Driving Class A's

we just did the same--have been full-timing for a year and after spending the winter in our beloved Winnie gave it up for the increased roominess in the class A. I have not driven this unit, tho I did the C on a limited basis. DH drove just over 900 miles immediately following possession of this unit thru mountains, desert, and valleys and need I say WIND! he maneuvered through narrow streets in and out of gas stations with our toad. he loves the view--and we sit higher. other than that, he remains cautious until he gets used to the new length and comfortable with the drive of this coach which apparently needs a little more stabilization tho the former owner drove the unit fairly extensively. I'd say he's done well using the experience from our C and he tried test driving several A's that we looked at before buying this one. good luck and have fun!

Driving it is very similar. The perception is different, and probably unnerving in the beginning, as you are higher, and at the very front of the MH without the hood in front of you. You also seem much wider, but you are actually the same width, but it occurred behind you before.

Try to visualize your right foot in the center of the lane that you are driving in, and you will eventually quit looking at your mirrors to see where you are in the lane. It took me about 1,000 miles when I said to my wife. . . this is much better driving the Class A that the previous Class C. I'll never go back.

Just takes a little adjustment. In our last 31 foot C, I felt a little unnerved because the driving position felt like a van and had to remember the cabover height and extra width behind the cab. Class A is larger but seems more logical, if that makes sense. Rear hang and pivot point principles are the same.

older_fossil.....You know how you feel the first few minutes of driving your Class C on a trip when you haven't driven it for awhile. After about 20 minutes you relax and everything is fine. The same thing will happen with a Class A, but may take a couple of days.

Two big differences you'll notice immediately....

You are sitting much higher. Pros - lots more to see...Cons - Pass view can be unnerving at first.

You are now sitting ABOVE the steer axle instead of BEHIND it. Much different feel when you're cornering.

About 3 hrs seat time and you'll be a pro....Dennis

always feel funny like i am driving on the center line...still get nervous when the 18wheeler pass me.

older_fossil wrote:
Hi, my wife and I have traveled extensively in a Ford E-450 based class C motorhome (with a towed vehicle). We are seriously planning to upgrade to a class A and fulltiming. I figure some of you on this forum have also gone from a class C to a class A.

How different is the driving experience in the class A?
How long did it take to feel comfortable with the switch?

Thanks for any input,
Art

Friend of mine went from a Boeing 737-800 to a '90s something Class A Bounder. He said the Boeing was easier to maneuver on the ground than the Bounder. One day he invited me up to the flight deck to sit in the Captain's seat and have a look around pre-9/11. He reminded me the 737's front wheels are a few feet aft the pilot's seat, which took some getting used to.;)

You'll be fine. :)

The biggest change you'll notice is sitting above or slightly in front of the steering axle. This is quite a different feel at first when your turning a corner as compared to sitting behind the steer axle like most folks are used to. Just remember to take a little wider line when cornering. Sitting out front you can seem to go a little past the normal turning point before you start your turn and you should not cut anything short.

We went from a 29' class C to a 32' class A. I think the class A drives easier and rides smoother. I love the big windows and how high up you sit. awesome view of the road. it's taking me a while to get used to driving in the wind, we've had several experiences (in Idaho and in California) where the wind just about pushes you off the road, some of the tricky gusts can change lanes for you if you're not careful. anyway, happy camping.

My biggest problem was and is, "there is no drivers side door". I miss that. :(