Merging onto an Interstate
What method do you use to enter an interstate from the on ramp to merge with traffic when towing?
Forum Discussion
- Remember; “Education is Our Responsibility”, the key and I have done my share is that drivers will learn when I pull that left hand turn signal on it means I AM MOVING LEFT not I want to move left.
gitane59 wrote:
sleepyT wrote:
GMT830 wrote:
Remember the key word is merge. Spend some time watching, you will see most drivers don't know how to merge in a BMW, let alone a truck and camper.
I agree with GMT830
What I try to do is when I am comming up the ramp especially if it is a clover leaf, I will start looking for the oncomming traffic even before I get to the accelleration lane. Plus just like a car it is good to know how fast you CAN accellerate, which makes it easier to judge a safe merge.:h
Plan ahead, have your blinkers on well before you actually merge, look for your opening well before you need to move into it and as others have said PUNCH IT.
I even look back up the expressway as I am coming up to a clover leaf before turing onto merge access road if sightlines allow to gauge traffic flow and my merging plans.
Only problem is when you come up behind a driver that decides to come a full stop in the merge lane in a four-wheeler looking for a open aircraft carrier deck to merge onto. :M
I've actually passed stop vehicles on merge lanes when I have not been towing with a big chuckle.:B- Slight change in thread but what about the people that merge on the highway and run the same speed you are and expect you to accelerate or slow down to avoid hitting them when they get on. They just keep on coming.
Of course if it's a truck or camper I will certainly adjust the speed or change lanes to let them easily in but there is no excuse for autos to just "slide" in. Oh, by the way half the time they're on the cell phone with there necks bent.
Ron W. - Relax and just remember that when they shoot you the middle finger they are indicating that you are number one.
I am disappointed if I don't get at least one of those every year when hauling grain in the fall. :B sleepyT wrote:
GMT830 wrote:
Remember the key word is merge. Spend some time watching, you will see most drivers don't know how to merge in a BMW, let alone a truck and camper.
I agree with GMT830
What I try to do is when I am comming up the ramp especially if it is a clover leaf, I will start looking for the oncomming traffic even before I get to the accelleration lane. Plus just like a car it is good to know how fast you CAN accellerate, which makes it easier to judge a safe merge.:h
Plan ahead, look for your opening well before you need to move into it and as others have said PUNCH IT.
I even look back up the expressway as I am coming up to a clover leaf before turing onto merge access road if sightlines allow to gauge traffic flow and my chance merging plans
Only problem is when you come up behind a driver that decides to come a full stop in the merge lane in a four-wheeler looking for a open aircraft carrier deck to merge onto. :M
I've actually passed stop vehicles on merge lanes when I have not been towing with a big chuckle.:B- Get a dodge with a 6.7 and take it.
kalynzoo wrote:
I just move forward with my RV and car in tow...so far I have found a hole, even if I get an occassional horn...I just wave and say thank you.
+1.GMT830 wrote:
Remember the key word is merge. Spend some time watching, you will see most drivers don't know how to merge in a BMW, let alone a truck and camper.
I agree with GMT830
What I try to do is when I am comming up the ramp especially if it is a clover leaf, I will start looking for the oncomming traffic even before I get to the accelleration lane. Plus just like a car it is good to know how fast you CAN accellerate, which makes it easier to judge a safe merge.:h- Remember the key word is merge. You want to be travelling as close to highway speed as possible when you get to the highway. Sometimes that means holding back on the ramp so you have plenty of room to pickup speed before you get to the highway. Spend some time watching, you will see most drivers don't know how to merge in a BMW, let alone a truck and camper.
So - as mentioned - punch it. Most vehicles, including RVs, can slow down faster than they can accelerate. So, wide open as soon as the ramp straightens out. Worst case you have to lock down the binders. Practice in the TV solo so you get the hang of it. Merging should be easy - get up to speed, find a spot, slide in.
Like everything else, practice makes perfect. - The big thing that I hope it makes you think about is when you see another RV trying to merge when you are driving, whether it be in your rv or just reg. vehicle, that you remember the issues and be nice and let 'em in .
