Driving or towing a recreation vehicle (RV) opens up a world of on-the-road travel adventure. It requires no special license and it's easier than many newcomers think.

A survey of RV owners by Louis Harris and Associates found that three out of four RV owners do not feel that driving or towing an RV poses any difficulty. In fact, experienced automobile drivers already have the skills to drive a motorized RV. Automatic transmissions, and power brakes and steering are typical.

With proper attention to the differences in vehicle size, height and weight, you'll find it fun and easy to take the wheel of a motor home. Towing skills are also readily acquired.

Whether you will be driving a motorized RV or towing an RV, you should keep these things in mind.

• Adjust and use all rear view mirrors. Before leaving on a trip, sit in the driver's seat and adjust all mirrors for optimal road views.
• Account for your vehicle size when turning. The front and rear wheels will track paths much farther apart than those of a car.
• Allow more time to brake, change lanes and enter a busy highway, since bigger vehicles take more time to accelerate and slow down.

Drivers towing a folding camping trailer or travel trailer also should remember these helpful tips:

• Match the proper tow vehicle to your RV. Most full- and mid-size family cars can pull a trailer; so can today's popular vans, sport utility vehicles (SUVs) and light-duty trucks. Check the owner's manual to find the trailer types that your vehicle can haul and the maximum load weight it can pull.
• Use the correct trailer hitch and be sure it is installed properly.
• Connect brakes and signal lights. Always check that the trailer's brakes, turn signals and tail lights are synchronized with the towing vehicle's.
• Back up with care. By placing your hand at the bottom of the steering wheel, the trailer will move in the direction you turn your hand. To move the trailer to the right, move your hand to the right. Once the trailer is moving in the proper direction, avoid any sharp movements of the steering wheel. Slowly steer the vehicle into its desired direction.

Whether you're driving a motor home or tow vehicle, make every trip a safer one by buckling up your safety belt and making sure passengers are secured too. Make every trip a safe trip.

Source: Recreation Vehicle Industry Association