Do We Have Any Single Lady RVers

[Adrienne]

Sure, you can start threads on anything you want. The RVing Women have a maintenance class specifically for women and you might want to check with your local chapter to see when the next one is scheduled. It's women helping women and you learn quite a bit.
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Best--

Adrienne Kristine
Forum Administrator
http://www.RVTravel.com
http://www.FreeCampgrounds.com
http://twitter.com/AdrienneAXK

[sisjean]

Thanks ramblin gramma---- you are right. Solar oven----sun oven---LOLOL
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I don't suffer from insanity---I enjoy every minute of it

[PhatLiz]

As was said on the old forum, opening a hatch and scratching your head will usually get someone to come along and help you figure things out. Basic maintenance is easier than you may think. Don't be afraid to ask questions every chance you get.
Regarding safety on the road, I carry a weapon and a state-issued license. Grew up with guns and hunting so I was comfortable with this situation. There is a website which lets you know which states recognize whose licenses. I have worked with a licensed fire arms instructor and continue to practice. So far, I have never felt the need to even pull out my weapon. Some states do not allow concealed weapons under any circumstances. I have a small gun safe for traveling those states.
One suggestion I saw on the old forum was to always park with your door facing the high traffic area when you stop and get out. i.e. have it face the store instead of the road. When getting out of the rig for fuel, etc. always lock it even if you are doing the "pay at the pump". Stay aware of your surroundings and listen to you instincts. If it feels wrong, it is. Move on. Don't be afraid to get noisy if you need to. And read the suggested book. Information is power.
Above all, have fun. You can be safe and enjoy the trip at the same time, just like you would if you were flying alone.
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Liz, husband and a 40ft Horizon
Living the dream

[Marita]

This is my first time, but I read about a generator question and am a novice too. I don't get to use my motor home very often and have not started the generator in several months. When I tried, it went "grrrr" a lot, but didn't turn over and start. It isn't able to be drained, so is there anything I can do besides pay $300 to have the generator cleaned? Thanks for the help. Also, I live in Phoenix. How do I find out if there is a single women's chapter here?

[Adrienne]

RVing Women are based in Apache Junction, AZ. Their website is http:/www.rvingwomen.org and they'll be happy to refer you to a local group.
_________________
Best--

Adrienne Kristine
Forum Administrator
http://www.RVTravel.com
http://www.FreeCampgrounds.com
http://twitter.com/AdrienneAXK

[dcricket]

My question would be when was the last maintenance done on the generator? How old is the fuel in the motor home? Using Stabil works well to keep gasoline from varnishing. Also, was the generator primed first? Could be as simple as replacing a worn spark plug. Just my thougths. I was married to a mechanic and am mechanically inclined myself. I certainly would not pay $300. unless I had exhausted all the little fixes first. Drained the oil, replaced filters (oil/air), spark plug, etc.
But then again, what I have may be different than yours.
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Life is but a walk in the park...live, love, laugh - Aloha!
Donna, new Hubby Willie, our combined family of 5 and the 4 legged baby Maggie Mae (Rotty)
31' 05 National Seabreeze

[oneprice]

Hi all. I am a single female RVer. I fulltime, for over 3 years now. Currently visiting some fellow workampers in KY, but leaving in a couple days as it's too cold! Will be heading someplace warm...haven't found the right job yet..

Regarding the maintenance questions-yes performing maintenance and such can be challenging, but here is where being a women does pay off!
I have always found someone willing to help me with whatever, I always watch or better yet do the work while they supervise so I can do it next time on my own! Current issue-I had to replace my outside radio- and of course the new radio isn't the same wiring etc...so I can't get it to work. Since it's not urgent I'm going to wait until I come across someone with some radio experience.

Shaunna
oneprice@aol.com

[bobd]

You ladies must have known there was a man lurking around out here somewhere. Anyway to all you ladies with maintenance issues, just remember, not all men are brain surgens and they do it!
If I may I will suggest to you to hire a mechanic and/or get a man you trust to observe you doing a complete maintenance/winter storage of your rig. Don't let them do it, you do it. Most adults tend to learn better doing it. (lots of doing in this message LOL)
I did this with my daughters before they got their first car. Now that my health is failing, I'm working on my better half. It's slower with her as she still thinks I need the exercise. However, they will all tell you they are better for it.

Keep on truckin
Bobd
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No business, Free Advice - take what you want and leave the rest !

[Adrienne]

Thanks, Bob. I had a trusted mechanic in the previous campground but she has moved on to bigger and better adventures. Now I have to find someone I trust to look at my engine and tell me its fate.

