I've just joined the community and hope to learn a lot.  I am a former backpacker, and hiked about 900 miles of the Appalachian Trail in one go.  That was in 1997 and I developed bursitis and arthritis, so that put an end to backpacking.  I think I learned to be a minimalist camper, resourceful, and flexible, so I would expect to be the same kind of RVer.  As a retired 67 yr old female without much $$$, I am considering a popup camper or a small trailer.  I'm concerned about handling everything myself, including the set-up, hookups, backing in, etc.  Any advice/suggestions will be appreciated.
Gypsy (my AT trail name)

Welcome to the forum. I'm a 60 y/o solo lady (with arthritis & fibromyalgia) so I understand your concerns. That was why I ended up with a Class C, I just couldn't see me doing all the leveling, etc on a trailer. That said, the big advantage to the trailer is being able to back it up (if it's long enough to make it easy).

I spent my first 6 monjths pulling a small fiberglass trailer behind my RV, with my motorcycle inside. No way I could back it up...just opted for pull-through spots. Of course there was that one time I had to go into a Waffle House and find someone to back it up for me....at night and only one in/out, LOL!

You might want to look at the little fiberglass trailers...lightweight, means less truck needed to pull it, keeping gas costs down. There is a site just for them... http://fiberglassrv.com

To me a pop-up trailer is going to be more work...but then I've never used one.

The hookups (water, sewer, etc) are easy...even I can do it. I've learned a lot since I hit the road the end of October. Feel free to check out my blog for some of my adventures along the way, or email me with any questions.

Hi Gypsy97

Welcome to the forum. 

Stick with Froggi.  She is special and is quite savy.  She will help you with anything you can need.  Of course the rest of us will chime in with our 2 cents worth too!

Thanks for your response.  I spent a few hours on the web last night researching the fiberglass trailers, and now my head is swimming with all the info!  I'm learning though.
gypsy

Hi Gypsy,

Welcome

to the friendliest forum on the internet. The family here will help you with about anything. Doncat

Welcome to the forum.  We see single campers in a variety of rigs including pickup campers, small A-frame trailers, tear drop trailers like Casita, and small Airstreams like the Bambi, as well as class B's and C's and an occassional motor home or fifth wheel.  It seems that where there is a will there is a way.   It seems you are well adapted to find a way.

See you on the road,
Larry and Jacki 

Welcome ex-backpacker...Youll love this forum...we have fun and help each other all the time. Do not stay a stranger out there...drop in as much as you can and join into the post. We also have a live chat at nights that we would love to have you on. It gets crowded now and then but we all listen and try to answer questions and just have a good time chatting. Again welcome to the family... Sherri and Joe

First I want to thank everyone who posted answers for me.  I have looked at so many different rv types & combinations on the net, plus visited a local Jayco dealer, and my mind is just swamped.  How in the world does anyone settle on anything?  And most don't ever give a hint about price range - so you can find the rv of your dreams and later find out it cost 4x or more of what you can afford.  For those with limited budgets and just starting out, how do you find exactly what suits your needs?  I'm not picky and would be alone (with two dogs) so I don't need extra bunks & beds; I don't want the entry door to open up facing the toilet; and I don't want the bed in the same room as the kitchen/living area.  I certainly don't need all the tv's, outdoor speakers, etc., that many rvs feature.  Advice and/or personal experiences appreciated.
gypsy

I would start with a list of your requirements (you have) and then make a list of the manufacturers and models. (I used a spreadsheet.) As you research online enter them into the list, showing if they met each requirement (and you may discover more as you look at the floorplans, just add the new requirements).

When you find a model that meets your weight, size, floorplan & other needs, then do a search on that mfg/model/size. You'll come up with forum posts, for sale items, etc. Look through them to see if you can find folks who like or dislike theirs (don't be afraid to join a bunch of forums so you can post or PM to see what they think). Look through the for sale ads to see what the used ones are running at (and new ones that sometimes show the price).

Eventually you should narrow your choices down to a couple that seem to fit. Now try to go see them...the BEST thing is if you can visit the mfg but we can't all do that. Post in forums to see what other owners have to say about theirs. Yes, you will get some negative input but unless it is more than the positives, take it with a grain of salt. Every mfg has a few issues pop up from time to time.

Next pick your favorite "for sale" classified sites and browse them regularly to see any new ads that pop up. Eventually you should be able to find several close enough to go look at....

Good luck and take your time....better to wait a little longer than make a poor choice.

You are brilliant!  You have outlined exactly what I should do, and I should have seen it myself but didn't.  I have been making notes on little pieces of paper that are all over my house by now!  And back in the "old days" of the 80's & 90's, I was a Lotus 1-2-3 expert (never have cared as much for Excel), so I should have thought about doing a spreadsheet, and that is exactly what I'm going to do next.
gypsy

I remember Lotus....as well as Quattro Pro. LOL! Guess I'm dating myself...I have moved from MS Office to Open Office and while it has it's quirks, I like it.

Keep us updated on your search!!!