Women RVers Share Their Secret Tips for Successful Solo RV Travel

While solo RV travel is liberating, women RVers say it can also lead to lonely and trying times. Here's how to thrive with solo RV travel…

If you arm yourself with the right information and adequately prepare, you can enjoy your time on the road with little anxiety.

Some estimates say as many as a third of all RVers out there on the roads are solo women RVers.

Today, we will discuss tips about solo RV travel. Though particularly addressed to women Rvers, these tips apply to men, too. The information you will read is compiled from things I’ve learned from personal experience or interviewing women RVers we’ve met during campouts.

We will cover the basics, such as safety and repairs. Then, dig deeper to look at ways to combat loneliness, connecting with communities, and so on.

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Interviews with Women RVers About Solo RV Travel

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In this video, Jennifer talks to three veteran women RVers who talk about solo traveling, van life, RV living and being safe while out on the road. They share their experiences, safety concerns, and tips for women RVers to stay safe and happy.

Safety Tips for RV Solo Rravel 

The first question that most RVers, especially those who boondock, receive from others is “are you scared?” The truth is you can ask pretty much anyone who does this regularly, and they will tell you, “No, they are not scared.”

Bad things can happen anywhere, whether at home or on the road. The best thing you can do is be prepared and always listen to your gut!

Mike sat down with Laura Robinson for a podcast interview about the topic, and she provided some excellent tips for traveling as a solo RVer:

• Always let someone know where you’ll be, and check in with them regularly.
• Carry the proper equipment, such as:
  • Cellular boosters for remote areas
  • Satellite phones, cell phones, laptops, Nomad Air Travel Internet, etc.
  • Emergency GPS tracker if you’re going very remote.
  • Bear spray
• Women can invest in a large pair of men’s work boots to leave by the door to act as a deterrent.
• Travel with a dog
• Check-in with the camp host (if there is one)
• Make friends with the neighbors if they look like reputable people
• Research the area you’ll be in
• Always lock your door
• Carry a gun if you are trained, licensed, and feel comfortable using one.
• Remain aware of your surroundings, and know when to leave!

The best thing you can do is develop a solid security plan, which will help you quickly react to various situations. Remember, you always have the horn you can use if you’re near others and need to draw attention. Also, be prepared to drive away, even if it means leaving gear behind. After all, your safety is more important than replaceable items.

Maintenance and Repairs for RVing Women

Since an RV is a type of vehicle, you can expect to run into technical problems and required maintenance tasks. For example, Lisa Gruner mentioned your RV may require diesel exhaust fuel and oil, and you need to learn how to check and fill if you don’t already know.

Here’s a list of tips for making maintenance and repairs easier for a solo RVer:

• Know how to fully operate your RV, from driving it properly to backing up and checking various systems such as electrical and the engine.
• Keep repair information accessible, and know who you’ll call if the repair is out of your hands.
• Learn how to properly set up and tear down your camp
• Consider a membership to a roadside assistance company such as AARP or AAA.
• Know how to fill the tanks, and track how much water you have at any given point.

You can now take an online basic RV maintenance course that we highly recommend…

Get the Home Study Course today and worry about the road, not the repairs!
Every time you move your RV it's like driving through a hurricane during an earthquake. Parts break and many items need to be maintained, this program will show you how you can save time and money by gaining the confidence to take on the majority of the issues you’ll come across. Don’t get caught with your RV in the shop! Learn how you can maintain and repair your RV at your own pace and at the most convenient time for you! This course is produced by the National RV Training Academy.

Combating Loneliness for Solo RV Travel

Women seem more susceptible to loneliness than men, though it doesn’t affect everyone. As Carolyn from Carolyn’s RV Life mentioned, she loves being alone and doesn’t have loneliness issues.

While this works for her, it may not be true for you. Just because you are a solo RV woman doesn’t mean you have to stay alone.

Here's a video interview Mike did with Carolyn about solo RV travel:

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There are many groups and communities you can become a part of. Here are some tips to keep you from being so lonely

Join Solo RV Travel and Women RVers Social Media Groups

Join groups on Facebook and other social media sites to connect with your fellow travelers. Even though the interaction might not be be in person, it will still help feel connected to other people. but sometimes, they are in person and you'll meet lots of new friends to be.

Plus, you may learn about special events and conventions that celebrate solo RV travel.

Turn Road Trips into Family Visits

Many solo RVers plan road trips around places where family and friends live. They sometimes start with “Wouldn't it be nice to visit (so-and-so)…” and then find things to do en route to them. Plus, extend their trip to neat things to do in the area.

Make Friends… Everywhere!

Make friends wherever you can. Regardless if it’s a fellow camper at a gas station, a campground, on public land, or wherever you may be. This will help to grow your network and make lifelong friends.

At the very least, it'll connect you with other people, if only for a short conversation. And that can truly make all the difference!

