retired woman wants to travel in an rv...all help appreciated

[saera]

I want to buy a small rv. I have been looking at the road trek. does anyone out there have any experience with them???? are there many of you who have pets? cats? do they do well? how safe is it to camp alone??? where can I go near portland oregon to meet rvers who are willing to answer lots of questions...as I have many. I am hoping to be able to begin this adventure around the first of the year. my first destination is tucson az. this is my first post. thanks

[murfette]

the folks here are very nice and helpful. Besides th forums here u can go to rv.net open forums and rvadvice are two other sites that are helpful. Good luck and happy traveling..:)

[tcwal]

Checkout the Escapees RV Club at www.escapees.com. It is an organization primarily for Fulltime RV travelers. There are a number of single women that post there regularly. They also have an affiliate group for singles.

Good Luck!

[john3697]

I can't help much with the questions about Road Trek, but I can tell you that most cats travel well. We have two cats and have been fulltiming in a fifth wheel for over a year. If the temperatures are under 80 outside, we generally try to keep them in the rig, as they are happiest there and it's usually cooler then 80 if we open a vent or window. If it's too hot we will put them in a cage in the back seat of the truck and stop every two hours to feed and water and potty break. I don't know if the Road Trek is a trailer or motor home, but if it's a motor home, you should have no problem at all, as they will regard it as their home and be very comfortable there. As for meeting people near Portland, the other poster who recommended Escapees.com was right on. I have gleaned a ton of info on every RV related subject by going to this site as well as others such as RV.net, IRV2.com, GoodSam.com, Woodalls.com and Trailerlife.com. There are sub-groups on these sites to address specific interests such as Women on the Road, Singles, RV Maintenance, Workcamping, Thrifty hints, etc.

[zhow1]

Saera, as mentioned, Escapees has forums to read which will be helpful. Escapees also has camprounds that they call SKP Co-Ops around the country. The Escapees' website gives information about them. I don't know how far Sutherlin, OR is from Portland, but there is an Escapees park there called Timber Valley (phone: 541-459-4465). You probably have to be an Escapees member to stay there though. There are several organizations specifically for single RV'ers. One is Loners on Wheels. They have state chapters all over the U.S. - that might be a good way for you to meet others and gain information. Another one is Rv'ing Women. Do an internet search for their websites. Hope this helps. I, too, hope to start my full-timing adventure the first part of 2008.

[oma37]

I have been camping with hubby for 40 years. Now I am a new widow and will be traveling alone. We have met many single women and would say that have never been in a campground that was not safe. Usually you can tell as soon as you pull into the park. Escapees is a wonderful group and we had belonged to them. I am not specifically going to check with "single" groups but plan to get a current Woodall's CG directory and just go from there. Two years ago on the inside passage of Alaska we met a man with a trek and he took it all over alaska. It seems a nice unit but longer than what I want and/or need now with my standard poodle as my travel companion.

[cherrypop]

I have traveled alone-Itty Bitty (dog) would not appreciate that remark! I have had no problems in different campgrounds. Once I get inside and lock the door it would take a LARGE can opener to get in! I also lock up when I gas up or use the restroom on the road-no unwanted hitchhikers! I also have emergency insurance in case of a breakdown. God is my copilot! Blue skies and green lights-happy traveling.

[dadburnett]

I agree with "tcwal"... in suggesting you look at www.escapees.com
Escapees has active woman's and singles groups. They also hold rallys around the country and they have local groups ... we attend monthly meetings in Portland OR.
In our travels we encounter a lot of single women on the road, both part time and full timers.

[highpockets]

The pet question all depends on your pet. I've seen tons of pets (of all kinds) that RV. Remember to keep them on a leash. Once you open that door and they run out, they're in a strange place and they might freak out and run off. Just use caution.

If you have a RV Park in your area, go drive through and catch someone outside. Most RVers love to visit. Use common sense as to a safe park and a unsafe one. If you don't feel comfortable, don't stay. Try and stay close to others and not off by yourself.

For the most part, RVing is safe and fun. We have met a lot of very nice people in the RV Parks and camping.

Have fun and we hope to see you on the road... d:^)

[fixit]

Hi,
we have used coyote rock rv park for a number of visits the past two years( Lincoln City) and have found it to be comfortable,quiet and senic.
The owners are realy good people and will help with your questions and concerns.
Have had very limited contact with the "Treck" and the few owners that I have talked with had no major complaints ( or minor ) that could not be applicable to any other RV/MH.
Tucson is a nice place to visit. We go frequently and enjoy our stay, usualy at D-M Air Force Base.
Expierance will teach you the best places to stay, if the park does
not look safe/good it probably isn't. But you really can't tell just by looking .
Your last question-- go to camping world in Wilsonville, usualy a lot of folks shopping and are, like me, very chatty ( LOL ) , Once you get us (me ) started its hard to get us(me) to shut up.
Welcome to the wonderfull world or RVing and enjoy your expierance, it's a great life.
Fixit

[crzyltlmama]

I, too, am a single woman (widowed) and planning to become full-time RVer. This website and the forums have been fantastic sources of information for me.

Also, you might be interested in two groups that I have found...both specifically for Single Women... www.RVingWomen.org and www.LonersonWheels.com They have both been very helpful and informative to me.

Like you, I have lots of questions about how to accomplish this dream, and I wish you luck and hope to make it happen for myself real soon (before another New Hampshire Winter sets in LOL)...maybe we will meet on the road someday.

[9436granny]

You had better come to Florida and see me when you get your motor home!!!!

I lost your phone number, so here is mine, 352-804-0162.

You will never believe how I found you and this sight!

Hope to talk to you real soon.

Love, Leah

[smokeybear]

I would suggest going to the Chat room located here under Campfire chat... and spending time talking to those who visit the room. Lots can be learned by asking a few questions... letting others know what you have planned...

Good Luck With your Quest... We've been full timing for 4 years now... and have plans on keeping it up for may more years to come.

Marv