RV Masters How to Drive an RV - New Driver - First things to do!

Skill Lesson 1 from the RV Masters CURV Class A MasterTrack!
In this lesson, we discuss the reference points you MUST know to master maneuvering your coach, including proper mirror adjustment and markings. This lesson assumes you've already learned the vocabulary and reference points of the coach and what they're used for.
This is only one lesson of over 55 training videos that comprise the CURV MasterTrack - everything you need to understand and be comfortable and knowledgable about your coach. Lessons include:
- Walkthroughs
- SKills
-Driving instruction
- How to
- ...and bonus videos like stealth dumping and towing a vehicle!
Find me at www.rvmasters.com

[@mskinetik]

I'm a professional Motorcoach Operator and we don't use markers. It's better to train yourself to know how the vehicle drives and not be dependent on markers. Sometimes road lane marks are worn down, there can be debris on the road, it can be snowy, you can't always see the lines. It's better not to be dependent on stickers. Learn to drive your vehicle, practice a lot before you hit the roads. Just my opinion as a CDL driver. I can promise you no CDL driver uses marker stickers.

[@blueskys8876]

Great advice thank you

[@mannydcbianco]

Holy crap this is so valuable for a new RV driver. Great tips and explained in a way that everyone can understand.

[@RVMasters]

Thanks! I try hard to make my content easy to understand and helpful. I appreciate the feedback.

[@simonswart8989]

These tips were invaluable for my first time driving a 30 foot motor coach for the first time. This video is a MUST WATCH for your first time behind the wheel, mark the mirrors as he recommends - it saved our asses on many occasions for tight driving in traffic through construction zones and on narrower country roads. Cannot recommend this simple instruction video enough. Thank you!

[@davidcrossett4704]

Thank you for the kind words and for watching! And remember, this is just one video out of a large series of videos in my paid online training. There are a lot more how twos regarding backing into a campground, pivot points and tail swing, and of course how to use the various features and understanding power, etc. Have fun while you’re out there!

[@brittdigs]

Getting ready to drive a 40ft tonight and very very nervous

[@jameslawless9819]

Just saw your video for the first time. Drove all kinds of commercial vehicles over the past 50 years. Charter buses,tankers,van trailers,doubles you name it I probably drove it . Anyway enough about me your video is an excellent training tool for controlling your lane position. Some times you are faced with wide vehicles approaching you and you need to know how tight you can get to one side of the lane or other. Your method is a great lesson. The bigger the gap between you and truck passing you the less wind to push you around. It could make the difference between a near miss and an accident. Safe driving and enjoy the ride.

[@davelarson5672]

I drove over the road for 20 years and probably would still be if I hadn’t of broke my back in 2007. I learned by driving by mirrors, on a long, straight and empty road. I want to say, it was 1993 after the great flood that the I-70 bridge over the Missouri River was under construction that the lane was an unbelievable 11 foot each lane and I would shoot it at 55, which was speed limit. I know that I scared some drivers that were doing as low as 30, because I’d wait until I had to slow down. I ramble, I would have loved to have known this method on my first day. Thanks again for your help.

[@choimdachoim9491]

My first Motorhome was a 33 foot class A that was missing the passenger side mirror and I took it home 22 miles via narrow rural residential roads...I can't believe that all the mailboxes were still standing every time a car passed me from the other direction because the Coach seemed wider than the lane so I was skoochin over to the right as far as possible.We learn our clearances as we drive more but your pinstripe trick is fantastic for beginners so I'm going to do it for my wife to make it less stressful. As for all the negative comments here...I got nothin polite to say. Everyone is different. Everyone learns differently. Everyone has different levels of confidence. Tricks of the Trade is always legitimate.

[@Sacheen81]

I am trying to talk my husband into a motorhome. He has always hated the stress of driving big vehicles or hauling a trailer so I used to have to tow our 4 wheelers. It made our trips much less stressful. I'm trying to learn as much as I can about driving these things so he doesn't have to. Your tips are INVALUABLE to me. So THANK YOU❤ THANK YOU❤ THANK YOU❤

[@RVMasters]

If you think this is good, consider the full Class A training that includes driving and how to use it - hours and hours! Check it out at Rvmasters.com!

