New to FR, and new to motorhomes

[rms62003]

I'm going to get my FR3 28DS motorhome tomorrow!!
I started ~ 5 yrs ago with a popup, upgraded to a hard side foldup, and now am getting a motorhome. I'm thinking the motorhome will be easier for one night stays, as well as taking my furbabies with me. I like to camp with at least 1 or 2 of my 4 with me, and hope that having solid walls and a generator to manage the temperature will allow me to take 1 or 2 with me when I'm on trips that I can't be with them all the time.

My biggest concerns -
1. Driving a Class A motorhome. I know that the 28DS is about the same length as my SUV and TT together, but it still worries me. I'd love to hear how others have adjusted.
2. The furbabies get used to being in the motorhome without me if I take them on trips that I can't be there all the time. I have a trip coming up over Easter that I'll be meeting up with family. They want to go to some shows, so I'll be leaving my baby girl (planning on taking my 6 month old Chaweenie with me) for a few hours. Good news is this is in Missouri in March, so shouldn't get too hot or cold. However, when the temperature warms up, I'd like to know how the generator does at running the air conditioner. I'm not planning on a tow vehicle, so will use my motorhome to get around.

[JLud]

Well, I was very intimidated by the class a size....until I test drove a 37 footer. Piece of cake and I think you will find much easier than a truck and trailer. I pulled a 35 foot toy hauler and I think my 37 foot handles better and is so much more comfortable.

I used to worry about backing in to spots....not so much now but I don't tow a car yet.

And by the way, congrats! Make sure it's a 6 spd trans if it's a 2016. You can tell by looking at the shift position on dash...should say RND421 or something....the 4 is the key, if it has a 3 after the D it's the old 5 spd.

[aceinspp]

Welcome to the forun and congrats on you new FR3 28DS MH. Enjoy Later RJD

[Wiscampsin]

Welcome from Wisconsin and congrats on your FR3 28DS.

[Papa-t]

Welcome from NC. Have owned pop ups, truck campers. TT's, Fiberglass Scamps and U-Hauls, Class C's and 5er's. Currently own a 5er. I think you will be fine. Have driven a Class A but never owned one.

[Papa-t]

OOP's

[rms62003]

Thanks everyone. I just got my Fr3 today and it LOOKS SO BIG!!! I had the dealer's driver stop at the edge of my driveway, and drove it myself down the curvy drive to the pad next to my house (previous owner had an RV pad put in, so was sure it could be done.) So far so good. No scratches, although the trees did scrape alone the side a little.
Tomorrow I plan on taking it out to church, then shopping for the RV to get used to driving it. I'm sure in time I'll get comfortable with it, but looks so intimidating right now.

[SkipnTerri]

Having had all types of RVs, the biggest challenge was getting used to driving a Class A. My husband gave the best advice -- "sitting in the driver's seat, look straight ahead and place your seat right in the left tire track of the road." Worked for me; however, we now have a Class C which I feel more comfortable with.

Terri