Driving an RV: Tips for a Safe and Smooth Ride

Is driving an RV across Canada on your bucket list? As a first-timer, you will join millions of tourists and Canadians on the road and meet them at the more than two thousand RV parks and campgrounds in the country. What an exciting journey!

Motor Home Travel, ON, believes everyone deserves the freedom to explore the world in comfort and style. We rent out motorhomes, and our fleet consists of Class A and Class C RVs. Class A motorhomes are the largest and most luxurious, while Class C is sometimes referred to as a mini-motorhome. Our RV rental rates are very competitive, and you can view the vehicle details online. Join us as we share RV driving trips for a safe and smooth ride. 

What You Need to Know About Driving an RV 

Driving a motorhome is different than driving a car. It might take a while to get used to their weight and size, but that is part of the adventure! What do you need to know before driving your RV for the first time? Familiarize yourself with your rental RV’s statistics, such as length, weight, tire pressure, and fuel requirements. 

When you are on the road, safety is always the first consideration. Maintain a safe speed limit and keep a longer distance from other vehicles. Indicate early before turning, and take your time. RVing is all about teamwork when you park. Ask someone to spot for you, and you will soon get used to parking the motorhome.

RV Driving Tips for a Safe Journey

Planning the trip is part of the excitement of driving an RV across the country. Be aware of your RV’s height and source an RV-specific GPS app. It provides information on low bridge clearances, steep mountain passes, narrow roads, propane-restricted tunnels, and other RV-unfriendly road hazards. 

At Motor Home Travel, we believe the journey is part of the experience, so take regular breaks when driving long distances. Enjoy the view at rest stops, stretch your legs, and drink plenty of water. There is no need to rush to your destination if you plan well. Avoid driving at night when you are in an unfamiliar location. Visibility is low, and there might be roaming wildlife on the road. 

Does Driving an RV Require a Special Licence?

Are you wondering what licence you need to drive an RV? Most Class A and C motorhomes rented out by Motor Home Travel have a gross vehicle weight (GVW) of less than 11,000 kilograms. This allows you to drive our RVs with an Ontario G-class driver’s licence. A standard licence is insufficient if the motorhome’s weight is more than 11,000 kg or the RV has air brakes. 

International travelers can use a driver’s licence from their country of origin if it uses the Latin alphabet and is equivalent to Ontario’s G-class driver’s licence or similar licences in other Canadian provinces and territories. If you choose to use an international licence, you must have your original driving licence with you at all times as well. Consult with your travel agent for the most updated information.

RV Preparation Checklist Before You Drive

Seeing places you have only dreamt about is a joy, but interior and exterior preparations, as per this checklist, are required before you drive your RV. Motor Home Travel has RV-certified service technicians skilled in working on all RV models, and our rental motorhomes are all fully serviced. Our friendly staff will help if you have checklist questions about our rental motorhomes.  

It is essential to secure heavy objects before you travel to ensure the cargo weight is evenly distributed. Invest in a propane gas detector if your RV carries propane tanks, check that your vents are clear, and close the tank’s valve before crossing propane-restricted infrastructure. But most of all, enjoy your trip!

Motor Home Travel is a family-owned business. We value providing the highest levels of comfort and convenience to our clients with top-quality vehicles and exceptional customer service. Contact us to rent a motorhome and enjoy the experience of driving an RV.