Do you Drive?

[suesodyssey]

Put a question to the rest of the women (and men if need be) on the forum.

Do you drive your motorhome, or pull your TT or fifth wheel? If you don't, why don't you?

For the men, do you want your wife to share the driving if she doesn't already? Or are you the one that says no to her driving?

I have towed my pop up and now my various fifth wheels since I started camping in 1998. I was scared to death of my husband's driving, so I just drove, it was much easier.

My husband (of 3 years) and I have a Freightliner as our tow vehicle,and a 40' fifthwheel. We share the driving, so neither of us are tired at the end of the day, even if it is a 9 or 10 hour day.

I feel that everyone that RV's should be able to at least get your rig to safety in case something happens. You don't have to be an expert driver, or be able to back into a site the first time...just be able to get yourself to safety in case your spouse or partner is unable.

[dres7]

:D I know what you mean about being scared of your husbands driving-ha- (that made me laugh when I read that) and they talk about us 'women'. That is a very interesting question about I wonder how many women actually help with the driving and is it hard to drive. I don't have an RV (yet) but am seriously thinking about it soon, we are wannabe's and that is something I'd want to make sure I can feel comfortable 'driving it myself'.

Which do you think for newbies would be easiest and best a truck pulling a TT or fifthwheel or a motorhome pulling a vehicle? Which do you think is easiet to drive for a woman? Just curious.

[suesodyssey]

[I personally prefer a tow vehicle and a TT or Fifth Wheel, but that is what I am used to driving. I know I could drive a motorhome, just as I know I could drive a semi. Some women say a pick up is too "big". So many look at our Freightliner and say it is so BIG. It is tall, but it is no wider than a regular dually...it is just the same width from front to back. I advise anyone that has not driving a rig or towed one to go to driving school. Most of the larger RV centers have a driving school, and most are free if you purchase your RV from them. But even the cost is worth it to learn how to handle your rig. What ever you decide to buy, you must practice..go to a large empty parking lot and drive. Turn left and right, back up straight, back up turning. It all just takes practice.

I have a friend that didn't drive with their rig...but she drove their stick shift pick up. I asked her why she didn't drive the rig, she said she was scared. Well, one day I looked up, and here she came, behind the wheel and pulling the 5er. She was so proud and I was proud for her. She doesn't drive much, but know she knows that if something happens to her husband, she can get to safety...or if he is sick and they have to go someplace, she can get them there.

Unfortunately, there are some men out there that refuse to let the little lady drive. Not sure of their reasoning, but am sure they think they have a good reason!

I worked in an RV resort for several years. You would be surprised at the number of men that got out of their motorhomes, the wife got behind the wheel and back into the site. They wouldn't drive on the hwy, but they backed up that baby just fine. Really think it was the men not wanting the women to tell them where to go!!! LOL

[gussie]

We just purchased a 40 ft. motorhome. My husband has been practicing and learning all of the bells and whistles! We have it in getting a few things fine tuned. Oneof the salesmen has offered to teach me how to drive it. Ithink that is better than the hubby doing it. Less stress all around. I know I need to learn for safety, emergency, etc. I have done a lot of things that I thought I could never do. This is just one more. It is encouraging to hear from other ladies.

[suesodyssey]

I agree Gussie...it will be much easier on you and your husband if you learn to drive your motorhome from someone else. It is like teaching your kids to drive...it is easier to yell at them (and at you, or you at him) Usually a 3rd party will not yell and call you names...if he does, threaten to take the motor home back to him!! LOL

Good luck, and hope to see YOU driving down the road.

Sue

[moosemom]

I have driven a one ton pulling a 5th wheel; then a gas motorhome and now a 38' diesel pusher. The motorhome is my preference - gas or diesel. Very easy to drive especially while husband is asleep.

[suesodyssey]

Your husband and mine are alike. He swears there is a "button" in the passenger seat that puts him to sleep! But then, there is also a "button" in the car too!

[littlebones]

I had a 25' executive motorhome and I really enjoyed driving this. I had alot of looks from men. They don't realize that us women can drive these.

When it comes to fifth wheels and travel trailers, I still have to learn alot about towing them. The Fifth Wheel was a little easier than the travel travel because it go back and forth to much even when you have the sway bars attached. It's a whole new experience to learn how to tow this.

[sueglassart]

I love driving our 35' motorhome. I do get asked,"you really drive that thing?", as I get out of the drivers seat.
I went to a large casino parking lot when is almost emty and practiced before taking to the open road.