Join an RV Travel Group

Join RV groups that travel together. This can provide wonderful opportunities to partake in events you wouldn’t typically want to do alone, such as night hikes, kayaking, etc.

Check out sites that will connect you with other like-minded women who also RV solo, such as:

• RVing Women
• Solo-Net
• Roadtrek International Solos

Travel with a dog

Not only is a dog great company, but they can also alert you when something’s not quite right. Many solo women RVers like to travel with large dogs because they are a good deterrent for those up to no good, but a small dog can alert you.

So, any type of dog is great to bring along! We have some excellent resources for traveling with a dog:

• 10 Best Pet Accessories for Camping with Your Dog
• How to Keep Your RV Clean with Dogs (5 Tips)
• Top 7 Pet-Sitting Apps for RVers (& Bonus Monitor)
• Traveling with Your Dog? Find the Right Dog-Friendly Campgrounds
• and many more articles

If you can't have your own dog, you can also consider becoming a pet sitter wherever you set up camp. Pet-sitting while camping is a win-win because you get great company and make some extra money!

Looking for a way to keep your dog on your property without using a physical fence? Check out SpotOn GPS Dog Fence™

SpotOn works almost anywhere — but you need a lot that’s at least ½ acre

Why? Because you’ll need to allow for the fence alert/warning zone. The effective boundary for your dog is 10 feet inside the fence boundary that you walk. Walk your planned boundary with SpotOn's dog collar and your phone or draw your fence in the app. Truly, watching this video will show you how cool this technology is! True Location™ technology builds on conventional GPS and makes it better, giving you the most reliable fence boundary that never requires calibration. So your dog can have a great adventure without risking a great escape. Get professionally-developed training programs that’ll have your dog using SpotOn in a few simple steps!

Is the Solo RV Travel Life for You?

Some of you may be considering solo RV travel, but are still unsure if it’s right for you.

Most women RVers would agree you’ll have the best time of your life. Solo RV travel gives you the freedom to go wherever you want, whenever you want.

You get to see new things and places you’ve always wanted to, without being held back by the idea you can’t do it alone. You can do it alone, and love it!

 Yet still, the solo RV life isn’t for everyone. As Carolyn said, it’s a question you must find the answer to within yourself. Answering the following questions can help…

Have You Ever RVed Before?

If you've never RVed before, it does not mean you shouldn't become a solo RVer. However, you'll want to give it a go on a trial basis before you dive in.

We recommend going on a trip or two with an RVing friend. Or, better yet, renting an RV for a couple of trips.

That can help you get your toes wet without making a big financial commitment or lifestyle change. Truly, no matter how ideal the RV lifestyle seems, you can only know if it's right for you through experience.

Do You Already Live Alone?

If you are already at home alone, what’s the difference if you’re on the road alone? At least on the road, you can make new friends and see the country.

At the very least, you can give it a try. If you decide you don’t like it, you can always go back home.

Is Fear (Or Nay-Sayers) the Only Thing Holding You Back?

Fear is usually the biggest reason people hesitate to join the RV lifestyle, especially if they're going to go at it alone. Fear of being alone. Fear for their safety. Even fear of people thinking they're crazy for trying.

If this is stirring up some feelings inside, I highly recommend you read How to Embrace Becoming a Senior RVer. Read it even if you're not a senior RVer! Most of the tips apply to solo RVers, too.

Do You Have a Pet You Can Take With You?

I know I'm like a dog with a bone when it comes to promoting dogs as travel companions, but many pets make excellent travel companions. I see more and more traveling cats, birds, reptiles, and yes, even RVing chickens.

If you're worried about RVing solo… then don't RV solo! You don't need a human when you have the purrfect companions ready to hit the road with you.

Do You Have Friends and Family Scattered Across the Country?

RVing is an amazing way to stay connected with family and friends across the country. They give you an excuse to head in a certain direction, and you get to enjoy so many places and things along the way.

You also won't feel like such an imposition because you bring your own lodging with you. You can stay at a campground nearby, or park on their property (which is lovingly called moochdocking.)

Do You Have Wanderlust?

Is there something inside you that wants to travel? A tug in your heart that is pulling you elsewhere? Listen to that inner voice!

Whip out a piece of paper and jot down all of the places you'd love to see. The Grand Canyon. The Grand Teton. The Grand Ol' Opry. Whatever sounds grand to you, write it down.

Then jot down all of things you want to do. See an American bison. Go fishing in the Florida Keys. Take a picture with weird roadside attractions.

Now in another column, jot down what's holding you back. Do the places you want to see and things you want to do outnumber the things holding you back?

If so, make your dream happen. Flip the page over and write down how you can make it possible, and take the steps to make it so.

Are You a Solo RV Traveler or Want to Be?

What are your thoughts? Do you have any additional tips to share that will help women RVers? What about the experiences you’d like to share about solo RV travel you’ve done? Leave us a comment below; we’d love to chat with you!