skipnchar
Topeka or somewhere else
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Joined: 12/17/2003
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If I were you I'd avoid tight places all together until you get a handle on driving the motor home. Find a big parking lot and set out some cones and practice making turns and backing into parking spaces. Try and remember to just slow down and don't move at ALL until you're sure you're not going to hit anything. OF course EVERYONE is more likely to have an accident EARLY after purchasing an RV but you do seem to have had more than your share already so be careful. Good luck / Skip
2011 F-150 HD Ecoboost 3.5 V6. 2550 payload, 17,100 GCVWR -
2004 F-150 HD (Traded after 80,000 towing miles)
2007 Rockwood 8314SS 34' travel trailer
US Govt survey shows three out of four people make up 75% of the total population
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QCMan
Lawn Guy Land, New Yawk
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Joined: 12/19/2005
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Here is a second for a CDL course. It will be quite an enlightenment.
2004 Starcraft Aruba 25RS, 2004 Dodge Dakota SLT extended cab. Just the two of us, 2 Jacks and a desire to roam!
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Handbasket
Asheville, NC
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Joined: 01/17/2003
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One, better mirrors... the 'fish-eye' stick-ons, and learning how to use them and what their limitations are (they're _not_ for judging distance, just telling "what's there").... millions of OTR trucks use them. Two, a good quality back-up camera system, looking down from up high up into the area right behind the bumper. Try www.rvcams.com. Look for at least a 5" monitor.
And stay out of tight spots... One of the things you've given up is the ability to go everywhere a car goes. You can cook a meal in it, take a shower in it, or use the bathroom in it, but it's _not_ going to fit everywhere a car does.... Accept it, be at peace with it, and don't push the limits. If you really want that kind of mobility, get a class B, a 19' C, or tow a car.
Jim, "Mo' coffee!"
'06 Tiger CX 'C Minus' on a Silverado 2500HD 4x4, 8.1 & Allison (aka 'Loafer's Glory') www.tigervehicles.com
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Clattertruck
Centennial Colorado
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Joined: 06/19/2003
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To be blunt, please take driving lessions because you have no idea how to drive a large vehicle. I would not want to be near you on a bike, motorcycle, car, truck, or in a campground nearby.
Clattertruck
2008 SD F450 Pickup PSD 6.4L CC 4X4 DRW, Lariat Auto trans 4.30 LS, 2008 Snowriver 108 truck camper.
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Here'n'There
Texas
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Joined: 10/09/2008
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rabbitangle... I do apologize for this reply but.... that was the funniest post I have read on these pages in the year + I have been a member. I certainly don't mean to laugh AT you, I laugh WITH you.
No one has been injured (personal) so I applaud your light hearted accounting of your experiences. You really do need to get some professional help though. 4 accidents within a week or so seems to be well beyond "typical" new to RV driving jitters. I confess to be terrible at backing into a site, and backing my 5th wheel up period. But there are FOUR things that have prevented accidents...
1. A SPOTTER or two in one case
2. GET OUT AND TAKE A LOOK AROUND BEFORE STARTING TO BACK IN
3. SLOW WAY WAY DOWN in tight spots or when backing
4. GET OUT FROM BEHIND THE DRIVER SEAT AND LOOK AROUND FOR YOURSELF!
Good luck to ya... no one has been hurt YET so please do yourself a favor... get some help before someone is.
We'll see ya........................
Here'n'There
2009 Carri-Lite 36SBQ 5th Wheel
2008 Dodge Ram 3500 Quad Cab Long Bed Diesel Dually
On the road with Here'n'There
Role of the C133 in Viet Nam
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robbins1
maine
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Joined: 04/25/2005
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My heart goes out to you! I bought a little old B last spring, only 19 ft long. Twice I reversed into something, very gently. First was an apple tree at the edge of my driveway, the second was a barrier pole at work....saved the light pole! I travel alone, no spotter, but my problem was simply remembering the spare tire sticks out behind me. I put a note on my side mirror...."SPARE THERE!!". No problems since. I second the fish eye....very handy.
~~~ruth~~~
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donee
Ca. 93063/ Ut 84129
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Joined: 03/05/2006
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Once you get used to using the fisheye type mirror, you wont like driving without them.
I got used to them on the trucks at work and now find myself adding them if the vehicle doesnt have them.
I would seriously look into the classes you mentioned and practice every chance you get.
Also keep in mind that when on the road, your wider, longer and have more blind spots than your used to.
Good luck.
donnie (KA6DON) & Linda
1 rescued furrykid "Buddy"
08 Monaco Monarch 30SFS
09 Jeep Wrangler Sahara Unlimited.
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Vegasdan
Las Vegas, NV
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Joined: 10/23/2008
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I'd look into Dick Reed's Rv driving school. One or two day individual lesson's, hands on with an instructor. Here's their locations and schedules in CA.
CA All Year Auburn Individual Lessons
CA All Year Yucca Valley Individual Lessons
CA All Year Palmdale/Lancaster Individual Lessons
CA All Year San Diego (Alpine) Individual Lessons
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smkettner
Southern California
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Joined: 03/21/2005
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Consider yourself predisastered. You should have no trouble now for 20 years 
2001 F150 SuperCrew
2006 Keystone Springdale 249FWBHLS
675 watts solar
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rabbitangel
San Benito
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Joined: 02/04/2009
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I am so very greatful for all the responses, encouraging and honest. No doubt I will take a class and the idea of practicing with cones in a big empty lot is a great suggestion. The last thing I want is for anyone to get hurt...
"Hey n' There": finding humor is the only thing keeping me sane- proffessional help yes; have the therapy, will take the classes ....Just for the record, friend, it was 4 accidents in a couple of weeks, it was 4 in a couple of months, though probably still not real typical. BTW rig is class A Dolphin, 30ft. long.
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