LOVE MY CARAVAN BUT WILL NOW BE A SOLO?

gandk · Senior Member

LOVE MY CARAVAN BUT WILL NOW BE A SOLO?

Footprints · Senior Member

I am not female but reckon you should keep doing what you have always done If you are quite capable. Albeit Solo. Enjoy.

newhorizons · Senior Member

Hi Kim

I travel in an avan and have come across many other solo women in caravans, some over 80. The backing and hitching up are the hardest but if you are ok with that you won't have a problem. As for lining up to hitch, its doable on your own but most times someone nearby comes over and guides you at the back. Really, we are just as capable at solving most of the problems that arise as our male counterparts.

Good luck with your travels

NH

fwdoz · Guru

gandk wrote:
I am wondering if there are many solo women travelling with a caravan as opposed to a motorhome. Hubby and I have just done 12months with our 16' Goldstream RV off roader and I love it to bits. But apparently I shall now be travelling on my own but still would prefer keeping the old girl as she has done some really rough roads and has been really good. (the devil you know thing) I am capable of setting it up towing etc not a problem, but just wondering if there are many solo women have found any particular problems. I like to stay at most places for at least a week etc and love the freedom of having a separate vehicle.
Cheers
Kim

If you are confident, then why not go ahead? Travel at your own pace & stay where you feel comfortable. If you dont go, you may regret not taking the opportunity.

jules47 · The Happy Helper

Lots of solos - male and female - out there towing caravans - we see them all the time, some travel together, some solo. There is a group called Rolling Solos - female only group, they too are mixed - motorhomes, campervans and caravans. Good luck - of course you can do it.

gandk · Senior Member

Thanks so much. I think I was just getting a bit negative after hubby told me I wouldn't be able to manage. I actually do most of the reversing anyway but it was more the hitching up I was worried about. I may have to change the hitch. Thanks again. I have only seen women in campervans and really didn't want to give up my beautiful little van.

Bill B · Guru

If don't already have a reversing camera on your tow vehicle I'd suggest installing one as this will make hooking up much easier.

beehive · Veteran Member

Hi Kim, yes Im a solo and have done some 64,000 klms on my own since 2015. i am about to take off for another 6 months from Boonah Qld up north to Capeown. Doing inland on way up to yapoon then via the very inland up to Cloncurry then Townsville and up coast to Cooktown.

where are you headed. I have been free camping where I can and stay for as long as I can in the places I like.

Hole to see u on the road. I have never had a problem being on my own but I always stip where there are other caravaners or campers .Happy solo teavelling

regards Sherria

sandgrooper1 · Senior Member

Hi Gandk,

No chance in changing hubbies mind then??

If you do go by yourself a few times and in time come back with happy stories of your travels maybe he will go with you again.

Otherwise go for it yourself as you only live once.

Cheers AL

IAN zzz · Veteran Member

I'm male :)

I second all the positive comments above Kim.

I spend quite a bit of time in remote areas of WA, and often come across solo female nomads. i see zero problems for you continuing to enjoy the lifestyle.

I too, would also recommend a well placed rear view camera to aid in hitch position. I think most, if not all MALES would, or do enjoy them :) I have mine set in such a position that I can also see my van wheels. As I have a single axle I like to be able to monitor them. That camera I can switch on and off using the GPS as the camera monitor. I have a separate, dedicated camera on the rear of the van with it's own screen in the dash.

Not difficult or expensive to set up.

Stay safe

Panther · Senior Member

Hi Gandk,

I too have a Goldstream 16'6 Panther Off-Road Cutaway and have it as my permanent home. There are plenty of us Chicks doing this.

I too like my home separate from my 4x4 and have worked out systems to manage this on my own.

I find the problem/issue of isolation and communication can be solved by using a hand-sized portable modem and using Wiki Camps to plan my stops where Telstra Reception is available. This way I can type/skype/PM any of my friends or my Chicks only camping group. I never feel lonely or alone this way.

I have my Wiki filters set to Free, Overnight & Telstra Reception.

As hitching up, just don't let it worry you about how many times you need to jump out and have a look at how "lined up" you are as you reverse onto your hitch. Practice makes perfect.....or at least ..... better. Take your time. You CAN do it and take every opportunity to practice (especially if you don't have an audience), you will and can do it.

