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 workampers, 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 that includes going solo. And since the options for an RV run the gamut, too, traveling and camping in an RV is made that much simpler.
What are the benefits of solo RVing?
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.
Will I feel lonely?
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 completely preventable if you so 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. Just take a look at the driving tours on our website for ideas.
How do I determine my “RV lifestyle”?
It’s important to know what kind of life or camping experience you’d like to have with your RV, because ths 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 capacbilityes 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 27-foot-length 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?
This is a soul-searching question. We’ve provided a lot of ideas to get you thinking in order to answer.
Should I rent an RV or buy?
It’s the ultimate question. 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 later. However, before that impulse purchase it’s important to have already considered the type of RV lifestyle you envision for yourself and research your RV choices. What do we mean? We will discuss these points in detail further on in this article.
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 when the time comes. Here’s what you should consider before you rent.
Should I get a motorized or a towable RV?
There isn’t a “right” way or a “wrong” way, just the right choice for you. Some solo RVers like the Class B (camper vans) and Class C motorhomes because it’s everything in one compact package. You don’t need to worry about towing another vehicle behind your RV, either. Class A motorhomes can be very long and not very agile when it comes to tight spaces, although some Class A models are less than 27 feet. Class A and Class C motorhomes can come equipped with a lot of amenities, while camper vans offer more simplified yet comfortable camping.
As for RVs that can be trailered or towed (you have options: check out the types), the decision again is based on your comfort level in towing and having the capacity to tow. The nice part about a towable RV is that you have a separate vehicle for leaving the campsite and visiting attractions, without having to break camp and without having to navigate a larger vehicle.
Are there groups for solo RVers?
Sound like a bit of an oxymoron? Even if you’re going solo, you can meet up with others who are doing the same thing and have a good time together.
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, 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 of how to take each thing one step at a time. You aren’t going to know everything in a day or just by reading information on the internet. You will learn through experience and over time. Eventually, you’ll be the one passing on the advice.
Do I need to be worried about safety?
Personal safety and the preservation of your property are important, and of course we all need to take measures to ensure safety. However, the risk of a break-in, theft, or violence are small. Miniscule, according to the majority of RVers. The news tells us one thing, experience tells us another. Reality is usually much more subdued and “normal” compared to the stories we hear; these stories make the news headlines because they are abnormal, not normal. 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.
There are a few other things you should be aware of when you’re traveling and camping alone. Lock your doors, just as you would your house. Let friends and family know your travel route and even your plans, so that somebody else stays informed. You can always leave a note in your RV, too, in case. Stay in areas with a good phone signal. Park under lights if you’re making a stop during nighttime hours, or if you’re staying overnight at a parking lot, rest stop, or truck stop; be leery if you’re the only RV present, as it would probably be best to move on.
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 – just be aware and make smart decisions.
An RV can help get them from point A to point B and enjoy life between stops, whether you’re RVing with a crowd or going solo. Now, hit the road!