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??

[chracatoa]

Dianne and Tom wrote:
Oh well, the $169 a day rate at James Island and all the steps to get up in the cabin rules that out!

I'm late in this thread - but I noticed you're from WA? We started doing cabin camping in WA state parks for some time. Cabins in state parks are not that expensive and they are almost like a trailer. It'd also cheaper for us to keep going to cabins (instead of buying the TT).

However, they lack the most important part (I think): the toilet/shower. I don't mind using the campground restrooms during the day (and I actually do that anyway) but having to walk outside at 3:00am when it's dark and cold it's no fun. So we decided to go with the TT.

Also, most state parks didn't have cabins or they are very hard to get. Lincoln Rock has 3 or 4, I think.

[rolling_rhoda]

Dianne, since renting isn't an option, I'd suggest visiting a dealership and taking a good look at what's available in a Class C. Based on your fiver and your dear cat, a B seems too small for your comfort. Ask about some of the options others have recommended, and look for basement doors that open by swinging to the side, not up. A good dealership will give you a thorough walk through on a purchase, showing you how to hook up, etc. Day to day RV know how isn't very difficult or complicated. A good checklist helps.. You will learn a lot your first weekend in camp driveway, and boost your confidence too.

PS. Renting a cabin means a lot of hauling...bedding, a cooler, things for cooking and eating. An RV is much less work, not to mention cleaner.

[Dianne_and_Tom]

Mountain Jack wrote:
Howdy Dianne, i'm so very sorry to hear of your loss. Please take gentle good care of yourself.

A used truck camper may be an easier rv for you to live in & travel to new beautiful Adventures. https://www.google.com/search?q=pic+of+9'+truck+camper&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=YZDlUcy8E-...

Take Care...

Thanks,I actually have a rving couple that upon retiring traded in their tag a long for one of these,can't see the reasoning for that. Too small and still no room for that big litter box!!

[Mountain_Jack]

Howdy Dianne, i'm so very sorry to hear of your loss. Please take gentle good care of yourself.

A used truck camper may be an easier rv for you to live in & travel to new beautiful Adventures. https://www.google.com/search?q=pic+of+9'+truck+camper&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=YZDlUcy8E-...

Take Care...

[bigcitypopo]

Ma'am, I'd holler at a friend and take that class a for a drive. It might turn out to be quite manageable.

Push yourself out of the comfort zone a tad bit and see where you need to draw the line... Camp with a buddy. Then you'll know.

Very sorry for your loss. Rv folk are like extended family. We look out for each other that's why we venture out. , head west. We'll look out for ya..

[rondeb]

If I were in your shoes, I would go with a small Class C with 30 amp. The 30 amp cord is light enough and not so stiff so you should be able to handle it. I understand the 50 amp cord is huge, heavy and so stiff.

You would consider getting something or having automatic leveling system on your RV. The sewer connection should be ok. Get a small stool to sit on when you hook up everything if you need it. My husband has a bad back and uses the stool a lot.

Just Do It LOL

[abc40kids]

Haven't read all the post but what about setting up on a permanent site and all you would need to do is turn the lights on. This idea is no good if you were trying to see different places. Best of luck to you!

[AJR]

Dianne, I am so sorry for your loss. I also lost the best part of my life ten years ago to brain cancer. It just takes time to get past that day and move on with one’s life. It sounds like you are taking the first steps and that is good.

Some good thoughts have been expressed on the previous pages. Think hard about what your needs are now and go from there. There may be a class “C” or smaller “A” in your future. Both are single person friendly.

[pnichols]

Dianne,

Here's just a few recommendations.

I'd recommend a Class B or a small Class C - no more than 23 feet for either style - that is low to the ground and with an automatically extending entrance step:

- For the sewer be sure it has a macerator setup instead of a regular sewer hose.

- Make sure it's fresh water tank can be filled through the regular hookup hose receptacle instead of, or in addition to, the standard gravity flow inlet (which can be slow and a hassle at times).

- Make sure it has two batteries for the coach part and one battery for the engine.

- Make sure it has a built-in generator fueled from the main engine's fuel tank.

- Make sure you have road service insurance for that will allow changing of the inner dual (if it has dual tires on the rear) ... some road services will not authorize changing of an inner dual.

- Make sure you have road service with an additional medical service rider.

- Make sure you have automatic leveling added to the RV.

[Dianne_and_Tom]

campincandice wrote:
Dianne, you and I had talked sometime ago as my husband also died from the same brain cancer. I'm sorry for your journey! I also sold my trailer and tow vehicle, but luckily I found me a new camping partner! After 4 years of widowhood, I found someone who loves to camp as much as I do - we got married a few weeks ago and are now looking for a new rig!

Good luck with your decisions - it's all tough... But as you know, life goes on, it's just very different.

Candice

Candice,good to hear from you and hear your good news. I'm so happy for you and hope you and your new camping partner have many miles,and smiles together. Its a little soon for me but hope I can find someone one day too to ride the roads with.

[campincandice]

Dianne, you and I had talked sometime ago as my husband also died from the same brain cancer. I'm sorry for your journey! I also sold my trailer and tow vehicle, but luckily I found me a new camping partner! After 4 years of widowhood, I found someone who loves to camp as much as I do - we got married a few weeks ago and are now looking for a new rig!

Good luck with your decisions - it's all tough... But as you know, life goes on, it's just very different.

Candice

[Dianne_and_Tom]

I do miss rving,but I miss our Carriage,we looked long and hard to find the perfect one:fireplace,island in the kitchen,flat screen TV's,double door fridge,2 closets in the bedroom,pull out pantry,etc,etc after that anything else probably won't make me happy. In looking at floor plans they also don't have the room for a litter box for my 18 lb.Maine Coon,which is a must!

[noe-place]

Do your research and do what pleases you. But whatever you decide about your future, don't give up on rving. You sound like you really want to get back out. Good luck.

[RollandB]

I too am sorry to hear about your loss. It really hits home, not for me, but a friend recently lost his wife. We have chatted about things, life, etc., one thing he said was he would like to go somewhere, but didn't have anyone to go with. I told him, we would fix that and would go somewhere soon. I say give the suggestions a try. I remember the first time I took a trailer out, didn't know if I could back it in a site, but figured someone could help.