Ruby,

Welcome to the RV Dreams forums.  You will find the entire site to be informative and you have the benefit of a lot of knowledgeable folks in the forums.

As for a firearm, if you don't care for them, don't get one.  If an individual is going to own a firearm, they also need to be trained in the use and care of the weapon as well as trained in when to actually use one.  You might also consider non-lethal devices such as tasers and clubs.

If you are going to go with a motorhome, except to unhook water and electric, one can always pull up jacks, pull in slides, and move the RV without having to leave the interior.  That would be workable as long as one is overnighting in a parking lot or something.  As for staying in RV parks and campgrounds, that boils down to assessing the facilities and those already parked there to see if anything makes you uncomfortable.  If uncomfortable, move on to another one.

Terry

Hi - All great points Terry.  I was also thinking about bear spray and a loud air horn to ward off any possible intruders.    A taser would also be good to have.  I really don't want to carry a firearm so thanks for helping me make up my mind about it.

My dogs are well trained and they are very protective of me as I am essentially their mama.  

With bear spray, two big dogs and an air horn, I think that would be adequate protection.

Maybe I'll see you and Jo on the road someday!

HI Ruby,

Welcome to the forum.  As you have already discovered this is great stop along the Internet road to meet, read about, and learn from many wonderful people who are engaged in a common lifestyle of freedom and self determination.  I will be at the head of the line to encourage you move forward and into this challenging but rewarding life experience.

When I was finally able to pull together a pipe dream of years and turn it into reality four years ago, safety was a very big factor.  This was a major design consideration from the stand point of having a relatively secure defensive position, and that it would be somewhat difficult to break into if left standing for a few days while out hiking or whatever. Obviously I'm under no delusion that a determined thief could get in but at least they'll have work for it. Not paranoia, just common sense because I knew my preference would be to wander where and when I wanted. Much of that time would be in the wilderness, other secluded areas, or hanging out on the periphery some town or (heaven forbid) a city that I have business in. 

Anyway...  the long and the short of it is that I have boondocked 98.8% of the time in many many places of every description, sometimes in spots where I am certainly very vulnerable if the zombies came by.  But it's one of those important considerations when you stop for the night, or spend a few days you think about positioning oneself defensively and with the most likely route of escape.  Be wary, be strong, but I think you will find there's very little to be afraid of.  Countless good people abound for the few who would do harm and the odds are with you.  Only one time have I actually been startled and unnerved by some idiots behavior pounding on the door and that turned out fine. For you, your dogs are an enormous benefit, they will provide you with lots of instinctive expertise. There aren't many bad guys who are willing to take on the complications that dogs bring to bear.

Seldom do I spend more than three days in one spot if I'm staying around a town for awhile.  It may just be me, but I have found that by staying more than three days the chances of complications increase exponentially.  I prefer to move rather than be answering questions or concern myself with the prying eyes of some one that has nothing better to do.  When out in the open country, most folks seem reasonable, like minded and can relate to seeking peace and the sensations of nature, and so are of little concern as long as one is considerate and respectful of their space.  Bottom line, if someone legitimately doesn't approve of where I'm parked, that's o.k. I can be gone in a matter of minutes. 

So Ruby get on with your dream, turn it into reality and enjoy the journey of your life's time. 

Good fortune be with you!