I can program a computer and have no fear of digging around inside, but I'm not skilled in the internal combustion engine. Keep your fingers crossed that I can find a gifted tech to help.
_________________
Best--

Adrienne Kristine
Forum Administrator
http://www.RVTravel.com
http://www.FreeCampgrounds.com
http://twitter.com/AdrienneAXK

[Baby Girl]

I hear you PhatLiz,

Over this past holiday weekend, had a little trouble with the gas portion of my hot water heater. Grabbed a screw driver, opened the hatch, and before you new it, a fellow RVer came out and asked if I could use any help. He made a few suggestions, but eventually I resorted to reading the 'ol manual, and sure enough had the problem corrected within the hour. I’ve met the most friendliest and helpful RVers and resort owners/managers.

Since I only have a travel trailer, I need not have to worry about engine maintenance, other than for a small generator. My experience in the past, however, has been that typically the resort owners/managers will have a reliable source for maintenance/mechanical help.

And I also have to agree with OnePrice. You learn by doing, and soon you begin to start applying your knowledge of “doing” with other maintenance issues.

And Bob, yes my dad did the same thing with me while I was growing up. And because of that, I am and can be self-sufficient, however as an adult, if it means getting dirty, I’ll gladly pay someone else to do the dirty work.

Happy Holidays to All

[Stacy]

Do be careful travelling yourself, that gut feeling must be instantly acknowledged. To learn to trust the gut feeling, start out in places that are safe--campgrounds with "night guys" in popular spots and family campgrounds. To get over the willies of being alone in the RV, set up in a friend's back yard and see how that goes.
I carry defensive weapons that require documentation, but I still could be easily overpowered. I am small and also disabled.
Most people will quickly notice that you are a woman alone (by the way, there are MANY of us). Some folks will join up with you, some will look out for you, and some will want to date you. Being friendly yet reserved and private is maybe your best protection of all. Strangers are definately friends you haven't met yet; still, remember that they are people you know nothing about.
When you have a mechanical problem, walk around to find someone with a rig like yours. Men love to help you, but they can easily cause damage.
I have felt and been safe. I have never felt as secure and safe and harmonious as when walking under the stars in a campground at night. It is glorious to do this alone and to enjoy this sort of utter solitude in clean natural surroundings.
Stacy
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When I am old, I shall walk the beautiful trail.

[plow1630]

[nannie]

Started camping in 1997 with a tent for three solo trips to Canada, Nova Scotia, PEI, and Cape Gaspe Peninsular.I finally bought a Lance camper and Chevy 3500 truck this past Feb. I didn't want to tow anything as I have a heavy foot from years of traveling in sales so I figured this was a way to have a great bed and protection around me. I'm planning to go fulltime RVing in two years but for now I work PT two days. I really enjoyed this past summer, camping almost every weekend in Maine and NH. Took a trip to Roanoke VA, and returned via Blue Ridge Parkway, Shenadoah Nat Pk, Gettysburg Nat Pk, Harper Ferry Nat. Pk. I'm an outdoor person so the truck camper so far meets my needs for a resting place. As much as I would like more interior space, I can take off the camper and use the truck if I need to. Again I enjoy this as I have the option to drive around locally after dropping off the trailer. If not, I have a fast getaway too. Unplug electrical and turn off water, turn the key and off I go !! Haven't done any boondocking yet but have thought about it. Maybe when I go fulltime...I'm eagerly awaiting Springtime here in Northeast, snow started today, ugggggggggg..Hibernation time and snowblowing time for the next three months.
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Luv my Lance Truck Camper!

[Journeyer]

Hi y'all,

I've been fulltiming for over 4 years now and can honestly say I've never felt threatened in any way while on the road. There have been times I've boondocked on the side of the road in Alaska and at Wal-Marts when I just needed a quickie overnight stop. I don't advertise the fact that I'm a woman traveling alone, though, especially during these kind of stops. I recommend that you always have your cell phone charged and beside your bed at night along with clear and concise directions to exactly where you are in case you need to call 911.

Maintenance is a real challenge for me, too, and I know there have been times I was ripped off by repair places because I was seen as a clueless woman who didn't know what they were doing anyway. I have found that if you contact the manufacturer of the thing you're having trouble with, they'll usually give you some idea of what the problem may be and a recommended place to take it and that helps - to be able to use the correct terms and then they know you have a contact at the manufacturer to complain to if things are not done correctly.

I wish you the best of luck in following your own RVing dream, whether or not your hubby joins you or not!

Happy trails,
Malia
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Solo lady fulltimer having the time of her life!
My Journey Journal: www.MaliasRV.com

[sundevil6]

The pictures were just beautiful of the Alaskan trip. You must of had a wonderful time on that trip. We hope to make it in '07 if the gas prices don't get us first. Thanks again for the pictures.