Does this sound acquainted?
‘I love the idea of traveling in an RV, but I’ve by no means pushed something larger than a sedan.’
Many would-be RV campers fear about driving a motorhome safely, nevertheless it’s not as troublesome as you may suppose. Unless you might have an particularly lengthy or heavy mannequin, you don’t want a particular license, and also you’ll be taught simply with a little bit follow.Â
Are RVs Hard to Drive?
In brief, all RVs are straightforward to drive when you get used to them. Longer, heavier motorhomes will really feel like a brand new driving expertise for novices. Of course, towable RVs have their very own issues in comparison with motorized RVs. Today, we’re speaking about RVs with a steering wheel – motorhomes.
Motorhomes aren’t arduous to drive when you learn to make wider turns and get used to accelerating and braking slower than in a automobile. RV drivers should look additional down the street to arrange for stopped or slowed visitors.Â
An extended motorhome can have a studying curve as a result of there will be as a lot as 30-40 ft of RV behind you. But, most compact campers are intuitive to drive. You may even think about renting an RV to achieve expertise earlier than shopping for.Â
Regardless of the make and mannequin you drive, all RVers ought to observe these RV driving security suggestions.
What Is the Easiest RV to Drive?
Generally, a class B RV is the best to drive in case you’re new to RVing. Most aren’t for much longer than a pickup truck and might simply maneuver into parking areas and gasoline stations. If you’re in search of the best transition into RV driving, select a category B camper.Â
However, that doesn’t imply class A and sophistication C motorhomes require way more talent and experience. Most are longer and heavier than camper vans, requiring extra braking time, wider turns, and superior route planning.
Even for brand spanking new RVers, these issues are straightforward to beat, particularly in freeway driving. When you exit the freeway and end up on crowded metropolis streets, it could possibly really feel completely different.Â
Many drivers discover class C motorhomes simpler to drive than class A fashions. This is usually as a result of the cab appears like a big truck as an alternative of a bus. To make driving extra snug, bigger motorhomes have added security options like rearview cameras that assist remove blind spots. Â
What are the Various Types of Motorhomes?
Let’s take a deeper have a look at the issues for driving the several types of RVs.
Class A
Class A motorhomes are sometimes 26 to 45 ft lengthy and eight ft vast, making them the biggest within the motorized RV class. Most Class A motorhomes function plentiful underbelly space for storing, that means the cockpit is extra elevated than different motorhomes.Â
This supplies nice visibility to assist drivers acknowledge street hazards with sufficient time to react safely. Class A RVs additionally supply probably the most inside area and luxurious facilities, making them widespread for full-time RV dwelling. Learn extra about Class A motorhomes and the way to decide on the appropriate measurement to your journey life-style.
Browse Class A motorhomes on the market close to you.
Class B
Class B motorhomes are straightforward to drive, and so they pack facilities right into a compact bundle. They’re sometimes 17 to 23 ft lengthy, 7 ft vast, and 9 to 11 ft in top. Class B RVs don’t normally have to fret in regards to the top clearance of different motorhome sorts.Â
Also known as a camper van, Class B motorhomes drive rather a lot like an ordinary van or truck. Drivers sit larger than in a small sedan, however there’s not a lot distinction between driving a commuter car. Discover a few of our favourite class B RVs for van life.
Browse Class B motorhomes on the market close to you.
Class C and Super C
Class C RVs, together with Super C motorhomes, vary from roughly 21 to 41 ft in size and are normally 7.5 to eight ft vast. The class C floorplan is acknowledged by the cabover mattress that gives additional sleeping capability, making them glorious for household tenting.Â
Because of the cabover mattress, the cockpit sits decrease than the cockpit of a category A motorhome. They really feel like driving a big truck however require additional braking distance and wider turns. Class C RVs supply a pleasant steadiness of dwelling area and maneuverability.
The primary distinction between class C and Super C motorhomes is a heavier-duty truck chassis. Super C RVs are inclined to have extra highly effective engines and bigger basement storage areas. Check out a number of the finest brief class C motorhomes at Camping World.
Browse Class C motorhomes on the market close to you.
Which Motorhome Gets The Best Fuel Economy?
Easy driving consists of how incessantly it’s essential to cease to fill your tank. Certain motorhome lessons are extra nimble in navigating gasoline stations than others.Â
Motorhome gas financial system varies by make, mannequin, and cargo weight, so the figures beneath characterize averages.Â
- Class A: 6-10 miles per gallon (MPG)
- Class B: 18-22 MPG
- Class C and Super C: 8-15 MPG
You’ll additionally must issue within the RV’s gas tank capability when calculating the vary you’ll take pleasure in between gasoline stops. Though Class A motorhomes are much less fuel-efficient than Class B RVs, some can truly journey additional between gasoline stops as a result of their bigger gas tanks.
For these with a towable RV, your gas financial system and vary rely in your car and its towing capability. Before you choose a journey trailer or fifth wheel, use our Towing Guide to grasp your tow car’s weight rankings.
How Do You Find The Right RV for You?
Your RV choice ought to think about many components – floorplan, sleeping area, tank capacities, gasoline mileage, and extra. Choose a shorter, lighter motorhome if straightforward driving is your main concern.
If you gained’t be driving your motorhome a lot (like in case you transfer your RV a number of instances a yr, then driving and gas financial system isn’t as a lot of a priority as prioritizing the comforts you need in a coach.
You can all the time commerce in your RV if you really feel extra snug driving a bigger motorhome. If you’re searching for a brand new or used RV, use these assets to search out your good RV:Â
Hesitation over driving an RV shouldn’t cease you from having fun with the well being advantages of RV touring. Driving is only a small a part of any RV journey, and the appropriate sort of RV will convey a brand new stage of consolation and luxurious to your subsequent street journey.
What questions do you might have about driving an RV? Share them within the feedback beneath!
Tucker Ballister is our Technical Content Writer. He’s a lover of the open street and the proud proprietor of a 2021 Sunlite Classic journey trailer (his third RV thus far). Check out extra of his RV adventures, gear opinions, and outside recommendation at thebackpackguide.com.