[@tjsurferboi8565]

Best RV tips on KZbin. Thank you Sir.

[@JimmyTheGreek2000]

Best advice offered for driving an RV a bus or a truck, or even your car.

[@inthenow8249]

There was a whole lot of really useful information in this video. However, if you are open to some constructive criticism, may I suggest that instead of verbally describing how you set and use the pin striping in the mirrors (as you did in the first 5+ minutes of the video), you would more effectively communicate your meaning by filming how all that appears in the mirror from the driver's seat. In other words, SHOW us how it should look in the mirror instead of TELLING us how it should look. Anyway, this was very enlightening. Thanks for making the video and sharing it with us. You have probably made the road a safer place for everyone.

[@RVMasters]

Thank you for the feedback and for watching! In the full series that you can purchase, I actually do cover all of that and I even used three different camera angles to make it clear exactly what it should look like. So that is available in the full series course! Also, I thought at the end of this video I actually show clips of driving down the road and how the windshield markers work on the left and the right. But the mirror markers are covered in a different video. Thanks again for watching!

[@strausbaughofficial]

This is great stuff, and 'taught' vs. 'told.' Well done, sir!

[@Nolacarsillo]

This is very helpful! I’m picking up my 36 ft Jayco next week, I’m following this step by step!

[@dannytighe2660]

One of the best videos I have ever watched

[@COddietsch]

Thank you. Watched everything. Parents bought one at 70 years and have not driven one ever, I have not either. Plan on taking trips now they are retired. Nervous, so I am learning.

[@gregwalker7105]

This info is phenomenal since I just purchased my 1st 31ft Class A🙏🙏🙏

[@stevehoyt2692]

Excellent Video !! I watch many KZbin videos about RV'ing and find most of them are worthless garbage filled with people who are talkers but not teachers. This Video was a no kidding , how to do it that genuinely improves your knowledge and skill set ...Well Done !!!!

[@janineivey03121]

These are brilliant tips! I’m purchasing my very first Class A, and I’ve never driven one before. This information will be so incredibly beneficial! Thank you!!

[@nelsonanthony995]

Hello Janine how are you doing today

[@kiethj7]

How'd it go??

[@elgatodh_engineering7712]

We really appreciate y'all for your videos! No matter is something your "think" already know, they are very helpful to review our methods or improve our practices. THANKS!!!

[@xsarahbeth222]

seriously genius!!! awesome tip with the red tape

[@aterseraph]

Thank you for this; as a new coach owner I found this extremely helpful.

[@kencathy-campfirejourneys]

Excellent tips... I'm sure this will give me more confidence when we get our Super C. Thanks much!!!

[@rtw68]

Awesome video. We are pricking up our Class A Motorcoach on Monday and while I'm used to driving a Class C, this will be a great way to set things for more confidence.

[@kush4u786]

Man U have awesome sense of humor specially when you drop the sticker lol you for your help it was very helpful!

[@stevenmartinez5531]

Excellent tips! I picked up my new to me 1973 GMC motorhome in Texas and drove it to CALIFORNIA! Everything was fine going through Texas, New Mexico, Arizona but getting into CA....lots of construction with narrow lines. Narrow lines with roaring 18 wheelers passing you like your standing still made me regret buying this rv for that moment.

[@ronque23]

I live in NYC and hadn’t driven a car regularly in almost 10 years before I bought my 21’ Class B that I’m embarrassed to say was kinda tough to judge lane wise going down the highway. Great tips!

[@JustAskingAndCurios]

Some cool ideas that make sense...sort of like a cheap "heads up" display.

[@willieboy8798]

I watched this three times I like how you did that ...the markers are in the right spots are not over whelming and when you get practiced are easy to ignore. Your purpose and usage of pivot and back were right on... good job sir! I be boch!

[@DelverRootnose]

A goldmine of valuable information for us neophytes.

