Hi, just want to introduce myself, a very nervous new female RV'er who is going to pick up my Minni Winnie 22R next Wednesday. About 6 years ago I rented a 25' Class C and learned to drive it as I left the lot and headed home. Later that week I took it on a three week trip cross country (in October) to CO then up to Wash state and Montana and on way home barely kept ahead of a snow storm back to PA. That is the extent of my experience with RV'ing tho I have been driving 70 mi round trip to work every day since 1975, and have taken camping trips all over the US and Canada including Alaska with a pickup and tent. I am now tentatively beginning to consider retiring in a couple of years while still in good health and decided, since I love to drive and travel, to purchase this vehicle now before I chickened out. Has anyone else experienced this kind of blind uncertain leap into this lifestyle and retirement?

I am also a single woman who just took the leap about 6 weeks ago buying a small class C motorhome. The first time I actually drove a motorhome was when I drove my new rig home ... I'm not much of a camper, but bought the rig to travel to dog events with my dogs (whippets). The rig I bought was older (1998) and needed a lot of work (which I knew when I bought it). I've whipped it into shape, learned to use all the systems, have become comfortable driving it locally, and am leaving next week for my first real trip (650 miles each way). While I'm not looking at the same lifestyle that I think you are, I did take a blind, uncertain leap into RV ownership, and am happy with my decision so far. Good luck!!

Also a single retired woman who shocked my friends and relatives a year ago when I bought a new Itasca Spirit and started traveling around to the Florida State Parks with my dogs. My first time in an RV was when I test drove it. After nine months I set out on a month long trip from FL to NY and MA traveling through the Smoky Mts and staying in the Blue Ridge Pkwy campgrounds. All this to characterize what kind of RVing suited me. I had decided going in that if I did not like it I would just sell the RV and move on to something else. But I love it and really enjoy my Spirit. It is the perfect size for me.I think with the traveling you did in the rental that you know what you are getting into and will enjoy your Minnie Winnie. Sometimes what we thought was just a fantasy comes to reality in a flash and surprises the heck out of us.

Go for it! As a single woman, you are already capable living on your own and dealing with what life throws your way. You know how to drive, you know how to take care of yourself, you know how to get help when you need it - that's all you need. In reality, the basic functions of the RV parts aren't that difficult to handle. While the black tank dumping sounds "icky", it really isn't difficult. Lighting propane appliances isn't any different than lighting a gas stove or heater. And so on. And, you've already done all that.Traveling alone is no more dangerous than living alone. As a single woman, you go shopping alone, you spend your nights (or at least a few :) ) alone, you drive alone, you eat alone... You're just as likely, probably more likely, to have a "bad situation" in your daily routine as you are on the road. More likely because in a new place, you are usually more aware of your surroundings than you are at home when you tend to run on auto-pilot.In my experience, as a single woman, the people who are most concerned about my solo travel (whether in the RV or not), are non-single women who have never experienced solo life or more traditional men who are concerned about a "woman's safety". Most established single women are out there doing their own solo travel.

Bigbaddabug wrote:Hi, just want to introduce myself, a very nervous new female RV'er who is going to pick up my Minni Winnie 22R next Wednesday. About 6 years ago I rented a 25' Class C and learned to drive it as I left the lot and headed home. Later that week I took it on a three week trip cross country (in October) to CO then up to Wash state and Montana and on way home barely kept ahead of a snow storm back to PA. That is the extent of my experience with RV'ing tho I have been driving 70 mi round trip to work every day since 1975, and have taken camping trips all over the US and Canada including Alaska with a pickup and tent. I am now tentatively beginning to consider retiring in a couple of years while still in good health and decided, since I love to drive and travel, to purchase this vehicle now before I chickened out. Has anyone else experienced this kind of blind uncertain leap into this lifestyle and retirement?What year rig did you buy?Have you done a thorough inspection?Do you know what to look for?

I think that is awesome! You do sound confident with your abilities in driving and handling RV. You need to join Escapees, Good Sam and maybe other clubs to have Roadside assistance and many other benefits along the way. You are gonna have so much fun!Enjoy!

