Driving an RV: How to drive an RV and back it up safely

Q: Can you Drive an RV with a Regular License?

Yes, you can use the regular driver's license currently in your purse or wallet to drive an RV. There are a few states that require a commercial license if your RV exceeds 26,000 pounds with a TOAD vehicle.

Q: Can you park your RV in your driveway?

Maybe, each city has its own restrictions for RVs being parked at your residence . Some will allow you to park where the RV is not visible or others will not allow it at all. Please check with your local jurisdiction for your area.

Q: Can passengers sleep in the RV while you are driving?

Some states have no laws stating it is not allowed , but for common sense safety reasons, don't. You are traveling in a box strapped to the top of a truck frame rolling down the highway.

Q: Can RV passengers drink?

There are several states that do allow passengers to drink alcohol in a moving RV. The driver is prohibited in every state. Most states prohibit open containers in the RV while driving and some even while it is parked. Check the laws in the states you plan on visiting to be sure.

Heading to pick up your new RV can be a scary experience that brings on a little anxiety. For someone that’s never driven a large vehicle, it can be even more exaggerated. I really don’t want to side-swipe anything or back into something. The question I hear the most is, how do I even back this RV into a spot? So, let’s learn a little about “Driving an RV: How to drive and backup your RV safely”.

I had the same thoughts when I first started driving my new class C RV and it was not even that long. Over time I have become more and more comfortable driving it in many different situations.

This topic really resonates with me still because we plan to go much larger for our next unit. I am thinking we will purchase around 35-footer tops just so we can get into most parks comfortably. When I think about living in an RV I really like those 42-foot fifth wheels due to the room they have.

A quality backup camera can make all the difference in the world

If this is the path you have chosen, whether a class A, travel trailer or fifth wheel that is super long, hopefully, this article will be helpful in making you more secure traveling around.

I will cover the safety and handling of your unit forward and backward, even though backing up I think is most drivers’ concern. Learning to drive and back up your RV can be a challenge, but one that you can easily overcome.

The size of a motorhome can affect its drivability, but a bit of practice and some common-sense driving skills should make any motorhome easy to handle.

If this whole process is new to you, check out RV life, beginning the process

Is it hard to drive an RV?

An RV can be easy to drive with the right training and practice, common sense, and understanding of the rules of the road.

Remember you are not in the minivan taking the kids to practice, it is a large and heavy vehicle that needs plenty of space to maneuver.

Braking distance is much further, takes longer to get them moving when pulling into an intersection or getting onto the highway. Vision is the biggest part for me as you have a much larger blind spot and mirrors are farther away to view. Always remember you are driving an RV and leave yourself some room in every direction.

How to drive and back up your RV safely

What RV is easiest to drive?

A Class B RV is easiest to drive when it comes to ease of driving only. The main reason a Class B RV is the easiest to drive is they feel like driving a van. In some cases, RVers have even felt they drive similar to a regular vehicle.

These can be a great option for a couple who likes to get in and out of parks with ease. They are also perfect to run to the store and back when you forget to pick up a loaf of bread when stocking up for camping.

If you have a family, these smaller units can be a little tight on space and that is when a larger unit is needed.

For the rest of us that need the added square footage in order to keep the peace, I have some tips and videos.

How far can you safely travel in an RV each day?

500 miles a day is a good starting point for RV drivers, this really depends on your rig and how smoothly it drives. An RV is not like driving a car and most likely will wear you out much faster. It is very common for RVers to keep it closer to 300 miles a day and they try to get to their nightly spot well before dark. You don’t want to try and set up camp in the dark, this is a great way to make mistakes.

Tips for beginner RV drivers

If you newly purchased an RV, take it for some practice driving at a local parking lot. Get familiar with your RV, know what switches do, and adjust seats and mirrors ahead of time before your first drive.
Before the first adventure out, know how much all your tanks hold, gas, freshwater, gray water, and black water.
Make sure you know the height of your RV.
When planning trips make sure you note fuel stops that are RV-friendly. Start a journal for future outings and life will be much less stressful.
Plan RV-friendly routes, this is where knowing the height of your rig comes into play.
If you are making a long trip with multiple stops, go ahead and plan stops out. Knowing and plotting stops make your road trip much more relaxing. Plan for fuel, rest stops, overnight stops, any must-see sightseeing, and of course your final destination point.

Backing up with a Travel Trailer

How to drive and back up your RV safely

Towing and Backing up a Fifth Wheel

Driving a Motorhome

Backing up a Motorhome (perfect for all us motorhome drivers)

A quality backup camera can make all the difference in the world

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you Drive an RV with a Regular License?

Yes, you can use the regular driver’s license currently in your purse or wallet to drive an RV. There are a few states that require a commercial license if your RV exceeds 26,000 pounds with a TOAD vehicle.

Can you park your RV in your driveway?

Maybe, each city has its own restrictions for RVs being parked at your residence. Some will allow you to park where the RV is not visible or others will not allow it at all. Please check with your local jurisdiction for your area.

Can passengers sleep in the RV while you are driving?

Some states have no laws stating it is not allowed, but for common sense safety reasons, don’t. You are traveling in a box strapped to the top of a truck frame rolling down the highway.

Can RV passengers drink?

There are several states that do allow passengers to drink alcohol in a moving RV. The driver is prohibited in every state. Most states prohibit open containers in the RV while driving and some even while it is parked. Check the laws in the states you plan on visiting to be sure.

Conclusion

Let’s start by saying, don’t be afraid to begin your RV lifestyle because of driving an RV. With the correct practice and just following a few simple rules, you will be on your way to a journey of a lifetime. Learning to drive and back up an RV can be fun with the right directions and practice.

Start by knowing your rig, how things work, and how it handles different situations. Take it out to a big empty parking lot, set up some cones and I think it will be much easier than you may have imagined.

Take your time the first time out, it is not a race but the beginning of a great lifestyle. Try to stay ahead of your RV and know where you will be driving. When you get to your location, walk to your site if possible, and scan it out for any possible obstacles that may block your unit from pulling or backing in.

Don’t let the fear of the unknown keep you from a lifestyle that could be so fulfilling and life-changing.

If this whole process is new to you, check out RV life, begin the process