Embarking on an RV road trip can be an exhilarating adventure, but it can also test the limits of your patience and relationships. If you’ve ever found yourself in the passenger seat of an RV, you know just how stressful it can be to navigate the open road while trying to keep the peace with the driver.
After seven years on the road, the hosts in the video learned the hard way what works and what doesn’t when it comes to being a good RV passenger. Fortunately, we have their video below that perfectly encapsulates these lessons. Below, we’ve highlighted the top five things you should and should not do as an RV passenger.
1. No Gasping and No “Oh My Gosh”
One of the quickest ways to stress out your driver is by gasping or shouting “Oh my gosh!” at every perceived danger. As the video suggests, “Even though we get really nervous here on the passenger side, when you do that and the driver hears you, it amps up their stress level and makes them jump as well.”
The last thing you want is a jumpy driver. Instead, try to hold it all in and take a deep breath. If you need to, close your eyes and pretend you’re on a serene beach somewhere.
If you want to give your driver a heart attack, gasping dramatically at every pothole is a great way to start.
2. Don’t Be a Critic
While it’s okay to offer navigation help, constantly criticizing your driver’s every move is a surefire way to ruin the trip. As the video humorously points out, “Don’t go yelling stuff at him like you missed that spot—not that I’ve ever done that before.” Criticism only adds stress and can lead to more mistakes. Instead, offer gentle suggestions and be supportive.
If being a backseat driver were an Olympic sport, some of us would definitely take home the gold.
3. No Yelling at the Driver
Yelling at the driver to slow down or change lanes is not only unhelpful but can also make the situation worse. The video advises, “Use the art of gentle suggestion like, ‘Hey, did you know the speed limit dropped down to 55?'”
This approach is more likely to get a positive response. Remember, a calm driver is a safe driver.
If yelling at the driver worked, I’d have a chauffeur by now.
4. Don’t Be a Naggy Nelly
Constantly nagging the driver while on the road is not constructive. The video highlights, “Nagging and nagging will make them dig in and won’t allow them to listen to you.” Instead, use psychology tricks to get your point across.
Constructive feedback is always better received than constant nagging.
If nagging were effective, my house would be spotless and my partner would be a saint.
5. Don’t Panic and Make the Driver Panic
Panicking and screaming “Oh my God, watch out!” is a recipe for disaster. The video shares, “When you’re screaming ‘Oh my God, watch out!’ you’re just going to make the driver panic.” Panic leads to poor decisions and unsafe driving. Stay calm and composed to help your driver do the same.
If panicking solved problems, I’d be a millionaire by now.