[supernavywife]

I drove an F150 towing a 23 ft travel trailer and now drive a 33 ft Class A motor home. I love driving the motor home. I am only 5'2, 120 pounds and it makes me feel so powerful!!! :) I've taken it out for weekends by myself when my husband has been deployed. I really enjoy camping!

[lou0403]

When I was married my husband did all the driving. After I was divorced I bought a small fifth wheel, but was never comfortable with it. I am one of those uncordinated people. I then bought a 22' Class C motorhome and love driving it. When I plan to be in one place, like for the winter, I tow my Honda. If I'll be mainly on the road I prefer not to tow the car.

[ccintrigue]

We used to tow a TT with a Ford F-350 4-door truck. I was scared to death to drive it more than short distances. Now have a 36' MH that I will drive -- just as long as it's not on a narrow country road! Practiced in WalMart parking lot before hitting the road.

[lowcountryman]

We bought our first vehicle about a year and half ago - 34' MH. I am the one who pulled it out and backed it down our curved driveway and backed into camping space. Also drove on the dual lane highway. My first time behind the wheel was a rainy day and having the 18 wheelers pass was a little intimidating but made it just fine. Just traded for a 37' diesel. Although I still pull it out and back it in, have not driven yet. Will be trying that soon.
LowCountry Lady

[campkrazy]

I pull our 31TT.I Like to drive.
I also drive a School Bus and our Church Bus.

[disneycamper]

My husband has always wanted me to drive pulling the camper or the boat but it was very intimidating and uncomfortable for me. Of course, he always wanted me to learn while we were already on the highway or interstate!!

When we bought our MH a few months ago, I was determined, (for several reasons), that I would drive it but I would not learn while people were whizzing by us at 90 MPH.

DH agreed to take me to our civic center parking lot and teach me there. We spent 3 or 4 hours in that parking lot - all alone - and that's how I learned to drive, park, back-up, turn, etc.

Now, I do almost all of the driving. There will come a day when DH will tire of this - I don't think I ever will. If that day arrives, I have no qualms about taking the MH on the road solo and am learning how to hook up all the necessities and then unhook.

Great question and interesting thread. Thanks.

[sueglassart]

I was a Navy wife for 20 years until my husband retired. I was also Navy for 6 years myself. It is hard to have the husbands deployed, but a free independant spirit makes it easier. I'm always pleased to see those who continue to do independant things and know how to enjoy life.
I too enjoy driving our motorhome. When the kids were young and dad deployed we enjoyed many a picnic and camping trips. We had a truck and camper back then.
I too enjoy the looks people give you and the awe when I get out of my 35 foot motorhome from the drivers seat. It is great on the ego.

[stampgirl]

I have previously pulled our pop-up for 3 years...that was pretty easy. Last year we purchased 32' TT...I've only pulled that about 10 feet...I want to try pulling it, but I'm still a little scared...maybe this year!

[popabull]

My wife and i just got back from a trip to Grapevine Texas.On the way to Texas my hip went out on me causing alot of pain. My wife had only drove our truck pulling our fifthwheel a short distance before. She had to drive most of the way from South Carolina to Texas and back . She did a fine job and I am pround of her. Don't be afraid to try pulling you never know when something may happen.She was even able to get out of sme tight spots. Popabull pulling 30' ft cherokee. 2500 24 valve 98 dodge diesel.

[carole293]

I usually drive more than my husband. He doesn't like to camp as much as me, so I just go by myself. I drive a F150 and pull a TT. I've had quite a few looks from the old boys when I back that trailer into a spot. When my husband is with me there's usually some yelling on his part. He's a control freak, if we are together, I let him drive so I don't have to hear it.

[ryegal]

If there are any couples out there that the man does all the outside stuff and the women does the inside, and he drives. Please learn the others jobs.My husband was fishing and fell over some boulders and I needed to get him to a hospital. I wasn't used to driving it , but I did. and it scared me it is not good to learn that way under so much pressure.

[tnsue]

You women are putting me to shame. I have offered to learn how to drive the 32 ft C Class in a parking lot.....SO, if husband ever needs someone to drive in a parking lot....here I am!! LOL. We tow a car also. I am a good passenger, though.

OK---will accept advice now for this chicken little.

[annjacoby]

I pull a 25 ft fifth wheel (soon to upgrade to 30 ft) with a 3/4 ton pickup. It all goes pretty well, except I do not like taking the truck to the grocery store etc--parking is a pain since it is a crew cab. But, oh well, I am stuck on fifth wheels cuz I really want the rear living with big window. In motor homes you have bedroom in rear and only side & front windows. If I can't see lots of what is around me I don't even want to RV.

