Pulling through big cities

[Dso66]

Wondering what people do when they have to pull their rigs through the bigger cities. Also is there a book or app. That has preferred routes to destinations. Just thinking driving certain places with a 5r or a TT isn't a lot of fun

[tpi]

I use Garmin RV navigator. If I'm going through big city I may check the route on navigator vs. what I see on map. Sometimes there is highway rings around the city, some may be newer and larger than the ones through the city core. Sometimes 🙂 I'll occasionally override the navigator and let it recalculate. Strongly recommend RV GPS navigator.

Best time through is often Sunday morning before 6:30 AM if possible. IMO very heavy slow traffic on highway isn't all that hard to drive in, it is just a time waster.

If driving through the city core on surface streets I will generally plan and research the roads in advance. Starting with navigator suggested route. For me it doesn't happen often-most of my camping is not in downtown city cores.

Newer suburbia generally I don't find challenging. Wide roads, shoulders, newer businesses with big parking lots.

Probably my least favorite RV driving condition is in some construction zones. K rails, cones, erratic lane width, erratic corners, poor signage, etc. Toss in crazy drivers whoo hoo!

[restlesswind]

It just takes a bit of planning beforehand and getting thru the big cities is really simple.
When we get close to a big city,I ask my DW if she would mind driving for a while.

[2oldman]

Fizz wrote:
And that's why you're always lost.

Probably.

[2112]

I live south of Houston and often tow north. I have never had a concern of driving through town on the freeways at any time of day. Sure I get stuck in stop n go traffic sometimes but it doesn't bother me. Turn on your blinker if you need to change lanes and someone will let you in.

[DustyR]

PortWentworthSam wrote:
TT, 5-R or M/H with a toad....makes no difference. They are all monsters driving in big cities. I generally make sure that if there is a highway going through the city I try to stay in the middle lane. Easier for me. I also slow down and go about 2-4 mph below posted speed limit. If you get caught or have to drive in 2 lane city streets just make sure you take your time and make wide turns. Relax and don't let other drivers bother you. When you approach an intersection that you have to turn at think it through before you proceed. Take a few seconds before you hit the gas. Keep an eye on mirrors and you will be okay.

99% of the time when other drivers see a big beast in front of them trying to manouver they will hold back and let you make your needed turn or lane change. They key is to remain calm, relax and drive the beast.

X-2

Good advice, you own the road in front of you and use it as you please. When making turns I crowd which ever lane i need well in advance of the turn.

[hotbyte]

Jim-Linda wrote:

2oldman wrote:
An rv GPS may be your best bet for that. Otherwise,don't do it. Trees will get you every time.

Boy, we've gone thru Ok City, Tulsa, St. Louis, Indy, Chi town, Dallas, Ft. Worth, Houston, You get the idea. We have NEVER, that's NEVER had an overhead tree to worry about.

Jim

We were going through Savannah GA where some large, old trees lined the streets and low limbs definitely would be an issue in the right lane. They had signs up that warned trucks and large vehicles to use the left lane.

[Tvov]

Seems to be two different conversations going on here. Some are talking about driving on a highway/interstate through a city, others are talking about driving in the middle of a city off the highway.

Highway through a city - no big deal, just pay attention to traffic, try to stay in middle lane if there is one. If a car is coming up an entrance ramp and you can't move over or brake, the car has to yield. Happened to me once in a big way - a guy in a Lincoln, who obviously was very important and was going somewhere very important, came screaming up an on ramp while we were in packed rush hour traffic. I simply could not move over or brake or speed up - he came within inches of my truck before he slowed down to look for a break in traffic. It was close, but it worked out, if I had tried to "avoid" him I probably would have caused a multi car accident (technically it would have been his fault, but try explaining that).

Driving through city streets - I avoid that when at all possible. Sometimes you just have to bull your way through, like city buses do. Also think of your out of state license plate as the "dumb tourist pass" and just go. And ignore, or wave back, at those saying you are number one (usually they use the wrong finger, though...).

