I had to make that decision this year after my husband of almost 40 years died of advanced prostate cancer. We spent every vacation and possible weekend camping--from tents to a VW Eurovan, then a Northern Lite truck camper on a BIG Dodge diesel truck that he loved. Since 2004 and retirement for both of us, we traveled 4 months each summer through the western US and Canada.
I never got comfortable driving the truck with the camper on it for any length of time. Also, having to get out of the truck and go around to get in the camper and vice versa, did not seem to be safe enough for me to do traveling alone. So, last month I sold the TC outfit and bought a Roadtrek class B. I'm taking it out this weekend to a state park to try everything out. In June I'll head out to toward Montana and who knows where. One son lives in MS and the other in MT, so this makes traveling a little more focused right now.
I will do things safely, travel and set up camp during the daylight, etc. There are some helpful websites I've used, and an ebook, The Woman's Guide to Solo RVing, that has good tips. I'm not really alone--I have wonderful memories, my dog, a big can of bear spray, and my glock (just kidding...maybe). No, it won't be as much fun. It will be different for sure, but, it will be what he would have wanted me to do.
See you down the road.
Dixie
* This post was
edited 05/16/08 07:39am by dixied *
Dixie and Nikki the goldendoodle
2007 Roadtrek Agile SS
I can answer this question as it happened to me last year. My DH (of 47 years) died while we were wintering in Florida. I knew how to drive the motorhome and had done so many times but usually not in traffic situations. The day he died, after complications from chemo therapy (in a hospital, I had to move my 32' Allegro from Fort Myers Beach to Pine Island, across bridges and multi lane highways with heavy traffic. My son was with me but had never driven the motorhome and I did not want to put him in that position with the traffic situation. I parked my RV at the home of a relative, flew home for a month and then returned to Florida. I had 4 reservations at Corp. Parks that I fulfilled. I was apprehensive about traveling alone but after the first trip I had enough confidence to continue. At the end of the winter I drove the motorhome back to Ohio. I now would rather drive the motorhome then my toad, that is how confident I am. I knew how to do all of the other "jobs" as I knew this day would come with my DH having terminal cancer, just not that it would come so soon.
I plan to travel to Florida again next winter and to make the same type reservations, moving every 2 weeks. I have many friends in those campgrounds that I do not see all of the time but see some of the time. They are a great help, but I can do it myself. You who think you can't just need to DO IT. Take the first step, the rest is easy. Sorry to be so long with this post, it certainly hit home for me.
Jan[/b]
Note: Due to invalid formatting, all formatting has been ignored.
Way to go janharmon....I just know your DH is looking down with a big smile on his face and say..."I knew you could carry on without me...I'm proud of you".
Life goes on...Wishing you all the best.
2003Chevy LT3500,crew cab,4x4,Duramax/Allison,Firestone air bags w/in cab controls,Rancho RS 9000X shocks,cabover struts,Happijac tiedowns.Rhino bed liner. ReeseTowBeast.
2004 Lance 1161,generator,sofa,twin beds,rear observation camera, most other options
Thanks Rob, I'm proud of me too. He knew I could do it too and encouraged me and other women to drive their RV's. You never know what life has in store for you, but I intend to go on living and enjoying the RV lifestyle.
Nope! My DW is the reason we RV, she loves to meet people and talk and talk. I'm just along to drive and dump. Without her, I'd revert to permanent hermit status.
We talked, and I also talked with my oldest daughter about my life without her Daddy, and we discussed getting a 4-bedroom duplex together. She is a single Mom in an apartment now. She said fine. She & I are more compatible than the other children. Since my vision prevents me from driving a vehicle, not sure about the rv. Keep it definitely, as one never knows what life has for us. I could always get it transported to be near the other children also.
Hubby would probably keep it sited for awhile then go on traveling and volunteering. Although he loves driving charter busses, especially the high school sports teams, etc.
Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass.... its learning to dance in the rain!
Traveling down the Road "Side by Side"
2004 Alpenlite TT 28RL
2008 Suburban 2500 Lt
Home Base: Tri-Cities WA - North America
I can honestly say I'm in the same category as Lou. We are only snowbirds & the rig would be gone as everything we've done together in over 40 yrs has only been fun because of doing it together. I simply can't see myself getting any enjoyment out of RV'ing without her. I'd probably be the hermit from an earlier post and simply spend my remaining winters in front of the fire with a good book.
Today is just the tomorrow you worried about yesterday!
'04' International 4400 LoPro 310Hp/950FtLbs 10Spd Harley/RV Toter
'05' Mobile Suites 38RL3
'01' Harley Ultra in the bike barn.
I lost my husband in 06 and thought I wanted to continue to rv, but find it harder than I thought. I don't like rving alone and haven't been able to find anyone that wants to go with. Trying to find a male friend that can handle this big rig is almost impossible. It definitely sounds easier than it really is. I am almost ready to give up!
Gloria and Dillon (my Carolina Dingo)
2002 F250 Ford Diesel Crewcab
2003 3670 Montana 5th Wheel
I know what you mean about being alone, it is hard when traveling. I note you have a 5th wheel and I think that would be harder to handle then my motorhome as far as backing, hitching, etc.
Since you RV'd for many years do you not have friends in campgrounds that you frequented? I find that once I reach my destination I have many more friends and contacts then I do at my home address. I move around a lot but so do my friends, for the most part. I see some of them all the time and some of them some of the time. It is always fun renewing old acquaintances and making new ones.
I think the fact that everyone moves around makes for more camaraderie as there are no "clique neighborhoods" as you might find in parks where folks spend the entire season.
If you have not checked out the women's RV Forum on this site, you need to do so. There are many single women, some with 5th wheels, that are enjoying their rigs.
http://www.womensrvforum.com/cfforum/viewtopics.cfm?Forum=3
Don't give up yet and don't think you have to have a man to do this. Good Luck!
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He knew I could do it too and encouraged me and other women to drive their RV's. You never know what life has in store for you, but I intend to go on living and enjoying the RV lifestyle.
I'm just along to drive and dump. 
Without her, I'd revert to permanent hermit status. 
