How to Drive a Motorhome/RV - Driving Tips: Off-Tracking & Rear Overhang

[@forrestshaw255]

As an experienced UPS driver with 23 years behind the “Brown wheel” I’ve gotta say this is truly an informed an educational video “reminder” to seasoned professionals and novices alike. Don’t, don’t don’t take knowledge and experience for granted. And for you rookies out there...seek quality knowledge and information like this.....or you’re sure to get some experience! And you probably WON’T enjoy THAT experience!! Happy trails to all. Take your time and find some peace behind the wheel. Pay attention to what’s all around you and aim high in steering. The only space you have total control of is the space in front of you. Leave plenty of it. Drive “as if” everyone around you just got their license and you’re the only professional on the road!

[@RVgeeks]

It's always great tO hear from fellow professional drivers. Thank you so much for your comments, Forrest. You sure made my day! 😊

[@jonnybro7676]

I have my road tomorrow to get into integration. I'm worried about making clean turns in cul de sacs without having to backup. I was wondering how far you keep from objects to prevent tailswing damage

[@LivinliteNet1]

This video probably saves us thousands of dollars in repairs in our first year on the road. Thanks guys!

[@RVgeeks]

Thank you so much for your awesome comment! You just made my day! 😊

[@LivinliteNet1]

RVgeeks I just noticed we commented a year ago with a similar comment too lol! We must have really liked the video to comment twice lol! - seriously a life saver - Hope to see you guys on the road someday! - Erik & Kala

[@geraldmiller6679]

With over 3 million miles under my belt I just found your channel and subscribed. There is always something to learn!

[@Davidipac]

Thank you for providing a common sense application of how to drive a large vehicle. By the way, your motorhome always looks immaculate.

[@RVgeeks]

Thanks very much. Since we boondock in some pretty remote spots (look for a video about that coming soon) it isn't always so clean, but we do try to take good care of our rig. We also make an effort to do video shoots after wash day when possible. 😉

[@candacerivero]

this is THE BEST video I have seen about the pivot point and rear overhang ... great job. I am an RV Driving School Instructor so these are 2 of the most important concepts I teach new RV drivers.

[@RVgeeks]

Thank you so much Candace! That sure means a lot coming from a fellow professional instructor. May I ask where you teach? We're obviously very interested in the topic, and always looking for resources for our viewers. Since this video came out, I've received many requests to teach people to drive their motorhomes, but I'm not really interested in getting back into the teaching biz. ;-)

[@candacerivero]

I am a certified teacher with The RV Driving School. We post our locations on the map, I am based out of Nashville for the last couple of years. Students request a class on the website, then we teach them in their own RV. Your video shows so clearly what we are teaching new RVers. You have done a fantastic job with the drone footage and the GoPro cameras to show EXACTLY what an RV driver should see in their mirrors. Many RVers don't even know HOW to set their mirrors properly, and RV sales reps don't know either. Again, AWESOME job on the video!

[@RVgeeks]

Thanks so much again for your nice comments, Candace. What a great thing you're doing teaching people on their own rigs. I do still love teaching people to drive. We had friends come along on a 10-day road trips with us a few years ago. Even though they had never been in an RV before, I insisted that they each drive, since they were talking about buying one. On our 800-mile trip, one of them was behind the wheel of our rig for about 400 miles! And they did indeed buy their own diesel pusher after that. ;-) I just don't want to teach for a living any more, after spending 10 year training drivers on MCIs... in Manhattan! Sounds like you've also seen our mirror video ( kzbin.info/www/bejne/opXInJ2mjrZqh9k ). I have a couple of other driving videos in mind, but these are SO hard to create that it may be a while. LOL Take care, and thanks again. - Peter

[@williamforsterjr276]

Jan 2023 - still one of the best reminder videos ever. Thank you! 👍

[@RVgeeks]

Thank you so much, William! That’s so great to hear, as I personally feel this is the best video I’ve ever put on KZbin. So you just made my day. 😄

[@0HARE]

Thanks for an excellent video. As a tractor trailer driver with twenty-six years experience, I can say that the information you present here is right on the money. Your presentation is clear and unambiguous. Keep On Truckin'!

[@RVgeeks]

Thanks so much Allen! So great to hear a comment like that from a pro. 😀

[@svcpita]

I was looking for a simple animation of off-tracking to show a new firefighter about driving a fire engine. Same as an RV, just with more noise & flashing lights. This describes, demonstrates, and explains the concept incredibly well. I will be using this with all my rookies from now on. Thank you.

[@RVgeeks]

Thanks so much! Great to hear. I’ve trained literally hundreds of professional motorcoach operators, and the very best students I ever had were always fireman. A firetruck, a long RV or a bus are incredibly similar in wheelbase and turning radius, so if you can drive one, you can drive the others!

[@robertspiegel2548]

It is clear you have a gift and what is best... you are a generous and kind teacher. We have all had failed attempts at learning something. You have made life as a newbie so much better. Thank you. Bob

[@landonvarner2354]

He was also a charter bus driver to

[@Fergusbaddog]

This is seriously one of the best "how-to" videos I have seen on KZbin - very well done!! Thank you for your time and instructions, sir. Liked and subscribed.

