Driving an RV in the USA: what Europeans should know
The question
How different is driving a big RV in the USA from driving at home in Europe?
The two things to adjust to first
For most European visitors, two changes land at once: you're driving on the right, and the vehicle is far bigger than anything you drive at home. Give yourself a gentle first hour on quiet roads to let both settle before you tackle anything busy.
Automatic transmissions are standard, which frees up attention, and the roads are generally wide and well signed. The width and length of the RV, rather than the traffic, is what takes real getting used to.
Living with the size
Know your rig's height and write it on a note in the cab, because low bridges, canopies and drive-throughs are a genuine hazard for tall vehicles. Take corners wide, allow far more room for braking, and be patient with parking — arrive somewhere before it's busy and you'll always find it easier.
Mirrors and a spotter are your friends when reversing. There is no shame in taking it slowly; the locals are used to RVs and won't rush you.
Fuel, distances and mountains
American distances are larger than they look on a European mental map, and an RV is thirsty, so plan fuel stops rather than assuming a station is always near. In remote stretches out west, fill up when you're at half a tank rather than waiting for the warning light.
Mountain driving brings long climbs and descents; use a lower gear on downgrades to save the brakes, and factor altitude and slower speeds into your timings. Many pump systems ask for a local postcode or want you to prepay inside, which surprises first-time visitors.
Rules that differ from home
Several everyday rules differ from Europe. You must stop completely for a school bus with its lights flashing, in both directions on undivided roads. A red light often allows a right turn after stopping unless a sign forbids it, and at four-way stops the first to arrive goes first.
Speed limits, seatbelt and child-seat requirements and phone-use laws vary by state, so treat the rules as local rather than national. When in doubt, drive conservatively and follow the signs.
Paperwork and peace of mind
Carry your driving licence and check well ahead whether an International Driving Permit is recommended for the states on your route; requirements and formalities change, so confirm the current position before you travel rather than relying on old advice.
Keep the rental and insurance documents accessible, save the rental company's emergency number, and don't over-schedule the driving. Plan your route in Kamptribe with realistic, unhurried drive days and the unfamiliar side of the road quickly stops feeling like the hard part.
Related routes
By The Kamptribe team · reviewed by The Kamptribe team