While Driving
Because your motor home is longer than the average automobile the turning radius
will be wider. Therefore it is always a good idea to pay close attention when turning your
motor home. Keep a close eye on the rear of the motor home making sure it will clear
potential obstacles. Your motor home is also heavier than an average automobile with a
higher center of gravity. Those factors may make it difficult to change momentum of your
motor home. Swerves and sharp turns, especially at high speeds, could result in loss of
control of the motor home. You should always keep that in mind and drive with extra
caution necessary to avoid situations which might require quick momentum changes.
You will find that your motor home will travel safely and comfortably at highway speed
limits. However, it will take longer to reach that speed and you must always bear this in
mind when overtaking and passing another vehicle. Allow more time to go around other
vehicles because you cannot cut back as quickly due to the longer length of your motor
home. When descending a long hill, drop down into a lower gear. The transmission and
engine will help in controlling down hill speed and can lengthen brake life. The distance
required to stop your motor home will be greater than an automobile’s. Even though
your motor home is equipped with brakes designed for its Gross Vehicle Weight Rating
(GVWR) we suggest that you practice stopping away from traffic until you become accus-
tomed to the motor home’s stopping distance. When backing up have your co-pilot get
out of the motor home and walk to the driver’s side rear corner. Your co-pilot can watch
for any obstacles and give hand signals to you as you back up. When traveling make
sure that any bridges you cross can support the weight of your motor home. Check ton-
nage limit of bridges before crossing them. Signs are normally posted at bridge entrances.
Know and observe the laws where you will be traveling as they may vary from state to
state.
Emergency Stopping
Always carry road flares or reflective warning signs to display if necessary. Pull off
the roadway as far as possible for emergency stopping or tire changing. Turn ON your
motor home hazard warning flashers when parked along side traffic lanes. Set the park-
ing brake.
Backing In
If your destination does not have drive through sites, pick a good level site and
back in carefully. We suggest that you stop near the site, get out of the motor home and
observe the surrounding area. Check for low-hanging tree limbs, posts, large rocks or
other obstacles. Try to choose a site that is on the driver’s side, so that you can see what
the rear of the motor home is doing. With the site on the passenger side you would be
backing into the site on your blind side which is more difficult. When site conditions are
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