Tips for Driving a Diesel Pusher
Class A diesel pushers are the most popular motorhomes on the road today. That is because they offer more power, towing capacity and storage space; not to mention the larger floor plans and comfortable home-like interiors.
Obtain the Proper Class of Drivers’ License
Depending on the state you live in, a commercial driver’s license (CDL) may be required before you can legally drive a motorhome that weighs 26,000 lbs. or more. Contact your local DMV to learn more about the licensing requirements. For example, Florida does not require a commercial driver’s license (CDL) to drive any size motorhome.
Know How and When to Brake
It’s important to understand that the larger and heavier the vehicle, the longer it can take to stop. You’ll need to plan ahead to give yourself plenty of time to slow down and come to a complete stop, even in normal weather. When coming to stop sign or traffic light it’s best to let up on the accelerator and coast to a stop, instead of riding the brakes the last few hundred yards.
When driving in the mountains use your gears to downshift (engine brake) when driving down-hill to avoid overheating the brakes. If you do start to notice a burning smell coming from your brakes, pull over when it is safe to do so and give the brakes a chance to cool off before continuing your drive.
Leave Enough Following Distance
The greatest challenge with driving a diesel pusher or even a large gas motorhome, is that it takes more time for the motorhome to stop completely. Therefore, it’s important to leave plenty of following distance between you and the vehicle in front, especially if there's any type of traffic ahead of you. The general rule of thumb in normal weather is to leave 1 vehicle length for every 10mph. So, if you’re driving 60mph, leave 6 RV lengths in front of you. In rain, snow and fog you probably want to leave even more room while slowing down.
Some RV companies include technology to help the driver mitigate potential driving accidents. For example, every Newmar model from the Dutch Star up through the King Aire are available with OnGuard™ collision mitigation technology with adjustable following distance control—all to take the guesswork out of your drive.
Stay in the “Right” Lane
Driving a diesel pusher motorhome requires more effort than driving a standard SUV or truck because of their sheer size. Depending on your speed and the speed of ongoing traffic, it is better to find the “right” traffic lane for you that flows at the same pace as you. When you do change lanes, be sure there’s enough room for your motorhome to fit between the other moving vehicles. Newmar’s Mobileeye Tracking System offers lane change assistance for added confidence.
Understand Your Tail Swing
What’s tail swing? For every three feet behind your rear axle, you have the potential for one foot of tail swing heading in the opposite direction. So, if you’ve got 12 feet behind your back wheels and you want to take a sharp right turn, you need to be aware of what’s immediately to your left. Newmar motorhomes rear and side view cameras and a dash monitor to help assist you with turning, lane changing and parking. They also offer the 360-degree OmniView camera system option that gives a bird’s eye view around the entire vehicle. When you’re just starting out, it can be helpful to have a spotter outside the vehicle to guide you as you practice turning and parking.
Know Your Clearances and Plan Accordingly
Diesel pushers are taller and wider than most other RVs therefore drivers need to be especially careful about vehicle clearances. Be aware your vehicle height and plan ahead for upcoming tunnels, railroad trestles and small bridges. Again, there are tools and technologies available to help alleviate some of the planning for you. Newmar’s diesel pushers are all equipped with an Xite Dash Radio that includes a Nav-N-Go Navigation System—which takes the coach’s dimensions into consideration and plans the best routes for you based on size of the motorhome.
When entering an unfamiliar campground be aware of low overhangs as you pass by structures on the property. Also follow campground rules on where and where not to park — many campgrounds have restrictions on how close you can park next to your neighbor’s site.
Avoid Driving When Tired
Know your limits when it comes to driving long distances. If you have a deadline to meet, try to take breaks along the way to refresh before you start to get tired. Fortunately, Newmar’s exclusive Comfort Drive steering technology drastically reduces fatigue after driving their diesel pushers for hours. When you do start to feel overly tired it’s probably a good time head to the nearest campground. After all, you already have a place to stay!
Independence RV
Independence RV has received the coveted Newmar Diamond Award for the third year in a row. The award recognizes the top Newmar Dealers in the country who have scored better than a 95% customer satisfaction level for the sales process, warranty service and delivery presentation. Only three dealers out of 77 nationwide received such high praise from loyal customers like ours; many who are repeat buyers. Independence RV is the only Newmar RV dealership in the southeast U.S. to receive this award.
Family owned and in business since 1985, Independence RV is conveniently located in Winter Garden, Florida, only minutes from Orlando’s major area attractions.