Merging onto an Interstate

[sidney]

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

[rhagfo]

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, 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 turning 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

We must be up to about X10 To Punch it at this point! That and as stated above start looking as early as you can, look ahead to be sure traffic is traveling at speed and no stopping just beyond the merge lane. I then roll onto the throttle, I can't speed shift my 5 speed, but, I can do it quick enough. I am also getting all the power to the ground.
This is why I dislike under powered TV!!

Most drivers on the freeway will realize that a RV need a bit more room, but then there the a** h**** that will try to speed past. I find it easier to back off a bit at the end of the ramp, than to try to speed up at the last minute.

[joebedford]

Don't forget to signal early. It really makes a difference getting traffic already on the highway to move over.

[Me_Again]

It amuses me to watch people coming on an on ramp in a four wheeler not looking at all at what is happening in the lane that they have to merge into. Then at the last minute seeing that the blue pickup has this large trailer in tow, as they are driving the same speed you are driving right beside you and the on ramp is coming to an end! I try to move over, but sometimes you are blocked by traffic. I do not worry about other RVers as they are very aware and trying to pick a spot to get into.

I try to get an early peak at the right lane when first on the ramp. At 20K+ and 325-350 HP and 650-700 ft lbs at the rear wheels, I can get up to speed pretty well.

Going through a major city during the work week at rush hour is not fun. We have been down the East Bay area of San Francisco twice, once on Sunday and last fall on Saturday. Would not want to do that on a weekday. I really like interchanges that have lanes that continue for merging traffic. DW/Shotgunner gets nervous at times however when someone comes on next to her!!

The other thing I do in tight situations, like on two lane roads and heavy traffic, is never look at the other guy that much. On two lane roads I drive the fog line, watching to the right and counting of the other driver to not hit me in my lane.

I drove a gasoline tanker semi back in the 70's on two lane roads on the Olympic Peninsula in Washington, including around Lake Crescent 3 to 5 times a week in the summer. Always drove watching the lane to the right and not looking at the logging truck or RV coming at me. I was not going to run myself off the road without the other guy getting a piece of me or visa a versa.

Chris

[NHIrish]

Actually, the key word is yield. That's the law in most states...and most drivers fail to yield when they enter the highway.

[wandering1]

Everyone wants to merge and forget about yield. Yield first and make sure there is plenty of room to merge onto the hiway and not get in the way. No one already on the hiway is required to yield to traffic entering the hiway.

[RoyB]

Generally speaking the biggest unit gets the edge. It does get scary sometimes. I for one when just driving my truck will always yield to the big trucks and trailers. I even slow down throwing up a block behind me and flash my lights telling them to come on over. They got more to worry about then I do when just driving my truck.

Then it makes me feel good when you get the two quick flashes back saying "thank you"... It off-sets the middle finger from the dude behind me that had to slow down for a few seconds.

Roy Ken

[Twomed]

sunkatcher wrote:
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.

AND Remember the last sign you saw on the merge ramp said YIELD!!

If you ever just "punch it" and clobber someone while you are telling them "I am coming out" with your turn signal....and they can't move... you hit them... it will be on you. 🙂

Somewhere in the last twenty years of losing civility in this nation, folks seem to have forgotten that the established moving traffic lane has the right of way. I expect to see that from four wheelers, but not reflected here on the boards.

Just sayin' think about it. 🙂 🙂

[sleepyT]

rjsurfer wrote:
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.

:M

Can't cure STUPID. If I can I will switch to the hammer lane, if not I will continue to run the speed I was running, unless I feel it will cause a accidernt.

DOT needs to adopt some meaningfull education for new drivers.:R Right now all you have to do is fill out an application and take a antiquated driving test:S That being said, I say again.

CAN'T FIX STUPID:B

[INBellbuoy]

Dwight205 wrote:
Get a dodge with a 6.7 and take it.

X2

And I do not understand stoplights at the merge point nor people who decide to stop without the light.

[oldtrojan66]

To me, the meaning of "punch it" is more about being decisive. Your focus is on the second or third vehicle is front, and those right near you are actually in the periphery. Match with the traffic pattern you see in your mirrors and by looking back and when you decide, go for it. If you have signaled and planned well, no one will have to make any emergency adjustments.

[lj2654]

Punching the throttle is the best way and look for the hole between cars. Some will get over a lane for you and others have no clue what the law is.....and for another subject line/ how about the ones that pull in front of you at 55-60 to make a right turn....that torks me off and finger usually comes up and words flow......as I stomp the air brakes to avoid smashing into the idiot!

[sunkatcher]

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]

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

[rjsurfer]

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.

[Dave_H_M]

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