New to the road and feeling a bit scared - RV-Dreams Community Forum

gjmiller138 · RV-Dreams Family Member

New to the road and feeling a bit scared

mds1 · RV-Dreams Family Member

Sounds like a valid fear to me. Suppose I'd have to have safety built into my planned travels - at least at first till I learned the ropes. Suppose one thing might be to stay near major areas with support in case you had to have the rig towed for repair. You could rent a room at one of those long stay motels. Having family scattered around in different states is going to be helpful.

I'd make a list of concerns and next to each item I'd come up with a plan in case it happens. Also have a plan B.

I've not saved any links for blogs where there are solo travelers with older rigs. But they are out there if you look for them.

I happened to find this link when going over a blog I follow: wheelingit.us/blog-links-resources/

It might help in finding people in the same situation as you. I assumed you are a solo traveler. The link has several who are and are not.

-- Edited by mds1 on Monday 20th of July 2015 10:49:17 AM

The Bear II · RV-Dreams Family Member

Here's a great support group you might check out: www.lonersonwheels.com/

Proper routine maintenance is important. Oil, belts, hoses, batteries, brakes, coolant, transmission...etc

Tires need to be checked each day before you head out on the road. Look for unusual signs of wear, bulges, cracks and check the pressure to make sure it is at the proper level at least once per week or use a tire pressure monitoring system.

Someday · RV-Dreams Family Member

One of the most prized possessions we have is our AMA RV/AUTO recovery - wouldn't travel without it. Our brand new rig 13 years ago kept breaking down, especially during the heat of the day, on us and we were towed here there and everywhere. They tried telling us we had put in dirty fuel and other excuses and replace a fuel filter, then in somewhere else did a test = ruined many a vacation back then. Finally when we broke down at Milk River, outside an auto FORD dealership, just before crossing the border, a chap there said from our description, it sounds like a faulty fuel pump = BINGO, limped with another breakdown in Great Falls Mt to South Dakota to wait outside a repair centre overnight, and insisted that it be replaced = never broke down since then until engine replacement 2 years ago needed due to a weak $2 clip! So whilst we paid always for the AMA recovery service we didn't need it for many years in-between, but it's like house insurance we wouldn't be without it.

We've fortunately never had to move out of our rig. Even the week sat outside the Pocatello ID engine repair bays, they not only let us stay in our rig, moving it in and out each day, but gave us use of an old transit van to get out and about (we don't tow a runaround vehicle).

"IF" you do break down, make sure you know where you are being towed to or your options and insist you can't leave your "home". If you do have to move out, make enquiries for a hotel/motel that will allow pets. There seem to be more allowing them today than did years ago from what we hear.

As Mark says, think of a worst scenario situation and then have a plan A & B. The funny thing about life is, no matter what it throws at us we always find a way to deal with it at the time. Whilst at the time for some it may feel insurmountable (different personalities react differently), invariably when we look back on things and put it all into perspective, it wasn't as bad as we stressed about at the time.

Don't let fear hold you back or ruin your fun future! Or as my grandmother always lectured me "Don't meet trouble half way my girl".

Clay L · RV-Dreams Family Member

Motel Six isn't fancy but most (all?) allow pets in the room. I was told by a desk clerk that it was a company policy. Unless we are going to be there for several days I tell them it isn't necessary to clean the room. That way I don't have to worry about one of them (two cats, one dog) getting out. We take them and find a park or some other place to stay while the room is being cleaned if it is needed.

-- Edited by Clay L on Monday 20th of July 2015 11:26:53 AM

Camper Chronicles · RV-Dreams Family Member

Hi good for you!!! I think soloers are some of the bravest people on the planet and would be surprised if you didn't have some fears. Breaking down can and probably will happen. The key in my opinion is to have a plan and adequate contingency funds to execute the plan. It's sort of like having an evacuation plan in a sticks and bricks but this is what would I do if I broke down. Think it through in advance so your prepared. Most things in life I believe are less scary if we face the possibility head on and think through the worst case scenarios. That's just me though :) Good luck to you and congratulations. It;s an awesome lifestyle.

Trace