Jon's RV Driving Tips

The Driver

The driver of an RV is its pilot, and like the captain of a ship, must take responsibility for the safety and security of the vehicle and its passengers. While the pilot will delegate certain duties, in the end, that person is the one person who must take on the responsibility to assure everything is prepared to hit the road. Driving duty may be passed from one partner to another, and when it is, all of that responsibility transfers with the chore of driving.

• The driver may ask for assistance with backing up or other maneuvering, with stowing power cords or hoses, locking cabinet or the refrigerator doors, etc, but when it is time to pull out on the road, back up or otherwise maneuver, that one person must be certain that everything is prepared, and all of the passengers are safely on board or out of the way.
• At the same time, the passengers are responsible to assist in any way they can. Watching for road hazards, assisting with backing up, and preparing for travel are ways that a passenger can be very helpful.
• Driving an RV, while not much more difficult than a large car, does require quite a lot more concentration by the driver, and it is essential that the passenger(s) not cause unnecessary distractions, become overly upset about little things like making a wrong turn, nervous in heavy traffic, or in a hurry to get somewhere.
• The passenger is not a co-pilot. The passenger is a navigator, and should take responsibility for that job. However, the pilot/driver (in his or her position of ultimate responsibility for safety and security) makes final decisions on where to turn, stop, go, or not go! As long as everyone is safe and secure, wrong decisions can be corrected.
• In an RV the travel should be fun, relaxing for everyone, and that includes the driver who should be much appreciated for his or her willingness to take on the responsibility.
• A driver who is driving too fast, maneuvering too quickly, following to closely, or trying to please a navigator that wants to be co-pilot will be under too much stress. Having to concentrate so hard on driving, he or she will not enjoy the trip or see any of the beautiful scenery along our route!