Driving tips please

Soreinsky
Soreinsky Forum Participant Posts: 23

Hi all.

I have driven a 12 seat mini bus on occasion but never a 28/9 foot Motorhome (Chieftain) any pointers would be most welcome.

Thank you for your time replying.

Soreinsky.

Comments

  • triky auto
    triky auto Forum Participant Posts: 8,690
    1000 Comments
    edited May 2016 #2

    Cool Observation,Observation,Observation !! Lots of mirror use & believe them.A reverseing camera is usefull too.Enjoy.

  • Bakers2
    Bakers2 Forum Participant Posts: 8,195 ✭✭✭
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    edited May 2016 #3

    Cool Observation,Observation,Observation !! Lots of mirror use & believe them.A reverseing camera is usefull too.Enjoy.

    Plus one.  I'd never driven anything bigger than an estate car when we got our motorhome and agree with all if the above. I would add plenty if practise if possible when the roads are not so busy and don't be rushed.

  • Soreinsky
    Soreinsky Forum Participant Posts: 23
    edited May 2016 #4

    Thanks for your reply. Am I right n thinking you hog the center line when you take a left turn?

  • EmilysDad
    EmilysDad Forum Participant Posts: 8,973
    1000 Comments
    edited May 2016 #5

    Thanks for your reply. Am I right n thinking you hog the centRE line when you take a left turn?

    that must surely depend on how big the road is Wink

  • triky auto
    triky auto Forum Participant Posts: 8,690
    1000 Comments
    edited May 2016 #6

    Thanks for your reply. Am I right n thinking you hog the center line when you take a left turn?

    Write your comments here...Oh !! Not only that ,BUT, watch the 'tailswing' when doing a right turn if other vehicles are alongside !!Surprised.Mine has a ten foot overhang from the rear axle !!

  • Soreinsky
    Soreinsky Forum Participant Posts: 23
    edited May 2016 #7

    Your scaring me now.

     

  • EmilysDad
    EmilysDad Forum Participant Posts: 8,973
    1000 Comments
    edited May 2016 #8

    I've never driven one either, but confident that I'd be OK .... I was driving a large van just days after passing my test (in a MKI Escort - it was THAT long ago). Just take your time, take things a bit slower & keep an eye on what's behind you as well as
    in front ...... you'll be fine

  • thebroons
    thebroons Forum Participant Posts: 165
    edited May 2016 #9

    Are you collecting the m/h from Inverness ?

    If so just take your time on the journey back up the A9 and don't let anyone push you along. If need be pull in and let traffic pass and watch the speed limit. Be aware of the weight if you go via berriedale braes.

    Most of all enjoy your new found freedom.

     

  • Bakers2
    Bakers2 Forum Participant Posts: 8,195 ✭✭✭
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    edited May 2016 #10

    Are you collecting the m/h from Inverness ?

    If so just take your time on the journey back up the A9 and don't let anyone push you along. If need be pull in and let traffic pass and watch the speed limit. Be aware of the weight if you go via berriedale braes.

    Most of all enjoy your new found freedom.

     

    I'd add to that. We have a note of our height and width on the sun visor. Its amazing how you can't remember your height when you see a height sign. As has been said don't allow yourself to be pushed and yes pull over, when its convenient to allow following
    traffic to pass.

    The club does run maneovring courses but you'll have to check out dates and areas.  

    Don't forget you've a loo and cooker onboard so you can stop as often as you fancy to chill, use the facilities, have a cuppa and take in the views. Start as you mean to go on, with a motorhome the destination is secondary to the journey ?

  • Tinwheeler
    Tinwheeler Forum Participant Posts: 23,142 ✭✭✭
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    edited May 2016 #11

    Soreinsky, if you're concerned about driving a large vehicle, can I suggest you make enquiries about having a couple of lessons in an HGV? The cost would be less that having to fork out for uninsured losses in the event of an accident and would help you
    stay safe for your own sake and for that of other road users.

