Not new to camping but new to going it alone

[SheCamper]

Hi all,

I bought an 80's 18 foot travel trailer, a Bendix Citation. I can't find much info on it. It's getting some work done...front corner has come apart and needs fixed, and the electrical needs some work. Hope to get that fixed by the end of the month. I'm thinking of joining a womens camping group but also doing some traveling by myself. I went camping a lot as a kid, my parents had a trailer then a motorhome. But it's been like 30 years. I'm kinda nervous about pulling a trailer myself, but excited to get back to camping.

Any hints or helps you can offer a newbie would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks!

[toedtoes]

I got back into camping in a similar way. Starting with the trailer is good because you don't have to worry about a second drive train.

I do have two dogs that camp with me - that has countered two common issues with solo camping: loneliness/boredom and security. I often camp off season and alone or just one of two or three folks in the campground. I find I really enjoy that time and having the dogs ensures I have a hiking companion and a warning system.

General observations:

If you're single at home, camping is no different. You're more likely to find trouble in your own neighborhood than at a campground. So don't overstress about that. Just be observant and trust your spidey senses - if they tingle, leave.

For me, the joy of solo camping is that I am in control. I go when I want to go, rather than waiting for someone else to want to go. Now, I plan my camping trips and simply send the dates and locations to friends and say "if you want to join me, I'll be in site X". I plan my meals and most often have enough to share if someone does come out. Often someone will join for part of the trip and I'll be alone the other part. I've also invited folks to visit for a day if they live in the area - that works out well also.

Get yourself a basic toolkit to keep in the trailer. Things will go wrong with one thing or another. You'll get handy to fix the basics and will learn how to work around the rest. For example - battery power goes out and you can't get it working, use the campground water (you won't have a working water pump) and battery operated lanterns/flashlights; propane system stops working, use a cooler(I keep a soft-sided one in the closet) and cook on the fire; and so on. No reason for those things to end your trip.

As for driving the trailer, don't worry. Get some practice backing up at an empty parking lot and go for it. Going forward is not difficult at all.

I'm not one for the groups - I enjoy camping solo and am not trying to avoid it. If you prefer to have a "community" for support, the groups are good.

Start small - a two or three night trip. I have found that the small to medium sized campgrounds that are popular with fishermen, hikers, etc., are the best. There are usually folks there during my stay, but they don't bother me at all. They are polite and friendly but not intrusive.

Also, camp in your driveway as much as possible. Sleeping in the trailer in a familiar place will help you adjust to the trailer noises and any outside noises that come through. Then, when you go to a campground, you won't stress over every sound at night.

And most of all - ENJOY!!!!

[DrewE]

I'll try to give some more general hints that may be helpful.

The first camping "trip" you make should, if possible, be to your own driveway, with the goals of getting a feel for how things work and making a list of essentials you need to get.

As far as pulling the trailer, take it easy and don't cut corners too closely, and I suspect you'll get at least somewhat comfortable before too long. Do try to relax a little; it's very wearying to drive with hands clenched tight on the wheel and muscles all tensed up, and while that's natural to do when one is somewhat nervous it doesn't really help in the actual control of the vehicle.

I'd practice backing up (carefully and slowly) in a big empty parking lot. There's definitely somewhat of a knack to backing a trailer, but it's not too terribly hard to learn at least the basics. You do have to think ahead a bit to make turns, first getting the vehicle and trailer angled with respect to each other appropriately before actually making the turn.

Positioning oneself in a campsite unaided can be a bit of a challenge. Don't be afraid to get out and look as often as necessary. I'd much rather fellow campers think me an overly cautious newbie for doing so than prove that I'm an insufficiently cautious newbie from failing to do so. If possible, avoid arriving after dark as that makes things a lot trickier.

If you do arrive after dark, I find it helpful to have a few of the little pop-up battery powered LED lanterns available to unpack and place out at key points to provide references for getting around, sort of like lighthouses work. I might put one on the near corner of the picnic table, or one where I want the end of the RV to end up, or one by the edge of the ditch next to the access driveway.

Finally, have fun!

[BB_TX]

kerrlakeRoo wrote:
To throw one more group at you,,,,,
www.sistersonthefly.com
I have seen several mentions in here on them and that folks were envious of the groups activities and get togethers. All comments were from men that were envious.

x-2 on the escapees boot camp if you are anywhere near Mo.

We ran across this group in an RV park in Amarillo one year. They were having a ball. Each had their TT painted and decorated to their personal taste. And some of those were really wild.

www.sistersonthefly.com

[kerrlakeRoo]

To throw one more group at you,,,,,
www.sistersonthefly.com
I have seen several mentions in here on them and that folks were envious of the groups activities and get togethers. All comments were from men that were envious.

x-2 on the escapees boot camp if you are anywhere near Mo.

[the_bear_II]

Kathy,

There is a group called Loners on Wheels (LOW)- It's an unfortunate name but a great group. You'll find great support and resources with this group.

There are RV training courses where you can learn the best tips for towing and setting up camp.

If you plan on travelling locally you can hire RV transporters to move your trailer. Lots of women we've met who travel within 300 miles of their homes use the transporters.

Good luck with your adventures.

[swphotobug]

I would suggest you go to the Escapee's Boot Camp to find out about your systems. Coming up at the end of May is a Boot Camp and the annual rally in Sedalia, MO. Escapees also has an active Solo's group and additional groups, all groups welcome singles. Escapees is a very good support organization. Their website is escapees.com. Their forum is rvnetwork.com.