[@RVgeeks]

You don't even know how much you just made my day, Red! Out of the 200 or so videos we've made, this is by far my favorite and the one I'm most proud of (followed closely by our other driving video about mirror adjustment). Hearing that it's appreciated is always so meaningful. Thanks for taking the time to write. :)

[@michaelnerger1866]

Michael C nerger pensacola fl

[@heavenlysheephugshuggingfo1505]

This guy not only makes sense but he's educational but he makes sense it's like hard to fight his logic it just makes sense

[@brucethompson1879]

You guys make my RV life so much better ! Thanks for sharing !!2013 Coachmen Mirada

[@RVwithTito]

Excellent video guys! Your visuals and aerial shots demonstrate those key driving concepts (tail swing and pivot point) extremely well. I think every RVer should watch this even if it's just as a refresher. These concepts should NOT be learned the hard way.

[@RVgeeks]

Thanks so much, Brian. I guess most of us know RVers who've learned some things the hard way all right. We'll try to continue this series as rapidly as possible and see if we can prevent any more of that.

[@RVwithTito]

+RVgeeks Sounds like a very informative series in the making!

[@RykeEdwards]

You guys provide a real service to others.......why I love KZbin so much. Thank you for sharing your knowledge.....personally speaking, it is sincerely appreciated.

[@RVgeeks]

Thank so much for the nice comment. Means a lot, especially on this particular video, which is our personal favorite. :)

[@smacdiesel]

One of the BEST RV related youtube videos ever made!!

[@roglco72]

wow, MORE of these!!! You, sir, know more than how to drive a class A; you know how to make a teaching video demonstrating clearly how it is done. Hope there are lots more to come.

[@torktool]

Sir, you are an exceptional teacher!!! Your courses have sharpened my skills. Thank you.

[@RVgeeks]

Thanks so much, Robert! Great to hear. :)

[@gameboy4696]

Honestly when i first started city bus driving with an old diesel powered 40 ft bus, it was overwhelming. In a car you can easily reach the passenger door no problem but in a bus this size, you can't and you could probably fit another car beside your seat. With training you will learn to be more confident maneuvering this beast and tackle almost any road. It took me maybe a day with a good trainer to get used to it. It might take people a little longer but dont worry, before you know it, it's gonna be second nature to you.

[@azurepink5737]

Just the other day I did a two hour lesson about the vehicle's pivot point. This video gives clarity to what I'm endeavoring to master. Thanks for taking the time to explain v clearly.

[@shmulyeng]

I watched this before taking my first A Class RV trip. It helped me drive with confidence. Thanks.

[@RVgeeks]

That's great to hear! Thanks for taking the time to let us know we've been helpful 😊

[@mikejones6297]

Me right now

[@SomedaysHere]

Fellas One of your best vids ( and you have a lot of great ones ) This video should be seen by anybody driving a RV. If I have ever saw a video that needed to be shared or seen, it was this one!!! Great Job!

[@RVgeeks]

+RV Adventure Thanks so much! :) We've got more RV driving videos in the works too.

[@Stock-market-observations]

First timer, or old hand should watch these great driving videos. Thanks for sharing.

[@osconnie]

I really enjoy your videos. I was a school bus driver and a driver trainer for 40 years. The videos really get to the meat of subject. One thing I am not too sure about is the overhang and to manage it. Would appreciate more instruction. Thank you for providing this service.

[@RVgeeks]

+Connie Greenidge The rear overhang on school buses is usually VERY long, as it is on many Class A motorhomes. Anyone who can handle a school bus will make a great RV driver. 😊

[@unkleturpis9253]

As a truck driver building my skoolie, I still found this useful. The track of my trailer is much different to the off tracking of the bus, which I subconsciously understood, but would have likely consciously ignored for the muscle memory of driving a combination vehicle. Thanks for the refresher.

[@leftyclick]

That was a really great video! Excellent explanation and view angles that I have not seen when talking about driving large vehicles. I am a bit nervous about taking our bus out on the road when we get it finished, but this really helps. I am DEFINITELY looking forward to more videos about this! Thank you for what you do!

[@cletetorres9025]

Outstanding explanation of off-tracking and results of errant judgement regarding. This type of information should be covered in driver education at a beginner (HS) level.

[@tdata545]

I am so glad mine is under 30 ft. HOLY COW. This was super informative and not full of fluff. Thank you.

[@doc4god7773]

Thank you for the insight ......BIG coaches can be a scare at first, but like you said in time anyone that can drive a car, can drive a RV....IN TIME!! Happy RVing!!

[@samanli-tw3id]

Donald Carey RVs are more like buses.

[@isomyusa2145]

I'm excited to get my first RV. I only just began looking at RV's on-line and plan on really taking my time to learn the ins and outs of all brands and types as I move forward. This video was great, even for those who are seasoned commercial drivers. It is never a good time to stop learning as much as one can regarding driving large vehicles. I drove tour buses for five years and then drove semi trucks for four years then returned to tour bus driving for seven years. With my experience, I can confidently drive a large RV however, your video was great as it just reinforces my techniques for driving. Thank you for sharing. Excellent.

[@RVgeeks]

+The Wandering Fedora Thanks so much! Means a lot coming from a fellow professional driver. 😊

[@susiescherff5868]

The best video I've seen about driving an RV and I've driven a 44 ft for 4 years. I'd love to see one on parallel parking. We camp in a 46 ft space that we have to parallel park into. Always a scary adventure.

[@jdoe7673]

Guys, this is awesome. I just purchased a 42 foot with a tag and only did the test drive. Did manage go drive some corners but had plenty of room so it was no challenge. It was delivered to the storage lot and it will be in Dec before I can actually will have the time to practice. Your video's on driving are perfect timing for me... Again thank you so very much...

