FLEETWOOD RV Class A Gas 2020 Owner'S Manual Download

Page: 20 / 176

Driving & Safety

SECTION THREE

DRIVING TIPS

The motorhome is a
complex

vehicle

that

requires increased driving
awareness

because

of  its  size  and  various
components . Turning radius
will  be  much  wider  than
that  of  a  standard  automobile  due  to  increased  length .
Pay close attention to the perimeter of the motorhome
including front, sides, rear, roof and undercarriage . Ensure
the surrounding area is clear of obstacles . Use the mirrors
to  observe  traffic  conditions  as  well  as  the  exterior
including tires, bay doors, blind spots, etc .
Use a push-pull method of steering, with both hands
parallel  on  the  steering  wheel .  The  motorhome  is
considerably  heavier  than  an  automobile  and  has  a
higher center of gravity . These factors will necessitate
advanced reaction time . Swerving and sharp cornering
performed high speeds could result in loss of control .
Keep size and weight of the motorhome in mind . Drive
with  increased  caution  to  avoid  situations  that  might
require  quick  momentum  changes .  Increase  reaction
time by paying attention to traffic and road conditions
12 to 15 seconds ahead .
The  motorhome  will  travel  safely  and  comfortably  at
highway speed limits . However, it takes more time to
reach highway speed . When passing another vehicle,
allow extra time and space to complete the pass due to
increased length .
Manually shift to a lower gear when descending a long
hill . Begin the descent at a slow speed . Do not allow the
motorhome to gain momentum before trying to slow
down . Use the transmission and engine to help control
downhill speed and can extend the service life of the
brake lining . Distance required to stop the motorhome
is greater than an automobile . Practice stopping away
from traffic to get the feel of distance required to stop .
Note  weight  limits  of  bridges  before  crossing .  Signs
should  be  posted  at  bridge  entrances .  Check  posted
height of all overpasses and situations where overhead
clearance is limited . Keep in mind road surfaces may
be repaved or packed with snow; therefore, the actual
posted clearance would be less in such conditions .

Use the pilot seat controls to comfortably position
the seat . Stay seated and adjust the outside mirrors if
necessary to gain a clear line of vision down both sides
of the motorhome .

ADJUST TO DRIVING CONDITIONS

Adjusting  to  road,  weather  and  terrain  conditions  is
necessary to keep the motorhome under control . Pay
attention to road signs that advise of local road hazards
and driving conditions . Do not operate the motorhome
when  road,  weather  and  terrain  conditions  seem
unsafe .
The cockpit, dash area and windshield are larger than
those  found  on  passenger  cars  and  trucks .  Keep  the
windshield clear of humidity in the form of water or ice .
Start the motorhome and turn on the dash defrost to
help  remove  moisture  from  inside  the  windshield .  It
may  be  necessary  to  use  a  clean  cloth  to  wipe  away
moisture .  Do  not  operate  the  motorhome  if  the
windshield is not clear .
Keep  windshield  wipers  in  good  working  order  at  all
times .  Do  not  operate  the  motorhome  when  road,
weather and terrain conditions are considered unsafe .

Driving Cautions:

• Avoid getting too close to the shoulder of the road,

which may be too soft to support the weight of the
motorhome .

• Side spacing is best maintained by keeping the

motorhome centered in the driving lane .

• Driving lanes in work zones can be uneven,

congested and more narrow than usual .

• Be cautious of road debris that can damage the

undercarriage of the motorhome or become lodged
in the dual tires and cause damage to the tires,
wheel rims or tow vehicle .

• On back roads and single divided roads, tree

branches  and  shrubbery  can  protrude  into
the  roadway .  Watch  for  low  hanging  branches
especially  during  inclement  weather .  Rain  and
snow will cause branches to hang lower than usual .

• Keep in mind that posted speed signs are usually

passenger  automobile  rated .  Be  extra  aware  of
driving  conditions  and  use  the  appropriate  speed
for  a  motorhome  when  necessary,  especially  on
corners and mountain roads .