Women of all ages and backgrounds enjoy hitching up the camper and heading out to the woods for an RV camping trip. Some travel with their families, some with friends and some choose to camp alone. Women everywhere can easily learn about RV camping and RV safety in order to take pleasure in this wonderful form of travel.
Taking an RV camping trip for the first time is similar to traveling in a different country—things are familiar but different, and there is even another language to learn. Many of the appliances and inner workings of an RV are more complex than their counterparts in your house. For example, RV refrigerators often contain a special cooling chemical, and many can operate on gas or electricity.
A careful walk-through before the trip will help familiarize you with your RV’s equipment. Some of the things that women should check out include the refrigerator, cook stove and heater. See how the batteries work and find out what electrical items operate when you are unplugged. Learn how to hook up the RV, and where accessories like sewer hoses and jacks are stored.
One of the most important elements to a fun camping trip is safety. Women should practice RV safety everywhere they travel. Protect yourself and your valuables by always keeping your camper locked. Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors should be installed and tested periodically. Stow food and trash securely to avoid unpleasant interactions with wildlife, and never open the door to strangers.
RV campers recognize that when you are always equipped with a kitchen, bed and bath, your travel options expand greatly. Stops along the road are easier, especially when you have a ladies room on board, and there are many places to stay for the night. Public lands, like national and state parks, are nestled in some of the most scenic locations. Private campgrounds can be found in the woods, in small towns and in large cities. When landing for the night, it is best if you can arrive and setup during daylight hours.
There are three classes of RVs; each handles differently from the other, and all are different than driving a car. Before heading out on a camping trip, practice driving the RV to understand how the rig will maneuver. Adjust the mirrors, and see what you can and can’t see. RVs are slower and heavier than cars, so be cautious when turning and braking. Practice backing up, which is often the most difficult task when driving an RV.
Women looking to share information and talk with other women about RVing can join a women’s RV club. RVing Women and Women RV are two organizations that focus on supporting women that like to RV.
RVing Women was started in 1990 when its founders realized that many women enjoy RVing, and many had questions relating to it. Part of their vision includes encouraging “a large welcoming community of women supporting one another in the safe enjoyment of the RV lifestyle.” Their membership now totals about 5,000 women ranging in age from 20 to 90 years old.