[@RVgeeks]

+J Doe Congratulations J! Our next video will be about setting and using your mirrors correctly, but we're so busy with work, it might be a bit. Until then, take your time and always remember to check BOTH mirrors (flat AND convex) on the side you're turning toward. Cardinal rule: "Wheel turns right, head turns right."

[@stevewicker984]

Thanks for all the info! My wife and I are picking up a brand new tiffin 34pa coach this Friday we are soooo excited! It's a 36 foot gas coach.I drove school bus when I was 21 years old now I am 59 hope it all comes back to me! I think the biggest thing is to take my time and think about what I am doing...I love your videos and have watched this video a few times ...thanks again!

[@RVgeeks]

Thanks so much Steve, and congratulations on your new RV! I'm excited for you! Since you drove a school bus, you should be in really good shape with a 34' motorhome, as the longer rear overhang and slightly shorter wheelbase on the average mid-size motorhome are likely very similar to what you were used to... just as my experience with MCIs was perfect preparation for our 43-footer's longer wheelbase and shorter rear overhang. I have a bit more more off-tracking to watch out for, and you'll likely have a bit more rear overhang swing to keep an eye on (although both are of course always in play). You have the right idea about taking your time when you get back in the saddle after so long, but I bet it will come back to you like riding a bike! Have a blast, and thanks again for your comment. Hearing that our videos have been helpful means a lot, especially the driving videos, as they are particularly near and dear to me. :)

[@RVgeeks]

+Steve Wicker Sorry... meant "36 footer" not 34. Why they can't make the model numbers match the length is beyond me! LOL

[@salm3604]

I thoroughly enjoyed the "driving Tips" videos; A great resource that's been invaluable. 2 questions: 1) Moving into a left turn, do the right rear wheels off-track past the left front tire the same way as the left rear wheels and the right front tire do during a right turn? The video only depicted right turns. 2) Turning left into a 2 lane street, is the proper procedure to turn left into the far right lane? Suggestion: A driving instructional video on how to drive (park and back-up) an RV while pulling a car (trailer) would be great. Thank you.

[@RVgeeks]

Hi Sal! Vehicles off-track identically in both directions (i.e. left & right turns are the same). The reason I focused only on right turns is because they are more challenging than left turns for two reasons. First is because we drive on the right, meaning a right turn starts from a position near the curb, and then ends at a position near the curb. On a left, you're out in the middle of the road, turning into a spot in the middle of the road, so not so close to fixed objects either before or after the turn. Now of course there might be a car sitting at a stopsign or stoplight on your left side as you make a left turn, which leads us to the second reason left turns are easier: because you are sitting on the left side of the vehicle, you have a closer, better look at what's happening down on your left side, making it easier to monitor how close you're getting to a car as you turn left vs how close you're getting to the curb when you turn right (or anything on the curb, like a fire hydrant, phone pole, etc). The answer to your second question is yes, you are correct. Always turn into the far lane when turning left onto a multi-lane road. If you don't, the car following behind you WILL turn into the right lane, coming up on your right side, almost every time! It will also keep you further from any vehicles waiting at the stopsign or stoplight, as mentioned earlier. Hope this helps! And thanks for the great questions and suggestion, and the nice comment. :)

[@TheDUNLOP6]

Oh my thank you so much,I have only driven our motorhome about 15 times since we got it this past July but I am the driver and love it! So glad to hear you are going to be doing these videos! What I learned that helped me was use all your mirrors,and I knew that I had to pull past something with my hips before turning but I have driven in the mountains already and did ok!

[@RVgeeks]

+Janet Clement You go Janet! The next video we're planning in this series is all about setting and using mirrors.

[@TheDUNLOP6]

+RVgeeks thank you I will be waiting for that to come our way your knowledge is so impressive guys!

[@robertd1523]

Certainly a professionally shot, edited and scripted video. Wonderfully clear and easy to follow, an instructional video does is not presented any better than this one. Thank you, Geeks. Very, very much.

[@RVgeeks]

Thanks so much for the kind words, Robert!!

[@gvc56100]

excellent video once again..every first timer should watch.....

[@joeschmo7317]

Well said...Could not agree more!

[@xiaomingdu]

after 7:00, both of you are in the scene. then, who was controlling the drone? :)

[@RVgeeks]

+Xiao-Ming Du The 3DR Solo has some really cool autonomous modes. The one we used in that scene is "Orbit" where you set the center point, altitude, radius and speed with a tap of a few buttons on the app. Then just tap either the left or right "play" arrow to have it start circling in either direction, and ignore it. The thing will simply fly perfect circles overhead, keeping the camera facing the center point automatically. It definitely qualifies as super cool, and too much fun! :)

[@baltsosser]

You did great work here. I used to drive an FL 70 30' Box truck for Navy Medicine. I learned off tracking the hard way. Took me two sets of steps that were very low and on the right hand side, but I learned my lesson well. in 18 months I only destroyed 2 sets of stairs. My counterparts in the mobile Dental vans...destroyed a set of stairs every month. Seeing the measurement of just how far the tires were spread out was pretty interesting.

[@theimaginator16]

Great drone work! I learned about off tracking and overhang when I was driving super stretch limousines. It really does become second nature. Eventually you don't even think about it.

[@RVgeeks]

+Ryan Losinger Thanks Ryan! That was fun footage to shoot.

[@nellocan]

Good to know!

[@kiijou7524]

I think if you will be my teacher for driving then I would really be more encouraged and motivated to learn and wouldn't be so scared to be decisive on it i know you guys would be terrific teachers!

