Very nervous

There will be some overhang at tha rear-the distance from the rear axle to the rear of the camper- so when you are in a narrow traffic situation be careful of the amount the rear will "hang out" if taking any turn offs etc of over 60 degrees.
Be alert for some swing in windy conditions but do not over react.
You will need to brake sooner also due to the weight of the camper.
And watch out for low overheads going into car parks etc.

Sir Liamalot wrote: »

Good point know your height.
Better yet write it in the cab.

+1

Harr, where are you based?

Your friend in the rigid should be able to give you all the direction you need. I'm in Dublin and would've given you a hand if you were local. It'll just take plenty of practice and you'll be fine. Watch out for low branches also, especially if you've to pull into the side of the road in a hurry, for example you're on a narrow road and some eijit is hurtling towards you. The camper panels are light and as an A Class you'll be pretty wide up front. Some of main things you'll need to get to grips with are height, tail swing, width, blind spots and the driving position. As it's an A Class you'll be sitting pretty far from the front and side windows so the driving position will take a bit of getting used to. You will get it though, basically if you can judge where the passenger side wheel is on your car, you can judge the same on the camper. Just don't get overwhelmed!

You'll have a ball! Best of luck with it!

the_syco wrote: »

In meters and in feet. Also remember that you won't fit into some carparks, so you'll need to find out in advance which ones you'll fit into.


This; it'll save your paint and your insurance. I'm pretty sure you can't use them in the test (well, you can't in the car test anyhoos), so best not getting the cameras until after you pass your test, to avoid getting into bad habits (of looking at the camera) that may go against you in the test. Someone else may be able to clarify this bit.

I do not think the OP is doing a driving test. He/she, the lucky so n sos have received a present of a Hymer motor home.
They are 3120kg and payload of 280kg to max 3400kg. Car licence.

the_syco wrote: »

Ah sorry, my bad. Saw the thing and thought "D" license

Something people do not think about. I know a neighbour who bought one in UK, paid for it and asked me to drive it home. When I got there I knew straight away it was over the 3500.

I was licensed to drive it but the owner could not. Seller would not contemplate returning money as it was there for three weeks awaiting collection, and you could not blame him. They finished up selling it and buying another. Good part was they made good profit on the resale.

harr wrote: »

Just a quick update , got my first spin in the motorhome today, a friend who is a lorry driver took me out. I found it a pleasure to drive he took me down narrow roads and towns kind of put me in at the deep end.
As someone posted here most cars get out of the way and once I took my time and relaxed about the traffic behind me I was fine, a lot better than I taught it would be. Another 3 or 4 lessons and I will be all set for a run somewhere over the bank holiday weekend. Next time will be reversing parking.
Any recommendations on a easy to get to site,I am based in North Kildare .

I bet your trucker friend never told you that you MUST wave to all other motorhomes that you meet - its kinda like a secret handshake

harr wrote: »

Must keep that in mind,I noticed that nearly very car or lorry I meet gave me a good wave yesterday. It does seem people are that bit more friendly to motorhome drivers.

You really shouldn't encourage lorry drivers to wave at you. As they already have the phone up to one ear, this will mean they are driving "hands free"!!

harr wrote: »

Hi
just back from our first outing in the motor home, we went to Lough Key .We were just planing to stay the one night but stayed 4 in the end. Lough key was great for the kids and site it's self was ok, could do with a new lair of tarmac in some spots but toilets and showers were clean.
The drive was great was on everything from motorway to tiny country road's with no problems.
The only mistakes I made were not locking a outside compartment which I spotted quickly thank god and nearly bashing a mirror of a sign while I was letting a line of traffic pass me.
Anyone any suggestions for our next trip in June somewhere quiet but with lots for the kids to do. Also anywhere a couple could go that would be safe walking distance to the nearest town or pub.

watch out for the stupid practice of putting up sign posts on the hard shoulder, as you say, letting traffic past and perhaps watching your mirror too much. There are examples of this on the N3 at both Carnaross and again near Lavey, just past "the bent elbow" pub.

went to Achill a few year ago, stayed at "Lavelles Golden strand" campsite, and it was pretty good. Also a stroll to the pub, and off the beaten track for a lot of people.