[laurel]

My husband has a CDL and drove professionally for 32 years. When he retired he decided he didn't want to drive any more. Luckily he "let me" drive our first motorhome as well as our present one. I mainly have driven on freeways, but have logged several hundred miles. We've heard of husbands having illnesses or injuries preventing them from driving, and feel it's best to have some experience behind the wheel, just in case. He's become very good at back-seat-driving since he's retired! Although I liked the idea of him being in charge of driving when we first started RV'ing, I try to drive each trip out. It really drives like a car (except for the turning and braking distances).

[eagles]

It took a long time to give in and learn to drive our 36ft motorhome. But, I knew for safety sake, I needed to learn in case of an emergency. We attended Grand National Rally at Winnebago last summer and they had a driving course just for women. And it wasn't in a parking lot!! Were went right out on the road and was wonderful. Now I really do feel more confident and I have done some "on the Interstate" to give my husband a break.

[treemakr]

When my husband and I started camping we towed a 13ft Shasta trailer with our mini-van. He would drive for about 30 minutes and get too sleepy to drive so I would take over. We found out he had sleep apnea and once he got that treated he could drive again. When we graduated to our 5th wheel, he did all the driving. I had just a few hours under my belt when he passed away. I did not want to give up on our dream, so I got a girlfriend with rving experience to ride with me and jumped behind the wheel and pulled that thing from San Diego to Seattle!!

[turtlebounder]

I love driving our 36' diesel w/jeep liberty toad.
No problem. I have to fight (argue constructively) for my time at the wheel.
He loves driving it too. So far no problems. I do feel good with the Good Sam back up for mech. or breakdowns etc.
This is an awesome way to travel - Queen of the Road.

[summerof]

There are a few reasons why we have Him do the driving:

First of all I'm the navigator. I pre-map our routes with all the exits and rest stops and stuff. I know there are GPS systems but I like to know well in advance where we are going - how long it should take - where we can stops - alternate routes just in case, etc. He's horrible at reading maps and has no idea what my notations mean so there is no way I'd rely on him to do this. We are new to RVing but not new to traveling and even when we traveled by car I had him drive so I could get us there.

Also, I'm a lead-foot. The highways are much safer with me driving my hybrid car (which has a gage that tells me exactly what mpg I'm getting each and every second) than to put a Hemi in my hands. He always drives like a little ol' lady (no offense, only a stereotypical reference) so we are much safer with him doing the towing.

Our next trip out though I'm going to do some of the driving since there is one stretch of highway that we'll be on for several hundred miles and we won't get lost. It's best for both people to be able to drive as was stated by others already. Also, for those of you that are towing - it's also a good thing if you both know how to hitch and unhitch - again, just in case. I help each time just to keep the procedure fresh in my mind.

[elainefaith]

hello everyone. i'm a new widow and i've always wanted to get a camper, hubby would have none of it. i bought a truck camper. haven't seen anyone here talking about this. F350 diesel dually w/12' camper on the back. just the right size for me and my dog. very easy to drive especially since it's my first.
when i first started looking i never dreamt i'd buy a truck camper, not even allowed in fancy parks, they have a bad reputation of being run down junkers for fisherman and campers, but mine is wonderful. have gone on a few shake down cruises lately, big 4 mo. trip this summer, wish me luck!!!

[scrappycrafter]

I give my husband a break after lunch when he gets a little tired. I drive on both 2 and 4 lane roads, usually he gets to sleep and I hit road construction! We don't drive late, so an hour is all he needs. I have learned how to tow on hills and steep inclines, you have to let the truck do the work. Thank's to an exhaust brake, also. I can drive in towns, pull into truck stops and rest areas, but have not backed in, pull thrus ok.

When we park, I have a cb walkie talkie. It also helps if he gets out and says this is where he wants her, give me an idea when and where the wheels should turn. We tow with a Ford F350 crew cab duelly and tow a 37 foot 5th wheel. Prefer the 5th wheel over a TT for turning and towing. Judy

[sayersaa]

I was an OTR truck driver for some years and now I have a GMC 2500HD 4x4 short bed truck that I pull a 30' fifth wheel. I don't recommend with out some training someone who has never driven a motorcoach or pulled a fifth wheel to start today. They have a short training class from time to time at the Drumright, OK., Vo-Tech School. I don't think it is part of their regular classes. Don't know the cost but they are great at teaching how to drive a truck and trailer or what every you have. I have read where a group from Women on Wheels were to have some classes down there. They have 19 acres of roads in back of the school with hills, turns, corners that one would encounter. I highly recommend this school. Yes that is where I learned to drive. Now, I am a 65 year old woman, widowed and retired, enjoying my life doing what I want to do and that is traveling.
If I can do it you can too.

