What to do

[lucy6194]

Considering selling f350 and 28 ft. 5th wheel and buying a couple of years old class c. My husband has terminal cancer. May sound strange but I don't want to just sit home once he is gone. I can drive the camper but as much as I've tried i can't back it up. He is exmilitary so we use military campgrounds and would feel safe. Suggestions please.

[Harvey51]

DW and I decided to buy a class C motorhome in 2008. We test drove a new 26 foot 2007 with an attractive price. Actually I test drove it; DW found it just too big to drive. So we tried a 20 foot 2oo4 former rental. We both drove it and bought it. Ten great years on we are still enjoying it. The size seems just right for two people. I do most of the driving but she drives when I get sleepy. One problem, the E350 mirrors don’t adjust so she can use them comfortably. I installed a rear view camera but it isn’t very useful in traffic.

My suggestion - be sure to test drive in traffic and make sure you get something you are comfortable driving. A class B or C has to be easier to get comfortable with than a trailer.

[AJR]

As a widower. I would say live day to day and when the time comes. Live day to day for a year or two. Maybe more. Then decide what you think you want for your first uno rig.

It took me three. But I got it right this time.

Peace…

[CharlesinGA]

While parked overnight at a casino in Council Bluffs Iowa, a lady parked next to me in a Sprinter Class B conversion. She was having trouble getting the twist lock power cord to connect so I straightened a bent pin and got it hooked up. She said after her husband passed away she sold the large diesel pusher, and bought the Class B. She was off to visit relatives when I met her.

So, yes, people do downsize and continue to travel, and one cannot feel bad about doing something you enjoy.

Charles

[Matt_Colie]

While your situation is most unfortunate, I admire your metal. You will not be alone. There are numerous online groups for ladies that RV and some that do are full time in smaller coaches.

These groups exist on Facebook, RVillage has three that are pretty large, and I know there are others.

I hope we meet on the road sometime.

Matt

[fred42]

lucy6194 wrote:
... I am considering a coachman leprechaun 260ds. ...

Before I had decided to look for a small class A, I had settled in on the Coachman Leprechaun 260DS. It has Azdel composite material 2" wall construction. I was looking at the Ford, but it also came in Chevy. As usual what drew me to this model was the wheelbase/length ratio for better handling. It was 58%. I also liked the larger Side-by-Side Refrigerator option available in the 260DS.

[mike_brez]

Sorry for your situation.
I try to get to the cape every year we stay at Atlantic oaks. I'm kinda handy if you should need a little fixing while I'm ever there.
Please thank your husband for his service...God Bless

[Deb_and_Ed_M]

I applaud your ability to look forward while dealing with a life-changing situation. I too would continue to travel if my husband was no longer with me - I currently have a converted Transit cargo van, so it's plenty nimble as a "daily driver", but would seem small to live in for more than a week. I have towed 4-down when we had a 28' Class C and it's pretty easy to set up.

Something to file away in the back of your mind: there's a nationwide group called "Girls on the Fly" that's dedicated to camping/fishing/adventure for women. I've also seen women's camping groups mentioned on rv.net There's no reason a woman can't camp solo; and with groups geared towards them, they could have a good social network, too.

Best wishes as you go forward!

[pasusan]

Look into a class B. You can drive and park it anywhere - don't need a toad. Easy as a van to drive.

Good luck to you...

[JimK-NY]

Sorry about your situation.

As to selling and buying a new RV, I always recommend going small. I just don't understand why many people want to travel towing the equivalent of a mobile home. When I retired, my wife and I and 2 cats took off as full timers in a medium sized truck camper without slides. Except for meals, sleeping and an hour or two in the evening we lived outdoors and had plenty of RV space. Going small means it is easy to handle the RV, easy to find a place to stay and with solar panels we just never needed hook ups or expensive RV parks.

Some people find a truck camper or other small RV to be just too small. We have a full sized queen bed, A/C and heat, 3 burner stove, double sink, wet bath, decent refrigerator/freezer, plenty of storage and a table with seating for 4. What's missing? We don't bowl in the aisle. We have 30 plus days or clothing and manage just fine with a monthly laundromat stop.

[LadyRVer]

Good Luck to you and no, it does not sound strange. My late husband knew I would keep on rving once he was gone. And I am. Right now I am on a 10 month trip and have enjoyed it. Yes, it would be nice to have someone to share the beautiful scenery and trip with, but I don't, so I take each day and enjoy it. My cocker spaniel is a delightful companion. I started this trip with a long bed truck and a truck camper, but 4 months into trip, traded truck camper for a 24' travel trailer and kept on traveling. A small C, even up to 26' feet or so and small tow car, 4 down, is very doable for a solo lady. I have done a 31' Class A, a 31' fifth wheel, the truck camper and now the travel trailer. With the truck camper, I did not take it off the truck and had to break camp to go get food or run errands. Not a big deal, but not enough room to live in.


If you have the desire and the will, you will do fine. Good luck to you and blessings to you and your hubby.

[1995brave]

When my wife was diagnosed with kidney failure a couple years ago we decided to sell our Class A. Last year we decided to get a Class B or C and I started looking for a used one. Well, didn't get a chance to get one. Wife ended up passing away the beginning of March from complications from dialysis. Finally got everything settled and heading down to the coast to do our favorite thing, fish. And I'm starting to look for another "B".

[Old-Biscuit]

Life WILL throw curve-balls.
I have the feeling YOU will keep on swing away.

Kudos to you!
Best wishes to you and your husband

I think your plan will be a great way to continue enjoying/being active

[lucy6194]

Thanks everyone. I am considering a coachman leprechaun 260ds. Will most likely tow something 4 down but haven't got to that. Have been trying to get husband to sell 5th wheel now so he can still help me learn about it. Feeling a little guilty knowing I will be continuing on doing what we have enjoyed doing together.

[Jayco-noslide]

I support your sense of adventure. I've wondered what I would do if the wife passes. I'm not sure I would continue to camp alone but that's mostly because of age and approaching the time to get out of it whether both or 1 of us. I think alone is doable but don't forget to consider the issue emotionally as well as physically. Not sure I'd be up to spending nights in the wood surrounded by strangers alone but some are fine with that.