How fast can you drive a Class C RV?
By
Elaine Knight
In this blog post, we will answer the following question: How fast can you drive a Class C RV? We will discuss the optimal driving speed for Class C RVs, how to maintain and have a safe drive in your RV no matter what.
How fast can you drive a Class C RV?
You should be driving a Class C RV faster than 65 miles per hour (105 km/h). The ideal speed is between 63 and 65 mph. Don’t drive your RV over the recommended speed, as its size and load reduce the braking time and increases the risks of overturning, especially in high winds.
The recommended driving speed for Class C RVs
| Size of the RV(ft) | Recommended Speed (MPH) |
| 24 | 60-65 |
| 32 | 65 |
| 39 | 65 |
| 42 | State speed limit +5-8 |
Is it hard to drive a Class C RV?
Driving a Class C RV can be difficult, especially for new drivers. With Class C RV traveling at a speed of 55 mph, the brakes will provide the same force as if they had to stop a load of 320,000 kg. It is as if the weight of the vehicle is multiplied by 32.
To stay on the safe side while driving a Class C RV means to always keep your distance. It should be remembered that the reaction time decreases as the speed increases.
From a calculation that the instructors teach, you will be able to determine the distance to keep with the vehicle in front of you. It is obtained by dividing by three the total length of the vehicle if it is in meters and by ten if it is in feet. It is mentioned that for a vehicle of 12 meters or 40 feet, the gap to keep will be four seconds.
Just take a visual cue on the side of the road and start counting the seconds as the vehicle ahead passes in front of you. You stop counting when you pass the marker. This is an example of a perfect pavement.
Bad weather conditions, traffic density and road conditions are also factors that can influence the distance to keep. Finally, it is better to keep more than less.
Maintain and check your RV’s brakes
Many people on the roads with RVs mistakenly believe that the brake check area is not for them. First, just for safety, it’s best to use them. Secondly, all types of vehicles are affected by this measure, whether they are motor homes, fifth-wheel trailers, caravans and even tent trailers.
If you do not follow this rule and a patroller sees you doing it, they can fine you $ 350. Anyway, basically, for your own safety, it is best to do this in order to avoid an accident which can prove fatal in many cases.
The other very important thing about brakes is to do regular maintenance at least once a year or more than once if you are riding on roads that are demanding on your brakes.
In the event of brake failure, it is suggested that you reduce your speed by downshifting and use the emergency brake if the pressure does not return to the circuit.
The engine brake must be applied more than usual so that the brake system does not overheat. Excessive speed is prohibited when transporting a trailer because the consequences may be harmful: the tires of the trailer will heat up, manoeuvring may occur and it may become tense, etc.
It is therefore strongly recommended while waiting to stay in the right lane during long descents of the motorway while downshifting to save the brakes but also not to go too fast. If a vehicle is moving slower and you have to overtake it, you must be careful to take the length of the coupling into account and avoid falling back too quickly.
It is also very important to stay awake and aware and to prevent and anticipate: road bumps, tight turns, potholes, etc. by having a broad view of everything that is going on.
Other questions you may be interested in
What is high mileage for a Class C motorhome?
How do I back up my Class C motorhome?
How safe are Class C motorhomes?
Class C motorhomes are the middle ground between Class A and Class B. They look like a larger version of the camper with an upper cabin over the driver’s seats.
Class C motorhomes vary between 9 and 10 meters in length and sleep up to eight people. Class C motorhomes have more space than Class B motorhomes and come with all the luxuries you would expect in Class A.
This type of motorhome is perfect for couples or a group of friends looking to hit the road. The affordability of the Class C motorhome makes it a popular choice for those looking to get started in the motorhome world.
General safety rules when driving an RV
We leave you here the best tips to guarantee your safety on the road in a moving RV:
- Always turn off the gas en route. Placing an automatic safety regulator will help you avoid doing this every time you park and start.
- Make sure that all the cabinets are well closed with the safety click that nothing ‘flies’ on the way.
- Don’t rush. This is perhaps the most important tipg. The bigger the vehicle, the less rushing is advised. A rule of thumb: drive with a motorhome 20 kilometres less than allowed on the road you are on.
- Bring winter tires in cases where you are going to go skiing every weekend or to mountain areas with the possibility of snow in winter.
- Stock up on snow chains if it is winter and you go to high places or very cold sporadically.
- Have a tire pressure monitoring system that alerts you to avoid punctures or tire blowouts.
- Everyone should be seated with a seatbelt on. Never get up during the trip and never sleep in a moving RV!
- Make sure all the windows and skylights are closed properly, that they will not open en route and you will be left without one.
Conclusions
The greatest security measure to travel in a Class C RV is to always travel without haste. Remember that a motorhome is not a typical vehicle. It withstands many vibrations and its weight reduces response time.
Please let us know if you have any questions or comments on the content. Safe trip!
FAQ on How fast can you drive a Class C RV?
How many people can fit in an RV?
RVs can be better than a hotel. Depending on their size and style, you can find them with a bathroom, kitchen and space to accommodate a maximum of eight people or take your pet with you.
Can you travel in the back of a motorhome without seatbelts?
The answer is no, you can’t travel in the back of a motorhome without seatbelts as long as the vehicle is moving. Even though you may not consider it dangerous, the law obliges you to wear the seatbelt even as a passenger in the back of an RV.
Is it hard to drive an RV?
Experienced motorists tell us that it is not hard to drive an RV, however, for a newbie, it could pose a challenge. It is recommended that before driving an RV you familiarize yourself with its dimensions, as you must quickly get used to the vehicle and know in what space you can park or if a road is wide enough to fit on it.
References
- How fast do you drive on highways in … – RV.Net Open Roads Forum
- Guide to Driving a Class C Motorhome | Outdoorsy.com
- RV Driving Tips: Critical Differences About Driving a Motorhome …
