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Old 10-23-2015, 08:39 AM   #1
Arizonacouple
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Montana Intimidation

Our Montana is 39' and we love it but it has one big drawback. Whilst my wife can tow it on freeways, she is scared to death of maneuvering the rig in any other situation. She is thinking of taking a CDL driving instruction and I'm wondering whether any of you have any opinions either about towing a large RV or about the benefit of a CDL class.
 
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Old 10-23-2015, 08:51 AM   #2
Bouncer
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I wouldnt waste the money on a CDL class, Just get out on some deserted streets and let her go. And if you are riding with her, KEEP YOUR MOUTH SHUT lol.. Let there be peace in the truck
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Old 10-23-2015, 09:02 AM   #3
bncinwv
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Or a big empty parking lot, and I agree with the part about being quiet, learning is a process of making mistakes and realizing what not to do as a result of those mistakes. Some cones or markers may be beneficial to assist with learning backing and tight maneuvers.
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Old 10-23-2015, 10:32 AM   #4
Bigboomer
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No need to spend money on CDL.... big parking lots, empty side streets, early morning days, etc.

Time behind wheel is most important. Sue does great at driving our set up which is 65' overall when hooked up. She passed the class A non CDL test for her Texas driver's license with no issues in a rather tight and busy Livingston, Texas.

Practice, practice, practice!
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Old 10-23-2015, 10:36 AM   #5
brenkco
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My wife took a behind the wheel RV driving class. She had a great instructor that helped her a great deal and gave her the confidence to handle the rig. It was an all day school that started with her taking the rig down a dead end street and learning to back several hundred yards. Then we went to a shopping center for lunch in which she pulled in and parked. After lunch he took us to a field, placed some cones and taught her how to back into an RV spot. There were may other tips and tricks he taught her (and me...I was able to tag along in the back seat).

It was expensive but really worth it.

Ken
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Old 10-23-2015, 12:18 PM   #6
DQDick
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If you go to a national Good Sam or Escapee's Rally there are folks at those rally's who teach RV driving for a living. When we bought our rig I used an empty parking lot to practice before I tried to put it in it's spot at home. As stated above, nothing adds confidence like practice.
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Old 10-23-2015, 01:35 PM   #7
maximo
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I guess I am lucky. My wife drove a big, big school bus for 20 years. Drove in the narrow roads of the foot hills, mountains and the big cities of California. I hate driving my truck where she drove school busses.
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Old 10-23-2015, 01:54 PM   #8
richfaa
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Like has been said big parking lot and practice .The CDL driving course would be handy to know. Helen has been driving all our rigs for years and I am sure glad she can. I was school bus driving instructor .When a lady would tell me "oh I will never be able to drive this big thing" I would say.. After 12 hours of driving instructions you will be driving this thing like a Volkswagen.... and they would. You can do it.....
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Old 10-23-2015, 02:03 PM   #9
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If you come to next years Montana Fall Rally in Goshen, IN your DW can sign up for a driving class put on by Keystone and it is absolutely FREE! They teach the gals to hookup and unhook, tow it around in the fair grounds, and back up into a spot. All this is done with NO MEN ALLOWED to be on site or even watch from a distance. They had some of the men watching from a distance two or three years ago when they were holding the class at the Keystone Service Center and the instructors went over to the men and told them to leave because they were not welcome there even if they were just watching. The gals go away with a certificate from the driving school and you should see the big smiles on their face when the complete the school. Many climb in the TV when they roll out on the final day and head down the road to show the hubby his is not the only one that can handle that TV with the Monte behind it. As stated previously by several here, practice makes perfect and the driving in an empty parking lot is just what is needed for practice in backing and turning but the open road is the best teacher. My DW takes the wheel every time we are out and I sit in the passenger seat and go to sleep because I trust her that much and her ability in towing the rig.
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Old 10-24-2015, 03:32 AM   #10
1retired06
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It is like getting on water skis or a bike for the first time. Little bit of practice and your comfort zone grows.
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Old 10-24-2015, 11:05 AM   #11
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For some reason, the D/Ws have trouble remembering that if you keep the truck in the center of the road, the 5th wheel will follow. I keep saying..."make the truck go where you want it to go, I guarantee the 5th wheel will follow."
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Old 10-24-2015, 01:04 PM   #12
richfaa
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We are on our way to Florida 800 mils so far Ohio TPK,I-77,I-26,I-95 and Helen has dome most of the driving.
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Old 10-25-2015, 08:35 AM   #13
Rondo
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Helen handles that TV and Monte like a pro Rich! My hats off to her! Keep it up and Rich can sleep even more! LOL
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Old 10-28-2015, 07:24 PM   #14
Artemus Gordon
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Sue got her "endorsement" last month. In Ca you must have endorsement to tow between 10,000 and 15,000 lbs. Once we installed the RearView safety cameras for hitching up and one on rear of Montana, she was more comfortable. If we get a larger rig next year, we have to get Non Commericial Class "A"s which require an actual towing and parking test. Last month we went out to our Industrial Park and got permission to put out cones practice parallel parking. I believe it's easier to learn RV driving in ones hometown. At least your in familiar locations. Getting stuck in a tight spot, is always my concern on the road.
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Old 10-28-2015, 07:43 PM   #15
DuneBuggyBuilder
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Artemus: You are aware that the CA requires a Non-Commercial Class A license to tow a 5th wheel trailer with a GVWR over 15,000 lbs. Source: https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/dmv/de..._htm/lic_chart

Your 2012 3750FL has a base weight of 12522 and a cargo capacity of 3218 which totals 15,740. Source: http://www.keystonerv.com/previous-y...tana&year=2012

It seems now is the time to go upgrade those licenses.
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Old 10-28-2015, 09:36 PM   #16
Artemus Gordon
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I know but keep it down....... I am hoping they don't notice.... .... Lol.
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