24
D
Before You Hit the Road
riving your motorhome is comparable to driving your family car once you become
accustomed to the feel of the controls and to the reference points from the driver’s seat
relating to the position of the RV traffic. Planning your trip and preparing as much as
you can before you leave will help ensure that you will
have a safe and enjoyable time.
Refer to the Safety Section in this manual regarding captain chairs seat adjustment.
Make sure the seat is positioned so you can see all the instruments, reach the gas and brake
pedals, and have a good view of the road in front and behind you.
Make sure everyone is wearing a seat belt.
Chart your route by consulting maps and guidebooks that are available as to the
condition of roads, and other circumstances such a low bridges and tunnels.
Remember that the weather can change quickly and alter the road conditions. Listening to radio
stations or weather monitor channels both in route and at your finale destination can you help
you stay abreast of the conditions. Listed below are a few recommendations when driving
your motorhome.
NOTE:
You must be familiar with the height and width of your coach. There are many
low bridges and narrow roads on which your coach will not fit. Review your route for any of
these conditions before you start your travels
DRIVING TIPS
Read your chassis manual for information on proper driving skills, operations, use and safety.
Drive with consideration on the highway by following the rules of the road and observing all applicable speed and
safety regulations.
Keep pace with the average traffic flow and at the proper speed limits.
The best cruising speed for your RV will vary with the road and weather conditions. Higher
speeds may result in a sharp increase in fuel consumption.
Allow a safe distance in which to stop. Allow more time to brake, or change lanes, and to merge onto a busy
highway. Larger vehicles do take more time to accelerate and slow down.
Watch the road ahead and around you. Check either side for vehicles, animals, or children that could
suddenly dart in front of you.
Allow for the length and width of the vehicle.
Always allow extra room in cornering and when changing lanes. Make it a habit to frequently check the side
mirrors.
Learn to use the view of the roadway behind as a gauge in keeping a good lane position.
When passing, avoid sudden maneuvers. Check rear view mirrors and signal lane change. Remember that
additional time and distances are required to pass safely.
Never follow another vehicle closer than one vehicle length for each 10 m.p.h. Pump
the brake pedal lightly to stop on wet or icy roads.
Observe proper vehicle speeds when ascending or descending a hill and always operate in the proper transmission range.
Down shift on hills to avoid overheating or undue engine loads.
Allow for the extra height of your RV and check for low hanging tree branches. Avoid
low roofs and canopies when pulling in for fuel or service.
Keep headlights, taillights, and windshield (both inside and out) clean as well as side windows. Keep
your headlights properly adjusted.
Allow extra time when the weather conditions are less than favorable for driving. It may be necessary to pull off
the road when the weather becomes severe
.
TRAVEL CHECK LIST
The following are items you should check before you leave on a trip.
Check the tire pressure and the condition of the tires.
Check air bags for the proper pressure.
Check the battery(s) for proper charge, proper cable connections, and no physical damage. Check the
coolant level.
Check all fluid levels including, transmission fluid, power steering fluid, master cylinder brake fluid,
Summary of Contents for vienna 2021
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