Driving Tips for First-Time Motorhome Owners

If you’ve recently bought your first motorhome, you may be a little nervous to get behind the wheel of such a large vehicle. To help you prepare for driving your new rig, we’ve put together the handy tips below. If you’re still looking for your perfect motorhome, feel free to stop by our location in Nacogdoches, Texas, to browse our inventory.

Parking

Parking in a motorhome is no easy feat! More difficult spots may require you to reverse or turn into a space, which is something that many first-time owners struggle with. To avoid this predicament, we advise setting up cones on a residential street, or even your driveway, to practice with. 

When reversing, try to keep your hands on the bottom of the wheel and remember that turning your wheel to the left will pull the end of your RV to the right (and vice versa) until you can straighten out your rig. 

Driving 

Driving a motorhome for the first time can be pretty nerve-racking! Thankfully, these vehicles are pretty easy to get the hang of after a few practice sessions. We advise driving to a nearby parking lot to practice making wide turns and getting a good feel for your motorhome’s controls. 

You’ll also need to pay close attention to your motorhome’s brakes, as these vehicles take much longer to stop than a car. Practice stopping and starting slowly, and remember to keep a good amount of distance between your RV and other vehicles when out on the road. 

Wind

When driving a motorhome for the first time on a windy day, or a high-speed road, you may be surprised to discover that the wind can slow down or steer your rig in another direction. Don’t over-correct and jerk your wheel in the opposite direction, as this may result in swerving. Instead, use small movements to straighten your rig back into its lane and pay close attention to which way the wind is blowing. 

If you’re looking for a new or used motorhome, a replacement part, or even a professional repair, feel free to visit us here at Motorhomes of Texas! We proudly serve the nearby cities of Lufkin and Henderson, Texas, and our amazing sales staff will ensure you find everything you need.