A recent RVtravel.com survey has unveiled an intriguing gender disparity in attitudes toward continuing the RV lifestyle after the loss of a partner. According to the survey, 56 percent of men expressed a willingness to continue RVing if their partner passed away, while only 19 percent of men would choose to discontinue the practice. In contrast, only 11 percent of women would continue RVing after their partner’s demise, with 14 percent opting to discontinue the activity.
One respondent, Tim Ettleman, shared his personal experience, stating, “I have continued to RV on a more limited basis since my wife of 52 years passed away 2 years ago. It isn’t as much fun, and it has taken more adjustment than I thought it would. I do still enjoy it. I’m at a point where finding someone that likes to RV to travel with would surely be a good thing.”
Robert offered a different perspective, contemplating a complete lifestyle shift if his spouse were to pass away. “I believe if my wife passed, I would sell the sticks and bricks and live in the RV. I would not need as much space nor the upkeep. And then could just travel near the kids and still not live with them.”
Cancelproof expressed optimism about maintaining the same level of RV activity, saying, “I like to think I would travel the same amount, or more. It is such a tough question to answer until and unless it happens, and one has to try and press on with anything at all.”
However, there were contrasting viewpoints, such as Roy’s contemplation of the potential difficulty in continuing activities enjoyed as a couple after a partner’s passing. “I honestly don’t know if I could continue. As a retired minister, I have seen so many grieving widows/widowers who found that the things they had enjoyed as a couple only brought sorrow.”
Phil’s experience echoed the sentiment, “I lost my wife 2 years ago and tried to continue RV traveling solo. But it is just of so little interest with no one to share it with. And it’s especially hard traveling through many of her special places without her.”
The survey also captured perspectives on shared decisions between partners, with Ron L. writing, “After 58 years of being together and the last 30 in one type of RV or another… if either passed, the other would sell our 44′ coach and the RV Resort site on the Oregon coast and live out the rest of our lives at home. Being without my partner to share the joys of RVing just wouldn’t be the same.”
Ed K. emphasized the symbiotic nature of RVing for couples, stating, “If my wife died, I would give the Class A to my son and just stay home. I would miss her and would not need the added stress of trying to set up and break down camp without her. We are a team and have been for over 54 years.”
In contrast, Tom shared a story of resilience: “A good friend of mine passed away. His wife downsized to a very nice Class B. Goes everywhere her heart and dog want to go. She is not just sitting and waiting to cross the Rainbow Bridge.”
These personal accounts highlight the multifaceted nature of grief and the varying ways individuals navigate the continuation or cessation of RVing after the loss of a partner. The RV community, often seen as a tight-knit group, provides a unique backdrop for exploring the intricate relationship between shared passions, grief, and the quest for solace on the open road.
We welcome your comments below.
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Thank you, RV Travel. For me, Cancelproof captures my thoughts very well; it is too speculative to know. There’s always a lot of work around the farm, so I could easily do it rather than take trips OR I could travel often to avoid it as long as realistically possible.
Yes, I have to admit I agree with Cancel’s thoughts as well as yours, Neal. So glad to not have to make that decision yet.
Me, too, Bill Byerly, me too. 🙂 We are well past 34 years and working on 35. 🙂
My husband of 37 years died 7 years ago. When I gathered my senses, I set out on my own with the goal of 2 major trips a year. With many supporters cheering and encouraging me, I am proud to be a single female RVer. Although I do wish for a travel companion, I can’t afford to waste time waiting for one. This spring will find me in Utah and Idaho. It can be done.
Much like you Jean, my husband died 12 years ago. It took me about 6 years to start looking for a Class C. We always had tt, but I refused to tow! I finally found one during Covid and do 2-3 major trips a year. I do wish for a travel partner too, but won’t wait around for him/her!
EHarmony girl! It worked for me.
“Gender disparity”
Anytime I see SJW nuggets in article, I move to the next one.
???
