I (Kathy) was happy being the navigator while Jeff drove our 37-foot Class A coach, fondly named Windy. On the other hand, Jeff happy being the sole driver? Not so much.
The first time I drove Windy was three years ago. I’d had a lesson from a guy who it turned out had no idea that I needed to learn how to back into a campsite, maneuver around low branches, and drive on both interstates and narrow back roads. But at least I’d had a lesson.
So on a rather deserted divided highway in rural Texas, I agreed that it was time for me to do some easy RV driving while Jeff got a break.
Wouldn’t you know it: after a few miles, the highway became a two-lane road, and then came construction with extra-narrow lanes, and finally a sign for a narrow bridge ahead! Both Jeff and I were sweating bullets by then, I was terrified, and Jeff wasn’t getting any R&R. I pulled over as soon as I could (few places to do so on a two-lane country road), and we both breathed a sigh of relief.
Jeff drove for the next two years.
Then this past February, we met Jeff Gaston at an RVillage rally. He gave a few excellent workshops, and we found out that he had started his own RV driving school (www.myrvschool.com). I really liked him and felt I could trust him. He was knowledgeable, confident, and had a good sense of humor. I just had a good feeling. I signed up.
To cut to the chase, he was an excellent instructor who really knew his stuff and how to teach it. I learned how to adjust and use my mirrors (both flat and convex), pull out of and back into a campsite, make turns that tracked well and wouldn’t take out a stop sign. At my request, we even pulled into a gas station, got gas, and exited without a problem.
By the end of my lesson, I was pleased with what I learned and was able to accomplish. We are now stranded in Orlando—but grateful that Thousand Trails RV Resort in Orlando has extended our reservations several times so that we, and other campers, can safely shelter in place during the coronavirus pandemic.
I’m so eager to get back home to New Jersey as soon as it is safe to do so! I’ll probably need some refresher tips from my Jeff once we hit the road, but we are both much more confident that I CAN drive this thing—and Jeff can relax while I do.
By the way, Jeff was required to be in the passenger seat during my three-hour lesson. Not only did he get some good tips; he also learned what it felt like to have a passenger’s vantage point.
For all the action (plus some free RV driving tips), go to our YouTube channel by clicking www.youtube.com/milesandsmiles4u.
Jeff Gaston travels the country teaching folks how to drive their RVs. I wouldn’t hesitate for a moment to recommend him. Go to www.myRVschool.com, call 855-697-8123, or email him at info@myrvschool.com.