Traveling alone/woman driver vs. male driver, etc.

[lifesanendeavor]

Hi all,

Just recently joined my RV Space and am enjoying reading all the posts. I've been RVing for a number of years, first with a Dodge truck and 24-ft toyhauler, now I'm in a Class A that I bought a year ago (which I'm still learning about and hope to find some answers to in the forums!). My boyfriend wouldn't camp with me much because he didn't like sleeping in the upper loft in the toyhauler, so I bought the motorhome so he'd go RVing with me more. I do ALL the driving, since it's my motorhome - AND because he's got a terrible driving record and I don't want him on my insurance! I also ride a touring motorcycle and a sport bike, doing alot of cross country trips, and have also ridden in Europe. Here's the point I want to make...

My dad, a former truck driver had this to say about drivers:

Male drivers have: Brain, eyes, ears, arms, legs, small bladders, and most importantly, just about all of them have SELF CONFIDENCE when it comes to driving.

Women drivers have: Brain, eyes, ears, arms, legs, patience (for the most part!), and common sense (for the most part!), and can drive for HOURS and HOURS without having to pee! (I must point out here that it was my dad that ommitted "patience and common sense" from the male equation, not me!) But MOST women lack self confidence when it comes to doing things that have, in the past, been male dominated. This especially applies to riding motorcycles and driving trucks or RVs.

All you ladies out there who think you can't drive your truck/trailer or motorhome, stop and think about it...what does your significant other have that makes him more qualified to pull/drive an RV than you? All you're lacking is the self confidence to get out there and learn, and practice, practice, practice! Don't get me wrong - I'm not male bashing here at all, just making the point that you really do have everything required to pull/drive a RV.

Since my boyfriend isn't as adventurous as I am, I frequently travel by myself and have never felt that my safety was jeopardized; I have never had a problem with anyone bothering me. My sister and I just recently took a trip through 5 states, some times boondocking and sometimes staying in RV parks/campgrounds. Relying on your instincts, common sense and being very observant goes a long way when you're traveling alone - I'll get a "feeling" about a place that tells me whether or not I can feel safe staying there. But I certainly wouldn't argue that staying in a RV park/campground is "generally" much safer than boondocking unless there are plenty of other RVers there, as well.

Happy traveling to you all....are there any ladies in the Southern/Central parts of California on this forum? I'm always looking for new people to meet and go RVing with!

Linda

[tigerlily]

Greetings Linda:

I just wanted to let you know that you're not alone out there. My boyfriend and I have a 3/4 Dodge Ram which hauls a 29ft 5th wheel. Yes, he's the one who drives it, but not because I can't ( I just enjoy sitting back and letting someone else do all the work )...you see, I drive big vehicles for a living, so the break is nice.

My father was also a trucker, so I grew up in the big rigs. Also a Harley man, so I also grew up on bikes. Right now I'm a city bus driver and I also drive the city transit LRT ( trains ). I also have a motorcycle. And like you, I have no fear.

I've found that most of my female friends are afraid of large vehicles because they don't understand how they function. Once I explain the basics to them, they suddenly want to try it.


You keep go'n girl!!
And have fun out there!

Lil

[sayersaa]

I am 66, ex trucker, widowed and traveling these highways by myself in a 3/4 ton pickup and pulling a 30' fifth wheel. On top of all that I am female. Now I will say this I would not throw anyone male or female in a rig without some knowledge of what it takes to get from point A to B. But if one wants to do something bad enough they can do it. Being a past driver has given me the courage to get out there by myself. I encourage women to get out there. Learn what is needed and go. ;)

[elainefaith]

Sayer, welcome to the forum. I'm with you! Please post more of your adventures.

[karlandlois]

I loved the adventure I just had reading about women driving. I drove our 3/4ton truck and anf 34'fifth wheel. The first time I was doing ok, then I looked in the mirror and saw what I was towing and began to sweat. I am okay now. My brother is a trucker out of salt lake city and he told me I need to learn everything about towing that I can. wide turns, watching in rear views, etc. I want to hear more of the adventures and will learn. so far I am just pulling on and off the interstate and out there on the straight stretch stopping at an occasional rest area. I need to build my confidence and I know it. Please keep this thread going as I know most women would like to have the confidence you speak of.
Lois

[karyljm]

Women Drivers may not be as confident as male drivers, but they are more causious, and they are by prone to less accidents. Also ladies the bigger the vehicle, actually the easier it is to drive. Just be extra careful with any backing. :eek:

[elainefaith]

karlandlois, i'd be afraid of backing up a 5er, who does that in your family. i guess thats why i love my truck camper, so easy to drive and gets in and out of tight spaces. i ran into a lot of single women on my last trip, you go girls.

[karlandlois]

I can drive it down the highway, but I can't back it. Karl only wants me to get out to keep him from hitting something in the rear when we are parking it. He does get it into really tight spots. We have avoided wooded areas as we took off the shroud on the a/c and busted the roof vent on a low tree branch neither one of us saw. we were leaving a cg and looking to the left and the branch hit us from the right. we didn't know someone had to tell us. what a mess, and $500 later at camping world. I am watching everything, and could completely hook up and use a dump station. I know where the pilot lights are and all the breakers. I will try and back in the first time we get to a campground without a lot of spectators. Lois

[gypsy97]

These posts are just what I needed to hear. I put my house on the market and when it sells I'm going to be a full-timer. I still haven't decided for sure what type of RV I want (and can afford). Eleven yrs ago I drove a 24' u-haul with my mom's furniture, towing her toyota behind, from Sacramento to Springfield VA. At first I was terrified and didn't think I could do it. After about 40 miles I knew I could. But time has put doubts into my mind, and at 67 I've been thinking I wish I had a man to hitch/unhitch, hook up all the connections, etc. I know I can though, and those of you who posted about men having more self-confidence about driving are absolutely correct. They may not be any better at all, but they think they are and that gets them a long way.
gypsy