Dreaming of being a solo woman Rver

[dreamer66]

I am trying to decide what kind of rv to get. It has to be something I can handle total on my own as a woman in her 60s. I prefer a small self contained unit - would like microwave, small frig, Ac/ heat, toilet, bed. Small budget

[BobGed]

Welcome to the forum. In order to provide you the most relevant information, I think you'll need to define small in reference to size and budget.

There are class B RVs, which are slightly larger than a regular van you see everyday that would have everything on your list and would be very easy to drive, but wouldn't have much room to move around inside.

Try to be as specific as you can so you don't receive a bunch of information that is of little value to you.

[mikebrls]

Originally Posted by dreamer66

I am trying to decide what kind of rv to get. It has to be something I can handle total on my own as a woman in her 60s. I prefer a small self contained unit - would like microwave, small frig, Ac/ heat, toilet, bed. Small budget

you can handle any size RV that you want . It mite be intimidating at first but you can do it .
There are some rv dealer's like lazyday's that will give you a rv training course when you buy there , some time in class room and some time driving in the rv .
I no my wife and I will be going if I buy threw them " wife is insecure about driving a 35 footer "
Think of it this way an 18 wheeler trailer only is around 53 feet plus the truck and you see how they maneuver around the city and highway's so a little 35 foot rv shouldn't be that hard with some time behind the wheel and some training by friend or teacher .
good luck
mike

[Jack R]

Dreamer66

BobGed gave you some wonderful information.

You might go to the solo Rv forum here on iRV2 a lot of ladies do the solo RV thing.

jack r

[flaggship1]

Originally Posted by Jack R

Dreamer66

BobGed gave you some wonderful information.

You might go to the solo Rv forum here on iRV2 a lot of ladies do the solo RV thing.

jack r

Isn't this in the Solo RV forum now?

[BobGed]

Originally Posted by flaggship1

Isn't this in the Solo RV forum now?

Jack probably is selecting New Posts to view, as I do, and didn't realize which forum the OP actually posted in.

[275hooah]

Hello Dreamer66,

These are my thoughts on motorhome size and design. Unfortunately, as a woman, you're considerations toward safety are greater than mine. Therefore, the Class A seems like the best design for you. Without exiting the vehicle, you can pull in, stabilize, generate, heat, cook and sleep anywhere. That eliminates any exposure to the criminal element and weather. If, for some reason, you want to move, you can do that without exiting the vehicle. Safety and convenience are both served.

On the size issue, here's an example. I attended a three week, 16 wheeler, course years ago and was more than able to manage the truck and trailer at the end of that course. Most of the time was spent in the classroom, so actual driving was less than a week. Once I was on the road, I spent some time in huge Flying J or Pilot parking lots, practicing backing in both directions, understanding my turn radiuses and parking between the lines. In just a month, I was putting that cab and associated trailers into places so tight I had to fold the mirrors in. If you take it slow, it's easier than you might think.

One plan might be, after you've researched and picked the motorhome of choice, to ask the seller to go on a drive with you. First through the parking lot, around this and that, then on the highway, taking a few exits and entrances and stopping at rest stops. Then ask to drive a longer one, then a longer one, then a longer one. Find the one that's too long, buy the next one down, then drive it around their parking lot until they escort you off.

Make park reservations far in advance, for drive-threw, full hook-up spaces, then keep practicing back-ins at the truck stops until it's a natural. Next year you'll be giving advice.

What do ya think?

[Charliene]

Hi Dreamer66,
I'm a senior solo driver and understand your dilemma. I searched and talked and thought then searched some more before I came to the decision of a 30 ft. Coachman Concord motorhome. It's a cab-over design (don't even know what class that is) with rear bedroom. It was a pre-owned rig with low mileage (which kept the insurance low). Oddly enough, parked in my own neighborhood. The newer models get a little (??) better gas mileage, but the insurance is higher. You have to figure which is best for your personal situation.

I had a 32 ft. tag-along for many years. It was ok to park and leave but like someone said, you have to leave your vehicle to get in the camper and in some places, that isn't a good idea. Never is a good idea. Then I had a 40 ft. tag-along. That one was TOO BIG to enjoy driving. Great to take and leave for several months or a year or so, but not to keep on the road.

My 30 ft. Coachman is ideal for me because it handles well in a downtown situation, can easily park (store) it in my yard or friends driveways (overnight stays), and also handles well on the highway. With the rear camera, I don't have any problem backing into camp sites running solo. At night, I get out with a flash light and look over the site for broken glass and low hanging limbs that I won't be able to see in the camera. I watch the camera and my mirrors closely and back slowly. I watch my weight carefully and the gas mileage is decent (nothing if affordable now days if it uses gas ). Two persons can manage if they like each other, but it is totally comfortable for one.

If I get tired I find a parking spot (Wal-Mart, Flying J, Camping World, Bass Pro Shop, etc.) hit the switch for the genny, put my coffee on for morning and curl up in my own bed with all my comfy blankets and pillows. I even have a self scanning TV if I'm too keyed up to sleep for awhile. No one even knows I'm running solo because I run with my night shades pulled. Next morning I shower, leisurely drink my coffee in my p.j's and I'm off again. The only thing I've found that is just a slight disadvantage is that I can't drive through a drive-thru. I have to park and walk to the restaurant. Considering all the advantages, I really can't complain about missing a drive-thru. The food is killing us anyway (not healthy). I'm totally happy with my 30 footer.