For many years now commercial truck drivers and the operators of motorhomes and large vacation trailers have been somewhat at odds with one another.
Truckers complain of holiday traffic blocking their way, taking up scarce parking spaces at truck stops and generally impeding the customary flow of traffic.
Many truckers also feel it’s unfair and somewhat nonsensical that men and women who drive nothing larger than a Toyota Camry or Ford Focus the rest of the year, can step aboard a 30 to 40 foot motorhome or even longer combination units, and lumber off down the road without any requirement for special training or even proof of competence.
Truckers are usually on a deadline or set schedule and need to make every minute behind the wheel count due to hours of service laws. RV’ers on the other hand are usually more interested in leisurely viewing the scenery and pay little heed to the movement of other drivers around them.
On the other hand, many operators of these larger “vacation palaces on wheels” take a rather dim view of heavily loaded trucks getting in their way in the passing lanes, blowing by them on the downgrades and otherwise impeding their enjoyment of the open road.
In reality these two segments of the driving public have numerous things in common. They both are operating large cumbersome vehicles which require more maneuvering space sometimes than the Star Ship Enterprise. They both need larger than usual parking spaces, preferably close to good food, clean bathroom facilities, good WIFI connections and cheap fuel. That last one has sort of gone the way of the Dodo Bird but at least they desire the lowest price available.
Both types of drivers are often victimized by rude and inconsiderate “4-wheelers”, interminable construction zones, and a shortage of safe parking. Many of these large vehicle operators realize all of the above. All they are lacking is the means to communicate with one another more readily and the willingness to cooperate with each other.
One way to change this situation would be to take a moment to pass the time of day whenever they encounter one another in rest areas and fuel stops. Another way is to join websites and forums which discuss problems and solutions with one another.
Most truck drivers, myself included, look forward to the day we can retire from trucking, climb aboard a motorhome or travel trailer unit and see the country in a more leisurely fashion. When we have the chance to view the situation from the other aspect of big rig operation, hopefully we will be much more likely to cooperate with fellow wayfarers.