I've owned a couple of diesel pickups and I drove a large school bus for a year, but when I sit in the cockpit of a diesel pusher I'm stymied by all the switches, knobs, and pedals. So what do I need to know about driving a diesel pusher?
I went from a 26' class a gas to a 42' DP ten years ago. I went to the dealer to pick up the coach. The salesman went to a local fuel stop to fill the tank. And in the three blocks I was overwhelmed with all the controls, computer, dials, and so on. In insisted on spending the night in the rig at the dealership so I could acquaint myself with the manuals and controls. There are lots of things you need to know to drive a big rig safely.
BlueBoy wrote: I've owned a couple of diesel pickups and I drove a large school bus for a year, but when I sit in the cockpit of a diesel pusher I'm stymied by all the switches, knobs, and pedals. So what do I need to know about driving a diesel pusher?
I disagree with any assertions that the "knobs and switches are only there to impress friends"...they're there for a reason, and they all have a function.
But if you drove a school bus, you can handle a diesel pusher - it's the weight and length you need to be concerned with, and you've done it. The "knobs and switches" are explained in the manual - just read it.
Makers are getting away from the touchpad gear selector in favor of a rotating knob on the steering column stalk similar to a turn signal except on the right side.
2013 Chevy 3500HD CC dually 2014 Voltage 3600 toy hauler 2019 RZR 1000XP TRE
If you ever drove a Blue Bird bus they loved switches and they had enough left for their motorhomes. My daughter's family had 2 Bluebirds and they had switches. Most that I have seen on DPs never come close to Bluebirds.
There are a few things different but nothing you can't adapt to in five minutes. Gear selection is a touch pad; there's no Park, you apply the Parking Brake. The air brakes feel a little different and some other small stuff.
Ed/Jeanie & Slade the GSD 2017 Entegra Aspire 42 RBQ/ Sierra Crew
All the switches, bells and lights are just to impress your friends.
It will be easier to drive than a school bus because there are no (or at least fewer) screaming kids in the back. If you drove Blue Birds, it is just like that. If you drove Internationals, you now have a better view.
Go to it guy.
Matt
Matt & Mary Colie A sailor, his bride and their black dogs (one dear dog is waiting for us at the bridge) going to see some dry places that have Geocaches in a coach made the year we married.