[Lantley]

hotbyte wrote:

Water-Bug wrote:

hotbyte wrote:
Follow the big trucks and look for the truck route signs.

That works great if you want to overnight in an industrial park or lunch at a warehouse.

Yeah, those are the ONLY two places a big truck will ever go...

THe main thing to gain from following big truck is you get a sense that the clearances along the road are adequate. If you are in uncharted territory clearances become the first concern. Seeing 18 wheelers provides a sense of security that clearances are not an issue.
But as mentioned this following/observing trucks is not a big city only issue, but can be beneficial in rural areas as well.
There is a certain fear of the unknown that applies when driving in an unfamiliar area regardless if the area is urban or rural.

[hotbyte]

Water-Bug wrote:

hotbyte wrote:
Follow the big trucks and look for the truck route signs.

That works great if you want to overnight in an industrial park or lunch at a warehouse.

Yeah, those are the ONLY two places a big truck will ever go...

[Fizz]

2oldman wrote:

Fizz wrote:

2oldman wrote:

Fizz wrote:
Study your route on a map first.
Learn the names of the streets you need to turn on.
Know the names of the streets just before that turn then you will be ready for that next turn.

Try that with 5 turns!

Can't read a map?

I usually try to keep my mind and eyes on my driving, not maps.

And that's why you're always lost.

[rockhillmanor]

I've found myself having to go thru major towns MH towing and during rush hour and really it's not that big of a deal. I hang in the right lane and just plod along.

If you don't want a death grip ride thru a major city just plan your trips to go thru late at night after 10 or so, I find that the most enjoyable way to go thru a major city.

OR if you plans don't allow that, just make sure to avoid rush hour times. Even if means hanging out at a rest area for a few hours till it's over and then get on the road.

I plan most of my trips where I plan to stay at a CG just outside the major city, relax and enjoy the evening and then I get up around 4:00 and cruise right thru the town. KOA just outside Atlanta is my routine stop for the night when heading south for the winter.

[Water-Bug]

hotbyte wrote:
Follow the big trucks and look for the truck route signs.

That works great if you want to overnight in an industrial park or lunch at a warehouse.

[Lantley]

DutchmenSport wrote:
I've not had problems with larger towns or cities, but I have had my share of problems in small country town across the mid-west? Why ... well, we've been driving for a while, we're hungry and want to swing through McDonalds. We pull in, attempt to go around the building and come out the other side.... only problem is, the road does not go around the other side! That means backing out all the way around the building back to the road, sometimes, backing into the road, to move on. This actually happened to us twice this summer. As soon as you get around that building, this great big .... "OH SH!!" with a deep low rumble somehow grumbles under my breath!

Dutchman that's just it. Small towns can be just a lethal as big cities.
Although hitting a dead end at McD's is pure operator error.:)
No solution for that! LOL.:S
Truth is you are towing or driving a large rig and you need to be very aware of your surroundings. If you want to travel our great country without limits you will encounter a few tricky situations along the way. Some you can prepare for some you cannot.
Detours,construction,road closures,accidents can quickly send you into unchartered territory.
Small towns can have just as many pitfalls as big cities. You need to be alert at all times regardless of the cities population or size.
Unfortunately there is no RV fairy to guarantee 4 lane highways with all large intersections free of congestion and lane closures.
The good news is once you been at it awhile. You gain confidence and ability. You will no longer fear big cities or anything else. Yes it takes time but at this point I research as much as possible verify my directions via a few sources. Avoid relying on GPS 100% Take your time and you'll be fine.

[wandering1]

Never had a problem.

[2oldman]

Fizz wrote:

2oldman wrote:

Fizz wrote:
Study your route on a map first.
Learn the names of the streets you need to turn on.
Know the names of the streets just before that turn then you will be ready for that next turn.

Try that with 5 turns!

Can't read a map?

I usually try to keep my mind and eyes on my driving, not maps.