[@rvitiarvrentals164]

You've got an amazing job with your videos. Keep sharing! :)

[@EsteeDarla]

I am so THANKFUL to find you now cause Im looking to buy and retire into living in a rv for next year and I know nothing and your such amazing soource Im so thank greatful, love how your to the point on everything . You are a life savior for people of all kinds

[@RVMasters]

Thank you so much! I'm glad that you watched. Remember that this is just a small part of the training I have available at my website. There's a whole lot more and it goes a lot deeper if you're interested in learning more! Thanks again for watching!

[@EsteeDarla]

@@RVMasters yes I am very interested in learning everything you can share, what your website

[@RVMasters]

rvmasters.com Have fun!

[@EsteeDarla]

@Michael Landon jr. I haven't bought one yet but soon I will

[@terrencesullivan8584]

The best driving advice ever

[@davidcrossett4704]

Thanks for that! I hope that it helps. Remember, this is only one video out of an entire training series. Have fun out there!

[@davidmiller6000]

Very Good information on pin points.

[@jacktracy4845]

Very nice video. Clear and informative. Thank you.

[@reidjwilliams]

First time viewer here. I think this was an excellent production. I'm going digging for more.

[@maryksoller2245]

Great ideas for a beginning RV’er.

[@brianw612]

Step 1, Read the back of your license. Many driving these are not licensed! Some states or provinces consider these dump trucks or cement mixers from a licensing standpoint. You also may be required to possess a valid medical certificate.

[@barbarasmith4043]

These tips make so much sense.

[@nelsonanthony995]

Hello Barbara how are you doing today

[@SilveriusPurbaDocsilHistory]

this one is amazing very usefull, thank you much for share

[@RavenOakSpiral]

Great video! Thank you for all help.

[@RVMasters]

You're welcome - I'm glad you enjoyed! Remember, this is only ONE video from my MasterTrack series which covers so much more about driving and using your Class A or C RV! :)

[@TomBTerrific]

Very simple and basic information but I would not have thought about it. Thanks alot. I don’t own an MH yet and wanted to know how difficult and different it would be to drive one. This opened my eyes. Just for clarification pivot points are marked on both side mirrors and the white line markers are at the farthest point of the mirror again on both sides. Thanks!!!

[@jimcoursolle8985]

Excellent!

[@captnhuffy]

Thanks. I test drove a couple of class A recently, and it was pretty hairy, compared to my little class B+ But I did okay, and your tips would go a long way toward making driving more comfortable, quickly. More living & storage space would be nice, but I really don't need it, nor do I want the expense: so I will NOT be pulling the trigger on a class A. A newer class B+ , or a class C is in the cards.

[@rvmaxus]

Good job! Very helpful..

[@tkellymfl]

Great stuff! Thanks!

[@JohnGilmour]

Lane centering is accomplished using the mirrors. Check the tires against the lane.

[@ianhumphry1]

I can drive a 53' trailer on a dual axle sleeper cab like nobody's business, then I started driving a 45' dual axle limo bus with freightliner cab. A lot harder to drive believe it or not. Took some getting use to. Turning in the city is the hardest. Like the mirror markers. not to keen on the windshield markers though. Thank you.

[@nelsonanthony995]

Hello Lan how are you doing today

[@merrygwolf4629]

I like the way you explain stuff. Subscribed!

[@nelsonanthony995]

Hello Merry how are you doing today

[@merrygwolf4629]

@@nelsonanthony995 I am excellent thank you. Hope the same for you

[@nelsonanthony995]

@@merrygwolf4629 I'm good where are you from I'm from Miami Florida USA

[@jeanettecortes6780]

Thank you. My first time driving an RV. So nervous. I’m gonna try this. 🤞🏼

[@RVMasters]

Great! You should definitely look into the driving training available at rvmasters.com! It's the most complete available and will boost your confidence greatly!

[@nelsonanthony995]

Hello Jeannette how are you doing today

[@mozzrchik]

Thank you so much: I needed a crash course….. to avoid crashing 😂 seriously this helps make it less intimidating. Longest truck I’ve driver is 24ft so turning was my worry. These are wonderful tips. Thanks for sharing n helping w that intimidating feeling. 🙏🏾 ☺️

[@mozzrchik]

Somehow I got voluntold to help w a 40ft. No pressure lol

[@broadcastassistancebvba1699]

Even in Europe we learn tips and tricks from you guys !!

