Electronic Driving Systems

BlendedRVFam wrote:
Thanks for the search info, I know about those security features. Just wondering what years and models offer the additional options! : )

Sounds like it's dependent on the model and whether or not those options were ordered and it's not a hard and fast - "this model in this year had it and these didn't". I would think you just add it to your criteria and start looking for coaches you like and see if it has those options. I wouldn't hang my hat on it though as a decision to buy/not a buy a coach. My first priority would be a floorplan that works and how well it was taken care of. If it had those options great, but a coach with anti-rollover that wasn't taken care of or a floorplan that doesn't work isn't the right deal. If it's a "have to have" good luck. Sounds like a needle in a needle stack.

Thanks for the search info, I know about those security features. Just wondering what years and models offer the additional options! : )

found this with a google search

Freightliner Custom Chassis Corp. (FCCC) also offers a proprietary suite of safety systems called RoadWatch. Available on FCCC’s popular XC and XL chassis, RoadWatch includes Adaptive Cruise Control, radar-based Collision Mitigation with Forward Warning & Active Braking, Electronic Stability Controls, Roll Stability Control and Automatic Traction Control.
RoadWatch features and components can also be ordered individually by the coachbuilder.
“There are several manufacturers currently offering RoadWatch as an option on their models, and we’re working with several more to make it an option on some of their models beginning next year,” said Bryan Henke, manager of product marketing at FCCC.

roadwatch pdf brochure

My 08 HR Navigator has the optional Vorad radar cruise and blind spot sensors. Even when not using cruise it will alert you to a big difference in speed. Probably only once in 20K miles has it been ahead of me on the need to get on the brakes. ..turning PU with no rear lights. When using the cruise you need to monitor your desired speed as it will have you going slower...you need to pass the slower vehicle. Even on the shortest distance it keeps me further back than my normal distance...probably a good thing.

I assume all DPs have ATC...traction control.

Both Monaco and Country Coach built all steel shells. Monaco on the Dynasty, Exe, and Sig. HR on the Septer and Navigator. Without going to a converted bus $$$$, the big Monaco’s are one of the safer rigs.

Do any have smart cruise control and emergency braking? That is all I would want given today’s technology.

Rollover protection isn't my main objective. Mainly looking for safety systems like smart cruise control and braking assistance. I realize prevention is probably our best bet in walking away from a crash but love the idea of additional electronic safety systems to help prevent a crash by slowing down or braking early.

pianotuna wrote:
,,, Are Motorhomes tested at all in the way other vehicles are?,,,

For class A's not recently by the manufactures, a third party or required by the government. Winnebago did some testing 30 years ago or so and there's also the Wonderlodge roll over testing from around the same time but little if any since.

And due to the average class A weighing in excess of 8K Lbs most of the state or federal DOT regulations for a lot of the latest's safety devices (stability control, adaptive cruise, rear camera, driver/passenger airbags, antitheft and such) don't apply. Seat belts, safety glass and a few other items are about it.

You do have one big gain over the average daily driver, your ankles are probably higher than their roof line of most vehicles on the road. Get hit by something smaller and they go under your seat and into the chassis. Blow a steer tire at 65MPH and all bets are off regarding a good outcome.

Probably need more information on your objective. Is it to have systems to make driving easier, or is the safety of a MH your concern? Not too sure "rollover protection" really exists in a MH. Sure there are frames that might sustain a rollover better but how often does that really happen? And when it does, even on the most robust frames, there is risk of being beaten or crushed to death by everything flying around inside. Take any condo and shake it like a snow globe. MH's are not meant to be crashed. They aren't crash tested and while systems do exist to make driving easier and by default perhaps safer, if you're going to roll, it's due to forces strong enough that none of these systems can compensate for. That said, it very rarely happens and is usually a result of something like a crash or blowout or negligence. We previously owned Class A MH's and knew in a crash they wouldn't do as much to protect occupants as other vehicles. We took precautions but it's an apartment bolted to a chassis.

