Community Forums

JMonroe · 04-30-2016, 10:14 AM

First of all, to answer the question posed in the title of your thread - Yes. You bought an RV didn't you.

As others have said, this will be a great opportunity to learn all you can about your coach and reveal any possible defects before you start using it for "real". And for what it's worth, I travelled for a year solo between my retirement date and my wife's. She flew down to join me at our destination a couple of times, using her vacation time. Just me and the dogs.

SpaceNorman · 04-30-2016, 10:51 AM

It's certainly enjoyable to have a partner when traveling. But, I certainly wouldn't let not having one be the reason I didn't make a trip I wanted to go on.

Being without a "navigator" is something your can work around with proper planning and the right attitude. Review your planned route before you drive it - know where you're going from the big picture perspective. Learn to use whatever technology you have available to you - to help you navigate and drive (i.e., GPS, coach side and rear view cameras, mirrors, etc.)

Have the "right attitude". Take your time - don't let yourself be "hurried" when it comes to things that are coach related. It's easy to feel like you/your coach are "in the way" when you arrive/leave campgrounds and/or make a stop along the way. Resist the urge to rush! You'll read plenty of posts on campground and fuel station etiquette that are focused getting in and getting out quickly - enough that it's sometimes easy to forget that the safety of you, your coach and everyone around you is Rule #1!

Obviously, you need to move with purpose when your coach is getting to/from your site at a campground, around dump stations, at fuel stops, in parking lots, etc. Obviously, you need to make the best choices you can with regard to where you stop/park so as not to unnecessarily block traffic.

However, if your coach happens to be a bit of an obstacle as you make that necessary stop upon arrival at a campground, inconveniencing somebody while you're using facilities like dump stations or fuel pumps; disrupting tranquility while you park, level and extend, etc. - so be it. Take the time that you need to take care of business safely - even if it means somebody else would rather you move your coach immediately or turn off your engine because they'd prefer the quiet. It's easy to feel like rushed in those situations - especially when you don't have a navigator to help out. Don't!!!! Take the time YOU need to do what you need to do - safely!

USMCRET · 04-30-2016, 01:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vsheetz

Do it. Go.

yup, yup, yup.

tim myers · 04-30-2016, 01:43 PM

Anyone ever stay at Davis Lakes Resort in Suffolk VA

ArmandV · 04-30-2016, 08:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MSHappyCampers

A guy told me one time "Everybody's crazy except me and you, and you're a little bit crazy" ! I think he was right!

It sounds like a line from the 1931 Bela Lugosi Dracula. A sanitarium orderly was talking to a nurse and said, "They're all crazy. They're all crazy except you and me. Sometimes I have my doubts about you."

**TonyDi** · 04-30-2016, 08:27 PM

I would go. There are plenty of solo RVers out there, and they all seem to be doing okay. I don't think you're crazy!

Pexring · 04-30-2016, 09:05 PM

Take the coach out any chance you get -- solo or not.

montyhp · 05-01-2016, 02:28 PM

To echo what others have said, don't be apprehensive. Take your time, don't let yourself get rushed. Pull over in a safe place and take a nap if you get drowsy. Spy out truck stops and walmarts along the way as a safe place to pull over and walk around for a few minutes.

Good luck.

Brian W · 05-01-2016, 02:49 PM

First, your wife sounds like an amazing person. Get out and see your son, he will appreciate it. Your apprehension will be gone quickly, as I discovered my first solo trip. Just a guess, but is your son in the service? I ask because I was stationed in that area several years ago, and it's a huge military area. If so, thank him for me for his service to our country. Now get out there and enjoy your trip.

oakcreekeric · 05-02-2016, 11:24 AM

Like the saying goes.... "if you ain't livin' on the edge, you're just takin' up space"

Go for it !!!

tim myers · 05-02-2016, 09:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brian W

First, your wife sounds like an amazing person. Get out and see your son, he will appreciate it. Your apprehension will be gone quickly, as I discovered my first solo trip. Just a guess, but is your son in the service? I ask because I was stationed in that area several years ago, and it's a huge military area. If so, thank him for me for his service to our country. Now get out there and enjoy your trip.

Yes Brian she is, first for taking care of her mother the way she is, and for telling me to go. She understand the Storm needs to be exercised and is hoping she can join in with in a couple months. Really depends how well her mother responds to her Chemo and how quickly she gets back on her feet. She walked about 20 feet today which is major and a huge improvement.

I am sitting with her tomorrow so DW can go to scouts with our grandson.

tim myers · 05-02-2016, 09:58 PM

Oh and yes my son is a Naval Officer. Getting out this November and hoping for CIA or FBI, but you didn't hear it from me.

Mr_D · 05-02-2016, 10:16 PM

We bought the Magna in late Feb 2015. April 25th we got a letter stating they had terminated her employment. June 7th the Dr's said she had inoperable liver cancer. She's had four chemo embolizations and no more scheduled. She's on the National Liver Transplant list and on two treatment center lists for the transplant.
So far she's holding up but very low energy and I never know what the day will bring.
Oh yes, she just used up all her short and long term disability.
I'd love to go by myself but I just can't do it and leave her home especially since she is prohibited from driving.
The OP's case is different as his wife is the support person. If she says to go then why not? I would if I had the chance under the OP's situation.

noserider · 05-02-2016, 11:46 PM

I agree with everyone. If your big concern is the solo part, no problem. Hell every trip I have been on the last year has been with my wife, MIL, our dog and the MIL dog. I'm the driver, navigator, dog sitter and sometimes dog catcher, fueler, dump guy, my own spotter backing into camp sights, campsite finder/reserver, tour guide and I'm sure a few others I can't even recall the list is so long. Hell maybe I'll go with you. Sounds like a vacation.

Also congrats to you and your son. My dad was a retired Naval Officer and later Nasa Exec stationed in Norfolk where I was born at the Norfolk Naval hospital.