New from Alabama

[cnq50b]

Welcome BusyMom,
Sorry about the loss of your husband.
As you see I only have a class b so I dont' have the same issues you have in backing it up, etc. but what went thru my head as I read your intro was the love & laughter you & your kids might experience as you allow them to 'help' you. Sometimes it is in the struggle that unexpected joys come. You can also imagine your husband watching over you all & having a great laugh. I hope you take advantage of their companionship while they are still at home. (easier said than done if they are 'typical' teenagers)
If that fails, this group of ladies will offer great advice.
Depending on where you live, maybe you can meet up with some of the group at a GTG (get together) or even create your own mini-GTG. Heck I met up with Carolb at a highway exit the weekend I bought my van in Florida. It doesn't take look to know kindred souls when you meet them.
Looking forward to getting to know you better.
Catherine

[MelissaD]

Hoosier Welcome

My condolences on the lose of your husband.

Truck stops are normally quiet around 2 in the afternoon but any large parking lot will do. They have lines so you can tell if you are backing up straight. Like anything else, it just takes practice.

Diesel engines normally don't mind taking some time off. Farm diesels sit for months at a time.

[avalen]

welcome

[Aggiemom]

My condolences also. Many of us have walked (are walking) a similar journey with the loss of our husbands.

I would suggest practicing in a church or school parking lot on Sunday afternoon. And make campground reservations asking for a pull through.

And listen to Melissa. She knows this stuff!

God bless you.

[BirdbyBird]

Welcome to the forum. There are no answers that fit everyone. Try to get more comfortable with the larger rig but if it makes a difference in getting out on the road or watching something gather bird droppings in the driveway then look into downsizing. Sounds as you have a lot of experience indifferent rigs and different sized. You need to decide what fits this stage of your life........the kids will adjust.....

[WickedLady]

Welcome from WA state. Just do it. You'll be fine.

[Rufflesgurl]

Welcome from the central coast of CA. So sorry for the loss of your husband. He would be happy if you continued to RV especially with the kids!! If you did all the driving before, you can learn to back up the diesel or ask for a pull through.
Good luck!! I also have a 35' DP and like to have a spotter when I back into a campsite. One of the kids would love to help.

Linda

[MandysMom]

We have not heard from Redwahine who drives a diesel Allegeo Red rv in a while but she went to an Escapees rally where she took a driving class described here and learned to back and park and all sorts of driving situations. I am going to try to post the link
viewtopic.php?f=4&t=11646
I don't know where you and your family are but you might check into where Escapees has their next rally that includes rv driving and maybe you could take a few hours with instructor to get comfortable with the things difficult for you. Good for you for driving so you can continue fun with your children.
Welcome from sunny HOT northern California

[BayouLady]

Welcome from the Bayou State!

[IrishIroamed]

Hi from Illinois - welcome to the forum. You'll get lots of support from the ladies here.

[cpatinjones]

Hello and welcome to the forum.