Have you ever felt like getting away – by yourself? Or, maybe you don’t have a partner who’s interested in the RV camping lifestyle, or perhaps no partner at all? RVing isn’t just for vacationing families or new retirees. Some people simply like traveling on their own, or they are looking for a new adventure.
RVing is for everyone. And since the options for an RV run the gamut, too, traveling and camping solo in an RV is made that much simpler. With the proper research and attitude, you’ll be able to enjoy your trip to its full potential with minimal hassle – and safely.
Perks of Solo RVing
The most attractive aspects of RVing on your own can be boiled down to a few main reasons.
Pace: The best part of solo RVing is you can create your own adventure – you choose the route, the destination, and what you’ll do while you’re there. When you’re taking to the road by yourself, you don’t have to make any compromises. Your trip is on your timetable.
Solitude: Solo RVing gives you the freedom to choose when you want to interact with others. Sometimes your getaways are your only opportunities for solitude – especially if you have a busy family, an active social life, or a demanding job. You can use this time to reflect and unwind, take up the hobbies you let fall by the wayside, and just enjoy some real quiet time.
Meet People: Even if you’re going solo, you can meet up with others who are doing the same thing and have a good time together. This can be as informal as interacting with the neighbors, or more “formal” in joining a club. The community aspect that is so prevalent in the RV world is inviting, resourceful, and helpful. The first step is connecting with similar individuals through organized groups, such as Loners on Wheels, Girl Camper, Escapees RV Club, RVing Women, and Wandering Individuals Network. These groups have websites and host caravan events around the country, so you can meet a friend or two. Some groups offer forums, which can be particularly insightful, because if you run into a snag, it’s likely somebody has already hit the same one and can give you advice. If you are feeling overwhelmed, it’s likely somebody has already been there and can provide comfort and ideas.
Safety While Solo RVing
Worry doesn’t need to overcome your sense of freedom and detract from your adventures. You can enjoy traveling and camping in an RV on your own. Much can be handled by practicing self-awareness and making smart decisions.
Research: Before heading out on your solo excursion, do some extensive research. Research your route and know what to expect along the way, such as roadside parks, towns, and weigh stations. Know how your RV works and ensure proper maintenance is done before you venture out. Consider learning how to do some basic repairs to your RV, and make sure you have the tools along.
Security: Personal safety and the preservation of your property are important, and of course all measures need to be taken to ensure safety. However, the risk of a break-in, theft, or violence are small. Miniscule, according to the majority of RVers. Reality is usually much more subdued and “normal” compared to the stories we hear on the news. As for personal safety and the safety required to move an RV, you need to practice common sense to avoid potentially dangerous situations. For instance, stay indoors after dark, or don’t drive in a thunderstorm. Lock up the RV when you’re away and overnight. Park under lights. Always keep your fuel tank at least half full and have the number handy for a roadside assistance service. Bring a physical map just in case your phone or GPS unit can’t find a signal.
Check In: Check in regularly with a family member or a close friend to ease worry, and make sure to tell somebody you trust your plans. Make sure to keep your phone charged at all times in case of an emergency. Consider bringing along a booster signal, satellite phone, or an emergency tracker so that you can be more easily located if anything does go array. Make sure to keep your ID on you and leave a photocopy of important documents, such as the registration of your motorhome or towable, with a trustworthy friend or family member.
Ask Yourself
Many questions will come to mind as you decide to embark on this adventure, as well as during your excursions. Consider each question thoughtfully, and don’t forget to use the knowledge and resources of fellow RVers around you to help answer them.
Q: What are the benefits of solo RVing?
A: One of the toughest parts about RVing with others is figuring out the schedule and itinerary. As a solo RVer, you have the luxury of being able to choose everything. You get to choose where to camp, when to get there, when to leave, what to do when you’re there. No negotiating necessary. Your social life is also easier to manage, so solo RVers find that it’s easier to make new friends. Many of these friendships last a lifetime.
Q: Will I feel lonely?
A: If you’re solo RVing in the first place, then you’re probably used to be more of a lone wolf. But there is a community out there and people who share your interests. Feeling lonely depends on your level of interaction, so it’s preventable if you choose. Fortunately, the RV community is a friendly lot. And when it comes to activities, you’ll never be in want of finding something to do or see in Michigan.
Q: How do I determine my “RV lifestyle”?
A: It’s important to know what kind of life or camping experience you’d like to have with your RV, because this will help you determine the type of RV you end up with. The RV you choose plays a significant role in how and where you can camp.
Do you dream of going off grid, otherwise known as boondocking? Then your water tank sizes and energy capabilities need to be… Sleeping quarters? Just you or room for a guest or two? Where do you plan to travel? Keep in mind that national parks have a maximum length requirement. Do you like to cook? Do you want something to can simply drive and park, or do you want another vehicle so that you can “leave camp”? Will you be working indoors, spending most of your time outdoors?
Q: Should I rent an RV or buy?
A: This highly depends on personality. Some folks choose to jump right in. They know they want to travel, they know they want an RV, and they will figure out the rest as they go along. However, before any purchase it’s important to have already considered the type of RV lifestyle you envision for yourself and research RV types. Some folks want to test things out first and go camping in a rented RV, in order to get a taste for solo RVing. Renting also enables you to try out many types of RVs before you choose to commit to a purchase. This approach may teach you a thing or two, as well as may offer new insights that could alter your thinking about what kind of RV you’d like to buy, or whether solo RVing is a good fit.
An RV can help get anybody to get from point A to point B and enjoy life between stops, including going solo. Now, hit the road!