I haven't seen this topic posted before so I thought I would see what others thought. We have a modest sized rig (TV & TT) that my DW will not consider driving. This really isn't an issue as I enjoy doing the driving anyhow and can go for hours if need be. It's just in the back of my mind that if she needed to drive in a pinch (eg. I lost my glasses in a lake, sudden illness while camping, you name it) I would rather she have some experience with handling the rig. BTW, our first TV was rather small and I could see her concern in anticipating shifting down on hills, etc. However our current TV is designed to tow and handles the TT easily...just set cruise and it practically drives itself, downshifting on descents, etc.Am I being overly concerned about this or should I encourage her to take the wheel occasionally on quiet stretches of road? How do others handle driving duty? Anyone run into a situation where they wished they were more prepared in this area? I'm an experienced camper so know that preparedness is never a bad thing. Your thoughts?

I'm in the same boat. I prefer to do the driving and it's hard to give up my seat, towing or not. I've been trying to get my wife to see the importance of being prepared in the event of an injury for years. Can't trade her in for a new one so I work with what I've got. I do make a point of explaining everything I do so she understands the purpose. Now just need to find a way to get her behind the wheel. Problem is every other year the tt seems to get bigger right when she's about to get comfortable.

Howie3 wrote:I haven't seen this topic posted before so I thought I would see what others thought. We have a modest sized rig (TV & TT) that my DW will not consider driving. This really isn't an issue as I enjoy doing the driving anyhow and can go for hours if need be. It's just in the back of my mind that if she needed to drive in a pinch (eg. I lost my glasses in a lake, sudden illness while camping, you name it) I would rather she have some experience with handling the rig. BTW, our first TV was rather small and I could see her concern in anticipating shifting down on hills, etc. However our current TV is designed to tow and handles the TT easily...just set cruise and it practically drives itself, downshifting on descents, etc.Am I being overly concerned about this or should I encourage her to take the wheel occasionally on quiet stretches of road? How do others handle driving duty? Anyone run into a situation where they wished they were more prepared in this area? I'm an experienced camper so know that preparedness is never a bad thing. Your thoughts?I'm in the same boat. DW won't even consider towng the TT. And to be honest. IF it scares her, or your DW. The best thing is. Don't try to force her. A scared driver is a dangerous driver. As for your glasses. Lencrafters can make you a new pair in an hour. Yep. I broke mine, and we had to get a new pair on the trip. As to the illness. I once woke up with vertigo. Spent 2 days on the couch, Could not drive home. Was on the verge of calling a friend to come get the TT. When the meds kicked in, and last morning I woke up OK. But I do, and I'm sure you do. Know people who will help you out. Keep their numbers close.

my DW will drive, forward, and she does participate in all of the hooking up and unhooking to know how it is all done. She won't back it up though.

Wife is more afraid of navigating than driving. I drive the open roads and she does the cities while I handle the map or GPS. I make a great passenger and she don't mind :)

Good thread!The wife here is somewhat willing.Our truck is a diesel stick and the one time she tried it she kept popping the clutch and killing it.Too bad there isn't someplace around here that offers an RV drivers course.It would probably be better if the wife was taught by someone else other than me.I'll be watching this thread :)

DW won't drive | Good Sam Community

JohnES
Explorer
May 18, 2013
I'm pretty fortunate, my wife drives a school bus in the Atlanta metro area, so driving is no problem. Her only problem is she does not like to pull into a gas station and fillup.
WandaLust2
Explorer
May 12, 2013
Elizabeth24 wrote:
When DH retired and decided to get an RV, I told him from get go that that was fine but I would not be driving it. It has been over ten years, and I have never attempted to even move our various RV's that we have had, a C Class, Truck camper, TT and fifth wheel. WE have travelled probably 50,000 miles and there has never been a discussion about me driving and that is going to stay that way!

If something did happen, would hire someone to get us home.

I'm with you Elizabeth. I wouldn't attempt to haul our 28' TT. I feel I would be a danger to myself and everyone else on the road. I may try to drive the Class-C once out on the great planes or desert, but that's about it. We too would have to hire someone to get us home as I haven't a clue how to handle steep grades. I never could understand at what point/speed/RPMs to downshift...
Jarlaxle
Explorer II
May 12, 2013
jorn wrote:
My DW is concerned that she, at 4' 11", won't be able to reach the pedals. She has yet to try. :-/

My 4'8" former coworker had no trouble in a cutaway Econoline...or a 45' coach. She'll be fine.
Holly-n-Matt
Explorer
May 09, 2013
We got all excited about buying a TT and then I realized I was the one that would be driving most of the time since I get car sick. I was already hooked on the idea when I had the realization, so I'll be sucking it up and driving most of the time. But my DH gets to back that sucker in...I hate doing that!
TOOBOLD
Explorer
May 09, 2013
My husband should be proud of me as I have towed all our toys: jet ski's, boat, TT and now 5th wheel. I cheat when launching the boat I put the tailgate down so I can see.

I payed close attention during our PDI on the TT. On our first trip DH hurt his back and I had to drive. Luckily we were within one gas tank of being home, so I filled up before we left. He talked me through the whole thing. I made it home safely and even backed the trailer into storage. It wasn't centered but between the lines is all that mattered. I do half the driving on most trips even with the 34' 5th wheel. Gas stations still intimidate the he** out of me and I would rather unhitch and fill up than to pull into some stations.
mark5w
Explorer
May 09, 2013
Never an issue. DW has always driven the TV. Just does not like to back it up.:D
rolling_rhoda
Explorer
May 09, 2013
Wife here: Because of DH's work schedule, I usually do the driving, setup and takedown with our MH, and he comes on the weekend with the car. I much prefer driving to being a passenger. Prior to the MH I had only driven cars and pickups.

I started driving the MH in a factory parking lot on the weekends, then went to quiet back roads, then through town with traffic. Scared shaking at first, honestly, but one does get over that kind of quickly. One complaint: the driver's seat is built for someone larger than me in every way. The seat is too deep so I have a pillow behind my back. Also the seat is too high so my heel doesn't touch the floor when my foot is on the gas pedal. That really strains the knee hour after hour.

DH tried to teach me to back a trailer once -- it was down a ramp to a loading point. After about thirty tries, I got out cussing and walked away. He's smart enough to never have asked me to back a trailer again. Best wishes!
bertnspike
Explorer
May 08, 2013
I am a 60-something year old widow driving her own 36' motor home with toad. I LOVE driving it! It's fun, and my Honda Element feels like a tiny little Smart car when I park the RV and use it. I've gotten in a few tight spots, but patience and unhooking the toad took care of them quickly. Backing up is easy too. Again, the key is patience and not being ashamed to stop the RV, get out, and go look before backing further. My DH used to try to tell me that driving a truck was hard & he had me pretty intimidated for a long time, but I think that was just because he didn't want me to take his fun away!
water_witch
Explorer
May 08, 2013
Another vote for RV Driving School! My DH developed a serious health issue so I had to learn to drive. I am the LAST person likely to drive a 35 ft. MH with a toad but I am doing it thanks to our two day course with wonderful instructor Beau.

Still nervous while driving but getting better all the time. Even drove on dreaded I-95 this week! Could never have ventured out on the road without RV Driving School.

So ladies if you think you might need to drive I highly recommend their course. And no I am not affiliated with them. Just a well satisfied student who can now drive our rig :)
jorn
Explorer
May 07, 2013
My DW is concerned that she, at 4' 11", won't be able to reach the pedals. She has yet to try. :-/

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