I'm officially an RV'er

[Travelinana]

I will admit I had my son with me but yesterday I made my first trip, tho only to the dealership, but I went through all the steps..hooked up, arranged my stuff, unhooked utilities, etc. He pulled it for a while but I wanted to drive so I took over shortly. We left it at the dealership for my 11 items on the list to be fixed. We took care of some errands in the big city, wish we had gone to Camping World but I forgot my need at the time. I was pretty stressed I'll admit. I pulled it home but son backed it onto the pad. I do have a problem unhooking as the pad is built up and my truck is on an incline. We couldn't get the ball to break loose so he took the pin out of the hitch and I had to pull it very slowly and out of the hitch. We decided I need to have a little more work done, bring in dirt and more gravel to level the truck out. The guy who built the pad will come out and do this and I am also waiting for him to come to my house and smooth out the other 1/2 acre at my house. Seems I will spend a little more money, always something! Back to the pulling, I also got a taste of pulling in wind. It was nothing like I could encounter out west but it handled so well. My truck seems to pull with ease.
I plan to take it to a nearby parking lot and practice my backing...October is my month to get serious...
I am so fortunate to have my son to help me. He will make sure my tires are all properly maintained, correct air pressure, etc..He thinks I should get my transmission serviced tho the former owner says he did it about 25,000 miles ago..and Tony is a stickler for oil changes every 3000 miles..
I knew I did something right when I gave birth to him when I was 16. He is my buddy! He has never remarried since a divorce 8 years ago and doesn't even want a girlfriend so I don't have to worry about infringing there but actually I would love it if he found someone. He had a girlfriend about 5 years ago but he didn't love her.. she and I really hit if off and we stay in touch.

[grammynmaggie]

Congrats....wow you are braver than I am
Don't think I could pull anything...let alone
a big thing like u have!!!
donna

[Echo]

So glad that you had a good time with it all. You will find that it gets easier every time you do it!! Each time is practice for the next time!!!

It is way different than an all in one vehicle tho. Be sure to stay alert and aware when driving. Keep a good grip on the steering wheel so that you will be ready for the pull of air to the left when something bigger than you passes.

Parking lot back up practice is a super good idea. It wouldn't hurt to pick up a couple small orange cones to use on the ground as markers for pivot points. And you can continue to use them even after the practice is over too. Or you could even pick up the collapsible reflective triangles. They can be used for markers and also used out on the road as warnings to other drivers if for some reason you brake down and are sitting on the shoulder of the road. They do have them at Camping World http://www.campingworld.com/shopping/it ... nQod6HYASQ and at auto parts stores. But camping worlds price isn't bad. Dang that's a long URL but I don't know how to shorten it. Sorry.

Good luck to you and I've got my fingers crossed!!!

[Sandersmr]

Like Echo said - it gets easier with practice. I still sometimes have a little problem getting my little trailer in my driveway, but my street is fairly tight. I have been known to use the neighbor across the street's driveway since it's across from mine.

[bluepinecones]

Way to go, Nancy. Proud of you.
Looking forward to getting to see your new rig in FL. next Jan.

[Dawn309]

Nancy I am sooooo proud of you! You Go Girl! You can do anything you set your mind to.

[Redwahine]

Yeah Nancy! You did it. Keep practicing!!

[BirdbyBird]

Anyday you get back home in one piece .... Is a great day! Sounds as if your adventures in getting repairs is clocking some good practice runs.

[Nasoosie]

YAY, Nan, and welcome to the fold! Isn't it an amazing feeling to know you can tow a "house" behind you?? I love that feeling!

CONGRATULATIONS!

[retiredhappy]

Good for you! You go girl - the world is your's.

[pattyk]

Good going. It does get easier. I know I would have a hard time pulling a trailer.

[mizdeb]

Way to go Nancy!! Practice does make it easier. I just don't understand why non RVers seem so awed at us doing this by ourselves. It so seems like second nature for us to go it alone. We can do it, we are women who are strong to the core.

[bikerchic777]

As you know, I've never been intimidated by it. I practiced in an empty college parking lot, then went for it! My first RV was a 37' toy hauler 5th wheel. The biggest reward is when you see husbands giving their wives the elbow when you park that thing like a pro I always tell the wives that they really should know how to do it all, just in case something happens where their husband can't. YOU CAN DO IT, SISTAH!!!

[Birdie]

Nancy forget the cones....use gallon water or milk jugs; wal-mart sack filled with dirt; just need a marker...any old marker will do. Yes, do the practice straight for about 50 feet forward and then backward, then switch and drive forward and then backward between them, like an S. Measure the length of your rig then add 10 feet and make that the markers for your practice session. When you can do that, you can park it and back it anywhere! If you can 'thread the needle' you have everything whipped! And when you do it by yourself, you are completely self-sufficient.

Can't tell you the folks that can't back their rigs into an RV parking space at the campgrounds! Practice, practice and then practice some more! I know you can do it! If I can do it, then you can do it!

[sistert]

Congratulations! It's great that your son is there to back you up. Enjoy!

TeAntae