[@philz7462]

Just don't drive down the same Lane as we do!

[@brendatrimble9528]

Thank you! This information is invaluable!!! Love it!

[@ossieoutlaw3374]

Awesome. Very clever❤😊

[@djohnson4778]

Sir I salute 🫡 you !!💪🏾😂😂

[@Suttonk2]

Great content!

[@AbhishekSharma-dk5ni]

Do a video on Mountain road driving..

[@Pack.Leader]

Thank you! Sharing and subscribed.

[@davidstein606]

Excellent

[@hekskey]

This was a good video but you never showed how to use the pivot point marker in the mirror in a "skills" section. Is it in another video?

[@jethrob258]

Thank you for this video. I'm going to try this on my wide tired, jacked up, dark back windowed crew cab.

[@omnisone9734]

Wtf has covid 19 reduced me to? I watched this whole thing and I don't even own an RV.....

[@aloshmadala8858]

LMAO!! Me too.

[@TheMetroDetroiter]

Me too! 😂😂

[@omnisone9734]

@@TheMetroDetroiter hey but we're ready to go for if we ever commandeer an RV!!

[@Danie1ll1e]

Same. 😂😂😂

[@abriyahyasha-rahla2656]

🤣🤣💥

[@whitedove307]

Awesome Tips!!!!!

[@RVMasters]

I'm happy to help!

[@pammohler3253]

Great info

[@nelsonanthony995]

Hello Pam how are you doing today

[@curiousgeorge2193]

Actually trying to find an RV has become a pain in the behind because they are being snapped up due to Covid. And the prices.....an RV priced at $119,000 sells for $175,000 because the buyers are bidding them up right at the dealership

[@RVMasters]

You are totally right! I'm about to release a video about the RV I just got given this crazy climate... stay tuned!

[@danaakhavuz8]

Thank you so much I'm a female that drives alone and l been stressed out driving through hwy construction at 3:00 am this will help I think they forget to leave enough space for RV sometimes.

[@RVMasters]

Absolutely! I feel your pain - it can be super scary driving through construction chutes with cones leaning all over the place or makeshift concrete walls zig-zagging down the highway. Two things to consider: First, sometimes you're not sure you're going to make it so all you can do is slow down (if possible) and "manage" the tightest spot/harder barrier. For example, I'd rather brush a cone than a wall, so I pay more attention to the wall if I have to pick. Second, in spite of what I just said, DON'T FIXATE! Even on the windshield markers - don't get starting at one thing so much (inside or outside the RV) that you lose your "sense" of the big picture and what's around you. Keep your eyes moving and keep your hands low. And if you like this training, this is BARELY a start of what's available in my MasterTrack course - really, this is just a sliver. You can learn more at rvmasters.com. Thanks for watching!

[@jimpikul8551]

RV Masters true to slow down for construction zones. They do tend to squeeze the lanes. I drive a “B “ size truck and practically crawl thru tight spaces. Put the 4 ways on way before hand to let followers know I am slowing and go way thru zones. Workers have stepped in front of or swung equipment in my way. Crazy times!

[@micknovota5755]

Wow! You would think RV manufacturers would Make these marks available to be positioned on the mirrors and windshield through technology! You better patent this quickly. Thanks!

[@JimmyTheGreek2000]

They do have a light beam (in color !) in some high-end vehicles, The beam follows the white or yellow lines on the road There is even bip bip sound! ... when you are not on the white or yellow line, for example !

[@douglashughes2331]

Genius!

[@NewEnglandPatriotsfan]

Always wondered how to drive both these and limo's anything solid

[@dvi2064]

Would marking like this work in a truck pulling a travel trailer?

[@nehuge]

Then what do you do with the markers when the wife adjusts the seat?

[@tracker001]

All good information . With the Title being "First things to do ! " So what is the highest from ground is this coach ? ie How tall ?

