Driving a Class A Motorhome - True Luxury on Wheels (and easier to drive than you may think)

If you are considering renting a motorhome RV, you may think that the smaller the better. However, this is not necessarily true. The benefits of a larger Class A motorhome may outweigh the smaller ones. Consider that the Class A is really the ne plus ultra of RV luxury and comfort and you want your RV adventure to be comfortable most of all, right?

Here are a few reasons why you may prefer a Class A motorhome when you consider renting an RV.

1) Class A motorhomes may look like buses on the outside, but when you walk inside, you easily forget that the space you just entered is on wheels. Most models feature fully-equipped kitchens, some even including center islands, living areas complete with large flat-screen televisions, - comfortable chairs and reclining couches, and bedrooms with king-or queen-sized beds, walk-in closets, and full-size dressers. Some models even have two bathrooms and a laundry room with a washer and dryer. 

2) And, what about all your gear? A Class A motorhome has more storage space than you might expect in any RV, and definitely more usable storage space than a Class C. You could actually live in one for many months (or as some have chosen to do, years) and not miss your clutter or bric-a-brac from living in a traditional home. Class A motorhomes also have larger wheels and stronger frames, making them a safer choice for highway travel.

3) No, you do not need a special license to drive the largest type of motorhome on the market. Class A’s are the RVs that look like a bus, and they pretty much drive like one too. But if your neighbor Susie can drive kids to school on a bus, you can learn how to drive an RV of the same size.

4) Class A motorhomes also have much bigger windows, which means you get a pretty incredible panoramic view when you are traveling…a lot better view than a Class C. Some people really love the enormous windows in the front of the rig, that, even when parked let in so much natural light and make the space feel open and bigger.

5) Another positive practical aspect of a Class A RV is that they tend to have much larger holding tanks for fuel, water, propane, and waste.  You can drive for a longer time before needing to fill up for gas, and you should rarely need to fill your propane tank. And your fresh water and waste tanks are practically double the size of a Class C – meaning that you can boondock for a lot longer period of time without hookups.

But how difficult is driving a big Class A Motorhome? Is that a concern?

If so, please consider the following tips. Modern Class A motorhomes are easy to drive with power steering, automatic transmissions, and power brakes. The biggest obstacle is their size, including height, width, and length, because you’ll have to keep all of these parameters in mind and adjust your driving accordingly. A little knowledge and preparation will go a long way toward ensuring you have a great experience. 

Class A RVs can be surprisingly easy to drive. Of course, there is a learning curve when it comes to driving an RV. You should have a good understanding of your RV’s turning radius. In many cases, you’ll have to drive a little further out when making a right turn. You might also have to angle your RV in the opposite direction before making a turn. It’s important to give yourself extra braking distance too.

But the best way to get used to driving an RV?

Getting behind the wheel of one, obviously. Try heading to an empty parking lot or quiet road to build your confidence. Doing so will give you a good understanding of how to maneuver your RV and make you feel more comfortable and confident every time you hit the road. 

Some RVs are harder to maneuver than others

While RVs can be relatively easy to drive, some RVs are harder to maneuver than others. Some experts say that longer RVs can be challenging to drive. 

To gain more confidence, consider taking an RV driving course, which will cover everything you will need to know about driving a larger RV. Even if you don’t decide to take the full-blown course, you should know the following tips and follow them before you do get behind the wheel of a Class A RV.

While driving a Class A motorhome isn’t difficult, watch plenty of videos on the subject to become familiar with the basics of operating a Class A motorhome. Your El Monte RV Rental dealer can help you with this. Ask for a list of videos before you set out if he hasn’t already provided you with one.

Prepare for the unexpected.

Watch videos about handling a front tire blowout, as this situation is startling and dangerous. Knowing what to expect and what to do is critical if it ever happens to you. 

Follow a checklist.

You should get familiar with pre-drive safety checks like those taught in driver’s education. Few people follow these when driving passenger cars, but it’s a good idea to check the tires and ensure you’ve stowed things, like stairs and awnings, properly before driving a Class A motorhome. Your El Monte RV Rental dealer can also help you with this.

Carry some tools.

You don’t have to be a master mechanic to use a few simple tools. For example, a tire pressure gauge is critical to ensure your tires are correctly inflated before beginning or during a trip. If installed on your RV, a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) alerts if tires lose pressure or become overheated. Still, it’s not a substitute for manual air pressure checks and visual tire inspections. Your El Monte RV dealer will inform you of the tools that are provided with the RV rental. And, you will have peace of mind, knowing that you can always call for roadside assistance if you may need it.

Finally, when you have decided where you want to go and you wish to discuss your luxury motorhome choices, contact your nearest El Monte RV dealer. They will be happy to help