You certainly can RV alone
There’s nothing that says you have to have a family, or even a group of friends, to RV. Some of us work better alone, and some of us are recharged and in our element without people around. RVing solo is great for building character and feeling more independent and in charge of your life. There’s the added bonus that you don’t have passengers to worry about or to distract you from getting the most out of your travels and destinations. The downside is that everything lands on your shoulders now, and that means a lot more work.
Safety starts with knowing your rig
The road is long, and your destination is miles away. Is your RV up to the challenge? Just as you’d check your systems before going on a long car ride, you should do the same with your RV. Make sure you check it inside and out so you know that you have the essentials you will need to make it to the next pit stop. Make sure your tires are in good shape and your oil has been changed. It may not be a bad idea to have a mechanic inspect your RV before you go so they can let you know if there’s anything your RV will need before making the trip.
Do other people know?
You probably have a plan for where you’re going and maybe even an idea of the route you’re taking to get there. Have you told anyone? It’s a smart idea to let someone – or a couple of people – know where you’re going, any stops you may be making along the way, and the route you’re going to take if you know it already. If anything happens, a couple of people will know where you were going and will be able to help locate you.
Where are the other solo RVers?
You’re not alone. There are other RVers out there who embrace the road alone, and locating them is part of the fun of RVing. There are online groups you can join that will allow you to chat with like-minded people and maybe meet up to hang out, share stories, and make friendships. Just as families can meet up with other families, solo RVers can find a support network of people who can help, lend advice, or even share destinations they loved.
Give the appearance that you’re not alone
There’s no way around it: RVing solo has a unique set of dangers, and those dangers can include other people. If you’re RVing alone, it’s a good idea to give the impression that you’re not alone. Some people carry an extra lawn chair to set outside. If you pack additional supplies for more than one person, you also have more on hand for if you want to hang out with some of your new solo friends and enjoy the night.
Battle loneliness
Sure, you can meet friends in different destinations, and you can chat with people at home via phone, but it’s not the same as having someone there with you. We’re not suggesting bringing another person along but instead getting a pet! Pets are amazing travel companions. They don’t fuss as much, and they don’t fight with us – and if they do make a fuss, who can stay mad at them for long? Sure, you will have to do a little extra planning and bring a bit more supplies for them, but it’s a rewarding experience that can help you enjoy the road more.
Trust yourself
We all have gut feelings – why ignore them? If you’re traveling alone, and you just don’t feel like something is right, listen to yourself. It’s better to be safe than sorry, and if you’re feeling uncertain about something, don’t do it. It’s OK to show up at your destination a little later than normal or to make a couple more pit stops than you’d like as long as you’re safe and you feel secure in your decision.
RVing solo means adding layers of safety. Now more than ever, having roadside assistance readily available is necessary. You shouldn’t have to face being stranded on the side of the road at night all alone in a strange place. Our roadside assistance plan is there to lend a hand and get you safely to your destinations faster.
