We’ve been full timing in our 39’ 5th wheel for 2 years, and I’ve been doing all the driving. I had always meant to get adriving lesson but didn’t. After a few dents, and challenges backing into tight spots , I wanted to accelerate my learning. My wife also wanted to start driving, and my advice to her was that it’d be safer to start out with a lesson.

So we signed up for the lesson with Brian. It was great that he came over to the side of Tucson we were staying, and the first day met us at our site.

We each spent a good portion of the lesson building the skills to back up. It was hard work, and taking turns frequently was the way to go.  Even Brian was surprised how slow our rv responded, but he helped us figure out the what and when of various backing scenarios.  We learned when to focus on getting the 5th wheel in position and when to focus on the truck.

My wife used most of the driving around town/interstates, and by the end of the 2nd day was surprised how well she had done. I learned that a lot of what I was doing was fine, but my confidence and competence took a big step.

Proof of the pudding was today for me. We moved from Catalina sp to McDowell mtn regional park. I wasn’t looking forward to backing in. It was angled a bit but the road wasn’t wide and they have curbs next to a fairly narrow entrance to the site. We now speak the same language when backing up, a big help. I started backing up, knew right away I needed to move a bit more toward the center of the road, so repositioned and started again. For the first time ever I was able to back in without having to pull forward at all. We were in the site within a few minutes. I’ve had it take me 30’ before. Much much less stressful than before.

We know we have a lot to learn. We have got plenty of things to practice, and we can keep getting better. In 2 weeks it’s my wife’s turn to drive, and she feels ready.

Best money we’ve spent since buying the rv!  We’d recommend the lesson highly!

Brian listened and observed well, was professional, patient and an effective trainer!