Does this sound safe?

[Freedom3333]

My friend just bought a new (to her) TT and left AZ for BC. She is alone and planning on taking about 6 days to get up there as this is her first time pulling it. She plans to stay at truck stops, rest stops and maybe a Camping World or Walmart on her way. Does this sound safe to you? Would you do it? I don't know if I could do it in a TT as you can't just start up the engine and drive away so it kinda worried me but she said she'll be fine.

Thanks!

[VickieP]

There are a lot of people who do exactly that and are fine. We've stayed at Walmarts twice because we couldn't find a campground. I was not alone, but Ronnie is disabled, making us appear pretty vulnerable if someone wanted to take advantage or do harm. We felt comfortable there and were fine. It's the same line most everyone here lives by, don't stay anywhere you don't feel safe or comfortable & be aware of your surroundings.

[longdog2]

I think the real key is ensuring the particular place feels safe before you stop for the night. Look at the area around where you are staying. Are there other traveling RVers there? I have always felt safe in the places I stop regardless of the fact that I have a 5th wheel and truck rather than motorhome. There are many women who choose motorhomes for that reason alone and that is fine if it makes them feel better; however, it is pretty easy to disable an engine from the outside of the rig if someone wants to stop you from leaving. Have a cell phone handy. And you can use the key fob to set your vehicle horn honking.

[chalet05]

Just like anything else out here on the road - if it doesn't feel comfortable, don't do it. I had a 5er and now a truck camper, so many were 'worried' because I can't get in the seat and drive without going outside. I don't mean to put your concern aside, but how many places are we really safe these days? Things happen everywhere so the alternative is to worry and stay locked in your house.

[TABaker]

I do it. I don't stay in rest stops, but I have in Flying J's or Travel Centers. I pull a trailer.

[Freedom3333]

Thanks everyone, I'm sure all will be fine...she thought rest stops are the safest but I didn't feel that myself (not that I like her, but Nancy Grace on TV always says rest stops are the most dangerous place there is ). I think Flying J sounds better.

Crystal is that your cute little trailer in the picture? How sweet. What is it? I assume you don't full time in that?

Thanks again!

[longdog2]

There are some rest areas that have full-time security and lots of people in them day or night and would be just fine; however, many might not meet the safe feeling standard.

[retiredhappy]

I stay at rest stops IF there are other people there, especially other rvers. Be aware of who is around you. Have always felt safe.

[Getupngo]

It sounds as safe as anything else in life. What would be unsafe is to push herself too hard. So making all those overnight stops sounds good. I don't worry at the Flying J and other major truck stops (although they can be loud), because there are so many people around. I do check out the neighborhoods the WalMarts are in, and whether there are any other campers there overnight.

[Travelingusa]

As far as disabling the engine , as long as you have the hood latched they should not be able to do that very quickly without raising someone's attention.the panic button on your key fob works very well for your home too.i keep the extra one with me, if you hear an intruder, push it and your car alarm will scare them away.it is as safe traveling alone as living alone, so many home invasions now.Just like everyone else cautions, just be aware, intruders look for easy prey.

[Deeann]

They don't have to disable your engine. They can flatten your tires. And you can go to sleep in a rest area with a dozen other rv's around and wake up in the morning alone. There are no guarantees. Use your instincts and be as safe as you can. It's like the one gal said above, there are risks everywhere. The only way to avoid them is to stay home. So use common sense at all times.

[CricketSail]

I think those are good points about there being no guarantee of safety. Keep alert and be aware of your surroundings. I stop at Walmarts all the time. However, they are always the open 24 hours kind, so there are people around. I have my dogs, which I do find discourages people everywhere. I had someone bang on my door at 2:00 am the last Walmart I was at, but it was an obvious request for drug money (no, you really aren't needing taxi money to visit your sick mom in the hospital right now). I think this is surely the most common thing. These people aren't going to disable your motor. I Never Never open my door for this stuff, and just went back to sleep, my dogs barking. I am always sure to have what I need in the rig before it gets late, and double check I'm locked up. - Sharon

[TABaker]

Yes, that's my trailer. It's a T@B. They were made by Dutchmen from 2004 to 2010. Little Guy Trailers bought the design and is now making them. No, I don't full time. I haven't hit retirement yet. I go on extended trips, and would love to full time some day. I don't see hubby going for that, so it may be me solo for 5-6 months and then back home. Don't know what the future holds. He's not the traveler that I am, although he likes to go for weekends close to home. Some of our grown children will come along if they're in our area. Here's the youngest. She's more of a glamper than a camper. lol

[longdog2]

That's a little small for me but I love your screen room addition. Gives you lots of extra outside space. Your whole set up looks great.

[TABaker]

Ya, it's not for everyone. I've gone back to the "simpler is better" for now. We previously travelled in a 28' Holiday Alumalite motorhome, and before that a larger bumper pull. I'm having the time of my life in this little teardrop I go more than I did before, spending about 50 nights a year camping. Of course I'm not working around kids' schedules anymore, either.