Driving your RV alone

[DarkSkySeeker]

As I approach retirement, I wonder about the possibility of driving my rig to a campsite and have my sweetheart catch up later in the car. Or if I go far enough, she could fly to and from the location if it is near an airport.

Does anyone drive their rig alone?

[ZINGERLITE]

We used to have a motor home and now we have a trailer. When we camp locally i love getting there and setting up by myself. On the long trips it usually starts a fight with my better half. I've got my own routine/set up procedure id rather do by myself. plus you get the extra hour or so to yourself before everyone shows up. its nice to have everything set up for when the rest of the group arrives.

The worst is with a group full of old timers. You end up with too many people giving orders. Not enough people working lol.

[DarkSkySeeker]

toedtoes wrote:
Many people solo RV. It's not a big deal. If it makes sense to have your spouse drive out separately, then do it. No special thought required.

I really appreciate the knowledge of the users of this forum. I've had my trailer for 2 years and still felt it was wise to check in here on this issue. It seems to be overwhelmingly a "yes" that is is reasonable to go it alone.

[YC_1]

We used to do it all the time. Our favorite boon dock site was an hour and a half away. Often I would take off with the boat and get there early and she would bring the TT or later years the MH.

Sometimes she would take the RV early if I was stuck at work and she could get a good camp spot that way.

Of course we no travel together everywhere and she is a great navigator and safety pilot.

[olfarmer]

When my wife was able sometimes she would get out and guide me into a tight spot but I didn't like it if she got where I couldn't see her. Now she is no longer able to get out and do that. I can usually back in with no assistance with the mirrors and backup camera. If I am in doubt I get out and look things over. It is not really a problem.

[LScamper]

My wife sits in the truck until everything is hooked up and the air conditioner is running. The same as being alone while backing in. It's better than her backing me into a tree!

[hornet28]

Some like it solo and others are lost unless someone is along. Myself I take a trip or two of 3-5K a year solo. It isn't a camping trip but hunting old car parts hauling a 38 ft bumper pull. Wife doesn't care to go on those trips and they are generally only 10-15 days long so lots of miles per day. When we camp it's together there and back

[twodownzero]

I solo almost all of the time. 35 years looking for a wife, haven't found her yet.

[Halmfamily]

We do this several times of the year. I will go out a day or two ahead of my wife, setup and relax for a day by myself and she will drive out after work.

I've learned to back our fifth wheel up by myself. I use small traffic cones to line myself up if it's not a straight shot backing in.

[GizmosMom]

Really? I drive our Class C with NO problems. I can back it into a spot. Drove our 21 foot Class B as a daily driver for 14 years all around Austin, TX.

Piece of cake!

[CavemanCharlie]

I have a travel trailer and not a self propelled RV. I have been lucky and have never gotten married. I go everywhere solo, unless you count the dog. The only problem I have is that when I get to the park the dog is so excited and happy that I have to stop and tie him out before I can get backed in perfectly.

I like driving alone. No one to complain about my singing.

[toedtoes]

Many people solo RV. It's not a big deal. If it makes sense to have your spouse drive out separately, then do it. No special thought required.

[Mickeyfan0805]

We tow, not a coach, but I have travelled alone on multiple ocassions. The biggest trip was 2,700 miles round trip to and from FL so that she could fly down with the kids and curtail the need to miss school. I kept my overnights as pull-throughs (just to make it easier) and got in and out as necessary to check when backing in. Worked just fine. I like having her company, but when the need arises to do it otherwise, we have no problems with it.

[DarkSkySeeker]

camperdave wrote:

Honestly, I think I'm more likely to back into something if my wife is spotting me than if I'm solo... 😉

Well, yes, while backing into the spot near our house where we store the RV, the GF was intently watching the tires while the RV hit the rain gutters.

Go figure. I still take her on trips tho, and remind her to look up and down now.

[2edgesword]

I've done it a couple of times but it's short trips under an hour when my wife will be needing her car at some point during out time camping. Any longer trip her preference would be to tag along with me. She sleeps most of the trip anyway :).

[Cloud_Dancer]

I can do it, and I've done it several times. Hitching up whatever I'm towing is no problem. Maneuvering is no problem. Unhitching is no problem. Trip planning does takes longer. However, I'm now almost 80, and I'm more aware of of risks which might be related to getting older and older. It's true, the older you get, the younger you wish you were.
My wife is getting a knee replacement next week. Right about now I'm thinking that I might be expecting too much. I'm wondering how close to normal she'll be?