How to build your confidence driving an RV
RVs are incredible but driving them takes some getting used to. Here are six ways you can improve your RV driving confidence.
By Amy Fraser,
September 2, 2022
Driving an RV takes some getting used to so to make it a little easier, we’re sharing six ways to improve your confidence as an RV driver.
RVs are just incredible. I know, I know…we’re RV Daily, so of course we’d say that. But seriously, they offer escapism at its best. A chance to choose your own path and enjoy the journey. The hard part is getting used to actually driving your new home on wheels.
As awesome as they are, RVs are typically wide, long, heavy, and well, a bit daunting to first-timers. That said, once you conquer your RV confidence, the world (or road, rather) is your oyster.
We want you to enjoy venturing across the country as much as we do. To help you on your way, we’ve listed six ways to improve your confidence as an RV driver.
Just relax
Before you even attempt to start driving, make sure you’re relaxed and mentally prepared. The last thing you want to do is to sit down in the driver’s seat when you’re tense and already stressed. Trust me, I’ve done this before and it just led to panic, which led to a bad experience, which in turn, gave my confidence a knock.
Take a few deep breaths, tell yourself you can do this and forget about everything else. The more relaxed you are, the clearer you’ll be able to think and the better you’ll drive. Repeat after me: I’ve got this.
Don’t overthink it
This goes hand-in-hand with my first point and it’s as easy as it says on the tin: don’t overthink things. The first RV I drove was a seven-metre-long campervan that I took up the coast on a surfing road trip. I took one look at it and completely freaked out. In my eyes, this vehicle was practically a bus. How was I supposed to drive this?
I almost cancelled my trip but after 30 minutes I settled into the driver’s seat and got to grips with the size of my new wheels. As soon as I was on the highway I’d forgotten I was driving a ‘bus’ and I had an epic week.
The lesson here is two-fold. Don’t get worried about the size of your vehicle and use your upcoming trip as motivation to get going. I often think: if someone else can drive this, why can’t I? It might take a little bit of time, but sooner or later you’ll wonder what all of the fuss was about.
Practise driving your RV in a quiet car park
As tempting as it might be to hit the road, it’s worth going to an empty car park to get to know your RV. Once you’ve adjusted your mirrors, you’ll need to get to know the length, width and tail swing. Take your time practising turns, parking and reversing. This is also a great opportunity to test out your rear reversing camera (if you have one).
Take your time
When you’re driving an RV, you’ll naturally drive slower than other cars. Stay in the left lane (in Australia) on highways and don’t be worried about rushing to your next stop. In fact, you’ll want to plan plenty of breaks along the way.
When it comes to driving on single roads – perhaps windy, mountainous or narrow – don’t be afraid to be that vehicle that slows cars behind down. In these situations, slow is safe. Don’t be bullied into going faster than you should be. You can also look out for safe pullover points to let the vehicles behind past.
Assign a helper
If you have the luxury of driving a passenger or two, assign someone you trust to be your right-hand man. This person will be your go-to when it comes to difficult manoeuvres or blind spots. Come up with a communication plan before the moment strikes so you’re both relaxed and ready.
You might want to pre-warn them – this job isn’t weather-dependent! Come rain or shine, they’ll need to be ready to jump out of the vehicle to help guide you.
Plan carefully
The more positive experiences you have, the quicker you’ll gain confidence. Make your life easier by planning your route carefully. Think wide, quiet roads. You can leave the off-roading or more off-the-beaten-path fun for another day.
It’s also a good idea to consider the weather. Driving through heavy rain or snow is going to make driving your RV feel ten times more difficult. Opt for sunny weather with clear skies for good visibility.
Ultimately, practice makes perfect and your mindset matters more than you might think. Stay calm, choose your route wisely and keep your passengers limited to those who will help you out. Oh, and enjoy the journey. After all, that’s what we’re all here for.
