I'm completely discouraged after reading these posts...

[Jayla]

I'm retiring in three years and was looking forward to purchasing a 5th wheeler to take on the road. Came here looking for advice, tips, etc. and all I see are problems, problems, problems. Systems that don't work, expensive repairs, units that do nothing but leak, poor customer service everywhere, and problems at RV parks. Wow, I'm just so discouraged now, I'm thinking I should totally abandon this idea and start looking for something else. I don't mind educating myself on minor maintenance and repair but I'm looking for a positive fulfilling traveling experience, not a job in Resolving Nothing But Problems.

[Redterpos3]

I lurked on this site a long time before taking the plunge. Notice the difference btw my signup date to the left and my start to trailering in my signature. I would go tour campgrounds and realized just stepping into a campground was both joyful and relaxing for me! Then I had a lot to learn, still do. I love the humility on this site, the sharing, and the willingness to help and share silly and dangerous mistakes so the rest of us can learn without some of the pain others have had to endure! I'm chomping at the bit because this year my trailer has just sat on my driveway a lot because of lots of other wonderful things happening, but I need my trailering!!

[tpi]

If you really want to RV and quality/lack of problems is important to you-then search out the quality offerings in the rv category you're interested in. Elevate quality to your highest priority-above decor, colors, perfect floorplan, price, etc. You still should be able to find something you'll really like.

For example if you're looking for a fifth wheel, research the quality ones-starting by asking questions here. I can say no RV is going to be completely free of little bugs. But it is likely you'll have trip after trip with little or no problem.

[2gypsies1]

Do a 'Google' for single RVers. You'd be amazed at how many women are out there. Some of the bigger ones likes Loners on Wheels and SOLOs, are definitely not dating groups. They meet up at different places throughout the country and do fun things like hiking, fishing, boating, geocaching, 4-wheeling, solve mechanical problems, potlucks and just sitting around the campfire.

[free_radical]

Uncle Grumpy wrote:
We are now in our 4th year with our 5re. Did a lot of research and narrowed it down to 4 brands. Spent 6 months on Craig's list and bought a 28ft Excel. Pulled by my 06 Duromax we average 13mpg. We spend 5 mo in Rockport TX in winter and have used Duane our mobile tech a couple of times. I asked him what percentage of his repairs were appliances. His reply was 80%. Our stove was not staying lit and we went to camper town and they said to replace it for $700, not going to do that. On the way home we stopped at Larry's RV in North Platte and they fixed a jack and then cleaned the oven for no charge! We have stopped there one other time and they put us right at the top of taking care of it. We also have a local shade tree mechanic that replaced the brakes and shocks and charged $30 hr! You are always going to have minor issues that need taken care of, just like your house. We LOVE the rv lifestyle and the many wonderful friends we have made. That is the reward for a few minor problems.

By the way, don't buy new..

Why not?
Buying used means you don't know what may break and need fixing very soon..
I dont like fixing things but rather drive and live to enjoy myself..

Used to drive plenty of old cars and trucks then needed repairs,,but now that I can afford new I'll never buy used anything,,well maybe some shirts in Value village..lol

Bought my present Silverado in 08 brand new,,drive smartly and so far it's been very reliable,,even the brakes are still original

[mowermech]

Nearly everything in set up/take down can be done by one person, even many things that "they" say must have two people.
When I had a fixed arm adjustable width towbar for my Jeeps, I used to get a real laugh from those who said it was nearly impossible to hook one up by oneself, one MUST have a telescoping arm towbar for that. I hooked my old cheap fixed arm towbar up many times by myself!
Sometimes I go camping by myself. Then, I have to take care of all the inside stuff as well as the outside stuff. Sure, it takes a little longer to do it all myself, but it is no big thing, I don't have a schedule to keep.
When my wife was a traveling nurse, we met another traveler at an RV park near Oceano, CA, who traveled by herself in a 36 foot diesel pusher Class A. She had been in nearly every state in the West, including Alaska! BY HERSELF! She did it all; set up, take down, dump tanks, the whole thing, BY HERSELF! As I recall, she was about 5 foot 4, not much over 100 lbs, and over 50 years old!
If you want to do it bad enough, you WILL learn how! It just isn't all that difficult.
Go for it!

[ncrowley]

I have taken trips alone. It just takes me longer to do everything since they tasks are not divided into two sets of hands. It is not easier or harder - it is just more time.

[Jayla]

Thanks to everyone again for all your comments. I'm learning a lot. I notice most of you are traveling as couples and I'm wondering what sort of challenges I might face as a solo traveler. I'm assuming there are certain procedures involved up in setup/takedown that are more easily completed by two people as opposed to one but what are other challenges you think I might want to consider as I move along in my journey. I'm aware I will have to all the driving myself but interested in other comments as well.

[Uncle_Grumpy]

We are now in our 4th year with our 5re. Did a lot of research and narrowed it down to 4 brands. Spent 6 months on Craig's list and bought a 28ft Excel. Pulled by my 06 Duromax we average 13mpg. We spend 5 mo in Rockport TX in winter and have used Duane our mobile tech a couple of times. I asked him what percentage of his repairs were appliances. His reply was 80%. Our stove was not staying lit and we went to camper town and they said to replace it for $700, not going to do that. On the way home we stopped at Larry's RV in North Platte and they fixed a jack and then cleaned the oven for no charge! We have stopped there one other time and they put us right at the top of taking care of it. We also have a local shade tree mechanic that replaced the brakes and shocks and charged $30 hr! You are always going to have minor issues that need taken care of, just like your house. We LOVE the rv lifestyle and the many wonderful friends we have made. That is the reward for a few minor problems. By the way, don't buy new..

[revump]

This is our 5th year ... it has been expensive but do-able. Repairs take time but I have a lot of time.

[Jayla]

Sounds wonderful Gene&Ginny. Bet they would've made a great blueberry pie, too.

[Gene_Ginny]

Once upon a time, long long ago, my wife and I wanted to move up from a pop up to a small travel trailer. We spent a year looking and I spent a lot of time lurking here on RV.NET. I learned a lot from the problems others had and how the problems were resolved. We DID find a trailer that we both instantly knew was the one for us.

Last week we came back from a 12 day trip to Maine, mostly in the Bar Harbor area. One afternoon I picked wild Maine blueberries that were no more then 15 feet from our awning. We had a big batch of blueberry pancakes for breakfast the nex morning. :C :B Those pancakes, LOADED with blueberries, were so good we did the same thing 2 days later. :B

Ahhhhh, this camping thing can be so tough.

[B_s_Bunch]

This lifestyle is not always you get what you pay for. Do your reserch ask questions and make your best INFORMED decisions. It aint for everyone.

[Campinfan]

Most of the time the trailers are trouble free but every now and then something comes up. Nothings perfect. But overall, it is worth it.

[Jayla]

I'm still here and I posted! I appreciate all the supportive comments and the not so supportive ones as well. Obviously I need to give this idea a lot more thought and do some "practicing" before I make any big decisions. I'm really glad so many of you have found RV'ing is the life for you.