I am done with RVing

[Hudsoner]

My life as an RVer has come to a sudden end!
While driving on the freeway with about 65 mph, and a car in tow on a Roadmaster dolly, the left front tire of the rig blew, and the car and dolly got swinging so violent while I tried to keep the RV under control that I lost control and smashed into the barrier.
The tongue of the dolly broke off, in my car hit the barrier, too. Both vehicles endet to be totaled.
Luckily I got only some minor scratches, and the dog was not hurt at all!

I decided not to replace the motorhome anymore, considering that I am almost 77 years old and single! I started RVing in the very early 80's (with a travel trailer in those days), and enjoyed this life style a lot, but now it is done and over, and airbnb will be my future mode of staying in places I like!

I wish all of you happy and safe travels!

[Ray,IN]

Do not let this tragic accident get you down, try to put it in the past and enjoy your future. The past is history and cannot be changed, only the future can be changed. Thankfully you survived with minor injuries.

[PJStough]

Sometimes we get a gentle reminder when it is time to hang up the keys, other times the reminder is not so gentle.

[Mr_D]

I would probably do the same. I've been RV'ing since 1957 when my parents rented a TT and ordered their first in 1958. I actually got my first TT in 1968 and haven't been without one since then. I'm almost 73 and hopefully have a few good years left.

[MSHappyCampers]

I'm really sorry to hear of your misfortune, but thankful that you and the dog are OK. Hope the insurance company comes through for you.

I would just take some time to consider the future. You may find that you miss the RV lifestyle and want to start again. I am 80 and don't plan to quit unless our health dictates it!

Good luck, happy trails, and God bless!

[bmcgc]

Thankfully you walked away from the accident.

Happy trails.

[Itchytoe]

Don't make such a decision too quickly. Back when I got my first bike, the first day I took it out I was knocked off by a deer in the middle of a curve. Fortunately, I was only doing about 35 mph, so I only ended up with some minor road rash and a gnarly bruise where the deer actually hit me. I didn't touch the bike again for about 6 weeks and wanted nothing to do with it the whole time. When I did finally get back on it, I rode about 2 miles and was terrified of it. I seriously thought about just selling it and moving on, but I didn't. Fast forward to today, and I put about 300 miles on the bike just because it's such a beautiful day. I drove clear across Louisiana to get lunch in Baton Rouge. I even talked to a guy at a rest stop who also rides. Instant friends just because we both ride. He was there with his wife in their truck. Just happened to notice the bike and struck up a conversation. It was a wonderful day that I would have completely missed out on if I gave up on the bike.


Don't be too quick to write off RVing. You've been doing it since I was in diapers. That's a long time to be doing something just to quit cold turkey. No better way to meet people than to have a hobby in common, if that's your thing. Have you considered simply downsizing? A class C with a Goldwing on the back can be one hell of an adventure. If you get one, let me know. We can head over to Las Vegas and see if they still light up "The Strip" at night.


If you are really done, then stick around here. 40 years of experience with RVs is pretty valuable.

[van-gogh]

YOU HAVE HAD A MAJOR SET BACK. Slow down a bit and collect your thoughts. Wait for the insurance and your lawyer to make their assessments and once ready then make your decision to stop or not. You have to stay in the game of life, giving up will hurt you more long term. JUST WAIT until the facts are all in with there reviews. Wait!!!

[Hudsoner]

Thanks for all your comments. I do not plan to give up living and traveling, just a change of vehicle and sleeping accommodations.
But I simply have to be a realist, and face the facts! I will be 77 in a very few months, I am single, and I am a female.
When I last crawled under the Hurricane to do maintenance, I had a very hard time to get up again, and I am sure it will not get better over the next years. I am an engineer by profession, and I like to maintain my stuff because of quality reasons, and monetary reasons (a fixed income is fixed, and will not grow).

But I will wait how I will feel in a year or so, and either may rent a smaller C class for a trip, or even buy a small C or a larger B. Another A is just to cumbersome for me now, and climbing stairs in a very narrow stairwell of an A is not that great either.

But I will hang around here, and keep on lurking, and if I have something of value to contribute, I will do so!

Thank you all!

[chunker]

Originally Posted by Hudsoner

Thanks for all your comments.

But I will hang around here, and keep on lurking, and if I have something of value to contribute, I will do so!

Thank you all!

Most decisions we make in life are not permanent so change of mind is possible. I can understand your feeling as I am 71 and realize I have a few more years of motorcycle and RV travel left. While I can, I will. When the "doing" get to be really problematic, I'll change my methods. That said, changing my mind is my prerogative.

[Old-Biscuit]

Life goes on.


You have recognized the need for a 'change' in travel mode.....good for you


You are NOT giving up on traveling just the method of transportation.
Enjoy!

[sj]

Originally Posted by Itchytoe

Don't make such a decision too quickly. Back when I got my first bike, the first day I took it out I was knocked off by a deer in the middle of a curve. Fortunately, I was only doing about 35 mph, so I only ended up with some minor road rash and a gnarly bruise where the deer actually hit me. I didn't touch the bike again for about 6 weeks and wanted nothing to do with it the whole time. When I did finally get back on it, I rode about 2 miles and was terrified of it. I seriously thought about just selling it and moving on, but I didn't. Fast forward to today, and I put about 300 miles on the bike just because it's such a beautiful day. I drove clear across Louisiana to get lunch in Baton Rouge. I even talked to a guy at a rest stop who also rides. Instant friends just because we both ride. He was there with his wife in their truck. Just happened to notice the bike and struck up a conversation. It was a wonderful day that I would have completely missed out on if I gave up on the bike.


Don't be too quick to write off RVing. You've been doing it since I was in diapers. That's a long time to be doing something just to quit cold turkey. No better way to meet people than to have a hobby in common, if that's your thing. Have you considered simply downsizing? A class C with a Goldwing on the back can be one hell of an adventure. If you get one, let me know. We can head over to Las Vegas and see if they still light up "The Strip" at night.


If you are really done, then stick around here. 40 years of experience with RVs is pretty valuable.

I crashed my first motorcycle b4 I left the dealership parking lot!

[grindstone01]

Instead of quitting the RV life, how about down sizing to match your comfort level. Were you towing a car behind your Ford conversion van? Try a new conversion van and forget towing a vehicle. That alone will get rid of 80% of your risk factors.
RV'ing with out a toad can be a PITA, but it is done by many campers out there. Also, life in the slow lane is safer and more enjoyable, I believe in a 55-60 mph speed and will take the back road if necessary.

[joet19711]

I feel your pain, my wife of 50 years passed away October 20th.
We have a disabled son who traveled with us an a little dog who loves to
camp, but I still feel as lost as you do. I hope that I can still hit the road
and enjoy camping again