[@carlgaines6734]

Excellent, practical & serious instruction. I just moved up from a 26’ MH to 30’. The difference is startling. After 4 years of full-timing I had great “muscle memory” for the 26-footer. Now, I must patiently acquire that new 30-footer memory. AND ADD TO THAT the fact that we have just added a toad - WITH NO BACKING! We must pre-judge our path and anticipate our clearances. PATIENCE & DON’T WORRY ABOUT GOING SLOW WITH TRAFFIC BEHIND US!

[@RVgeeks]

Congrats on the new RV, Carl! And thanks for the nice comment.

[@rob891]

Very informative video, well done & explained. I don't have a coach, but if I ever drive one I'll remember these tips...

[@gregweir4072]

Great video, and easy lesson. It is simple and succinct, which is exactly what people need to understand the geometry of turning a motorhome, especially larger ones with a long wheelbase and overhang.

[@RVgeeks]

Thanks so much, Greg!

[@gregweir4072]

@@RVgeeks You're welcome. I just purchased a 2002 National Dolphin 5356 from the original owner in Riverside CA for a great price, and I am picking it up today (5/19/2020). It's in pristine condition and has only 20K miles. When I pick it up and drive away, I'll be thinking of everything in your video! I understand the mirror adjustment is important, and will be extra cautious in my awareness of other vehicles and lane alignment, etc., but those right-turns will be one of those things I'll be really watching for, along with the overhang and tracking.

[@RVgeeks]

Congratulations Greg! Sounds like a real sweet rig. Speaking of mirrors, just in case you haven’t seen it: kzbin.info/www/bejne/opXInJ2mjrZqh9k

[@TinyHomeTours]

Great video guys!

[@markshadwell8922]

Great educational video as usual! We just purchased our first motorhome a 2016 Coachmen Leprechaun 33 foot RV and I am getting used to driving it conscientiously and safely and this video helps explain the physics of turning a larger vehicle. Perfect for newbies like me! Thanks for sharing. Mark

[@RVgeeks]

+Mark Shadwell Thanks Mark! And congratulations on your first RV! Rigs in your general length so often have HUGE rear overhangs in relation to their overall length, so this is definitely a good first video for that. Hope you have a blast with it. :)

[@katy-t6h]

This is such a clear video. Thank you. I am a visual learner. Your diagrams and explanations are clear. As I prepare to start full timing and buying my first RV, I will follow your videos! Thanks

[@RVgeeks]

Thanks so much!☺️

[@bryantford3054]

Great video. The aerial shots were a big plus. I was a full time RVer for over 2 years before I drove big rigs. My RV experience really helped me get my CDL (except for backing-I was awful at first) On the road I saw more collisions from right turns than from left. Also, drivers would forget that rear trailer swing pulling out of a truck stop parking space & sideswipe a $100,000 Peterbilt. Eek-I hate when that happens!

[@RVgeeks]

+Bryant Ford The right side is the weak side for sure, so lots of collisions there.

[@donotneed2250]

In trucking we call it the "blind side." I was glad when they came out with motorized mirrors.

[@esmeraldasoto996]

Excellent vid! Going to be driving an RV for the first time. Consuming as many videos like this as I can. Very informative and explained well.

[@anthonycbrown1952]

Well done as always. Would you consider creating a video on driving with a toad, how it impacts the RV steering considerations, and other useful safety tips? Given the size of your rig do you sometimes forget it is there? Always learning and always appreciative...

[@RVgeeks]

If I turned off the backup camera and could drive with the mirrors covered, I would have ZERO idea of whether the car was back there or not. LOL We have it on our list to do a video or two about towing the car. We'll try to get to that. Thanks Anthony.

[@ront9395]

Thank you for this video. Clear and easy to understand. I just bought a 31' Class C RV. I drove a CTA 40' bus in Chicago streets, but that was 40 years ago, so I definitely need to relearn everything.

[@RVgeeks]

Thanks so much for the comment! So glad you like the video. It sounds like you have vastly more experience than most RVers, and I’m sure you will take to it like a duck to water. It’s just like riding a bike!

[@jacksonmacd]

Awesome video. Thanks. One thing that surprised me was the rear shot of the toad, and its amount of off-tracking. It almost hit the curb on the first corner. Eye opening...

[@RVgeeks]

Thanks Jack!

[@imurhuckleberry7777]

Thanx I'm actually working on my cdl and we're talking abt tail swing and your drone shot made more sense that a day in class thanx again

[@bobyager8641]

Best explanation and demonstration of these topics ever!

[@lifeofajeeper5235]

Excellent video (just like the rest of them). As a beginner this helped me out, I never thought of the rear overhang when pulling away from curbs and such! So much stuff to learn lol My motorhome is 31ft long.

[@125AXer]

Well done video. Some things most new RVers don't know, and your explanation is excellent. My wife swears that she will nevery drive our (new to us) coach, but just in case, I'll have her watch your stuff. Thanks for posting!

[@RVgeeks]

Thanks so much! Hope this can get your wife to at least consider trying a turn behind the wheel. I'd have her start off in a large parking lot, like a mall, when there's not too many people around during a weekday. ;-)

[@OZTutoh]

Really great video. Came here looking to learn how to drive a coach.

[@RVgeeks]

Thanks so much! Great to hear. 😊

[@MegaSparks88]

Fantastic video ! Hopefully getting cdl B tomorrow was looking for a video that clearly explained these maneuvers 😎 thank you very much !

[@mvpriebe56]

I'm a new RV owner, and appreciate your videos very much. Thank you!

