Class A Motorhome Driving Tips

Class A motorhomes are some of the most luxurious and well-appointed recreational vehicles on the market, making them an excellent choice for families, full-time RV dwellers and those who like to prioritize comfort on their vacations. 

However, if you’re new to the world of motorhomes, you may be wondering how difficult it is to drive a Class A motorhome compared to smaller models. The truth is that there are some challenges to driving one of these motorhomes, but with some care and practice, you will easily learn the ropes in no time.

Veurink's RV Center in Grand Rapids is your Michigan Class A motorhome dealer, serving Rockford and Grand Haven. Here are some of our top tips for driving a Class A motorhome.

Understand the Braking System

While the brake system in a typical car or truck is usually hydraulic, Class A motorhomes use air brakes. Hydraulic brakes usually stop quickly and respond to increased pressure. Air brakes take longer to bring a vehicle to a stop and do not respond to increased pressure so much as consistent pressure applied over time. It will take some getting used to before you’re used to how these brakes work, and they typically take a few seconds to fully engage.

Increase Your Following Distance

In order to give yourself enough time to stop the motorhome, put several seconds of following distance between the front of your motorhome and the rear of the vehicle ahead of you. Be wary of drivers who may try to swerve into this open space, forcing you to slow down more. Giving yourself several seconds of following distance allows you to react to sudden traffic changes and bring the motorhome to a safe stop.

Slow Down

You’ll probably need to go several miles below the posted speed limit when driving a large motorhome to give yourself sufficient time to bring the motorhome to a complete stop. Stick to the right-most lane of traffic to avoid holding up other drivers and allow them to pass you.

Watch For Wind

One of the risks of driving a motorhome with a large profile is that it can catch in the wind. The center of gravity of a Class A motorhome is higher and that means these vehicles may be more prone to sway off-course or even flip over in very high winds. Check the forecast before you drive to determine if the winds are going to be a problem for you. If you’re caught off-guard by the wind, stay calm and avoid over-correcting. You can always pull over to wait the wind out, too.

Seeking to purchase a motorhome? Come on down to our Grand Rapids, MI, dealership location to check our our wide selection of new and used motorhomes for sale, including Class A motorhomes. We can offer you both financing and trade-in options to help you fund your purchase. Veurink’s RV Center proudly serves the cities of Grand Haven and Rockford, MI.