Whether you’re moving house, starting a new career or becoming roadie of the year, your new van will guide you to countless new possibilities. But where do you start? Many people say van driving is stressful and difficult, but with a little know-how, you’ll be straight on to the open road.
Adjust Your Mirrors and Seats
As with any different vehicle, the seat and mirrors won’t be in the right place. Take a little time to adjust to your new driving position, especially your lack of a rear-view mirror. Wireless rear-view sets can be found quite easily, but your wing mirrors are larger than those you’ll have been used to in a car.
Get Used to the Size and Weight of Your Van
Even if you have a smaller style of van, it’s probably still larger than your average car. Get used to how big your van is, especially if you’re going through tunnels or narrow roads. It’s also important to get used to your brakes. They’re designed to be used with a full load, so braking with an empty van will feel a little sharp at first. Items can also move around in transit, but products like the Speedliner are designed to keep everything in place.
Drive at a Safe Speed
Like in a car, speeding won’t get you from A to B any quicker. Plan your journey well enough in advance so you can drive at a steady and relaxed pace. Many van drivers say van drivers should treat every journey as if it were a driving test – signal in plenty of time and check your mirrors as often as possible.
Load Up Safely
An incorrectly loaded van can cause trouble for your overall stability. Make sure that heavy items are in first with lighter items on top. Many lighter items (or even heavier items) can move around during the journey, but specialised products like interior linings can help, such as the Speedliner (http://www.vehicle-accessories.net/Interior/Van-Linings/Waterproof-Van-Linings/Speedliner).
Enjoy a New Driving Experience
Most van drivers say the camaraderie with each other can keep them going on long journeys. Most drivers will help out other van drivers by leaving space for each other to pull in between lanes and letting each other go down narrow roads. Be prepared to do the same for your new van-driving friends.
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