2006 Mandalay Motorhome Owners Manual - Thor Motor Coach

CHASSIS OPERATIONS & PROCEDURES
DRIVING
The motorhome is equipped with more than adequate brakes; however, the stopping distance
may be much greater than that of an automobile. Keep this in mind at all times and be alert to
changing road conditions.
It would be helpful to take the motorhome to a stadium parking lot and spend some time
getting the feel of the wider and longer vehicle.
NOTE: Small fluorescent sports cones, available at sporting goods and toy stores, can be used
to create turns and parking spaces. Dowels with small flags can be attached to make the cones
more visible in the passenger’s side rear view mirror. Afterwards, the cones can become an
addition to your safety equipment.
Practice parallel parking, backing and turns. Have a person work with you, having them help
guide you from both the passenger seat and a position outside using hand signals.
Another motorhome characteristic that needs to be taken into consideration immediately is the
height. Read all “clearance” signs when approaching parking garages, drive-through windows
and even underpasses on older highways. Also be careful of overhanging trees. Always use
caution and when in doubt get out and look. Don’t forget any added equipment that may
protrude higher than the standard factory height.
Passing and pulling out into traffic in the motorhome is going to be different than driving your
everyday vehicle. Generally speaking, it will take more time, thus, more distance to pass when
it necessitates driving in an on-coming lane of traffic. It will take more time to clear an
intersection from a dead stop. Allow more distance between vehicles.
Because the motorhome is longer and wider than other vehicles, more attention must be paid
to cornering. Practicing in a stadium lot is helpful, as indicated earlier.
To assist with turning follow these steps:
4-8
Right Hand Turns:
As the turn approaches, move as far to the left of your lane without crossing the
center line.
When you are prepared to make the turn, the left rear wheel should touch the center
line of the lane and your hips should be parallel to the roadside curb of the corner in
which you are turning into. This will aid in preventing a premature turn.
Make the turn slowly checking the rear view mirrors frequently for proper clearance.
Left Hand Turns:
Do not start turning until the center of the intersection is reached with your hips. If
there are two lanes available, use the right hand lane. A vehicle on the left hand side
is easier to see while turning.
MANDALAY