  • briantimber
    briantimber Forum Participant Posts: 1,653
    1000 Comments
    edited May 2016 #12

    Drive at a speed that you are comfortable with, as Bakers said it's worth having your dimensions on your sun visor, I still forget mine at times. Most of all.... Enjoy!!! your holiday starts as soon as you let off the handbrake, take your time and enjoy
    the views from your position of elevation, you can see a lot further in front so can make driving decisions earlier and safer. Good luck Soreinsky, you will be fine...Cool

  • Soreinsky
    Soreinsky Forum Participant Posts: 23
    edited June 2016 #13

    Are you collecting the m/h from Inverness ?

    If so just take your time on the journey back up the A9 and don't let anyone push you along. If need be pull in and let traffic pass and watch the speed limit. Be aware of the weight if you go via berriedale braes.

    Most of all enjoy your new found freedom.

     

    I'd add to that. We have a note of our height and width on the sun visor. Its amazing how you can't remember your height when you see a height sign. As has been said don't allow yourself to be pushed and yes pull over, when its convenient to allow following
    traffic to pass.

    The club does run maneovring courses but you'll have to check out dates and areas.  

    Don't forget you've a loo and cooker onboard so you can stop as often as you fancy to chill, use the facilities, have a cuppa and take in the views. Start as you mean to go on, with a motorhome the destination is secondary to the journey ?

    Write your comments here...I am picking it up from Perth and driving up to Thurso so just a little worried about the 1 in 4 hill with the hair pin bend at Berriedale the rest should be fine if I follow all the advice on here.

  • Mitsi Fendt
    Mitsi Fendt Forum Participant Posts: 484
    100 Comments
    edited June 2016 #14

    Soreinsky, if you're concerned about driving a large vehicle, can I suggest you make enquiries about having a couple of lessons in an HGV? The cost would be less that having to fork out for uninsured losses in the event of an accident and would help you
    stay safe for your own sake and for that of other road users.

    I agree with the above.

  • Tinwheeler
    Tinwheeler Forum Participant Posts: 23,142 ✭✭✭
    10,000 Likes 1000 Comments Name Dropper
    edited June 2016 #15

    Are you collecting the m/h from Inverness ?

    If so just take your time on the journey back up the A9 and don't let anyone push you along. If need be pull in and let traffic pass and watch the speed limit. Be aware of the weight if you go via berriedale braes.

    Most of all enjoy your new found freedom.

     

    I'd add to that. We have a note of our height and width on the sun visor. Its amazing how you can't remember your height when you see a height sign. As has been said don't allow yourself to be pushed and yes pull over, when its convenient to allow following
    traffic to pass.

    The club does run maneovring courses but you'll have to check out dates and areas.  

    Don't forget you've a loo and cooker onboard so you can stop as often as you fancy to chill, use the facilities, have a cuppa and take in the views. Start as you mean to go on, with a motorhome the destination is secondary to the journey ?

    Write your comments here...I am picking it up from Perth and driving up to Thurso so just a little worried about the 1 in 4 hill with the hair pin bend at Berriedale the rest should be fine if I follow all the advice on here.

    Berriedale is doable - HGVs use it. It needs care, though, and keep in a low gear going downhill as you may need to brake harder than you expect. We did that road before it was altered in a 26ft MH towing a car on a trailer. I'll not pretend it wasn't scary.
    Take care, keep your speed down and don't let other traffic pressurise you.

  • Kennine
    Kennine Forum Participant Posts: 3,472
    1000 Comments
    edited June 2016 #16

    Are you collecting the m/h from Inverness ?

    If so just take your time on the journey back up the A9 and don't let anyone push you along. If need be pull in and let traffic pass and watch the speed limit. Be aware of the weight if you go via berriedale braes.

    Most of all enjoy your new found freedom.

     

    I'd add to that. We have a note of our height and width on the sun visor. Its amazing how you can't remember your height when you see a height sign. As has been said don't allow yourself to be pushed and yes pull over, when its convenient to allow following traffic to pass.

