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RV for Single Woman

Susan asks...
(Choosing the Right Class Motorhome)

As a new FT RV'er, what model motorhome should I choose: Class A or Class C? I am 62 years old and really want to get this recreational vehicle right. What Class A models or Class C models do you recommend for a woman alone?


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Comments for RV for Single Woman

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Class B Motorhome
by: Coleen, the RVing editor

Hi Susan,

When I first started reading your question, the thought that came to mind was, "Skip the motorhome and get a travel trailer. Not a fifth-wheel, but a regular straight-hitch, bumper-pull trailer." My opinion is that with a trailer you get more room, more versatility, and more value for your money.

My experience is that as a full-timer, trailers are most convenient. You can unhitch and leave them parked. If you have vehicle mechanical problems, you don't have to take your home to the mechanic. If you need work done on your living quarters, you don't have to give up your whole rig while it is being done. When you want to upgrade or make a change, you can do the vehicle or trailer, without being committed to changing the entire rig.

Then, I got to the part that said you were a woman alone. That changes everything -- but I still don't recommend either a Class A or a Class C motorhome.

I suggest a Class B. They are smaller. That means easier to drive, easier to park, easier to insure, and easier to have repaired. You can still have a full bathroom with shower, cooking facilities, a comfortable bed, storage, and all the other regular amenities of a home on wheels.

I perceive a small motorhome to be safer for a person traveling alone than I do a trailer.

Full-timing in a Class B for a couple could be cramped. For a single, there should be plenty of room.

RV for Single Woman
by: Anonymous

Susan,

I would agree with Colleen. A Class B Van is great! There are many makes and models available. Driving one is a pleasure and as long as you are not a pack rat there is plenty of room. They are easy to park and seem to have fewer issues with leaks than larger units.

Check out the Yahoo RoadTrek group---there seem to be a number of single full timers there who are very happy to share info. Good Luck
Check the Provan Tiger
by: Rocky

You might also want to look at the Provan Tiger like I have ( http://www.tigermotorhomes.com/ ). At 50+ and a solo female myself, it offers more room than a class B but is small enough to take me anywhere. I can even park it in a single space at any parking lot. It costs about the same as a B. Used rigs are hard to come by because owners like them so much. There is also a Yahoo user group that is very active and helpful for owners and wannabe's.
Thanks for Mentioning the Tiger Motorhome
by: Rick Brentlinger

Thanks, Rocky, for mentioning the Tiger motorhome. I'd never heard of it or seen one before.

I've been looking at the Sprinter based class B motorhomes and cargo vans. I like the quality of the Mercedes diesel and also the phenomenal fuel economy.

I may buy a tall extended (and used, not new) Sprinter cargo van and convert it myself to meet my full-timing needs.
Class B RV
by: Nancy Seidler

We used to have a Phoenix Cruiser that was 25 feet and I loved it. I could drive it with ease and also tow a vehicle. Look at the models, because there are several. It's well built and good looking too. If I was alone, that's what I'd get.
What Kind of Motorhome
by: Gypsy Jane

I would love to be able to fit me and my hobbies in a class B! I am a full-timer woman, alone, traveling with work tools, two guitars and a banjo and a keyboard, beadwork supplies, painting stuff, and the usual computer and cooking things, and campsite chairs and whatnot. I started my RVing life in '95 in a 21' Class C. I've had a travel trailer, another 21' Class C, a 26' Class C, and now live in a 32' Class A (love the basement storage!). I am not a pack rat, and I go through stuff regularly, but just the music stuff alone wouldn't fit in a B. How do couples fit in motorhomes together, I wonder occasionally.

For driving around with no toad, I really wish I could have fit in the 26' comfortably, because it was the largest that was really convenient as a vehicle.
Single Female Wants to RV Fulltime
by: Becky

I am 63 and would like to do some fulltime RVing in a motor home. I want to be able to take my son-in-law, daughter, and two grand kids on trips. I feel a class B would be too small for that. But an in-law told me the other day that there is no way I could handle the hook ups, etc. at my age. Input, please?

Coleen, the RVing editor, replies:

Becky, your comments made me chuckle. Too old? Too old??? Ha! Ha! Ha!

There are thousands and thousands of RVers out there who are much older than you are, who are able to handle hooking up their RVs just fine.

Now, I don't know anything about your health or about your general capabilities, or about your ability to learn new things -- so I can't say for sure that, yes, you can handle doing the RV hook-ups. But, at 63, you certainly aren't too old.

Five people in a Class B would likely be cozy. Too small? For a lot of people, yes. But, then, a 40 foot motorcoach with multiple slides is too small for a lot of people. We had a 22 foot Class C that would comfortably sleep three adults and two kids, so small motorhomes are available with the sleeping arrangements you'd need.

How long of trips do you plan to take with your family, and how often? Spending a couple weeks in close quarters is one thing. Spending a couple months in close quarters is another.

If you think a Class B is too small, mid-size Class C or one of the smaller Class A motorhomes. The basic utility hook-ups are about the same, regardless of what type of motorhome you get.
Trailers are a Great RV Choice
by: Anonymous

Hey, Susan. I am single and decided on a trailer. Motorhomes are nice, but they have drawbacks, too. Fifth wheels and trailers give you the most living space, IMO.

One primary issue for most singles is cost. Non-motorized are less expensive to buy and maintain.

Motorhomes may get less mpg, and unless you tow a vehicle, you have no way to explore an area without driving the rig into the city or town.

There is little difference is safety, really. All of them you have to go out and hook up, etc.

There are some really nice trailers now with opposing sides that are like condos. I could not full-time in a B camper.

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