Merging onto an Interstate

[sidney]

What method do you use to enter an interstate from the on ramp to merge with traffic when towing?

[gitane59]

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

[Dwight205]

Get a dodge with a 6.7 and take it.

[remoandiris]

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.

[sleepyT]

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

[GMT830]

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.

[soling2003]

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 .

[elkhorn98]

Get up to speed asap...but I have found that most people change lanes to get out of my way.

[Old-Biscuit]

Get it up to hwy speed as quickly as possible, pay close attention to the traffic in the lane you are merging into, blinkers on.........

About this time I look over at GF, grin and say......"Hope they get out of my way"

[E_mc2]

X4
For "punch it"

I will never own a vehicle that can't get out of its own way, even when I'm towing. In Kalifornia that is the only option.

[kknowlton]

Lots of caution and copious use of mirrors.

[kalynzoo]

California has a lot of controlled access onramps. You must make a full stop at the light before being given access to enter the Freeway. A real bummer for RVs and big rigs. Since you really don't have enough room to "punch it" 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.

[hmknightnc]

Like John said and like you do anyother time you enter the interstate. Punch hard enough to get up to speed before needing to merge then just slide in. Not a big deal but you can't be afraid of using the throttle.

[johnrbd]

That's the time to remove the egg from the pedal and punch it. Getting up to Interstate speed before merging makes it much easier.

I always think about Hans Solo telling Chewy to "punch it".