How hard are these RVs to drive?

toedtoes wrote:
most people make that adjustment just fine and realize their initial fear was overblown.

That was me the first time I left my driveway with mine. Mild panic that the thing was moving under its own power (long story). Then grateful thankfulness when the brakes actually stopped it at the end of the driveway. Then the point of no return - out to the street. When I didn't take out my mailbox I knew I had this thing nailed.

My first trip (different than most, I know):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0xRpZzjHwx8&list=UUx9SX_GLn95n1wOKg9T9-RQ

You can hear me whisper involuntarily "that was close" as I passed the parked cars at around the 2 minute mark. That rig had been sitting for nearly 7 years until I had it towed to my house and put a new engine in it.

groundhogy wrote:
I only have a standard drivers license.

I am thinking if I go Class C or A, I will attempt to stay less than 30 ft in length.

The pull behinds really scare me but do interest me as I can separate the engine from the RV.

Should I start with a small RV and then get bigger?

groundhogy

how many people will you carry share the RV with?

Why buy big more expensive vehicle when small one may be just fine?

Backing up a trailer is VERY difficult and NOT everyone can do it,,I can fly an airplane but would never care for trying to learn backing up a TT..

Know your limitations!
It just may save you and others from serious damage..

I would start by renting both types for a week and seeing how they compare. Much cheaper than buying something and then wishing you had not done so. Great way to travel - fly to Calgary or Phoenix and rent an RV and explore the area, and then at the end of the week you can fly back home with much better idea as to what is involved.

There are also private party rentals and I would check Craigslist for these.

If the average, mid-60 year-old grandma can hustle a 40-foot school-bus filled with 60-odd screaming kids through narrow residential neighborhood streets twice a day, you can learn to drive an RV.

My suggestion is to talk to your local school district transportation manager and see if any of the drivers would give you some instruction and maybe help you get the rig you eventually purchase back home.

You might also look around your town and contact RV owners whose rigs you see and ask them for advice.

My personal choice, after having a 26' Class C for a couple of years, was a used 32' Class A gasser with two slides. It was the shortest one we found that had roomy accommodations and a walk-round queen bed in a permanent bedroom. Unfortunately, circumstances have conspired to make RV-ing no longer feasible, and we sold the rig a few weeks ago, after four years.

fyrflie wrote:

pitch wrote:

I see that a few guys on Here are miracle men. No way are you going to really learn how to drive on anything you rent.
The only answer is experience. How do you get experience, by doing it.
Yes the best advice is to take it slow and easy, no one can instruct you.
If you are the least bit normal, you can drive anything. Will you be nervous,yes. Will you be a danger to others, probably. Were you nervous when you got your learners permit? Were you a danger to others the first time you drove on a public hiway?
This is no different Don't over think it. Don't let the "experts" scare you off.

My post was less about being an "Expert" or " Miracle Man" but about providing honest and factual information to the original poster of the question.
And if I did not post my actual experience then one would think, " what does this guy actually know".
My message is intended more about the safety of yourself and others rather than becoming a liability to yourself. It's about learning the capabilities of your vehicle and negotiating safely wherever you travel.
In my experience, not everyone is capable of driving a large vehicle safely and efficiently and I would hate to see someone make a large financial commitment only to find out that this type of vehicle is not for them.
Education is key. Just sayin.

I think both points of view are important:

There is a lot more potential damage/injury by driving a 30ft RV for the first time than riding a bike; but, most people make that adjustment just fine and realize their initial fear was overblown.

Trying it out first before buying is a very good idea - especially if you are very unsure about your capabilities.

Not letting the fear overwhelm you and keep you from doing something you'd love is also a very good idea.

fyrflie wrote:
In my experience, not everyone is capable of driving a large vehicle safely and efficiently

Amen. Some people don't even belong on bicycles.

pitch wrote:

I see that a few guys on Here are miracle men. No way are you going to really learn how to drive on anything you rent.
The only answer is experience. How do you get experience, by doing it.
Yes the best advice is to take it slow and easy, no one can instruct you.
If you are the least bit normal, you can drive anything. Will you be nervous,yes. Will you be a danger to others, probably. Were you nervous when you got your learners permit? Were you a danger to others the first time you drove on a public hiway?
This is no different Don't over think it. Don't let the "experts" scare you off.

My post was less about being an "Expert" or " Miracle Man" but about providing honest and factual information to the original poster of the question.
And if I did not post my actual experience then one would think, " what does this guy actually know".
My message is intended more about the safety of yourself and others rather than becoming a liability to yourself. It's about learning the capabilities of your vehicle and negotiating safely wherever you travel.
In my experience, not everyone is capable of driving a large vehicle safely and efficiently and I would hate to see someone make a large financial commitment only to find out that this type of vehicle is not for them.
Education is key. Just sayin.

When we got our class A earlier this year talked to DW best friend who is a school bus driver her advice when driving put your left foot over left tire marks on road will give you clearance from center line and always use your mirrors.
First trip out went from Indiana to east coast with no problems.

Renting first is the best idea, but if you don't want the expense go to a dealer, look at what there is and ask to take a test drive in one that you like. You will find out very fast how it is to drive and if you are comfortable driving an RV. You can test drive with no obligation to buy.

Go ahead and rent a truck, or big bucks on a camper.
I see that a few guys on Here are miracle men. No way are you going to really learn how to drive on anything you rent.
The only answer is experience. How do you get experience, by doing it.
Yes the best advice is to take it slow and easy, no one can instruct you.
If you are the least bit normal, you can drive anything. Will you be nervous,yes. Will you be a danger to others, probably. Were you nervous when you got your learners permit? Were you a danger to others the first time you drove on a public hiway?
This is no different Don't over think it. Don't let the "experts" scare you off.