By Cheri Sicard
From our friends in Canada at Snowbirds & RV Travelers Magazine comes a video filled with useful tips for solo RVers. Yes, many things about RVing are different when you are doing it alone. For one thing, there is twice the work!
The video highlights Jennifer, who travels alone in her RV. Jennifer loves the nomadic lifestyle and the freedom it offers. However, she says the most common questions she gets are about safety and security—not that she personally has issues. So this video was produced to help other solo RVers feel safe and secure while living the RV lifestyle.
Tips for solo RVers
Watch the video to get more details on each of these tips.
#1 Be prepared: This includes living in an RV that is designed for your specific needs and comfort level. Once you have an RV, read the owner’s manual and practice driving and backing it up, too, so you are ready to hit the road with confidence.
#2 Prepare your RV: The video recommends getting your RV repaired and any issues addressed at least one week before leaving on a trip. Make sure your insurance is current, and enroll in an RV roadside assistance program.
#3 Learn basic maintenance: Do you know how to change your RV’s tires and other basic maintenance tasks? The time to do so is before you need it.
#4 Plan your trip: The video also stresses having a Plan B, as things can and do change once on the road.
#5 Watch drive times: The video recommends not driving more than 500 kilometers (310 miles) per day and stopping to stretch every hour or so. Avoid traveling on long weekends or holidays.
#6 Personal safety: Keep doors and windows locked, and always place your keys in the same spot so that they are easy to get to. Another great tip is to use your vehicle’s key fob to start blasting the horn, should you ever feel threatened. I know in rest stops I always sleep with my truck’s key fob within easy reach.
#7 Keep devices charged: Breakdowns can and do happen. Also, just for general safety, it’s a good idea to always keep your devices charged. Remember: ABC (Always Be Charging). Also, make it a habit to regularly check in with loved ones.
#8 Pack well: Make sure to pack everything you need on your trip. Jennifer recommends always having these items in your RV:
- A first-aid kit
- Various over-the-counter medications
- Extra cash
- A fireproof lockbox to store extra cash, insurance papers, and other important documents
- Maps (handy for when GPS doesn’t work)
- Have a personal locator beacon
- Jennifer recommends a dedicated GPS system not reliant on WiFi.
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RVDT2841
My first solo trip my husband and father-in-law, who lives with us, were so concerned. They tried to talk me out of it. I LOVE it. It was so nice to be alone for a while. I only traveled 2 hours from home and was gone just a few days. I am planning on taking several more solo trips this summer and fall.