[@RVMasters]

My coach was actually VERY low to the ground. I had ground clearance problems, but I was UNDER 12' tall. Most RV's are under 13 feet tall. If you go over that, you start to have very serious problems getting around - bridges and overhangs don't often extend beyond 13 or 14 feet. Also, there is a "hard" and a "soft" clearance. Hard clearance mean air conditioners or something serious you could rip off the RV. Soft clearance means antennas, which usually bend under a bridge so aren't as big of a problem.

[@randallcook9866]

instead of on the outside of the windshield, can you put your markers on the inside?

[@RVMasters]

Randall Cook yes, you can. But many times the marks end up being so low that it gets hard to put it right on the dash. As you raise the marks they will often come closer together. So it really just depends on how far down the road you want to be looking to line up the marks. But the answer is yes, you can put them anywhere that makes sense for you.

[@randallcook9866]

Thanks. I like your idea about these.

[@RVMasters]

Thanks! There is a WHOLE LOT more in the MasterTrack training! This is just a teaser... I cover much much more in great detail, so if you like this, consider the full series of videos - they're the best available and cover driving, usage, how-to's, and walkthroughs!

[@kathygorlick5120]

Subscribed from the wrong user name. Just added you on my personal channel. Great videos! Will be watching more. On Friday I drive home our new clase 34 foot RV by myself! It’s about an hours drive home and it’s all freeway… Trying not to freak out!

[@RVMasters]

You can do it! Just take it slow but confident. Consider buying my Class A course that covers everything about how to drive and use it! Rvmasters.com

[@g.cosper8306]

Sure wish I'd found you 15 months ago!

[@RVMasters]

Well I'm glad you did anyway! And there's so much to learn, so keep watching!

[@izazkhan2055]

If you post the prices on RV 45B

[@virtualsolomon]

When you refer to the rear wheel pivot point, where is that on a tag axle as opposed to a single axle?

[@RVMasters]

Thanks for asking! Generally speaking, it's agreed upon that the pivot point on a dual axle is in between the two wheels. Different chassis might not be perfectly designed like that, but for driving purposes you can use the point between the two rear wheels. Hope that helps!

[@virtualsolomon]

@@RVMasters Thanks SO Much!!

[@george7641]

Directly between the wheels

[@rpmaddict]

Good ideas that could have been presented in a 3 minute. This is not a bathroom read unless you're very constipated.

[@adventuresonthehorizon6616]

Hi! Great video! Very helpful!! I have a question..I’m a newbie. Do you line the side mirrors up with the white line? Cause usually mirrors stick out more than the Rv body? I don’t want to accidentally obliterate my mirrors I know it sounds like a dumb question. 😂

[@RVMasters]

Depends on the width of your vehicle and the width of the lane. On a normal highway with normal mirrors you should be able to fit just within the lines but many times it will be very very close. Often times RV drivers will wander just a little bit away from the line if they are being passed or coming up on a vehicle to avoid hitting the mirror. However, if you’re positioned properly in the lane, you should always have clearance unless the other guy is hanging over. You’ll get a feel for it as you drive.

[@adventuresonthehorizon6616]

@@RVMasters Wow thank you for the quick response!! I didn’t make myself clear, I’m trying to figure out where to line up on the white line, so I can attach my stickers? Do I line the mirror up on it, and put the sticker on the windshield there? Thank you thank you!!!!

[@RVMasters]

@@adventuresonthehorizon6616 where you line up is up to you. It depends on how you want to position the coach. I line up a couple feet off of the white line so that it includes my mirror. So then when I drive, I know I have a little bit of space if the lane is too tight on the right hand side, I know I can slide left a little bit. If you lineup right on the line And put the sticker on the windshield based on that, then you are not accounting for the mirror and you’ll have to consider that in your driving. Does that make sense?

[@adventuresonthehorizon6616]

@@RVMasters yes!! Ok thank you so much!! That makes perfect sense, I guess I just wanted confirmation. That video you did was crazy helpful for us newbies. Thanks again!!

[@RVMasters]

@@adventuresonthehorizon6616 if you liked that, you should consider my Class A training… much much more there!!!!

