Rving by myself

[lucy6194]

Husband in failing health. Considering taking our 5th wheel to keywest next winter(military campground). I've driven the rig a little. Thinking of using hotels till get far enough south to camp. Guess just looking for encouragement. Have never backed her up or into a site. Will have two fierce labs (sic)as protection. Any suggestions.

[monkey44]

Sent you a PM about Military CG's ...

Have you seen this site www.militarycampgrounds.us -- lots of info... note the dot .us, not dot .com

[dedmiston]

Hi Lucy - I think this is brave of you.

Practice will definitely make all the difference. Also try to be strategic in your routes and timing. For example, pick routes that will include larger truck stops or turnpikes for fueling, so you don't have to squeeze your RV into a tight little neighborhood gas station. Also avoid smaller surface streets until you feel more at ease.

I don't know if you're a visual learner or not, but try searching online (especially YouTube) for video tips. The "swoop" maneuver is a big help when it comes to backing a large trailer into a parking space or campsite.

Remember to breath and relax. If you can keep your emotions in check, you'll react better and it will be easier to drive and back into tricky spaces.

Good luck to you.

[kerrlakeRoo]

Lucy, kudos for taking this on. It must be a difficult time.
You said you have driven a few times, best suggestion would be to get some more "seat time" as well as a little practise on getting used to turning and backing characteristics. Hopefully you know someone who can assist you in getting the rig hitched and going out to practise. If you can, go to a local large parking lot, high school, or maybe somewhere on Otis etc, on a weekend when its empty and wide open for you. Watch the way the trailer cuts the corner and get used to waiting till it almost seems too late to make your turns, Backing up, the lines on the pavement will give you some guidance as to how you are doing in learning how the angles work. There are millions of others out there doing this, so remember its largely a matter of experience.
Once you are comfortable and looking at going, I would suggest you leave on a Saturday and try to get into Pa or NJ by Sunday night. Time your travels to move between 10 am and 3 pm and you should avoid most rush hour issues.
At NASKW you shouldn't have too hard a time with setting up, IIRC the sites are open, no trees and curbing forcing difficult turns, and at the base a young lady will never have too much difficulty finding a few young men willing to lend a hand to assist.