New 2016 FR3 Driving Concerns

[NowWhere2]

We pulled the trigger at the Hershey RV show and traded in our 29' 2005 Class C Coachmen on a brand new FR3 30DS from Forest River. The number they threw out for the trade (site unseen) was just too good.

We pick it up Saturday and i'm freaking out a little about driving a Class A over a C. It just seems so much bigger!

I'm hoping someone who has gone through this transformation will read this and be able to talk me down :E

Not that it makes a difference, but I am a woman and drove all kinds of trucks and construction equipment when i was younger as well as driving the C for the last 5 years with no issues whatsoever - so i don't know why i'm having this reaction.

[frankdamp]

Another suggestion - see if you can get a local school-bus driver to give you an hour or so watching how you drive and making suggestions. If a 60-year old grandmother can handle a 40' bus with 75 screaming school-kids aboard, through narrow residential streets, she can surely help you get acclimated to your new rig.

[Not_a_Clue]

NowWhere2 wrote:
We pulled the trigger at the Hershey RV show and traded in our 29' 2005 Class C Coachmen on a brand new FR3 30DS from Forest River. The number they threw out for the trade (site unseen) was just too good.

We pick it up Saturday and i'm freaking out a little about driving a Class A over a C. It just seems so much bigger!

I'm hoping someone who has gone through this transformation will read this and be able to talk me down :E

Not that it makes a difference, but I am a woman and drove all kinds of trucks and construction equipment when i was younger as well as driving the C for the last 5 years with no issues whatsoever - so i don't know why i'm having this reaction.

I had no problem moving from a C to an A. Love the visibility from the A. You will be fine with your background. I was raised on a farm with big machinery so that helped.

[rdmike]

rgatijnet1 wrote:
Go to a parking lot that is wide open. Pull up next to a stripe on the ground just like it would be the center line down the highway. You want the stripe to be parallel to the motor home. While you are sitting in the driver's seat, in the normal driving position have someone outside note how far away from the stripe that you are. 12" is good. Then have that same person use a piece of black tape to put on the bottom of your windshield that corresponds with a point 12" to the right of the line, as you are looking forward.
By using this piece of tape, as you drive down the road, you will be able to tell exactly how far to the right of center line that you are or exactly where the left side of your coach will be going as you drive in an RV park or other unmarked area.
With a large vehicle, you will go crazy trying to watch both sides at the same time for clearance. If you are sure it will fit between two spaces, all you really need to do is watch one side and the other side will take care of itself.
Basically it all boils down to experience. The more you drive it the more comfortable you will become. Relax and enjoy the ride.

X2. I do the same. Have reference points. Wiper nozzle on my windshield wiper is the center of the road. Split in the winshield is my right aligned with the white line. Left is the tip of the mirror. When you are on the interstate and you see the sign narrow single lane, next 20 miles. I can just look at my reference points and I am good, just relax. 40 foot dp with toad.

[Ivylog]

A little different approach to the tape on the windshield that rgatijnet1 posted. Park so the right side tires are almost touching the parking lot line. Put a small piece of tape on the inside that touches the line when seated. You can do this by yourself.

Only glance at this reference to check where the rig is when you are looking way out front. With practice you will stop using the tape as with time you will get the feel for where you are. I would leave it on so in construction zones you can use it to keep as close as possible to the right so you do not have to worry about the left side.

While in the vacant parking lot, put out a cone or coke can on the end of a parking strip on the right. Use it to see if you are going to miss it in a right turn. Turning too soon and not turning the steering wheel fast enough once you start the turn are two things that help you scrape the side of the MH. By hugging the center line before making a right turn will help too. On occasion there will not be anyway to make a right turn so go ahead to the next street and then make three left turns. If there is not any traffic you can go 20' further than normal and make the turn in two steps assuming you are not towing a car. Once you have to stop, turn the steering wheel all the way to the left and back up so you can then finish the turn on the second time going forward. I've even made tight turns that were more than 90 degrees by doing it in three parts.

Relax, look further out and use your mirrors.

[Kidoo]

My father in law ripped a car on a parking lot with his back end of his class C, he turned too quickly.

[rgatijnet1]

Go to a parking lot that is wide open. Pull up next to a stripe on the ground just like it would be the center line down the highway. You want the stripe to be parallel to the motor home. While you are sitting in the driver's seat, in the normal driving position have someone outside note how far away from the stripe that you are. 12" is good. Then have that same person use a piece of black tape to put on the bottom of your windshield that corresponds with a point 12" to the right of the line, as you are looking forward.
By using this piece of tape, as you drive down the road, you will be able to tell exactly how far to the right of center line that you are or exactly where the left side of your coach will be going as you drive in an RV park or other unmarked area.
With a large vehicle, you will go crazy trying to watch both sides at the same time for clearance. If you are sure it will fit between two spaces, all you really need to do is watch one side and the other side will take care of itself.
Basically it all boils down to experience. The more you drive it the more comfortable you will become. Relax and enjoy the ride.

[dougrainer]

I have been working on Motorhomes for 36 years. In that time, I have driven all kinds of Class A's and Class C's. IMO, Class C's are much more difficult to drive(And Back up) and the visibility is not the same. For some reason, people think because it is on a VAN body, it will be easier to drive than a Class A. It just takes time for you to adjust to the characteristics of a Class C. Doug

[hottubkid]

I just close my eyes and pray. Has worked for over 11 years

[frankdamp]

Kidoo:

That's how I was taught when I started driving Transit. Directly off your shoulder for a 30-footer and suitably further out for a 35 or 40-footer. A 40-ft. coach in downtown rush-hour traffic was a bit white-knuckles the first few times, but it didn't take long to get the hang of it.

[Kidoo]

I do this with mine, when turning at a corner or around something, I wait until my body or seat is equal to the sidewalk and then I turn full swing. If I do this right, I do not rub the tire on the sidewalk.

[lryrob9301]

It's the big windshield and no hood or fenders out front that has you spooked. You don't have any reference points to judge the size of what your driving. Yes it is larger than your class C, but not by much. Just remember when driving 4 things:

1) Aim high in steering, meaning always look at least a 1/4 mile ahead of you. Do not keep looking at the side of the road to judge your spacing in your lane. Always look way ahead and you will automatically keep the coach centered.

2) Keep your eyes moving. DO not stare at the road in front of you, constantly check your mirrors and gauges.

3) Get the big picture. By constantly checking way ahead and your mirrors you will develop a "picture" of the traffic around you.

4) ALWAYS leave yourself an out. Never get boxed in when in traffic. Either speed up or slow down so no traffic is directly beside you at highway speeds. NEVER NEVER follow the vehicle in front very close. Always leave at least 4 to 5 seconds between you and anything in front at highway speeds. In an emergency your best "out" is your brake pedal, but only if you have left enough space to get stopped.

If you follow these 4 principles of defensive driving you will find the coach will be a pleasure to drive and not nearly as scary.

[Colo_Native]

It's like driving a big car

[lj2654]

Watch your turns more and swing a bit more when you make them. We went from a 31 ft C to a 40 ft DP....piece of cake!

[ocean_bound]

You'll be fine just take your time Class a sits a little higher and a little more top-heavy class c and sit more over the wheel so steering it might feel a little funny at first in one or two trips he'll get comfortable just don't be in a hurry