Nervous first time driver, any good apps to help?

[JustinG30]

So we pickup our RV tomorrow and instantly taking a nice little road trip. My issue is ending up somewhere that I get stuck or can't fit (our RV is only 25ft overall) is their any type of app or something that will tell me which roads to stay on and which gas stations are made for rv? Thanks

[navegator]

Allways look up when driving on residential streets and even in some avenues, low trees they do wonders with your air\con and vents, etc, when using a pubic parking as in Walmart, etc try to park away from the croud and yes you can use two spots, one in front of the other one, not across, and make sure you can exit with out having to wait for the inevitable idiot that parks next to you, a little thought before doing something stupid is worth the time.

Always use the KISS principle.

Ki it simple stupid

navegator

[jeffcarp]

2gypsies wrote:
Full-timing in a 40' diesel motorhome we've never once even though of weight restrictions because we never encountered a problem. We also used secondary roads all the time.

Jeffcarp: I'm not sure why you would have a problem with a 22' Class C.

I've encountered three weight restrictions on two trips in two consecutive years. One was leaving Red Rocks Amphitheater outside Denver. It was 5 ton restricted. Two others in New Mexico this year. One within Albuquerque city limits and another in rural New Mexico.

[drsteve]

When you need fuel on the interstate, look for truck stops. Plenty of room at the pumps, and acres of concrete make it easy to maneuver or park while you eat a sandwich and take a break.

[Veebyes]

25'LOA is only 3' longer than a 3500 pickup truck. Sorry, but what is the basis for concern? 25' is a small class C.

[Sam_Spade]

2gypsies wrote:

Jeffcarp: I'm not sure why you would have a problem with a 22' Class C.

Some people have trouble with a normal CAR. 😉

[2gypsies1]

Full-timing in a 40' diesel motorhome we've never once even though of weight restrictions because we never encountered a problem. We also used secondary roads all the time.

Jeffcarp: I'm not sure why you would have a problem with a 22' Class C.

[jeffcarp]

We're at 24' and your at 25' so at that length I'd be less concerned about getting stuck in bad driving predicaments and more concerned about the roads that simple don't permit vehicles over a certain tonnage. Maneuverability wise you'll be fine in almost any situation at 25' once we get used to it. Avoid gas stations or any entrance to a business that has a large dip or rise at the street to avoid bottoming out.

To help with routing on weight restricted roads I use the CoPilot RV app on an Android tablet. It routes based on RV weight and dimensions.

[2gypsies1]

spoon059 said it!!!

Keep in mind that a few years ago there was no such thing as apps. 🙂

You'll have no problems with a 25'.

[spoon059]

My suggestion is to not worry about apps and digital devices and instead use common sense and forethought. You have a small trailer, you should be fine just about anywhere. Remember that all those gas stations get their fuel in large, tall, long tanker trucks that are able to get into and out of those gas stations just fine.

Start looking for gas when you get no lower than a quarter tank. Driving on the interstates will give you a wide selection of gas stations. Driving on local highways will give you less of a selection.

Plan ahead before pulling in to a station. Look for other entrances/exits and ensure that you park your rig so as to allow for easy path to exit when you are done. I prefer the pumps at the end of the line so I am less likely to obstruct other customers while I am there. Don't forget to swing wide when turning, so you don't hit anything.

Again, a 25' trailer is relatively small and you shouldn't have any problems with most gas stations. Know your height, including AC, and watch for low canopies and low clearances.

Enjoy your trip, congrats on your new RV!!!

[wendyly]

I use google earth to scout out gas stations in advance of a trip. That is of course not as reliable as actually seeing the gas station, but it definitely eliminates the ones that are too tight

[Walaby]

You've gotten some good tips. I could echo the same, but you get the picture. Having said that, you say you are picking it up and INSTANTLY heading out for a nice trip. It's probably too late for this advice, but I would try to either do driveway camping for a night or two, or something local as my first outing. I don't know if your rig is new or used, but either way, a little shakedown would be good before you hit the road, to make sure everything works. You can live in it over the weekend, and make a list of all the things you need so you are better prepared to hit the road.

Make sure you have a decently stocked tool box. Electrical tape, voltmeter, 12v tester, flashlight, batteries etc... If something fails along the way, you need to be somewhat self sufficient. Road side assistance can take hours and mobile RV Tech's, while good, do cost money.

Mike

[Ozlander]

No apps while driving.

[cbshoestring]

So far all I see is references to length...do NOT forget height. Your 10' 6" RV will not fit under the 9' 8" drive-thru at the local greasy spoon.

My recommendation is to take the RV to a surface that is level. Measure from the highest point of your RV to the road surface. You will probably have to hold a level from that high point, so that it hangs over the side of the unit. Once I have that measurement, I like to add an inch or two (just to be on the safe side). Then NEVER, EVER go under anything that does not have clearance for you to fit.

Do NOT base you height on the manufacture's spec sheet. Like weight, they are a generic number based on general assumptions. This is especially true with travel trailers that are assumed to be level...when in fact, you may be towing a bit nose/tail high, which changes the clearance numbers.

13'6" CLEARANCE means 13'6" will fit. 12'8" means 12'8" will fit. Clearance numers tell you what CLEARS, not the actual height of the object. So if you stay under your clearance measurement and hit the obstruction...someone else is to blame.

I will not discuss New York in this post....I don't want to scare you.

Plus remember your under-carriage clearance. R/R tracks, curbs, etc... You don't want to wipe out your plumbing.

[Sam_Spade]

WyoTraveler wrote:
When getting fuel or entering any area plan your exit before entering.

THIS.

It is MUCH better to go around the block, even twice maybe, than it is to get into a situation that's hard to get out of.

And.....find a big empty parking lot and practice backing up in an imaginary tight space. Eventually you will have to do this at least once.