Winnebago Minnie Winnie Nubee | Good Sam Community

toedtoes
Explorer III
Sep 29, 2014
If you feel uncomfortable with how the cage puts together (each side just slips into the others), use plastic zip ties at each corner. I have 2 of the cages and neither has ever come apart, but the zip ties just make me feel like it's more secure. :)
Bigbaddabug
Explorer
Sep 29, 2014
Yes, I am picking up the new, 2015 Minnie Winnie on Wednesday-wish me luck!
I decided on new b/c I will have my hands full just learning all the tricks of the trade without having to trouble-shoot problems with a used one, and also because I am not savvy enough to find 'hidden' problems. May be in a few years I will have picked up the expertise first-hand and in this forum but am starting almost from ground zero re the maintenance.
Bigbaddabug
Explorer
Sep 29, 2014
ron.dittmer wrote:
darsben wrote:
Since you do not mention how old.
I don't know why, but somehow I was under the impression she is buying a brand new Minnie Winnie. If buying used without a full warranty, I do agree with you.
Bigbaddabug
Explorer
Sep 29, 2014
I am so grateful for your cage suggestion-it is exactly what I was looking for my African Grey parrot which is just about the size of an Amazon! Smartie Pants is the boss of the dog and cat and teases them unmercifully. I ordered it immediately and it is now in transit.
Thanks again!
Bigbaddabug
Explorer
Sep 29, 2014
toedtoes wrote:
I camp with an Amazon parrot and 2 large (85lb) dogs.

I have a dedicated "RV cage" cage that I use when we are stationary. During travel (and between house and RV), I use a regular plastic cat carrier for the bird. I place it on the passenger seat in the cab so I can watch him during the drive. He's at least 31 and only started traveling in the past year (spent most of his time before in a cage sedentary). I have found that he wants to be able to see EVERYTHING going on. If I don't place the carrier just right, he can't see his dogs in the back and throws a fit.

The RV cage is stored in the cabover bunk during the drive. Once we get to our destination, I move it to the dinette table. The size is perfect in that if I set it up sideways on the table, I still have 1/2 of the table for me. He likes that he can see out all the windows. It's a heavy cage which is nice because it doesn't move around on the table. He isn't a holdable bird (there are rules), so I don't let him out of the cage when we're on trips. It makes me feel safer that he won't get himself in trouble with the dogs, etc.

The dogs and I sleep up on the cabover bunk. I got a set of dog steps that work perfectly - I set them on the sofa up against the bunk bed and the dogs climb up to go to bed.

Things work well even in the tight space. The dogs have gotten used to being so close to the bird (at home the bird's cage is higher up and out of reach), and the bird has really adapted to the camping life.

The cat stays home - he is a runner (has never walked in his life - it's run and jump like Tigger), so I don't chance it. He gets nervous easily, so it's probably just as well.
toedtoes
Explorer III
Sep 28, 2014
janalee - I'm sorry about your husband, hopefully he will be able to enjoy more traveling even if he can't do a lot of the "work".

I almost went with a "newer" 24ft MH. I really liked the floorplan of the Tioga "double dinette" model. It had a standard dinette behind the passenger seat, and across the back was a U-shaped dinette. It also had the cabover bed. With a window across the entire back, and no "bedroom" walls, it had a lot of light and airiness that dedicated bed RVs don't have. I've seen that floorplan in Tiogas of the 1980s.

But, I have to say, I really love my 21ft. Because I use the cabover bed (would have even in the 24ft Tioga), I don't need that extra 3ft on the inside. On the outside, not having that 3 feet really simplifies things. If I get to the point where I can't climb up into the cabover, I'll use my jack-knife sofa bed.
xxjanaleexx
Explorer
Sep 27, 2014
I just wish I could find my "ideal" class c ,24-25',as I am "almost" alone..DH has dementia(82 yrs.old) so I sold my tt two weeks ago. He just can't be relied on for hitching and I am disabled..but at 73 I still feel the need to continue to rv!! I am also looking for an older one--not as old as yours Bigbaddabug--! But you enjoy yours--- and women----go for it! I traveled for years alone or with another woman while DH was working. Had soooo many great times!
ron_dittmer
Explorer II
Sep 26, 2014
darsben wrote:
Since you do not mention how old.
I don't know why, but somehow I was under the impression she is buying a brand new Minnie Winnie. If buying used without a full warranty, I do agree with you.
darsben
Explorer II
Sep 26, 2014
Since you do not mention how old. I hope you re prepared to do a thorough predelivery inspection on the unit if used. Usually there is no warranty on a used rig even from dealer. If the rig is over 5-6 years old then new tires will probably be needed no matter how much tread on the tires. RV tires fail LONG before the tread wears out. So if your rigs tires are over 5 -6 years old by prepared to buy new. When you pick it up from a dealer all appliances, features must be checked. Refrigerator should have been on a minimum of 12 hours before you arrive so you can see it working. Furnace, Hot water heater etc. everything including the awning. This needs to take place before you give the dealer the money.
EMD360
Explorer
Sep 26, 2014
Don't have to be single to buy and operate an RV. Or to learn all the systems and perform maintenance and repairs. Not every camping loving guy enjoys taking care of an RV and many will gladly let you do the learning, driving, and care stuff. Just do it if you want to and more power to you.
You will do fine. Everything can be learned if you spend the time and have the interest. Retirement is also wonderful if you can swing it financially do it as soon as possible. That is my 2 cents. :)