I looked it up, Bill. SJW refers to “social justice warrior.” I gather it is somewhat commonly used these days. 🙂 So, we learned a little here. 🙂
When I replied to D. Noar, I had to look up what “SJW” refers to. I forgot to add that in my reply for those of us who aren’t familiar with it. Sorry. Have a good night, Neal and Bill. 😀 –Diane
Wow, that’s a little harsh, D. Just because the term “gender disparity” was used to refer to the fact that the results for men and women (“gender”) were different (“disparity”–look it up) in this poll, you moved on to the next article? Yep, that’s what we need more of in the world today, folks like you with an open mind. Not. Have a good day. 🙂 –Diane at RVtravel.com
Diane, tough to pry open a closed mind….oh well, I thought the survey had some interesting responses. I am also facing a loss of DW after 38 yrs of team work and probably will continue to travel in our tow behind mobile palace
I’m very sorry to hear about your wife, Scott. I do hope you continue to travel and enjoy the lifestyle that you two enjoyed for so long. I suspect that would be what she would want for you. (And I’d bet you would get very bored if you didn’t travel.) Take care. 🤗 –Diane at RVtravel.com
After 60 years of marriage, and 20 unbroken years of long winter and late summer travel trailer trips (2-4 months each), I lost my wife. I never thought about not continuing to RV. I downsized the rig and continued on. I figured RVing/traveling alone would be better (for me) than staying home alone. With the years and miles I have accumulated, I do little adventuring and sightseeing. I mostly travel familiar routes and visit old friends and family. But for each trip I try to add at least one new experience. This year will be my first visit to Big Bend National Park (TX). Last year it was Monument Valley (UT/AZ). “Fixing and doing” for the trailer also keeps my hands and mind busy.
I like your positive attitude, Bob. I wish you many more happy and healthy years of RVing. Take care. 😀 –Diane at RVtravel.com
I lost my RVing partner for over 30 years, aka my husband, in 2021. I immediately followed thru with my plan to scale down, which included selling our motorhome. There was no way I could maintain it and I figured my RVing days were over. Within 6 months I moved from FL to TX to be with family. Once settled I suddenly realized, once an RVer , always an RVer. So I took a giant leap of faith and rejoined the ranks. I now pull a 30’ travel trailer with my Ram pick-up. Doing solo is very different and challenging. But I love it. No one can truly say whether they will continue RVing after losing a spouse until the situation presents itself. Never say never.
Oregon Bill,
After my wife of over 40 years died I sold the class B Van much too soon. (I forgot “don’t make any important decisions within a year”). After a while I found a wonderful compatible Wife who is a lifelong RVER. Now we bought a new class B built during covid. We are happy but the 2021 rig doesn’t measure up to the 100,000 mile 2004. Oh well. Happy trails RVERs.
He rarely travels with me now and only on short trips (an arrangement we both prefer); I intend to travel more after he’s gone. So one vote for “woman will continue to travel” and one vote for “man will not continue to travel”.
After my wife died after 57 years of marriage in 2020, at the height of the covid pandemic. I continued to RV travel each summer back to Minnesota from our Texas home, to see old friends and family. Not quite the same as being together RV’ing, but still traveling to be close to family is important to me. It’s nice to travel to places where your clothes fit the summer weather most of the time.
I bought my camper and truck. I tow my camper. My husband comes with me sometimes, but not always. I don’t need him to tow or help me when I camp.
Traveling with a RV Tour group……….we have seen many single men and women. They enjoy the group atmosphere that allows them to socialize and still have private time.
I could understand why men could continue RVing and most woman wouldn’t. Most men have a tendency to be mechanically inclined and women academic smarter. My wife wouldn’t be strong enough to lift and hook up the WD hitch or do repairs a rv needs. No way would she tow my TT. She told me so. If I took sick or was incapacitated she’t call AAA and either have it towed home or dealers sale lot. I my self couldn’t do what she did in life. I do see woman towing TT so there are some that do and enjoy it. I’d probably continue if my health and strength was ok. Probably would get a small class C or B.