RVing 101: Handling a Big Rig
Twelve and a half feet tall
Eight and a half feet wide
Forty-plus feet long
More than 35 tons
That’s a lot for a driver to manage. But, all the luxury that’s packed into a coach makes it oh so worth it. Here are a few tips to help ensure you get from A to B safely and with the peace of mind to enjoy each and every adventure.
See it All
The driver needs to be able to see all mirrors and verify that they are adjusted properly before getting on the road. Lean forward, lean back—can you still see them? Vision is so important that we take some extra steps in construction to help. Entegra’s Ultra-Vision one-piece wrap-around tinted windshield provides more uninterrupted vision than any other coach. Plus, side-view mirrors are remote controlled, heated and have integrated cameras.
Park Systematically
Parking is often best done with the guidance of a partner, especially when backing into a spot. Establish a system of hand signals and verbal commands with travel companions, and before you know it, you’ll be parking your coach like a pro. Entegra’s standard color back-up and side-view cameras help too.
Get Comfortable
Every driver should adjust everything in the cockpit—steering wheel, chair, arm rests, pedals, etc.—to their preferences before driving. Some may sound trivial, but there isn’t much time to react on the road, especially if the driver has to fidget with these settings while driving.
Plan Your Hills
Our coaches are equipped with two-stage engine brakes, top-of-the-line Allison 3000 6-speed transmissions and ABS brakes on the front and drive axles, but it’s still smart to have a plan as you approach a grade. Don’t force things up a hill and be at a comfortable speed at the peak for an under-control descent.
Turn Wide
Unlike other coaches, Entegra’s have cab-forward design—the cab is directly above the front tires—for better visibility and maneuverability. Still, it’s important to measure turns carefully and opt for the wider approach. You should also always be able to see the backend of your coach in your side view mirror. If you see another object, such as a sign, you will most likely be on target to hit it.
Lean Left
There is a lot of space between the driver and the passenger in the cabin. This can be disorienting while moving down the road. It’s helpful to ride further to the left in the lane than you may feel you need to be because your driver's seat is further from the right side of the coach than it might seem.
Keep Clearances Top of Mind
You can’t trust that signage keeps up with road work. If a road has been repaved recently, clearance heights may actually be a couple inches less than posted. Play it safe in close calls—give yourself some cushion.
Don’t Fight the Wind
In desert and high-elevation environments especially, wind can have a major impact on a coach’s natural shape (even when parked). The best advice is to simply slow down. But, don’t hesitate to pull off the road for a while or, only in a desperate situation take a break under an overpass.
Following these tips will go a long way toward staying safe in your coach. We go the extra mile too—in our design, construction and technology—to help keep Entegra Coach owners safe, both on and off the road.
Take a side-by-side look at our units and see for yourself the great lengths we go to provide the safest, most luxurious ride on the road.
