Hi Ladies!

[ilovecamping]

Welcome Dawn! Hope you find just the right home on wheels for you. I am just camping for now with my husband and DGD. I look forward to hearing about your adventures.

[Liz]

Welcome to the forum, Dawn. we have ladies driving all types and sizes of rigs, so I know it can be done. Practice is what it takes. You've come to the right place to research and ask questions.

[bluepinecones]

Welcome to the forum, Dawn.
I don't yet have an RV either. Have learned so much from the wonderful ladies here; think you will find it a helpful site as well.
Don't forget to check out the forum member map (General Thread) to see who might be near enough to meet you - even help you shop for RV. Also if you want to be included on the map, notify Mitch or VickieP

[avalen]

thought I had added my welcome but guess not so I'll just say welcome and hope to see you down the road some time.

[bikerchic777]

Welcome, Dawn! I started out RVing by driving a Ford F350 dually diesel pickup, pulling a 37' toy hauler 5th wheel I practiced backing and parking it in a huge college parking lot before leaving on my first trip. It didn't take me long to decide I didn't like driving that big pickup for my primary vehicle. Traded in the 5th wheel on a 35' Class A motor home, then up to a 40' diesel pusher. I drove them all and it has never intimidated me. The diesel pusher was so nice to drive I now have an older 34' gas Class A. I miss the diesel pusher for the quiet and smooth ride, but Myrtle is paid for and she's my full-time home, so I love her I started pulling a Dodge Dakota pickup behind her last fall with a Blue Ox hitch and it is amazingly easy! No matter what you decide to buy for your first RV, you will likely change your mind quickly. A friend who was a salesman told me that the avg turnover time for RVs is 2 years. I had 4 in 4 years Keep us posted on what you buy!

[Getupngo]

Hi Dawn!

Welcome to the Forum. Glad you started out asking questions. We all had/have them ... and there's a wealth of experience to go around.

I'm a single RV'er and didn't start until after my DH died. I'll tell ya, my first RV driving experience was a white-knuckler until I got the feel of the rig. I now drive a 35-foot Class A and tow a car behind. Piece of cake. There are things to learn, for sure. But the way I thought about it was hey! If men can do it, it can't be that hard. It's a steering wheel, accelerator and brake. I love my rear-view monitor ... that way I'm sure I'm clearing traffic when I change lanes. I experimented and found the "sweet spot" for backing my rig into the tightest places.

My RV is the best way to travel. Everywhere I go, I'm "home." I sleep in my own bed every night, I have my own kitchen & bathroom and my fridge is stocked with the things I love to eat. What could be better? (An unlimited gas / campground budget -- but that's a discussion for another day ...)

Oh, and I'm a former Lakewood girl (was a reporter for the Independent Press-Telegram) now living in Utah.

[champson]

Hi Dawn - I used to live (many years ago) in Santa Monica. Was reminded of the good times there just yesterday. After years of working in the national parks where I was provided housing, and wanting an RV I finally made the move - to a 28 ft. 5th wheel and a F250 diesel. I traveled from Florida to where I am now, Nova Scotia, by myself. Daunting to say the least but rewarding as well. I'm workamping in a campground and watch as people come in thinking should I have gotten that instead. Some are easier to hook and unhook (than mine), but then some require an additional motor (A's and C's - with the "toad") and some are just too small for spending much time in. So overall I think I made the right decision for me; but it is an individual thing for sure. Renting one for a trip is a good way to find out more. Most of what you rent are Class C's so you won't see the advantage/disadvantage of a 5th wheel, but you will get a good idea of this, overall, is something for you. Good luck and keep us posted. Tina

[Birdie]

Welcome Dawn, I am going to PM you some information that might help you in making your decision. So check for a private message. Trust me, If I can drive a rig safely, then you can too. It is just a big car. Takes longer to get up and go and longer to stop. Other than that, well okay, you will probably have a bigger behind than with any car you have driven and you can wipeout stuff with that butt back there. If you want, you can do it!!! We will all help you make it work.