[frybarger]

After reading some of these, I'm going to learn to drive our 36' Motorhome. Great idea to go into a large parking lot and practice....Thanks all;)

[travlnjo136]

I've always drivien my travel trailer. While I'm a separated married person, my husband has come along and driven once in a while. It can get nervewracking, like on I-80 with all the semis sucking you over to their side of the road. But I like it and have drive k's of miles, in mountains, in the dark. Not in snow tho, yet.
I just think of all the women that took over on the conastoga coming across our land when their men were watching herds of animals. My rig's a lot easier to handle than 4 horses I'll bet.

[colleena]

I am a newly widowed full-timer (in a 5er), and I'm glad for all the time that I spent driving and doing those outside tasks that DH did. We should never get too complacent in those separate tasks, and we should all know how to drive. A time of stress is not the time to learn. I'm debating whether to take a driving class now. I towed from VA to AZ on my own, and although I'm not real comfortable backing into spots now, I can do it when required -- maybe at the expense of being the evening's entertainment! There's no reason we can't do this, ladies!! More power to you all. Be safe.

[travlynwomyn]

I'm a fulltime RVer and have been a Workamper for 3 years already. For 4 years before that I was a solo RV transporter, delivering fivers, tags, horse trailers, boats and anything else around the Continental US that my one-tondually diesel could handle - and I was in my 50's when I started.

I started RVing in the early 80's with my 29' Rockwood MH. It was great fun. I helped drive it with no problem. Later, when we got our first fiver I also started towing it - then learned all the ins and outs of hooking and unhooking after going camping a few times and seeing husbands get ill - and even die, leaving the wife virtually stranded.

When I was downsized from my desk job at the end of marriage, I started transporting and fell in love with the lifestyle - it also helped me decide what type of unit I eventually wanted to get to fulltime with. There's a rather satisfactory feeling in being a single female in her early 60's who can handle her fiver by herself!

No matter whatm ladies - it's definitely highly recommended that you learn how to handle every aspect of your rig - just in case. It's also fun and makes you feel darn good knowing you can do it! (And when you share the driving, you both arrive more rested if there are two people who can drive.)

[cherrypop]

When my husband died and I had to get rid of the 5th wheel and new Ford dulley I cried. I eventually drove the dulley to Tampa to trade it in on my 28ft motorhome. I had never driven the dulley even to get gas! When I looked at the motorhome it looked so big but I soon discovered it was only longer than what I had already driven 500 miles. I too get looks when I pull in to a campground. Yes, I can drive it and no I don't need any help to back it in-Thanks anyway!!:) :)

[kareninthewoods]

Yup.. I drive too...

I used to drive my 27 ft Winnebago Class A all over by myself and my kids. Put a lot of miles on that rig. My husband at the time rathered to stay home (and turns out to see another hussy while I was gone camping!) Out with him and I kept the motorhome! LOL

Later I remarried to a sweetheart who LOVES camping! We towed a 33 ft TT with a Jeep Grand Cherokee and that was a little tougher, so I let my husband drive more of the time. Gosh he would back that in to the dangest spaces and could park it on a dime!

Now we have a 38ft class A and I drive too sometimes. But mostly I navigate the GPS and look up information on the laptop as we travel (aircard so hooked up all the time) and he takes care of following my directions very well.

Before GPS, one time while on the road, I got up to use the bathroom in the motorhome, jokingly telling him to not get lost. While I was *occupied* I thought it was strange he was making turns and slowing down and stoplights. When I came out of the bathroom, I discovered we were off the highway, in a tiny town, and in the middle of their historical park! We had to look up the signs of a business to even figure out what town we were in!

[sayersaa]

I had to learn to drive a semi truck so I could work. After learning that I felt I could drive anything. So now I drive my 3/4ton diesel pickup and pull a 30' fifth wheel. I have never looked back.

[nona1]

Yes, I am a female driver. I drive a 35 foot Winnebago motorhome and I love it. I have never driver a 5'er so I don't know, but give me a motorhome anyday.

When I first bought my Winnie, 3 years ago, I did not get behind the wheel until I took a driving course. It just amazes me that anybody can get behind a wheel of a motorhome and know nothing. I perferred to know something. I have no trouble backing into spaces, thanks to the school.

Every woman should know how to drive in case something happens where you have to drive and at that time you are so nervious from what happened to your spouse you have no idea what to do behind the wheel. Learn to drive it, it doesn't bite and it really enjoyable.