Have fun.

-- Edited by Panther on Wednesday 18th of April 2018 08:22:17 AM

Grubbygypsy · Senior Member

gandk wrote:
Thanks so much. I think I was just getting a bit negative after hubby told me I wouldn't be able to manage. I actually do most of the reversing anyway but it was more the hitching up I was worried about. I may have to change the hitch. Thanks again. I have only seen women in campervans and really didn't want to give up my beautiful little van.

Hehe, I'd go one step further than sandgroper1 and say 'no chance of changing hubbies then'.

What a thing for him to say!! Maybe he could try being a little supportive . Get out there and enjoy yourself. As often as possible if I were you.

I tow a 24.5ft caravan by myself and have done for coming up 7 years. I'm just doing a RAP, maintenance period ATM......all by myself.

You learn quickly how to make hitching easier. I think females are better at it, as we are more astute and methodical from events I've witnessed over time. A trailermate makes things a lot easier from a physical point of view. Make sure you have enough height under it (sturdy blocks) before you unhitch. Bar to swing off for doing up WDH bars etc.

dont be put off.....if you have any specific question, please ask. Have a blast. I'm sure you will.

Aus-Kiwi · Guru

I am amassed how many single woman out there . Get out there enjoy. Learn a few basic skills . ( as with anyone ) .. Youâll be fine .

Happywanderer · The Master

I'm travelling solo and love it.
I do have a campervan, that's because I've never towed anything in my life.
You will be ok as we have all found. Good luck

Mobi Condo · Guru

GO for it - we have good friends with Nissan Patrol (ex Telstra) and 18' Coromal. She does ALL the driving and manoeuvring due to his health problems. It is a drag for her at times but they get out there! He is also stone deaf, but they get out there!

wfdTamar · Veteran Member

Maybe install van movers to get the last bit of hitching lined up?

Chocoholic · Veteran Member

Hi Kim,

I think you are very brave to tow a caravan by yourself.

I'm sticking to a small campervan (just bought a Ford Transit that's been converted) as I never grasped the concept of reversing a caravan!

Enjoy your adventures - I can't wait to go on my first solo trip!

Susan

Tony Bev · Guru

I have come across plenty of Ladies towing a caravan on their own

I normally camp away from the populated areas, and only travel on bitumen roads

I have only heard of probles, from traveller who camped close to the larger towns

HiAce98 · Veteran Member

If YOU love it then it really doesn't matter if anyone else does. Just enjoy what you will, you don't need permission or even approval from others! . Have fun and stay safe

PS if you're having a great time and there's a smile on your face everyone else will think you've got the right vehicle and you're a pleasure to camp next to biggrin

-- Edited by HiAce98 on Wednesday 16th of May 2018 10:25:21 PM

matildatraveller · Guru

Dickodownunder wrote in December 2017 on the General forum 12v Electric Jockey Wheel as an idea for those who travel solo for another way to reverse their caravans.	Permalink Reply Quote
This may suit, I dont have one myself but they look reasonable thegreynomads.activeboard.com/t64190016/caravan-mover-for-sale/ I have a 4x4 Toyota Hilux rig with a slide on that takes only three minutes to push up or pull down (on gas struts) and has the versatility to go anywhere. Good luck, Gwynnie

Lanock · Member

Loved the years spent towing a van, but these days due to an ageing body I find the m otorhome easier and lots less work involved.

For grey nomads it really depends on your health not your gender. Ha!Ha!

Had my youngest baby while in a caravan and the lifestyle stuck. (Over 40years ago)

After numerous caravans and several camper/motorhomes, I am now a lazy woman in my 70s who enjoys the ease of living in an old Winnebago which means that I can just stop driving, and put the brake on. No back aching unhitching.

Enjoying your travels.

Eaglemax · Guru

Go for it but if you are only hanging onto the van for sentimental reasons consider trading in on a camper van.

We have met many single women towing vans. One lady at a free campe on the West coast had a fifth wheeler and tray ute. Managed well. Caught many fish for her dinner also. Showed the male fishers up!!