Driving Motorhomes on Mountain Roads

Most motorhome RVs are big, tall, and unwieldy to drive on flat, spacious roads. If you throw in steep, narrow mountain roads, you are talking about a whole different experience. Driving a motorhome in the mountains is not a task you should avoid. Experienced drivers have learned all the tricks to successfully navigate these big rigs up and down steep roads without problems. Allan Dale Trailers & RVs put together this guide to help you make the first steps towards an RV adventure into the beautiful mountains. Our dealership, located in Red Deer and Edmonton, Alberta, welcomes customers from all over Alberta. 

Difficulties of Mountain Roads

Driving through the mountains is a combination of incredible views and unique road conditions. Many mountain roads are steep enough to make it hard to move up or down them safely. Then you add in sharp curves and roads that switch back on themselves as they climb higher. Even a seasoned motorhome driver will want to navigate these situations carefully because of the tall, heavy design of the vehicle. Mountain roads can also be very narrow, which requires precision and patience when driving. 

Monitor Weight Carefully

A motorhome is a large vehicle without your supplies loaded on it. Once you factor in the weight of your belongings and passengers, you will have one heavy rig. If you are planning a trip into the mountains, you will want to monitor your weight. The weight should be accurate because it can be too much for the motorhome to pull the excess weight up steep inclines. You also do not want to put too much stress on the brakes. Long braking can lead to overheated brakes. 

Slow Down on Curves

Curves and switchbacks require slow, steady movement. You cannot whip around curves like you would with a tiny sports car. A motorhome is usually long and tall, like a semi-truck. Follow the posted speed limit guidelines for trucks to avoid any problems. 

Be Courteous to Other Drivers

People driving in smaller vehicles will not be as patient as you. It is best to let others pass you when possible to be courteous and safe. Put your hazard lights on to alert other drivers if you are going well under the speed limit. 

Descend Slowly and Patiently

Ultimately, always drive a motorhome slowly and patiently through mountain roads. If you are going up, you want to avoid pushing the engine too much. And if you are descending, you do not need the brakes on your motorhome to give out.

We hope you feel a little better about mountain driving after checking out our helpful tips. If you want more advice, head to Allan Dale Trailers & RVs at our locations in Red Deer and Edmonton, Alberta. We are proud to serve all of Alberta.