[janey]

in our 30 ft Winneago at a school parking lot and drove it home on city streets and small country roads, meeting oncoming traffic, etc. Years ago I drove a school bus carrying middle schoolers to sporting events - the only distraction today was a new puppy who had never been in the MH. Thanks for all your posts which gave me inspiration.

[dspa4398]

I am glad I learned the "in's and out's" early on. I drive several hours each day on every trip! Yes--I am more relaxed at the wheel than in the passenger seat. I will never stop "white knuckeling" when I see an 18 wheel rig in the side mirror, though! Have taken "girl trips" to DisneyWorld and do just fine!

[akmshrm]

I have to say I'm so pleased to hear so many of you gals drive the old rig. We have had travel trailers, fifth wheels and now a 42 foot diesel pusher and I have driven each of them off the lot when we bought them. My hubby makes sure I'm the one driving it off the lot. I love the looks we get when he hands me the keys and says go for it. I'm a firm believer in the fact that both people know how to drive your vehicle. I get so frustrated when some woman says "there's no way I'm driving that - it's too big" Believe if something happens you want to know the correct way to handle the rig. Learn when you aren't under the stress of the moment to get in and go down the road.
The funniest story I have is when we were down Yuma way and we had had some work done on the rig and I was bringing it back to the site and somehow my hubby and I got separated (dang red lights anyway) anyhow we got back and I backed into the site and the worman across the street about had a fit........THERE'S A WOMAN DRIVING THAT BIG THING!!!!!!!! Her husband told me all about it......
Now the truth of why....I drove a school bus for 25 years and taught driving the last four of my career...........I still believe each woman needs to know how to drive the critter though.......

Safe driving to everyone:D

[akmshrm]

It sure is nice to see all of you women driving the rigs. I've talked to so many that wouldn't even think of driving the rig......we are in our 60's and while I hope nothing happens to my hubby - what happens if you are somewhere far away from your home base and he suddenly gets sick and God Forbid dies. What would you do? I know I'm more than capable of driving our rig back to where we are from or anywhere else for that matter. I feel each and every woman needs to be able to drive any vehicles you might have. I have a friend that is about 4 foot eleven and she drives a 40 footer. Doesn't have a problem. If you really want to you can handle anything....

[mo21012]

I can drive our rig, but unfortunately have not followed through and gotten my Maryland non-commercial B license to drive it legally. I am freaked by the whole test thing, but I know I need to do that and in an emergency I could drive our rig.

[murffdog]

If your registered in Maryland, you have to have a class b license? Never heard of that. My 3 daughters drive ours as well as our 19 year old granddaughter.

[mo21012]

Maryland requires a non-commercial Class B license. I'm not sure when they passed that, but I believe it was one of former Governor Erlich's legacy's of not raising taxes, but 'fee-ing' us to death!

Here's the link to the Maryland info - http://www.marylandmva.com/DriverServ/Apply/recreation.htm

[dspa4398]

I drive our 36 ft. class A whenever I get a chance. Doesn't matter if we are towing our car or not. I have taken the motorhome to Disney World for "girl" trips and enjoy every moment of the challenge. When we started camping, we decided that both of us needed to be able to do everything involved in using the motorhome; you just never know what might happen to your partner. We each have our designated jobs--but the driving is usually 50/50. ;)

[disneycamper]

My husband has always wanted me to drive pulling the camper or the boat but it was very intimidating and uncomfortable for me. Of course, he always wanted me to learn while we were already on the highway or interstate!!

When we bought our MH a few months ago, I was determined, (for several reasons), that I would drive it but I would not learn while people were whizzing by us at 90 MPH.

DH agreed to take me to our civic center parking lot and teach me there. We spent 3 or 4 hours in that parking lot - all alone - and that's how I learned to drive, park, back-up, turn, etc.

Now, I do almost all of the driving. There will come a day when DH will tire of this - I don't think I ever will. If that day arrives, I have no qualms about taking the MH on the road solo and am learning how to hook up all the necessities and then unhook.

Great question and interesting thread. Thanks.

:( My wonderful husband of 38 years passed away this year. The MH is now mine and I thank God that my husband thought enough of me to teach me to drive our RV. I have used our rig twice since his death and plan to use it more later in the year. I am so grateful to my husband for being the man he was and seeing the need for me to drive, park, hook-up, etc. Please, ladies, do yourselves a favor and learn to drive/pull your camper

[murffdog]

Sorry about your lose, my young daughter drives ours, no problems.