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Truckers and RVers share a common love for the open road, but their experiences differ considerably.
While both groups spend a significant amount of time traveling across the country, some may experience a little tension between the two groups.
It is common to hear members of both groups express their dissatisfaction with the other. These negative sentiments can arise due to disparities in their driving behaviors, choices of lifestyle, and attitudes toward each other.
Today, we’re looking at five reasons truckers often harbor negative feelings towards RVers. We’ll also share some tips for avoiding angering truckers during your RVing adventures.
Buckle up, and let’s get into it!
Do Truckers Dislike All RVers?
While there is a negative stereotype that truckers dislike all RVers, this couldn’t be further from the truth. Sure, some truckers are very vocal about their disdain for RVers. However, it would be unfair to paint the entire industry of truck drivers with a broad brush.
We’ve heard from some truckers that they appreciate RVers, more than other drivers. This is because RVers, like truckers, typically tend to understand how difficult it is to navigate and maneuver a big rig on the open road. When possible, most RVers will do all they can to help truckers.
Does this mean that all truckers love RVers or that all RVers are great drivers? Absolutely not. However, it’s been our experience that the negative stereotype isn’t as widespread as some would lead you to believe.
5 Reasons Truckers Dislike RVers
While we might not have experienced hate from truckers, it doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist. When you hear truckers having beef with RVers, it’s typically for one of several reasons.
Let’s look at some of the common reasons truckers dislike RVers.
1. Distracted Driving
Unfortunately, despite most states’ laws prohibiting distracted driving, only some RV drivers obey them.
We live in a world where many people think they must stay constantly connected. They hear their phone’s notification tone or feel their phone vibrate and struggle to fight the urge to respond.
In a typical year, more than 3,000 people die in collisions involving distracted driving, hundreds resulting from the use of cell phones.
Truckers see these accidents happen or the aftermath and get frustrated when they see individuals driving distracted, especially when behind the wheel of an RV.
2. Exceeding Vehicle Towing Capabilities
Truckers must follow very strict standards regarding weight and safety. It’s common for them to drive through roadside weight stations to check their weight and equipment. Unfortunately, even the largest RVs are typically exempt from these rules because they’re not commercial vehicles.
Far too many RVers purchase rigs without checking the compatibility with their tow vehicle. As a result, some drivers haul campers around when they shouldn’t.
Truckers see those drivers pushing their suspension to the max, knowing it could cause a very dangerous situation for them and others on the road.
Pro Tip: Buying an RV for the first time? Here’s what you need to know
3. Inconsiderate Parking
Another reason truckers don’t like RVers is that some people don’t consider others when parking their rigs at truck and rest stops.
Both groups of drivers frequently use these locations for refueling, using the restroom, and parking overnight. However, unlike RVers, truckers have fewer options.
Truck drivers operate on very strict time restraints and have limits on how long they can drive. Once they reach their limit, they must park for the night and get some rest.
Imagine the frustration a driver would experience finding an RV taking up multiple spots or blocking access to one. A truck driver only needs one experience like this to loathe RVers.
4. Truckers Are More Interested in the Destination
Truckers and RVers tend to operate on different mindsets when traveling. Most RVers are about enjoying the experience and taking their sweet time. However, for truckers, time is money, and the longer their trip takes, the longer it is until they can get home.
Getting stuck behind a large RV can be frustrating for truckers, especially if the RVer goes well below the posted speed limit.
If you’ve been stuck behind someone driving too slow, you can understand their frustrations. But for truckers, this can really interfere with their tight time schedules.
5. Not Using Signals
No matter how large your vehicle is, you should always use signals. Unfortunately, we’ve seen our fair share of RVers failing to use their indicators when changing lanes or making turns.
Using your signals allows other drivers to adjust accordingly to keep everyone safe. Anything that endangers a trucker’s life will cause them some frustration and anger.
Additionally, large semis can’t stop on a dime, so any unpredictable movements, especially from large RVs, can be very dangerous.
How to Avoid Angering Truckers While RVing
You can do some things to avoid angering truckers during your RVing adventures. Let’s examine some of the most important driving habits you should develop to avoid conflicts.
Give Plenty of Space
Truckers and RVers both require substantially more stopping distance and space for maneuvering. The golden rule of “treat others as you wish to be treated” applies in these situations.
Always give truckers the space you wish other drivers gave you in all situations. If they’re passing you, give them a flash of your lights to indicate it’s safe for them to get back over. They’ll appreciate you looking out for them and helping ensure their safety.
Use Turn Signals
Your turn signals allow you to communicate with truckers and others on the road. You must always use them, whether making a turn or changing lanes. If a driver is in your blind spot, this can warn them that you want to change lanes, and they can move or alert you of their presence.
Using your turn signal requires minimal effort. You only have to move your hand a few inches from the steering wheel to turn your indicator on. Manufacturers couldn’t make it any easier to exert less energy.
Be Patient
Travel days can be stressful, especially when things don’t go according to plan. However, avoid taking your frustrations out on truckers and other drivers on the road.
If you feel you’re experiencing anger or lack patience, find a place to pull over and take a break. Grab a coffee or soda to lift your spirits and improve your mood.
Having a lot of patience can make most situations in life more tolerable, including while RVing. As a result, we suggest you make sure that you add “patience” as an item to your packing list.
Avoid Sudden Braking
As mentioned, semis and RVs require a considerable amount of stopping distance. Unless it’s necessary, you should avoid sudden braking at all costs. Sudden braking is horrible for your braking system, and truckers rely on their brakes to be effective and last as long as possible.
If you’re braking suddenly while driving your RV, don’t expect truckers around you to be very happy with you. They can’t stop as quickly as other vehicles, and a rear-end collision with a semi could be deadly.
Keep in Mind: When towing a car behind your RV, you need a reliable RV braking system. Click the link to see the safest braking systems on the market!
Take Safety Seriously
To make friends with truckers, make sure you take safety seriously. This includes pre-trip inspections, maintaining your rig, and exhibiting safe driving practices. You can never take safety too seriously when behind the wheel of an RV.
Truckers, just like RVers, want to get home at the end of the day. The last thing they want to do is be stuck in traffic or involved in an accident. While you can’t control other drivers, you can control your driving. So do your part and take safety seriously.
Don’t Make Enemies with Truckers While RVing
Nobody wants to make an enemy while RVing. Truckers and RVers can work together to help make our highways and byways as safe as possible. Be a part of the solution and not the problem.
Drive safely, be patient, and always consider others when driving or parking. If everybody does their part, travel days can go smoother and much less stressful for everyone.
Just so you know I see many truckers messing with their phones and weaving over the lane markers. I see this everyday as I drive I-10 and see them weaving. It is scary !