Seeing the allure of RV travel isn’t difficult at all. The benefits of a comfortable home and modern appliances and comfort are mixed with the ability to move at any time to enjoy the benefits of travel & adventure. Why choose between one or the other when having a good motor home allows you the benefit of having your cake and eating it, too? There seems to be one thing that most often gets in the way for most people: fear. This is really a shame, because there’s no reason to be scared!
Many people see an RV as being a huge expense and they’re right. The truth is that it doesn’t make sense to buy one without first testing out an RV rental on one or more trips to really experience the RV life first hand and make sure it’s for you. Renting is a great way to get comfortable, so don’t let the fear of money scare you off. Second, RV’s are surprisingly easy to learn how to drive once you get used to them, so don’t let that fear slow you down, either. There are many solutions to take care of that particular problem!
Mentored by Current RV Owner
One of the easiest ways to get comfortable with the experience of driving an RV is to talk to a friend or family member who currently owns a recreational vehicle. See what advice they have to give, what stood out to them when they were first learning to drive an RV, and you might even be surprised how many are willing to toss you the keys and come along for a short drive to help you get used to driving a vehicle that size.
Even if that is asking a little much, you may find many RV owners more than happy to come along for a day ride when you rent an RV and give you basic advice that way, or answer in questions you run into if you have any struggles along the way. No need to reinvent the wheel when you have helpful and experienced individuals in your life willing to help you get a step up.
RV Driving Courses
While many people will find this a bit of an overkill, there are plenty of RV driving courses out there that specialize in experienced tutors helping you get used to driving, parking, and handling RVs in all types of roads and situations. These courses are often one day with a 3-5 hour session or two days with 2-5 hour sessions. This allows plenty of time to get behind the wheel, drive, and get comfortable.
RV driving courses aren’t required, but for individuals who tend to be anxious or worried, this is a great way to get that driving experience before hitting the open roads and provides a level of experience, coaching, and confidence that can be invaluable before that big road trip.
Just Rent & Get Out There!
At the end of the day nothing quite beats the learning and confidence that comes from firsthand experience. Most people find RV rentals to be surprisingly affordable, and after you get a few days (or even a few hours) of driving under your belt heading towards the next vacation spot you will laugh at the idea that you were ever nervous or scared of driving an RV.
There is just something inherently fulfilling about hitting the open road and experiencing the types of new adventures that only come with taking that step to get out and about. While some people like the old tent camping, and there’s nothing wrong with that, it doesn’t compare to seeing the world from your RV…and driving is so much easier than you think – it really is!
Clare Louise 
Paul Petersen