    The club does run maneovring courses but you'll have to check out dates and areas.  

    Don't forget you've a loo and cooker onboard so you can stop as often as you fancy to chill, use the facilities, have a cuppa and take in the views. Start as you mean to go on, with a motorhome the destination is secondary to the journey ?

    Write your comments here...I am picking it up from Perth and driving up to Thurso so just a little worried about the 1 in 4 hill with the hair pin bend at Berriedale the rest should be fine if I follow all the advice on here.

    Write your comments here...Don't worry about the Berriedale Braes. Ive been over there a few times with the van on the back, also a few times when we had the Motorhome.  all you need is a reasonably powered vehicle, particularly if you have to stop and restart on the uphill section. If you are returning south over the Berriedale Braes enjoy the spectacular sea views from just before the hairpin.

    Main thing to remember, the road is used every day safely by all sorts of vehicles including motor caravans, so nothing to worry about.  

    Relax and enjoy your holiday !!

     

  • Soreinsky
    Soreinsky Forum Participant Posts: 23
    edited June 2016 #17

    Are you collecting the m/h from Inverness ?

    If so just take your time on the journey back up the A9 and don't let anyone push you along. If need be pull in and let traffic pass and watch the speed limit. Be aware of the weight if you go via berriedale braes.

    Most of all enjoy your new found freedom.

     

    I'd add to that. We have a note of our height and width on the sun visor. Its amazing how you can't remember your height when you see a height sign. As has been said don't allow yourself to be pushed and yes pull over, when its convenient to allow following
    traffic to pass.

    The club does run maneovring courses but you'll have to check out dates and areas.  

    Don't forget you've a loo and cooker onboard so you can stop as often as you fancy to chill, use the facilities, have a cuppa and take in the views. Start as you mean to go on, with a motorhome the destination is secondary to the journey ?

    Write your comments here...I am picking it up from Perth and driving up to Thurso so just a little worried about the 1 in 4 hill with the hair pin bend at Berriedale the rest should be fine if I follow all the advice on here.

    Write your comments here...I took my test in an hgv  class two 30 years ago in the army but never driven one since. I think I may be worrying for nothing, I hope.

  • cyberyacht
    cyberyacht Forum Participant Posts: 10,218
    1000 Comments
    edited June 2016 #18

    Just make sure you select the correct gear in good time. I had to look it up on Google Earth to remind me as I didn't recall it giving me the heebie jeebies towing the caravan although I was heading south so the line was less tight. Be prepared to hang back
    a bit so you get a clear bit of road at the apex thus enabling you to take a wider swing.

  • thebroons
    thebroons Forum Participant Posts: 165
    edited June 2016 #19

    Are you collecting the m/h from Inverness ?

    If so just take your time on the journey back up the A9 and don't let anyone push you along. If need be pull in and let traffic pass and watch the speed limit. Be aware of the weight if you go via berriedale braes.

    Most of all enjoy your new found freedom.

     

    I'd add to that. We have a note of our height and width on the sun visor. Its amazing how you can't remember your height when you see a height sign. As has been said don't allow yourself to be pushed and yes pull over, when its convenient to allow following
    traffic to pass.

    The club does run maneovring courses but you'll have to check out dates and areas.  

    Don't forget you've a loo and cooker onboard so you can stop as often as you fancy to chill, use the facilities, have a cuppa and take in the views. Start as you mean to go on, with a motorhome the destination is secondary to the journey ?

    Write your comments here...I am picking it up from Perth and driving up to Thurso so just a little worried about the 1 in 4 hill with the hair pin bend at Berriedale the rest should be fine if I follow all the advice on here.

    By the time you reach Inverness you will be happy and confident about handling the m/h. 

    When you reach the top of the Berriedale braes you can pull into the layby on the right hand side have a cuppa and enjoy the wonderful view whilst celebrating a successful journey.