Rick Jay,

I only disagree on the safety. There are many pictures of motor homes after a crash. They are NOT pretty.

Are Motorhomes tested at all in the way other vehicles are?

BlendedRVFam,

First of all, welcome to the Forums. You can find a lot of great information here.

Second, we were a family of six back in 2004 when we bought the gas Class A in our signature. It took us about two years of research, MUCH of which was done right here on these forums and providing some wonderful advice for our first RV. (OK, disclaimer...I started looking for a small hybrid to tow behind our Honda Odyssey and ended up buying a 22,000 lb. GVWR Class A with which we tow our Honda Odyssey as our TOAD. BUT...it WAS the right decision for us. Moral of this story: TAKE YOUR TIME and do your research! By the way, bunk Class A floorplans were just coming out when we purchased, but I've YET to see one I'd trade our dual sofa layout for. Again, do the research so you buy the right floorplan the first time.).

Third, just what is your budget? If you're looking in the $500k+ price range, than I'm out of my league for recommendations, so you can just skip over the rest of my post. ;)

But, if you're in the $80k-$200k range, then maybe this will help. I don't know how much experience you have with RV's in general, and motorhomes specifically, but you realize that you're looking at a vehicle that's approximately 12' high, 8' wide and 36' feel long, weighing in at 20,000+ lbs., give or take. This is not a 3,500 lb. family sedan. I don't know of any motorhome which has that which you seek, other than cruise control. There might be steering stabilizers, but those are mostly mechanical, not electrical. Ditto for other handling improvements.

What I say next, I'm trying to say with as much tact as possible. If you feel like you need such things to be able to comfortably drive a motorhome, then, quite honestly, I think you should consider looking at other RV'ing solutions. Driving a vehicle of this size requires a level of commitment much greater than the family sedan/minivan/SUV/pickup truck. You need to anticipate situations FAR in advance, always be aware of every vehicle around you, and be prepared for the sh*tb*x Prius to pass you and then step on the brakes! LOL I WOULD NOT trust ANY "automatic" system to control my motorhome. Again, I don't mean this to sound harsh, but when you drive a vehicle of this size, you need to develop a completely different mindset. Most can do it. My wife, however, is one who doesn't adapt to it too well. She gets all "tense" when cars pass her. She like to be "in the lead"...a habit she apparently picked up back in her 20's when she had her Mustang...A motorhome IS NOT a Mustang OR a minivan....but I digress. She has trouble pulling into the right lane to let others pass, and tends to get really upset when someone passes her and slows down in front of her. Aggravating, yes, but you have to just let things like that go when you're driving your family in a rig such as this. If you're like my wife...again, you might want to consider other options. She's good for about 2 hours, tops, behind the wheel and then I just take over again.

Understand that driving such a rig in the wind is like driving a sail boat. I haven't driven in winds so high that I had to pull over, but many have. You have to be ready to do that. Even passing trucks can sometimes give you a nudge with their bow wave, depending upon your rig. Likewise snow or ice starts falling, or the roads are wet and things are freezing, pull over and wait it out. Then be ready to climb up to the roof to clear off the stuff before you hit the road. GREAT FUN! LOL

That said, I think my family is safer when we travel in our 22,000 lb. motorhome than when we travel in either my SUV or the minivan. In a collision, mass is your friend. If you drive defensively, safely and with common sense, you'll be fine. I can drive the motorhome for hours in complete comfort. It's actually quite relaxing, partly because I know if someone needs the potty...it's with us...so no pressure to rush to the next Rest Stop. I have found THAT little convenience to be a huge stress reliever, regardless of the age of the kids. :)

OK, again, I'm not trying to be critical or be a downer for you, but perhaps you need to rethink what you're really looking for. Or reprioritize your needs? But that's what this forum is all about! :)

Good Luck,

~Rick