rabbitangel
San Benito
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Joined: 02/04/2009
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I am embarrassed to admit this, but I set out on my first excursion a couple of months ago and have been in not one, not two, not three, but FOUR fender benders. If anyone has had this happen, please let me know so I don't feel like such a dork.....I find some comfort in the fact that I have never driven a large vehicle- all of my cars have been tiny economy cars and I have never driven an automatic transmission....I haven't even driven a station wagon and have driven vans only a few times....
Two of the four involved other cars, but fortunitely they were parked so no one was hurt. My rig is 30ft. The first was very minor and happened in a state park. I was trying to make a very tight (I realize now) turn around and I backed into and knocked down a sign. Part of my latter detached and it shouldn't be too hard to fix.
#2 involved 2 other park cars and is still pending with the insurance company, so I best not describe it in a public forum. 
#3 Happened within 72 hours of #2. I was on a very windy, very narrow stretch of Hwy.1 (CA) north of SF (3am; don't ever try to boondock in SF, it will not be pretty) I got lost in Muir Woods. Trying to free myself I ended up in a salvage yard and a very large (a ton at least) piece of wood ended up stuck in one of my storage compartment doors and other wood in the pile barely missed my generator, when i was trying to turn around.
#4 was in a parking lot. I tried to get into two head to head diagonal parking spaces...I had done this before, but this time there were cars on either side and I clipped the side of one of the cars.
I guese I just need some reasurance that these are beginner mistakes....(????) I would gladly take motorhome driving lessons if there are any (???) I am staying put for the winter, even though I don't want to- not a good idea to be driving a 30 ft. vehicle in rain and icy roads...
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PJG061073
SD/Anywhere/Full-Timers
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Joined: 05/28/2009
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Sorry to hear about your MISHAPS.. We have been lucky so far..
Taking a CDL course might help.. BUT before you do please talk to them and ask what the course covers... Also sometimes your local Drivers license office can make suggestions about courses..
They don't need the details as to why you are asking.. 
You want to feel better watch the movie RV... with ROBIN WILLIAMS..
Take care..
Have a wonderful day..
Regards,
M&P .. 
ANNIE - 2008 Safari Cheetah-40 SKQ- 08 Jeep Liberty Toad
CAT 7 350- C-7, Serial # WAX65944
ReadyBrake Surge Brake System integrated w/ReadyBrute Elite RV Tow Bar-BLUE OX Plate
FMCA-F414825
Still in WPP..
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afob3
Maryville, TN
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Joined: 04/17/2008
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Can't say that I have had the rash of luck you have had but it sounds like most of your situations are ocouring when you are menuvering in tight spaces. It sounds like you need a good spotter. If you are by yourself, there is nothing wrong with asking someone at the campground. Most any other RVr would be more than willing.
2012 Koala 25DS
2011 F150 Ecoboost SuperCrew with Max Tow Package
www.familyobrien.net
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btd35
Spokane, WA
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Joined: 03/24/2005
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I think that to save yourself some money and other problems I would look for some type of class you can take. I'm not sure if you are driving a class A or class C, but reguardless I would look into something.
I have always driven larger vehicles and the one thought that you can never get out of your mind at all times, is can I fit this vehicle into the place I am pointing it. If you are in doubt, don't go there. It takes some time to get used to where your vehicle sits on the pavement, and how it reacts when it turns. This is a small part of what truck drivers have to learn about their jobs.
You have to think way ahead, often miles ahead to plan your route, especially reguarding fueling stations, or small towns and off the highway routes. I often use my GPS to call fueling stations ahead to see if they can take a larger vehicle. If they're not sure I don't go there.
Tom & Beth
05,Grand Junction 35TMS
99, Dodge 3500 Dually.
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Vet Man
Ct. & Florida
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Joined: 09/28/2003
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I agree you need a spotter, I learned that the hard way myself. Do not be afraid to stop and get out and take alook yourself.
2008 Itasca Sunrise 35A
2008 Honda CRV Toad
2010 ZR1 Colorado Toad
"We Traveled To Alot Of Different Places While On Vacation, Until The wife Asked Directions"
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Bob Shaw
Newnan Ga
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Joined: 06/26/2007
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Don't feel too bad, a friend of mine rolled his TT over and almost killed his wife and himself. I guess by now you've realized that you need to be careful where you go. Don't go anywhere that you're not absolutely sure you can get out of.
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Rick & Cheryl
Texas
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Joined: 09/28/2007
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If you dont have a spotter, you are just going to have recognize when you are in a tight spot, and become your own spotter, by getting out and being a lot more cautious. Incidents like you describe may push you into much higher insurance cost, and taking some extra time is well worth it to avoid even more problems.
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mavapa
Rome, Ga, USA
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Joined: 11/08/2002
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It sounds to me like you need to learn where the edges of your rig are. If you can find a big, empty parking lot or vacant field, you might try setting up some traffic cones and practicing your maneuvers.
VetMan has a really good point - don't be afraid to get out and look. I have done that quite a few times, just to make sure I'm heading in the right direction and have plenty of clearance.
Don't necessarily trust bystanders to help. My parents were directed into a gas station overhang once by a helpful bystander. As they say, trust but verify.
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Finally Time
Northern California
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Joined: 05/17/2005
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You might try giving a call to Gold Country RV Driving School I'm not sure if they will go to San Benito, but I know they did go to Santa Rosa for some friends when they go a motorhome. At the time I ordered my trailer I had never towed anything. Two instructors came to my house with a stake-side about the same length as my trailer. They spent the day teaching me to hitch-up by myself, back straight and into tight spaces to the right & left, make a "u" turn on a residential street, and some freeway driving to get the feel of big rigs passing. It was worth every penny. I have now towed about 13,000 miles and haven't hit anything yet.
'06 Sunline T-1950; '06 Explorer, V8
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Bob/Olallawa
Kitsap Co, WA
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Joined: 11/12/2008
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You should have a spotter in tight places, but you also need to learn how to use those mirrors on the front sides of your rig. Sounds like you had one backing hit on the sign but the other ones involved the sides of your rig which you should have been able to see in your mirrors before the hit. Take your time and double check if you are not sure you can make it.
Lord, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to hide the bodies of those people I had to kill because they pissed me off.
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