Navigating Colorado
While driving large motor vehicles, you will be required to make wider turns, drive slower than others and need more space in traffic. Traveling mountain roads whle towing poses many unique challenges. You must be continually aware of the traffic and conditions around you to safely travel curvy roads. The following page provides helpful tips and tricks to help make your stay in Colorado safe and enjoyable as you experience everything the state has to offer.
Large Vehicle Super Cruising Tips
Colorado offers numerous summer activities such as boating, fishing, camping, off-roading and more! With hundreds of camp sites around the state, you have access to the most beautiful places our state has to offer. We want to ensure you are traveling safely while on your trip. There are several helpful tips to help you safely navigate Colorado’s winding roads as you visit the mountainous terrain.
- Understand the specs of your RV. There may be height and weight restrictions on some roadways that you need to take into consideration along your route. Knowing the length of your RV is important, especially when parking and booking camp sites. Learn more about Colorado length limits.
- Check the weather. Colorado's weather is unpredictable so it is important to check it frequently. High wind speeds make it more difficult to operate your RV on the road.
- RV's have large blind spots so it is important to regularly check the side mirrors before changing lanes. Properly adjust your mirrors so you can see the maximum amount of space on either side of your RV.
- Travel in the far-right lane so you can drive slowly without holding up traffic. This isn't always an option but taking it slow is the key to safety and success when driving an RV or large vehicle.
- Remember that will large vehicles, it takes longer to brake and slow down. If you are towing, your RV's brakes are wired to your tow vehicles brake system. If you are riding your brakes, you could cause the trailer's brakes to overheat. Give your brakes a break. Plan ahead of a downgrade by slowing down and downshifting into a lower gear. This not only helps on maintenance of your vehicle but also is a safer method of speed control.
- A long wheel base makes it necessary to turn wider. It is important to adjust your lane position to increase your turning radius.
- When navigating curves, stay in the center of the lane for right turns and curves so your rear wheels will not move off pavement. For left turns, it is important to stay to the right of the lane to prevent the trailer from shifting.
- Narrow roads are challenging to navigate with any vehicle. Be mindful of the amount of space your vehicle takes up.
- Maintain proper speeds when traveling dirt or unpaved roads and don't drive too fast. Unexpected bumps, wash boarding and rocks could cause damage to your vehicles or result in a crash.
- It is important to downshift when navigating mountain switchbacks. Whether you are climbing or descending, follow the posted speed limits and be conscious of signs alongside the road to safely make these maneuvers.