of videos that demonstrate proper RV backing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xs9Kyvo4NuA And: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rzdzJWX-dbY And: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8LELx2Gs860

Setting Up Camp

Once you’ve successfully parked, it’s time to set up your RV. The setup process ensures your RV is safe, level, and ready for a comfortable stay.

1. Leveling Your RV: Proper leveling is crucial for comfort and the proper operation of appliances like your refrigerator. Use leveling blocks or built-in leveling systems to achieve a stable position. Uneven surfaces can also cause water to pool on the roof, potentially leading to leaks.
2. Extending Slides: If your RV has slide-outs, ensure the area around your RV is clear before extending them. Check for obstacles like trees, poles, or other vehicles.
3. Connecting to Utilities: Follow campsite guidelines for connecting to electricity, water, and sewage. Always use a surge protector when connecting to campground power to protect your RV’s electrical system.
4. Securing Your RV: Once parked and leveled, set the parking brake and chock the wheels to prevent any unwanted movement.

Quick Tip: Keep a checklist handy for setting up camp. This ensures you don’t forget any important steps, especially when you’re tired after a long drive.

Quick Tip: Don’t let other campers distract you when you’re setting up. While they may be well-meaning and truly want to help – it’s best to follow the same procedure every time. If you get distracted – politely but firmly ask them to give you a few minutes and you’ll catch up to them later. Then start the procedure over – so you don’t miss anything. Same thing goes when you’re breaking camp and getting ready to leave. See below.

Personal Experience: We were in Mesquite, Nevada and the solo lady next to us was getting ready to break camp and leave. A group of well-meaning men stopped by – giving her advice. Next thing we knew, we heard a loud bang. She had pulled away without making sure her hitch was latched. The fifth-wheel fell down onto her tailgate – and a very expensive lesson was learned.

Safety and Etiquette

1. Observe Speed Limits: Always adhere to posted speed limits, especially in campgrounds, where there are likely to be pedestrians, children, and pets. Slowing down not only ensures safety but also reduces noise, contributing to a more pleasant environment for everyone.
2. Rest and Breaks: Driving an RV can be tiring, especially on long journeys. Plan regular breaks to rest and stretch. Fatigue impairs your driving ability more than you might realize, so never push yourself to the point of exhaustion.
3. Respect Campground Rules: Every campground has its own set of rules designed to ensure everyone’s safety and enjoyment. Familiarize yourself with these guidelines upon arrival and adhere to them throughout your stay. This includes quiet hours, pet policies, and waste disposal practices.
4. Be Mindful of Others: In campgrounds, your actions can significantly impact your neighbors’ experience. Avoid idling your engine for long periods, keep noise levels down, and be considerate when using outdoor lights.
5. Fire Safety: If your campsite includes a fire pit, make sure to follow all fire safety rules. Never leave a fire unattended, and always fully extinguish it before going to bed or leaving the campsite.

Pro Tip: Carry a basic toolkit and spare parts for your RV. You never know when you might need to make a quick repair on the road or at the campsite.

Final Thoughts

Driving and parking an RV may seem challenging at first, but with practice and patience, it will soon become second nature.

Every RV enthusiast was once a beginner, and by embracing the learning curve, you’ll quickly build the skills necessary to navigate the roads and campsites with confidence.

Remember, preparation is key, so take the time to familiarize yourself with your RV and practice as much as possible before setting off on your adventures.

As you embark on your RV journey, keep safety and preparedness at the forefront of your mind. With these tips in hand, you’re well on your way to mastering the art of RV driving and parking. Embrace the road ahead, and may your travels be filled with adventure and joy.

Safe Travels!