New Driver

One thing I remember from my first time driving a DP is to remember you're sitting in front of the steer wheels. Pull way out in the intersection before making that turn. With that 5'er the steer wheels were 5-6' in front of you. On a DP they are 2-3' behind you. Drive like you're sitting on the front bumper. Also, just take your time, drive slow and don't let the guy behind you try to tell you how fast to go.

If you've pulled a 5th wheel that size, a class "A" will be easy. You'll be a pro in just a few miles.

see if they have any school bus driving training classes in your area, won't be an exact match but they are usually 36 to 40 ft long

summertonic wrote:
What's your opinion on driving one that far without any special training?

The distance will be absolutely no problem. I predict that once you get out of New Mexico you'll feel very comfortable. It won't take long. Enjoy!

You may find that if it is equipped with air brakes you will find that they work a little different than juice brakes. If you read up on air brake systems and how they work it may be helpful especially if a problem arises like mentioned above.
Tail swing accidents mentioned above usually happens in tight quarters like filling stations.
Good luck and enjoy your new coach.

chuckftboy wrote:
Taking back roads for the first few hundred miles will give you a good idea of how to handle the Class A and what to expect. Good luck and have fun.

That's exactly what I did when we bought our Southwind. I drove about 15 miles on the interstate, then got off and took the side roads the rest of the way.
Take your time, watch your overhead clearance and tail swing. You'll be okay..

Your concerns are normal but I'll bet you will get comfortable pretty quick. If you can handle a 5er, you may find a Class A easier to handle. Like others said, slow and easy is the way to get started After a few hundred miles you'll be surprised how easy they are to drive.
Taking back roads for the first few hundred miles will give you a good idea of how to handle the Class A and what to expect. Good luck and have fun.

One thing not touched on is having it weighed and adjusting the tire pressures according to the loaded weight. When we first bought it ours new ( never drove a MH before) it was a challenge taming it going down the road. The tire pressures were way high according to the loaded weight charts ( from tire manufacture). After letting air out per axle weights it solved that problem.

If you don't it will wear you out mentally and physically. Don't oversteer, make minor corrections waiting for the MH to adjust. If you try to force quick corrections you'll find yourself soon correcting back the other way.

Cocky_Camper wrote:
We went from a 32 Ft TT to a 34 foot Class A. I feel much for comfortable driving the Class A and making turns than I did pulling the TT and making turns!

YEAH That.. it's actually easier.

Know your hight
Make your turns about the same as with your 5 VR

Take your turns slower. the coach will lean more / or seem to.

When you watch the videos, pay attention when they talk about tail swing. You dealt with this in your fiver but it's more dramatic on a class A. I disassembled a stone wall while learning about tail swing.