[@danoqamyasharahla6544]

To easy for us Truck and Bus drivers.

[@stevenmitchell1240]

can this method be used for pulling 5th wheels?

[@RVMasters]

A lot of the techniques are the same, yes. The front windshield markers work the same way. The pivot point is also the same and therefore the mirror marks are the same! The main difference is when you engage in a turn, you'll lose the perspective and the dot in the mirror won't be accurate regarding where the pivot point is. But as long as you're in a straight line, yes it works the same.

[@rogerkern]

terry waller not really in Texas for example if 26,001 lbs and more require non commercial cdl but it really depends on where you tag the vehicle and each state varying

[@RKarmaKill]

Where can I buy the green magical balls

[@darwinsape9901]

Good for an initial visual.. but aim to get off marker asap... improve your spacial awareness skills.. there's nothing better... I had to get used to driving a double deck london bus in high traffic from the get go... no accidents or near misses... and no markers...

[@CajunCop71111]

Where is the best place to put the tape to remind drivers to utilize the seatbelt?

[@RVMasters]

Great catch and good eyes!

[@CajunCop71111]

🤪

[@fourbartletts1]

On your keychain. No belts, no engine startup.

[@TheRoadTaken]

In college, I drove a school bus for 7 years (joking) and would have loved these tips back then.

[@Aikynbreusov]

When the driving becomes too confusing, you can always drive right into the rail guard

[@Jack_2004]

My dad has a winnebago

[@michaelfilippi1520]

Im about to buy a 32 foot and never drove anything larger then a pickup.

[@jamesholtman6350]

RULDS2?

[@nicholascherry5962]

How to trip over an orange cone

[@hawkowens7751]

Is this about setting your mirrors or driving am R.V, for those reasons I'm out

[@juliemalone1990]

Ÿ

[@nelsonanthony995]

Hello Julie how are you doing today

[@juanmartinezmbapmppmiacp2104]

Great video, seriously! But...You are training people and not wearing your seatbelt 12:27--come on man! :)

[@davegenco5589]

Great tutorial, just enough depth.

[@rvgrandmacharlotte4604]

wish he did better of showing the markers on the windshield - can't even see them.

[@aumafkg]

I cringe every time I see an instructor marking the windshield for lane positioning while driving. That is horrible advice. You can have an accident quicker focusing in on a windshield marker than if you just practice driving until you get the feel of the vehicle.

[@RVMasters]

You make a good point. The purpose is to have something to glance at, not fixate on. And as you say, over time of correctly positioning the vehicle, it is easier to drive by feel and know how you're positioned. I find that most new drivers hover over the right side of the road, putting their passenger on the shoulder. This helps new drivers at least center the coach (assuming they're not fixating on it but instead glancing occasionally), then with time the skill develops. Thanks for watching!

[@osullivanea]

::@@RVMasters just mark it in the parking lot like he showed you originally go on the road to see it in practice

[@osullivanea]

8:48 in video windshield marking in parking lot

[@willieboy8798]

Mr. Mac you are not focusing on the marker it is a referance point to ASSIST in positioning, we use the same system in planes and boats. Just like glancing at the instrument pack or grabing the radio stack. Most of the time you are not even reading (pattern recognition)or looking at them. It is a great way to back up your guess tom ation... Let the guy teach!

[@willieboy8798]

Mr Mac driving RV boats and planes takes real disapline it is not like driving your average car. the first thing to know is thinking ahead of what you are currently doing.

[@stevetruitt9947]

Maybe just say the same thing only 5 times in a row... might keep us more engaged.

[@rvgrandmacharlotte4604]

Bummer you assume it is always couples not a solo person

[@NickDe39]

Ha, many driver's can't even handle an SUV or even a compact car for that matter, so how can they handle a motorhome? Darn things are eight feet wide, with mirrors, add another couple of feet. Same width as a semi pulling a trailer. Not fun driving these things on a winding two lane road on a lane only ten feet wide. Many are over 40 feet long, try making a sharp corner like all cities have.

[@Eec2023]

You also were tailgating very bad while demonstrating your markers.

[@byronpotter7226]

My

[@dantoes]

: