RV Driving: 21 Tips For Staying Safe & Calm Behind The Wheel

Driving an RV (whether it’s a motorhome or a travel trailer) isn’t the same as driving a car. No matter what RV you operate, there’s a learning curve to RV driving. Not only are RVs usually longer than anything else you may be used to driving, but they’re also heavier, they take longer to stop, and there are more (and different types of) mirrors — along with a host of other RV driving techniques to consider.

In this post, we’re offering 21 RV driving tips from the perspective of a professional tour bus operator and bus driving instructor (Peter), and from a couple of guys who drove 40+ foot motorhomes (towing a car) for two decades.

Practice Driving your RV

A big, empty parking lot is a great place to get acclimated. A set of small traffic cones can be a big help for safely practicing turns, backing, and maneuvering. The single biggest difference to get used to when driving an RV vs a car is length — the overall length of the vehicle(s), the length of the wheelbase, and the length of the rear overhang.

Yes, RVs weigh more than cars, and they’re taller. Those factors do come into play, but nothing is more critical than learning to manage the length of your RV. More about those topics below, but practicing maneuvering in a safe environment is hugely helpful for a new RV driver.

Be a Patient Driver

Other drivers of large vehicles (think truck and bus drivers) are working, often on a demanding schedule. As RVers, we’re able to (hopefully) operate at a more leisurely pace. So, whenever possible, try to allow time to get to your destination early enough that you won’t need to feel rushed. This will help you maintain a better mindset throughout your travels – one of not feeling rushed or in a hurry… being patient. This not only provides a safer driving environment but also a more relaxing one as well.

Besides having driven buses and trained hundreds of professional motorcoach operators, I’m also a 750-hour private pilot (John & I sold our beloved Bellanca Turbo Viking to go RVing!). In flying, there’s a condition all pilots are familiar with called “get-there-itis,” which is a truly dangerous attitude to be avoided at all costs. Just like pilots need to avoid the mindset of “I’ve got to get there!”, the same applies to RVers. Stay safe by avoiding the rush.

Pay Attention to Your Speed

In the same vein as the previous tip, higher speeds can increase stress and reduce safety. Things happen faster at higher speeds, reducing the amount of time you have to think… and react. There’s no specific speed that’s right for every RV or every RVer… however, since the demise of the 55 mph national maximum speed limit in the late 1980s, some speed limits are now significantly higher. Many U.S. states, especially those in the West, have maximum speed limits of 75-80 mph. But that doesn’t mean you have to drive that fast!

With the skills of a former professional driver and driving instructor, I would never drive that fast, regardless of the speed limit. RVing shouldn’t be a race. In my opinion, there’s no RV on the road that isn’t safer being operated at a speed slower than those very high limits.

Is there one speed that works for every RV, every RVer, and every situation? Definitely not. But you’ll know when you’re traveling too fast when your heart jumps into your throat, or your right foot buries the brake pedal. But the problem is that, by then, it might be too late! Take your time, both in terms of speed and in determining the safest speeds for you, your RV, and the driving conditions.

If you’re not sure about correct speeds when you first start driving an RV, figure it out from the bottom up. By that, I mean it’s better to realize that you’re driving a little slower than you can safely manage, rather than the other way around!

Keep to the Right Whenever Possible, and Appropriate

In general, the best place for a large vehicle on a multi-lane highway is the right lane. A primary tenet of Defensive Driving is to leave yourself an escape route in the event another vehicle should come into conflict with yours. Since the right lane is adjacent to the shoulder, it provides some built-in advantages:

1. It’s usually empty, allowing a safe space to take evasive action if needed.
2. Since the shoulder isn’t a travel lane, the threat of another vehicle moving into your lane from the right is reduced.
3. Because drivers in North America sit on the left side of their vehicles, the right side is the “weak” side, due to your reduced ability to see what’s directly alongside, or approaching, your rig at an angle.

Keeping the right side of your vehicle as clear of collision threats as possible (again, in countries where the driver’s seat is on the left-hand side of the vehicle) provides better safety. Being alongside the (often empty) shoulder also provides a place to go should a mechanical problem require you to move off the road.

Of course, there are exit and/or entrance ramps to consider. If you’re approaching one, but you’re not exiting, be alert for vehicles entering the highway. If traffic allows, move over one lane to the left to avoid conflict.

If you’re traveling on a highway with three (or more) lanes of traffic in each direction, consider staying one lane over (the middle lane of a three-lane highway, the second lane from the right on a 4- or 5-lane highway) in areas with a high concentration of exit and entrance ramps. That’s especially helpful during high-traffic periods, preventing you from having to repeatedly change lanes to avoid traffic merging onto the highway.

Know Your Rig’s Braking Power and Plan Accordingly

Large, heavy vehicles require longer stopping distances than passenger cars. That requires thinking ahead… and planning ahead. Keep your eyes scanning far down the road. Be alert for brake lights in the distance, or other indicators of slowing traffic or potential conflict. Use your height advantage to see as far ahead as possible. Slow down earlier, and avoid braking hard.

Besides the longer stopping distances required to stop an RV, you should also keep in mind a disadvantage that your large vehicle creates simply by being on the road — other drivers can’t see around you. That virtually guarantees that someone behind you won’t be able to spot potential conflicts ahead.

But we’ve all seen how simple facts, like lack of visibility, seem to have little to no effect on other drivers. They often tailgate vehicles that block their view, like RVs. When I asked bus driver trainees what the first thing they should do when being tailgated, not many got the correct answer, which is to increase their following distance from the vehicle ahead of them. If you’re being tailgated (especially by someone who can’t see around you because your vehicle is big!), the last thing you want to do is stop suddenly. That’s why you want to increase your following distance… it’s the best course of action to prevent you from having to stop suddenly, and potentially getting rear-ended.

An additional braking consideration with RVs is that you’re carrying cabinets full of dishes, glassware, food, toiletries, and many other items not typically stored in a passenger car. Stopping suddenly can lead to things falling out of cabinets the next time they’re opened (“Contents may have shifted…”).

Keep Your Distance

Maintaining a safe following distance is one of the most fundamental safety practices that any driver can adhere to. Rather than attempting to guesstimate the distance in feet between you and the vehicle ahead (since most people are bad at that), use TIME instead. Passenger cars generally follow the 2-second rule: Watch the rear of the vehicle in front of you pass an object (such as the shadow of an overpass or a utility pole alongside the roadway), and count “one thousand one, one thousand two”, and you shouldn’t reach that same spot before two full seconds have passed.

Since larger vehicles take longer to stop, use a 4-second following distance for most RVs. When the roads are wet, use a 6-second following distance. When the road is snow- or ice-covered, use 8 seconds. Keep in mind that these are minimum following distances. There’s nothing wrong with leaving even more space between you and the vehicle ahead of you.

If you’re thinking, “If I leave that much room in front of me, other vehicles will simply move over into that space,” you’re correct. They will. Other drivers will indeed change lanes in front of you (often right in front of you). But the only way to prevent that is to fill the space between you and the car ahead yourself. But of course, that’s tailgating — something that’s so critically important to avoid.

The best practice is to maintain a speed on multi-lane highways that’s slightly slower than passing traffic… about 2-3 MPH is usually good. That way, vehicles that change lanes in front of you will continue to move ahead, re-opening that all-important safety cushion directly in front of your RV, without you having to do anything about it.

Follow the 2/2/2 or 3/3/3 Travel Rule

The 2/2/2 rule refers to a policy of driving no more than 200 miles a day, stopping every 2 hours, and arriving at your daily destination by 2:00 PM. That allows plenty of time to set up camp in daylight, get to know the campground’s amenities and the surrounding area, and further relax after a day of driving. Some RVers add a fourth “2”, which is to “stay for at least 2 nights” in each location, but in this post, what we’re most concerned with is an easy travel day.

The 3/3/3 rule is similar, though as you might expect, it refers to traveling no more than 300 miles in a day, stopping every 3 hours, and arriving at your destination by 3:00 PM. (Again, some RVers add “stay for 3 nights” in each location.)

Many RVers use variations of these personal “rules,” for example, the “330 rule”. Drive no more than 330 miles a day and stop driving for the day by 3:30 PM. That doesn’t mean you can’t safely travel further in one day. It means that each RVer should consider and decide what their comfort level is.

One advantage my professional driving background provides us is the ability to dramatically extend our driving days if needed. We try not to plan extremely long travel days. But sometimes we have a schedule to keep and need to really cover a lot of ground. Besides many years of bus driving experience, I also have a bus driver’s bladder! That, along with a 150-gallon fuel tank (allowing a 1,000-mile range), enabled us to cover massive distances when needed in our old motorhome.

I don’t know our record for miles traveled in a single day, but we’ve surely done several 600- to 700-mile days over the past 20 years. Of course, I’m not advocating that for anyone else. I’m simply pointing out that your own experience and comfort level are what count most. I know when I’m safe to drive and when I’m ready to call it quits. And, of course, I have John as a backup driver if needed. Know yourself, your RV, your situation, and your comfort level, and never exceed your own personal safe driving limits. That will make for a relaxing drive, no matter how far you’re traveling!

Don’t Overload your Rig

It’s very important to take note of the weight limits associated with your particular RV and to stay within those limits. When you overload an RV or travel trailer, you’re putting yourself and everyone traveling with and around you at risk. Both weight and weight distribution are essential. RVs have several specific weight limits:

• There’s the maximum allowable weight of the loaded RV itself (GVWR, or Gross Vehicle Weight Rating)
• There’s the maximum allowable weight for the entire rig, which includes anything being towed (GCWR, or Gross Combined Weight Rating)
• Then there’s the maximum weight capacity on each axle (GAWR, or Gross Axle Weight Rating). Be sure to learn and follow your rig’s weight limits, and avoid overloading it (and, if you’re towing a travel trailer, please see our post on trailer sway control).

Don’t Drive in High Winds

Many RVers learn this one the hard way – by traveling down the highway in high winds, at too high a speed for the conditions. Remember that RVs are typically tall and have mostly flat sides. The aerodynamics of many rigs lend themselves to being blown about to some degree by high winds. And while you may feel secure traveling down the highway on a relatively windy day, you may find yourself hitting a crosswind and hanging on with white knuckles for all you’re worth.

Avoid this at all costs. Travel in safe conditions. If you find yourself with a very windy day ahead, either stay put or take a slow drive over to the beach or a field to have a picnic and fly a kite! If you must travel during windy conditions, the most important adjustment to make is to slow down! The faster you’re moving when your rig gets hit with a gust from the side, the more likely you are to lose control of your vehicle. And the more severe the consequences will be.

Don’t Drive Distracted

Distracted driving is the cause of far too many accidents… many thousands annually.

Driving distracted can include everything from checking your phone to eating to driving with a pet in your lap. Distracted driving refers to anything that takes your attention away from the road and the task at hand – safe driving. Any non-driving activity that you engage in while operating your vehicle reduces the safety of you, your passengers, and fellow travelers on the road around you.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), texting is the most dramatic driving distraction:

“Sending or reading a text takes your eyes off the road for 5 seconds. At 55 mph, that’s like driving the length of an entire football field with your eyes closed.”

Don’t drive distracted! Your life, and the lives of those around you, are depending on your vigilance. That’s especially true for large vehicles that take longer to stop and maneuver than a passenger car. And doubly true for the largest vehicles capable of inflicting truly substantial damage if not kept under control at all times.

Never Drive Impaired

Impaired driving refers to driving while under the influence of anything that has the potential to degrade your reaction time as a driver, reduce your attention, or impact your driving ability in any way. This would include substances like alcohol or marijuana, as well as narcotics, and even prescription or over-the-counter medications that have the potential to impair your response time or decision-making ability.

When you get into your RV to drive (or into your vehicle to tow an RV), you need to be at your absolute best. And it’s always best not to self-determine whether you’re fit to drive. If you’ve had a drink or two, no matter how you “feel”, don’t drive. If you’ve been exposed to a recreational drug or a medication with the potential for altering your mind or reaction time, don’t drive! (Read the labels on all medicines. Benedryl is a good example of an over-the-counter medication that can have a significant impact on reaction time.)

Part of the responsibility of driving a large vehicle is being aware of your own abilities. If you’re not sure you’re up to the task of continuing, stop as soon as safely possible. Just don’t drive if there’s a potential for you to be impaired at all. It’s really that simple.

Use Proper Steering Technique

I teach new drivers to use the “push-pull” steering method, but the “hand over hand” method is also acceptable. Here’s my general rule of thumb:

Turning the wheel slowly or partially (such as when rounding a curve in the road, as opposed to making a sharp turn), I recommend push-pull (and use it myself). That’s because it maintains the right hand on the right side of the wheel and the left hand on the left side of the wheel at all times. This reduces the opportunity to get the driver’s arms crossed up (or in an awkward position), which is why I used to start all new trainees with push-pull.

Hand-over-hand steering is used when the wheel needs to be turned more quickly and/or very far over (as when making a sharp turn). Regardless of the steering method used, keep your hands on the outside of the steering wheel rim only. Again, this avoids getting your hands crossed or reaching into the wheel where one of the spokes is in the way of your grasp.

The larger steering wheel in most motorhomes comes into play as well, as the distance required to reach your left hand over to the right side of the wheel (or vice versa) can be rather considerable. That means using hand-over-hand steering can require twisting your body slightly to the left or right, which moves your head out of the ideal position to see all the mirrors.

When the wheel needs to be turned more quickly and/or very far over toward (or all the way to) full lock, hand-over-hand takes over from the slower push-pull method.

The bottom line is that push-pull is slower and steadier, and hand-over-hand is faster. I’m not a proponent of using either one exclusively, but rather making the choice between the two methods as appropriate.

Learn Proper Mirror Adjustment and Use

It’s essential when RV driving to be able to see well in all directions and avoid blind spots. Depending on the size of your rig, whether you’re driving or towing, this can be somewhat complicated. However, once you become comfortable with proper mirror adjustment and use, you’ll be amazed at how much it assists in your safe driving. Which, of course, will keep you more calm and confident.

For a very thorough instructional piece on proper RV mirror adjustment, please see our post on how to adjust RV mirrors. We also encourage you to watch our YouTube video on RV mirror adjustment and lane control for a great visual explanation:

Monitor the Weather and Travel Accordingly

This one is also known as “Embrace Plan B”! Monitor the weather in your current area and along the path you intend to travel. If weather conditions are likely to impede an easy-going driving experience, make a plan B and settle into it. However, be prepared to adapt if conditions change.

RV driving means understanding that your plans can change at any given time. Not being rigidly controlled by a plan is all part of RVing, and it’s great! We know that most RVers aren’t full-timers and may have limited time to enjoy their RV vacation. But within those constraints, do your best to avoid traveling when conditions increase the risk to you and your RV.

Never Drive When Tired

Driving an RV while you’re tired is another version of driving impaired. When we’re fatigued, everything is affected – even our sight. Besides substances, one of the most common (and therefore potentially the most serious) forms of impairment is fatigue. Calling back to the 2/2/2 or 3/3/3 rules above, make sure you don’t drive longer than your ability to stay alert. That includes getting a good night’s sleep the night before.

Studies have demonstrated that extreme fatigue can be as, or even more, dangerous than driving under the influence of some substances. And it can be more insidious, as it takes no other action beyond staying on the road too long to create a risk. This also includes driving while you’re feeling sick. If you have a fever, cold, or another ailment that may affect your driving ability, consider leaving the task for another day or assigning it to someone else.

Once again, if you’re tired, we strongly encourage you to consider Plan B and stop for the night to get some rest, good food, and hydration. Then, drive again when you’re in top shape for the task. Chances are excellent that you’re near a place where you can overnight for free or at a low cost, so always take advantage of the opportunity if you’re feeling fatigued.

PRO TIP: For some great free overnight ideas, have a look at our post on free overnight RV parking, as well as our post entitled, “Can You Camp in Walmart Parking Lots?”

Use Trip Planner Apps and/or GPS to Plan RV-Safe Routes

Remember that when you’re driving an RV, the height, weight, and contents of your rig are factors that you don’t generally need to consider when driving a car. This is why having excellent trip planner apps or an RV-safe GPS is so important.

There are areas (tunnels, in particular, and some ferries) that you can’t enter if you’re carrying propane on board your RV. Alternatively, you may be required to confirm that it has been turned off at the tank. This is information you’ll want to know in advance of approaching the entrance to a tunnel! You want to be offered alternative routes based on what you’re driving, and the best way to achieve this vital end is to plan RV-safe travel routes.

Some GPS units and RV trip planners apps allow you to input the specifics of your RV, and then you’ll be guided according to those specifics.

Learn How to Turn Correctly

When you’re driving an RV, it’s essential to understand the mechanics of such concepts as off-tracking and rear overhang swing. The best way to explain this is through a demonstration from our RV driving school on our YouTube channel. After more than 10 years, and over 300 RVing videos we’ve posted on YouTube, this is the one I’m most proud of, by far. I hope you’ll agree that the information in it and the way it’s demonstrated are worthy of that feeling!

Have a Good Roadside Assistance Plan

Having a reliable roadside assistance plan is essential when traveling in an RV. We recommend our post on the best RV roadside assistance plans for your consideration. Choose a plan that suits you best, but be sure to have a good, solid, reliable plan for roadside assistance. Having the peace of mind that, if something DOES go wrong while on the road, you have resources available to get you out of a bind can help keep you calm should something happen.

Carry an RV Roadside Emergency Kit

An RV roadside emergency kit is one of the most essential items to carry when traveling in an RV. Read our post, “You Won’t Be Unprepared With These 25 Must-Have Items For Your Emergency Kit,” for 25 must-have items to carry in your roadside emergency kit. Chances are good that you’ll use many of those items – if not in the event of your own roadside emergency, then perhaps to help a fellow traveler!

Be Prepared to Use Runaway Ramps

Brake failure in the mountains can be a frightening experience, but the option to use a runaway truck ramp can save lives. Should you ever encounter a situation in which you find yourself losing control of your rig on a steep descent, take these potentially life-saving steps (if there’s a runaway ramp ahead):

• Brace your passengers and yourself.
• Signal to others on the road that you’re in distress by turning on your hazard lights and using your horn.
• Aim your rig at the center of the runaway ramp and keep it as straight as possible.
• Once far enough up the ramp that you’ve stopped, cut your wheels to one side to help keep yourself from rolling backward.
• Put your RV/tow vehicle in “Park” and engage your emergency brake immediately.

Of course, an ounce of prevention is worth a runaway truck ramp’s worth of cure, right? One way to avoid the potentially dangerous situation of needing a runaway ramp is to use the proper braking technique. If you have an engine or exhaust brake, be sure to activate it in mountainous areas. If your rig isn’t equipped with an engine brake, it’s extra important to maintain a safe speed while descending mountain roads. The rule of thumb is to stay at, or below, the speed at which you could climb the same hill.

If you need to apply the brakes to slow down on a steep mountain descent, using the correct technique can go a long way toward preventing them from overheating… and failing. Rather than keeping steady, light pressure on the pedal, use firm pressure to slow way down quickly. Then release the brakes to allow them to cool. Repeat as needed, ensuring that you avoid allowing your RV to gain too much speed.

This “stabbing” technique can help prevent brakes from overheating. But it should only be used for a short time, and only as needed. If the hill is so steep or long that you’re unable to maintain a safe (slow) speed without continued or excessive application of the brakes, first try using your transmission to help slow you down by downshifting to a lower gear (from “Drive” to “3”, “2”, or “1”). That will help to reduce the amount of braking required to maintain a safe speed. Just be sure that you don’t allow your engine to “over-rev” (where you’re engine’s RPMs exceed the manufacturer’s recommended limit).

If braking and downshifting aren’t enough to maintain a safe speed, find a safe place to pull off the road and allow the brakes, engine, and transmission to cool for a while. The feeling of your brakes becoming “soft” or “spongy” means they don’t slow your vehicle as much as they usually do for a given pressure on the pedal. That’s a sure sign of brake fade (caused by overheating) and a serious indicator of glazed brakes and/or impending brake failure.

Another way to know you’ve been using the brakes too much is when you can smell them. Not sure what overheated brake pads smell like? You’ll know the first time you use them too much. It’s a distinctive odor that means you need to give them a… ahem… break.

Know How to Back Up Your Rig

The best way to learn how to back up your RV is to practice, practice, practice! Here again, an empty parking lot is a great place to get comfortable backing up your rig effectively. We encourage you to first review our post on backing up a motorhome, where you’ll find some helpful tips and techniques.

BONUS TIP FOR TRAVEL TRAILERS: Understand Trailer Sway Control

We mentioned this tip in a previous section related to RV weight and weight distribution, but it’s well worth mentioning again – it’s that important.

It is critical that you understand trailer sway control BEFORE you need the information. We strongly encourage you to consult our linked post on this topic before you tow.

What RV Driving Tips Help You to Stay Safe & Calm?

Do you have any additional RV driving tips that you find helpful in keeping you safe and calm on the road? We’d love to hear from you in the comments section below!

UPDATE! NEW TRAILER TOWING & WEIGHT LIMIT POST, VIDEO & CALCULATOR!

We’re excited to announce that we’ve released a new video and blog post all about Trailer Towing & Weight Limits. We’ve included a FREE towing and weight calculator that we designed to do all the math for you, making sure your rig is properly balanced and within all weight limits. Don’t let a sagging trailer alert everyone in the campground that you’re overweight, and don’t let the dreaded trailer sway ruin your trip (or worse)!

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