I need advice driving a 15' Ryder truck.....?

Question

how? I never did this before - the biggest thing I ever drove was a 2500 chevy pick up truck!

I am scared out of my mind and anxiety is building - should I back out? See my job is moving and we rented these trucks - they COULD have gotton proper movers - but hey - that would cost money!!! What if something were to happen? If I am not comfortable should I back out?? Please help - I am scared and I am a woman!! LOL

Answer 1

Just be sure to brake earlier,take turns wide,and use mirrors often.you biggest problem will be visibility.once you get going you'll feel just as comfortable as in a passenger car.:-)best of luck!

Answer 2

I agree with prodriver and James.  It is definitely a different feeling, and a different point of view than you are used to.  But it's not difficult to adjust to it.  Stay in the right hand lane, keep a distance buffer from the car ahead of you, and brake early.   Also, it is very important that you slow down when taking turns (the truck is more topheavy than a passenger vehicle, so you could roll it if you take a sharp curve at speed), and pay attention to height clearance signs.  You don't want to wind up stuck under an overpass.  Also, make sure your company pays for the liability and damage insurance.   It's only a few extra dollars a day for $1 million in coverage.

Answer 3

Just take it slow and watch your blind spots, you will do just fine..

Answer 4

Ask to drive it around a parking lot first. Its not scary. Just different.

Answer 5

The biggest problem you will have is other drivers around you becoming frustrated with the slow moving truck in their way. As long as you take your time and drive carefully you shouldn't have too much trouble. Just remember, the vehicle you are driving is much bigger and heavier than what you are used to. Take turns wide and be sure to start braking earlier than you would in your normal vehicle and you should be fine. It also helps to be more aware of vehicles around you and look well ahead into traffic. Use your mirrors and drive paying attention to what is going on around you as well as a few hundred yard ahead. And don't let people in cars push you around, remember, you ar bigger than they are.