I really miss camping but don't know if I can do it alone

[Dianne_and_Tom]

I lost my husband last year to brain cancer.We had a 2010 Carriage Cameo that was to be our last rv as we looked long and hard for it and it was the "perfect one" for us. Unfortunately we were only able to use it a little over a year and a half. I wanted to sell it and buy a small class C that I could handle but he would not even discuss it. If he couldn't have the Carriage he wanted nothing. I was lucky to be able to sell the rv and truck to the same person who planned to full time in it. I miss camping but due to spinal fusion and double knee replacement that didn't do well i'm not sure if I'm physically able to handle the set up. My late hubby said that due to my bad back he didn't think I could handle the heavy power cord or even the sewer hookup. Anyone have any ideas to how I could get back into camping??

[Dianne_and_Tom]

daytona7 wrote:
NOW, I read your last post!:S You mean there are no RV rentals in the New Bern area? What about down towards J-ville or Cherry Point? If you ever get in the Lakeland, FL area, send me a quick note.

No,no rv rentals in my area. I Googled Cruise America and they have 3 locations in NC: Charlotte,Durham and Greensboro,none too near me.

[Dianne_and_Tom]

daytona7 wrote:
Dianne,
Very sorry to hear about Tom. If I'm not mistaken, I ran into you at the Carriage company a few years back.
If you are worrying about not being able to handle camping anymore due to your back, Don't. Like most people are saying, get into a class "C" which would be easier for you to handle. While I was visiting an RV Resort in the Ocala area, I ran into an 84 year 'Young' single female who if lucky, weighed 90 pounds. She was a full-time RV'er and drove a 38 foot class "A" and needed a walker to get around outside. Remember, you are retired so you should be in No Hurry to go any place. And, 99% of the other RV'ers in your camping area would be more than happy to give you a helping hand if needed.

We never went to the Carriage company,we bought ours in Florida, I think Leesburg? Yes,you met an 84 year old single female,but she may have years of camping experience under her belt. I,on the other hand was spoiled,I did the inside work and he did the outside,so totally clueless how it all works and I liked it that way! The last place we camped was at a campground near Duke when he had his surgery and my daughter and I did have to do the dump once but a friend came and broke it down,cleaned up and drove it back home for us.

[daytona7]

NOW, I read your last post!:S You mean there are no RV rentals in the New Bern area? What about down towards J-ville or Cherry Point? If you ever get in the Lakeland, FL area, send me a quick note.

[daytona7]

Dianne,
Very sorry to hear about Tom. If I'm not mistaken, I ran into you at the Carriage company a few years back.
If you are worrying about not being able to handle camping anymore due to your back, Don't. Like most people are saying, get into a class "C" which would be easier for you to handle. While I was visiting an RV Resort in the Ocala area, I ran into an 84 year 'Young' single female who if lucky, weighed 90 pounds. She was a full-time RV'er and drove a 38 foot class "A" and needed a walker to get around outside. Remember, you are retired so you should be in No Hurry to go any place. And, 99% of the other RV'ers in your camping area would be more than happy to give you a helping hand if needed.

[Dianne_and_Tom]

Thanks for the condolances and good advice,I'm still mulling it all over. There isn't anywhere near me that rents rv's and I don't want to put the money out for a new one,I may live a long time yet so have to be careful with my money. I wouldn't trust a used one unless I took a friend with me that would know what to look for. I guess I need to find a single guy,who likes cats that would like a travel partner. I'm a pretty good cook and good conversationalist. 😉

[paulsang]

So many had such great advice! I have nothing to add except go for it! In the short time we've been RV-ing, we have met the world of great people. There are some really sexy Class B's & C's out there, and one of them has your name on it.

Condolences on your loss.

[Crowe]

And taking applications for co-pilot. You get points for being an RVer.

OMG, I have tears in my eyes! That has to be about the sweetest thing I've seen on here!

[wa8yxm]

Dianne, Wife and I started full timing back about 4 years ago.

That winter our elderly car.. Breathed it's last.. We have been without car for 3 years.. Just drive the 38' motor home.

Well last Holy Wendesday we got a new (Used) Jeep.. 4 days later, Easter Sunday, the day befor the tow bar came in, wife is following me campground to campground and she lost control.. Found a tree, that's all she wrote.

Totaled both herself and the jeep.

I am still arguing with insurance companies (Got the state involved in that too) over this mess but that's another story and not for here since the state is involved.

Anyway.. Planing on another new towed next week if nobody buys it first.

And taking applications for co-pilot. You get points for being an RVer.

[D_E_Bishop]

There are a lot of partially disabled folks out there RVing. It is the best way for us to camp. There are lots of single women out there Rving due to cirmunstances similar to yours. Bs, small Cs and As really are the answer. The DW wants the Winnie VIA for all those reasons. Either of us can hook up or disconnect even with our disabilities. Just look at a lot of them to get what you want.

[monkey44]

We're getting along in years too (69 - 65) - so far between us, four hip replacements, two back surgeries, one knee, one ankle (twice), and we refuse to allow pain and age stop us.

We're heading out for a cross-country trip today ... We do have occasional issues setting up, but always ask the ranger or the host for a hand if we need it, and they're always willing to help and gossip.

SO, renting at first is a great idea, but don't rent long-term, rent, go for it, test everything you'll need to do, several times, and ask for assistance from the neighbor, the host, or offer a teen a couple bucks to set you up - teens usually know everything if they're camping too. Then, go for it, and go where you want, when you want.

We have never had an issue that stopped us, so don't let it stop you if you really want to continue with RV ... you don't have to move often, just find a spot you enjoy, hang around for awhile, then get a little help and move on.

Good Luck and happy camping ... M44 & Genie

[WoodGlue]

It's always so cool seeing people offering other people help and assistance, online and in a campground!

WoodGlue

[fpresto]

I agree with several other posters; there are no end of fellow campers willing and able to help set up and take down a RV. I have personally helped many people who were having difficulties including single women and others with physical handicaps. There are many campers both male and female who travel alone.

[NCWriter]

I am so sorry for your loss.

We live less than an hour from New Bern down near Cape Carteret bridge to Emerald Isle. Why don't you come down one day in the next month (before we head west) and eyeball our class B? You could try a drive in it around our quiet neighborhood streets and see how it feels.

Just send me a private message and we'd enjoy meeting you. We never tire of talking about how much fun the B has been for us.

[Peg_Leg]

Sorry for your loss and I admire your determination. I have a artificial leg, above the knee, bad back and every finger has had trigger finger operations. Monday I'll have my second carpal tunnel surgery. Some times I have to sit on the ground when doing things and I know I'm a sight getting back up. You seem to find ways to do what you want.

I'm not sure if your plans are for one campground or not since you mention storing the rig. If so some campgrounds will move your rig to a storage area or the campsite for you. A smaller rig with one AC unit will use the 30 amp system and the cords as stated are a lot easier to handle. The sewer hoses with tabs around the connectors would lend themselves to a fabricated spanner type leverage assist tool. Someone could probably cut one out of plywood if you show them what you need.

You've been around camping enough to know what you want. Find it and go for it. God Bless.

[mockturtle]

My back isn't entirely healthy, either, and I've had a single knee replacement but I do just fine alone with my Class C.