[@RVgeeks]

Congrats on your new RV, Michael, and thanks for the nice comment. It's always nice to hear we've been helpful. :)

[@cogalh.1131]

This is so clear and easy to understand, really well done.

[@winebox]

Thanks for these videos. I'm really anxious about driving one in an urban area. I don't know how bus drivers do it and I used to watch them all the time when I rode city buses.

[@RVgeeks]

+winebox Hope you find this helpful. Keeping an eye on those mirrors is key, after adjusting them correctly of course: kzbin.info/www/bejne/opXInJ2mjrZqh9k And practice first in an open parking area if you can. 😊

[@shanniworld8310]

Thank you so much. Yes more videos. I wish I would’ve been given better training. So hard to learn about that swing. Worries me every day.

[@WaltzJump]

We don’t even have a rig yet but this is an amazing - easy to understand - video on driving RVs.

[@thedirtgoblinTDG]

Awesome videos! I drove you guys in a Lyft the other week! Hope you enjoyed San Francisco!!!

[@RVgeeks]

+DirtGoblin Thanks Nick! So good to hear from you. Thanks again for the awesome Lyft ride. We had a blast in San Fran, as always. Now that we're Lyft riders, we know how to get around town even easier than ever. :)

[@fredsbook]

Great explanation. Seeing what happens helped me to really understand how my RV makes a turn.

[@miken.5537]

Planning on buying a RV next spring. The rear overhang tip was one that I never thought of....I'm going to need mirrors and cameras all over mine to feel comfortable driving it.

[@Dutcheagle_ks]

AWESOME video, the drone shots really showed the driving mechanics that are involved. My question is if there is a trick to it at what moment you start the turn? I know I have to look to the right and look in the mirrors, can I use a marking on the RV tho when to start the turn? Logic says that a left turn has the same issue but is easier as the weel-cut is probably less for a left turn. The cones showed the overhang in a great way. Keep on doing this I learned a lot from you guys. (I'm a RV newbie and have no RV yet!)

[@RVgeeks]

+klaas snater There are a lot of instructors that teach things like "If your RV is XX feet long, bring your front bumper even with the curb before turning... or if your wheel cut is XX degrees, bring your driver's seat even with the curb before turning." Etc, Etc. When I was in the bus business, I was able to teach with this kind of absolute, because every bus was identical (back then they were all 40' MCIs). The reason RVs can't be taught that way effectively is because there is so much variety... so many different combinations of length, wheelbase, wheel cut, etc. Here's what I recommend. Go to a remote section of a big deserted parking lot with either a few traffic cones, or just use the dividers or lines in the parking lot as guides. Drive straight up one lane, and stay about 8 feet away from the curb. Bring the nose of your RV about even with the corner and begin to turn the wheel steadily as you continue to slowly roll forward. As you approach the apex of the turn, be sure you're moving slowly enough that you can stop if you're going to contact the curb (which you will know by monitoring your right convex mirror and watching the gap between your RV and the curb shrink). Come to a complete stop at the point that your RV is closest to the curb (the moment the gap between the RV and the curb stops shrinking and begins to grow... or when you can no longer see enough space between the RV and the curb to be sure you're not about to hit it... which is a good reason to use cones or the lines on the pavement). Set the brake, shut down the engine and get out and walk back along the right side. How close did you come to the curb? 3 or 4 feet may be too far away (might force a car to have to back up for you unnecessarily), and of course hitting the curb, or on track to hit the curb, is too close). Now get back behind the wheel and do it all over again, positioning yourself a little closer or further away, or pulling further or less far forward as needed. This exercise will do two things. First, it will be good practice for positioning your particular RV for a turn. Second, it's great mirror practice, helping you learn what the view in the convex mirror actually equates to down at the tires. Hope this is clear and helps a bit! Muscle memory rules! Once you position yourself correctly several times, notice the distance from the curb and how far forward you pulled and shoot for that in the future. Of course the distance you're able to stay to the left before turning will sometimes be less, forcing you to pull further out, thereby throwing a monkey wrench into the works! LOL One thing to avoid, in certain cases (when there's anything on your left side), is locking the wheel all the way over to the right, against the steering stop unless it's necessary for a tight turn. The reason for this is that this will cause maximum rear overhang swing, which could strike any cars in the left lane alongside you. Rear overhang can be insidious, because unlike off-tracking, where you can keep a good eye on your mirror and confirm that you're going to clear an obstacle, it's hard to tell how close your rear overhang is actually coming to things. You need to leave a larger "insurance" gap back there because it's hard to see precisely where it is. Have fun practicing, and good luck!

[@Dutcheagle_ks]

+RVgeeks Thanks a lot for your extended answer. I know proficiency comes with practice and doing that on an empty parking lot would be great. I had to read this several times to visualize but I think I know what to look for crushing a cone is the least damage and should be worth it :) Thank you both and keep making these great video's, I try to catch up with them, there are so many, wish me luck. Happy travels!

[@PhilVerryChannel]

+RVgeeks Great explanation. I'd buy a training DVD or download if you offered a whole series.

[@RVgeeks]

+Phil Verry Thanks so much, Phil! This particular video is very near and dear to me, and my personal favorite that we’ve ever made. So your kind words really mean a lot. ☺️

[@sohappytosew1082]

You mentioned in the video that you were going to have other driving videos, where can I find those? I've pulled horse trailers and flatbeds for more than a decade, but driving an RV is NOT the same. LOL! I'll take all the help I can get! Thanks! And I agree with the others, this is a GREAT video and the overhead shots really helped a LOT!

[@iGaRaai90]

Before i learned to drive a city bus, and this really helped prepare me. Thank you !

[@jackbrown8052]

Thanks guys, great video. I really hope you're going to do a video about driving with a tow car.

[@tushaye2175]

Yes absolutely agree.. that's a great idea..even 6 year's on..😁 Here in Australia 🇦🇺 we have car and motorcycle trailers...I WISH we had the same as you do to tow a car behind the vehicle.

[@workingtorelax1223]

Wow that a great instructional video for new people to rvs. I will be bypassing this along to my customers when they ask about driving info.

[@RVgeeks]

Thanks so much! 😊

[@JeffTheFarmer365]

Im finally getting my class 1 after all these years without driving rigs without it. Should be a piece of cake

[@RVgeeks]

+Randy Bobandy Isn't it amazing that you can drive a 45' motorhome in most states with NO special license or training? But you put a paying passenger on board and it's a whole 'nother ball game! Congrats on your upcoming Class 1, Randy. After driving an RV, you should breeze right through.

[@JeffTheFarmer365]

+RVgeeks I live in Alberta but yeah it should be pretty good

[@freespeech7605]

UK based and soon to take delivery of our first motor home. This is gonna help me take into consideration how the vehicle reacts whan steering. Thank you.

[@edwardcastro3211]

I"m a tour guide bus driver and clearing the back wheels is very important, you'll scrape the corner sidewalk and bend the hub caps if you don't wait for the back wheels to pass the corner sufficiently

[@goalie2998]

Is there ever a time where you cant physically make a turn so you have to seek an alternate route?

[@RVgeeks]

Yes indeed! That can happen occasionally, especially in city driving situations.

[@ronaldkuznicki863]

Thanks guys...as usual very informative. I am very cautious to avoid hitting curbs via off- tracking and overhang collisions. I have tried to find some steps by which I can develop the muscle memory you describe. We have a 40 foot tag axle and someone said I should start a right hand turn when the passenger seat is parallel to the curb, I have used this technique but still come pretty close to curbs etc. I read with interest your response to Klaas Snader and have tried to visualize the process you describe. Perhaps you could demonstrate that technique in a follow up to this video. Thanks again Ron

[@RVgeeks]

+Ronald Kuznicki Hi Ronald! We'd love to do a tutorial on this topic, but the problem we mentioned to Klaas is a tricky one: every RV is different. Whatever we teach for an RV of a certain length, wheelbase and wheel cut won't necessarily apply to other RV owners. Maybe at some point we can try to do a video about the process of practicing that we described to Klaas that would basically teach how to safely learn ANY rig (large empty lot, traffic cones, repeated trials of how far to pull forward, getting out to check at the apex of the turn, etc). Hmmmm.... okay, I just talked myself into adding that topic to our "To Do" video list. LOL Thanks. :)

[@country11309]

Great video and knowledge of content. We need more help and some suggested guidelines to follow when making those turns. Interstate driving would make a great video too. When to move into the left lane at exit ramps and the challenge of following those signs through major cities. Most of us just avoid Atlanta out of fear and that can be solved with a few good driving tips. Build on your success.

[@RVgeeks]

+Paul Cummings Thanks so much Paul! The timing of your comment is perfect. I am literally sitting here editing a new driving video for release on our website next week. While not the exact topic you mentioned, it's all about mirror adjustment and lane control, so will have some relevance to highway driving. Thanks for the suggestion. We'll have more driving videos in the future, but they're some of the most difficult and time consuming to create, so we appreciate your patience! If you haven't already done so, subscribing to our website will get you the first look at any new videos, since we release everything there first. thervgeeks.com/subscribe/ The new video is planned for a week from today on our website, followed later by a public KZbin release.

[@ianjharris]

"Driving an RV isn't that much more difficult than driving a car, it's just different." Good one, thank you.

[@bevwest4543]

I tried to tell that to my husband.... he wasn't falling for it.

[@ianjharris]

@@bevwest4543 lol stubborn men

[@NWHomesteader]

Thank you, I've always wondered about this... You guys really know how to explain things concisely and clearly!

[@RVgeeks]

+NWHomesteader We've been itching to get our drone involved in showing something more clearly than ever. So great to hear that we seem to have succeeded. Thanks so much!

[@jtfritchie]

This is stunningly clear. You have done a fantastic job

[@RVgeeks]

Thanks so much JT! 😄

[@marshabrockman7443]

I wish you would do more driving videos. This is excellent.

[@RVgeeks]

Hi Marsha! Thank you so much for your awesome comment! We're so proud of our driving videos (have you seen our other one? kzbin.info/www/bejne/opXInJ2mjrZqh9k ) but they are SO time and labor intensive to create that we haven't been able to make time for a third one yet. But we do have a rough draft sketched out of what it would include, and we're hoping to be able to make that happen at some point soon. Thanks again for making our day. Stay tuned, and safe travels! :)

[@marshabrockman7443]

Thanks, guys, I am proud to say I have watched ALL of your videos in preparation for hitting the road in a few years!

[@LayloNewt]

Great informative video.This should be mandatory for class A motorhomes

[@RVgeeks]

Thanks Debbie! 😊

[@PidasianHippie]

Very good information for newbies and potential RVers.

[@shawnlouie150]

Thank you for making the video! It's very informative and presents the observer with an idea of what to expect when driving.

[@RVgeeks]

Thanks so much for the nice words, Shawn! This is my personal favorite video we've ever made, so your comment means a lot. :)

[@taylors4243]

This was filmed beautifully

[@RVgeeks]

Thanks so much, Desiree! 😊

[@bradleysonthemove5790]

Very good information ... for me, it's too little too late ... almost ripped off my rear bumper at the gas station when I pulled away from pump too sharp and caught tip on cement barrier ... now, I'm anxiously waiting for your next driving tip .. LOL

[@RVgeeks]

+Michele-Mike Bradley Ohhh. So sorry to hear. :( We're working on the next tip now... it will take a few weeks to have it ready, but it will be all about mirror adjustment and lane control. Keep it between the lines 'til we get it done!

[@stratolestele7611]

I loved this within the first 10 seconds and instantly subscribed. Thank you.

[@RVgeeks]

Thanks Austin! Welcome aboard! 😄

[@tirthb]

Wow, so professional. I am confident in renting an RV now.

[@Mainuh]

Another great video Peter & John. Very well done and super informative. Thanks!

[@RVgeeks]

+Mainuh Thanks so much Don. Congratulations on your upcoming retirement and best of luck on the deal on the '08 Mountain Aire! And thank you so much for using our tip jar. :) We're working on lots more videos, and the generous support we receive is allowing us to spend more time away from "work" and more time shooting and editing. We have an upcoming video all about mirror adjustment and lane control that we hope you'll find valuable too. Safe travels and be sure to let us know how you make out with your purchase.

[@GroverTD]

This video was great for learning to handle my Skoolie and very helpful for referring back to for training my brother to drive my bus

[@RVgeeks]

That’s awesome, Thomas! So happy to hear.

[@jennyfrey2307]

Wow amazing video. Getting new rv in.a couple of months and this is perfect for me

[@RVgeeks]

Congratulations in advance, Jenny!

[@TheRoadTaken]

Great video and really appreciate the aerial view. I've paused your video and taken screen shots to try to determine if a coach I'm considering buying (prospective coach: 44' 6" bumper to bumper, a 60degree wheel cut with a lift-able tag axle, and wheelbase is 276'") would fit the turn into my driveway. Using the screenshots and measurements stated in the video, I'm attempting to transpose your parking lot scenario into my the turn in for my driveway. I know in the video you stated every coach is different but I still have to make the effort before the purchase (the RV I'm considering is not local). Do you have any tips on how I can calculate approximately how much space I'd need?

[@RVgeeks]

Thanks Daryl! I can tell you that your driveway will almost certainly accommodate the rig you’re considering, as long as you have some reasonable amount of width in the street. I use the following technique... it’s something I call a “two-shot turn“ which is I use for fitting into a narrow street, where it is physically impossible to make the turn in one continuous shot. All you need to do is purposely turn LATE to enter the driveway, thereby overshooting the turn. The nose of your RV will come up against the curb at the far side of your driveway, but the rear wheels will be positioned to enter the driveway. All you need to do then is cut the steering wheel all the way back the opposite way and back up a few feet, thereby bring the nose of the RV back in line with the driveway. Now cut the wheel back toward the driveway and pull in. If it’s REALLY tight, it could require a second back-up and pull forward. The reason this technique works is because the rear wheels need to be lined up correctly to enter the driveway first, as they are not steerable. The front wheels can be turned sharply to readjust , but the rear wheels can’t. This is a very standard technique I use for entering extremely narrow places. You can also back in as well which is easier in some ways because once the rear wheels are lined up with the driveway you can repeatedly adjust the steering wheels as needed. Hope this helps.

[@RVgeeks]

One other thing.... not only is backing in a better way to maneuver into a very narrow driveway, but it’s safer to exit, since you won’t be backing blind into the street.

[@TheRoadTaken]

RVgeeks makes perfect sense and is logical. Thankfully I live in a non busy street and can take my time.

[@TheRoadTaken]

The RV parking spot used to house either a 32’ or 35’ coach and had no issues and with you approach suggestion above, I feel far more confident now. Thanks again.

[@RVgeeks]

Sounds good. It might take some practice to know how far to overshoot the driveway. If all else fails, the very tightest, narrowest driveways may require backing in. Let me know if you get the RV and how you make out. 😊

[@jackjeannettewalker7868]

After 12 yrs with Class C LazyDaze, just acquired Tradewind36 - much longer & heavier! This video is super clear and helpful, as we're on 2nd journey.

[@donna30044]

Another thing some people have difficulty with is the off-tracking and kick-out of a towed vehicle. Could you do a video on towed vehicle situations?

[@RVgeeks]

A towed car will generally follow virtually the same path as the rear wheels of the RV. In both of our motorhomes, if the rear duals cleared the corner, so do the wheels on the toad, give or take just an inch or two. So there's no special consideration required for off-tracking when towing. And rear overhang on the toad is so tiny as to not be a factor, especially given that the steering wheels on the toad will never turn anywhere near all the way to completely locked over to the far left or right, because the turning circle of the motorhome is so much larger than the car's. As far as towing a trailer or fifth wheel, those are completely different animals, although the general concepts that apply to off-tracking and rear overhang swing are the same. It's backing that is totally different with a towable RV. We haven't had a chance to do a backing video yet, but hope to get one together at some point.

[@wrenchist]

Great video. I plan on towing a 20ft trailer behind a sub 30ft RV, and was wondering you guys plan on covering the Towing aspect of RV's?

[@RVgeeks]

+Keith We don't generally have access to a towable, but if we get the opportunity, we'll sure try!

[@wrenchist]

+RVgeeks with you're experience I'm sure it will be great.

[@LetsRVtv]

This is an awesome video. The way you illustrated the physics behind the turns makes everything so easy to understand. Thanks.

[@RVgeeks]

+Lets RV Thanks! :)

[@Jamminalong]

This is a fantastic video! I'm not as nervous with tracking as I am the overhang. Practice, practice, practice! Love the visual so thanks for helping us newbies!! Cheers! ~M

[@RVgeeks]

+Jammin Along Thanks so much! Always great to hear that this is helpful. And you are correct about the rear overhang.... very hard to pinpoint its precise position without a spotter. To this day, I always take advantage of an available extra set of eyes in close quarters, and that rear overhang is a prime spot to ask them to watch. ;-)

[@LivinliteNet1]

We are so happy you are doing this series. When we started there was very little information on this topic and we chose to jump right into a 45ft Entegra so we needed all the help we could get. We were going to do our own videos on the topic but we'll send folks your way instead now that we know you did these. Thanks!

[@forfreedom67]

Your videos and expertise is greatly appreciated. I look forward to more of your videos. Thank you!!!

[@RVgeeks]

Thanks so much Shawn! ☺️

[@samadkins4240]

Seriously thinking about purchasing an RV and wondering how hard it is to drive one safely. Watching your video has really helped a lot. Wondering what happens when approaching a right-hand turn with on-coming vehicle approaching?

[@RVgeeks]

Hi Sam! Great to hear you found the video helpful. Thanks for letting me know. When approaching a right turn, you'll need to judge how wide to the left you'll need to stay prior to the turn, mostly based on how narrow the street is that you're turning onto. The narrower the street, the wider you'll need to stay to your left to set up for the turn. When you're on a two-lane road with no, or very little, shoulder on the right (meaning you've very close to the curb), you've obviously recognized that going left of center may be needed. If there is nobody coming toward you, you can of course move left, as long as you can see far enough ahead. If there's oncoming traffic, the best thing to do is slow down as you approach the intersection to allow time for it to pass. If it's just a single car, or two, you can usually hang back from the intersection a little bit, and time your arrival for a break in traffic. Just make sure you're not all the way into the intersection while waiting, since you'll need room to drift left first. By continuing to move slowly toward the intersection as you wait for the break, that will also make it less likely that anyone behind you will try to pass you on either side, since they see you're continuing to move. Stopping dead in the road, even with your right turn signal on, may signal a car behind you that you're staying put, and they're more likely to try to get around you. Of course when you do initiate the turn, keep in mind that your swinging left could send a message to a car behind you that you're turning left, even with you right signal on. So be vigilant with the right mirrors for that, and try to leave yourself enough room to make your turn in one smooth motion if you can, which will discourage impatient drivers behind you from coming around you on the right. If it's a very narrow street, and a lot of traffic coming toward you, and you just can't be sure you can make the turn, don't wait too long to make the decision to give up on trying, and just continue straight ahead. You might be able to go up to a different intersection and turn left instead, go around the block, and come back to your street from the other direction. Now you'll be turning left instead of right, which is always easier. Hope this was clear, and helps a little. Hope you get your RV!

[@samadkins4240]

@@RVgeeks What a very unexpected but much appreciated reply - extremely helpful. Thank you so very, very much!!! God bless!

[@Aristacat01]

Thank you! This was very well explained. It sure helps seeing it in action. The above view was perfect! You guys never disappoint when it comes to educating. Thank you so much.

[@RVgeeks]

Thank you so much Barbara! It’s always great to hear we’ve been helpful. 😊

[@Dieferdan]

Awesome video gents! Expertly explained in layman's terms. It's exactly the same with the truck I drive here in the UK. Personally I think it should be mandatory for every driver to drive a larger vehicle at some stage so they have some idea how much room bigger vehicles need

[@RVgeeks]

+Diefers Dashcam UK Channel We wish it were mandatory for RVers to get at least some training. In many (most?) states, you can drive a 45' motorhome with a regular car license. That's scary.

[@philderrderr616]

Ok, after viewing and then reviewing this instruction video, I must ask this question. When does one start the turning movement? i.e. how far into the turn do you actually turn?

[@RVgeeks]

Hi Phil! A lot of instructors have a set answer for this, which is typically something like "When making a right turn, stay left.... about 3 feet away from the curb... then pull straight forward into the intersection until the rear edge of entrance door is even with the curb of the street you're turning onto, then turn the wheel all the way".... or something to that effect. The problem is, that while guidance like that might be a reasonable starting point for many long-wheelbase vehicles, the variables in wheelbase and turning radius (wheel cut) are so great that there isn't actually any one "right" answer." I suggest that the example I used above can be a good starting point for practice, but what you really need to do is use each and every turn (especially right turns, which are tighter due to the proximity of the curb) as a learning experience. If you stay a certain distance from the right curb as you approach the intersection, then pull forward a certain distance into the intersection before initiating the turn, you will then need to carefully watch the right convex mirror to see how close your right rear tire comes to the curb (or if it hits it). If you have a very large distance between the tire and the curb, you stayed too wide and/or turned too late (or turned the steering wheel too slowly). If you hit the curb, obviously, you didn't stay wide enough to the left, or turned too soon. The longer the wheelbase, the wider you need to stay, and the further into the intersection you need to pull before initiating the turn, A parking lot is a great place to practice, and stopping and getting out each time your rear wheel gets really close to the curb so that you can see how you you did is a great learning experience, too! Hope this helps.