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Jennifer Leigh Hill
The authour in her Pleasure-Way class B. “I recommend purchasing an RV that is ideal for your lifestyle and suits your comfort level.”
For many women RVers, the thought of travelling solo in an RV is incomprehensible. I am a 73-year-old single female who has travelled all over the U.S. and Canada for the past 15 years. For me, it means freedom and flexibility, providing a break from my normal routine, doing what I want to do and when I want to do it without having to accommodate someone else’s interests or schedule.
Visiting new destinations with all the comforts of home, experiencing nature and meeting people along the way is a wonderful way to travel. However, one of the most frequent questions I am asked about RVing solo is “aren’t you afraid?”
While there is both a long and short answer to that question, here are some suggestions on how not to be intimidated and become more confident and comfortable while travelling solo in an RV.
Be Prepared
Make sure you purchase an RV that is designed for your needs and comfort level. You may even want to rent several different models before buying one to see what class you prefer and most importantly if the RV lifestyle is right for you.
Jennifer Leigh Hill
With my previous Forester class C during a solo trip in Nova Scotia.
After purchasing an RV, read the owner’s manual and practise driving, parking and backing it up to perfection. Online groups and forums are great sources of information to learn about various driving tips and the number of RV systems.
I enjoyed an 8 m (26 ft) Class C for several years but with its large side mirrors, I was always afraid of side-swiping cyclists and pedestrians. After deciding to downsize, I am now happy with a 6 m (20’) Pleasure-Way class B. It’s not much larger than a big SUV and I can practically go anywhere without worrying about heights, widths or accessing remote campgrounds or narrow rural roads.
While it’s a personal choice, I would never travel solo with a trailer, fifth wheel or a truck camper. I prefer the time savings that a class B affords when I arrive or leave an RV park.
The Importance of Trip Planning
Before leaving for any trip, get your RV (or tow vehicle if you own a trailer) serviced at least one week before departing. In the event repairs are needed, there will be time to get them fixed. You may also want to take it to an RV service centre to have interior systems checked (e.g., refrigeration, heating, power outlets, etc.).
Jennifer Leigh Hill
Always have a print map ready!
Also, confirm that your insurance is current and will be valid for the duration of your trip. It’s just as important to register for an emergency roadside service assistance plan. Programs like RV Care and the one offered by The Explorer RV Club are good choices. Learning basic maintenance procedures like checking the oil, changing fuses or swapping tires in the event of a flat are other good best practices as well. Keep in mind, changing an RV tire is much different than changing the one on your car.
Stay Alert
RV travel, at times, can be stressful and you have to be alert both physically and mentally. Plan your route carefully and always have a Plan B in case of delays due to inclement weather, heavy traffic, unexpected campground issues, etc. I typically plan three possible stopovers such as highway rest stops, casinos that allow overnight stays, or local campgrounds.
If I have to stay at a rest area or somewhere like a Wal-Mart, I always park under a light, near a security camera, and close to other ‘overnighters.’ The iOverlander app is a great online tool to find public spaces and has comprehensive reviews. But I avoid staying somewhere that just doesn’t ‘feel’ right.
To make longer trips a little easier, I never drive more than 500 km (310 mi ) per day and stop every hour or so to stretch my legs and let my dog out. Even though I limit my mileage, I usually have plenty of time to get where I am going before it gets dark. I also avoid travelling on long weekends or holidays.
Jennifer Leigh Hill
Make sure you are prepared for all types of weather.
Be Safe and Employ Smart Travel Habits
Always place your car keys in the same accessible area, keep your smart device(s) charged, and establish a routine of locking the doors, windows and vents.
I never open a door to strangers. A game warden once told me that if I am ever in trouble either press the SOS/panic button on my key fob or blast the RV’s horn non-stop. The sound will alert others and (hopefully) scare the intruders or creepy people away.
When I first started RVing solo, I tried boondocking on public land. After a few sleepless nights, I realized I would be more comfortable with other RVers nearby. I also learned my limitations. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
A lot of female solo travellers I meet carry personal safety alarms or whistles. My safety alarm is attached to the key chain of my vehicle keys, which I place around my neck (to easily access them) when I go out to visit local attractions at a destination.
Jennifer Leigh Hill
Oh, those big mirrors on larger RVs!
Also, remember that breakdowns can happen. Again, always keep your smart device(s) charged to call for assistance. Short of being in very remote areas, roadside assistance is often nearby. When you’re waiting for help, stay in your RV with the windows and doors locked.
Last Words of Advice for Solo Travelling
When you’re travelling, it’s a good idea to stay connected with loved ones and consider checking in regularly so they know where you are and where your final destination is. Should something go wrong or you’re delayed, they can track your travels and raise an alarm if they haven’t heard from you on a certain day or time.
If you feel you are not yet ready for solo RV travelling and prefer ‘safety in numbers,’ consider joining a group of single female RVers to gain some confidence until you are ready to hit the road on your own.
One good example is RVing Women, which is a ‘premier organization for females interested in the RVing lifestyle.’ The association hosts chapter and national rallies, exclusive tours and caravans, as well as scheduled seminars and conventions. It has several chapters in the U.S. and Canada and even a designated chapter for female solo RVers.
Better yet, start your adventures with shorter trips closer to home to get familiar with spending time on the road and the RV lifestyle. This is another essential way of learning how to travel solo and confidently experience beautiful destinations across Canada and beyond.
Jennifer Leigh Hill
At my home base in British Columbia and preparing for another solo trip.
Be Well Equipped
Before a trip, I always have the following packed in my RV:
- A First Aid Kit
Accidents happen and a stocked first-aid kit can at the very least remedy an injury on the spot or stabilize it until you seek medical assistance. I even have one for my dog. I also carry various over-the-counter medications.
- Extra Cash
You never know when businesses will only accept cash (especially in remote areas), bank machines are out of service or your credit card has been compromised and cancelled. I have a fire-proof lock box where I keep extra cash (as well as my passport, insurance, and other important documents).
- Map Books
I carry an up-to-date Rand McNally Road Atlas as I don’t like to rely solely on map apps. I also have a reliable, dedicated Tom Tom GPS that mounts on my dash that doesn’t require WiFi.
- A Personal Location Emergency Beacon
Personal locator beacons and satellite messengers are devices that range from units that send out an SOS signal to offering two-way messaging and navigation services. Mine hangs beside my bed and thankfully, I’ve never had to use it.
- Smartphone Apps
There are several handy apps designated for RVing and some of my favourites are GasBuddy, RV Parky and iOverlander.
- RV Manuals
There is nothing more hectic than trying to find your RV’s owner manual when a system’s alarm is blaring. Keep it handy to remedy the problem and also have the owner’s manual for the engine so you can refer to it when a warning light comes on.
Best Roadside Emergency Service Assistance Plans
- RV Care
- Explorer RV Club
- Good Sam Roadside Assistance
- Coach-Net
RV Clubs, Associations and Forums Exclusively for Women
- Sisters on the Fly
- RVing Women
- Girl Camper
- Loners on Wheels
- Women RV
- Solo RVers