In this article, I will detail the best RV setup for a solo female RVer. Whilst there are lots of benefits to traveling on your own, it can still be a scary thing to do.

Solo RVing is not for the faint-hearted, it can be a daunting prospect to hit the open road on your own. Unfortunately, it can be even scarier for solo female travelers.

Before You Get Going

It’s always important to do your research for an RV trip, especially if you are going alone, read all the articles you can to try and sense if this lifestyle is for you. The information you will gain just from reading a few articles is invaluable, especially if it’s from theRVingSite.com.

Ideally, you will want to try RVing before you buy one, by renting out an RV for a trip. I’d recommend renting a few different models and sizes so you can get a feel of what’s out there and which ones you prefer.

Pick the Right RV for You

After you’ve rented out a few different types of RVs you will have a good sense of which ones you feel more comfortable with and will want to own. If you are unsure of which types of RVs to rent then this guide on RV types will help you get to grips with all the different models out there.

If you think that you’d prefer a travel trailer then there is a guide on the best travel trailer brands in the USA, there is also an article on small travel trailers with slideouts.

Purchasing an RV is a big commitment so you’ll need to do your research thoroughly.

Practice With Your RV 

Whether single, widowed, or divorced every woman (or RVer in general) will need to practice with their rig. It will seem overwhelming and daunting at first, but with practice, it will all become second nature.

Take your RV out for a drive to start with and practice driving short distances, you can increase the distance the more comfortable you get with driving. It does seem scary at first but it’s really not that difficult and the more you do it the easier it gets.

Ask a friend to go camping with you for the weekend so you can learn how to use campsite hookups and familiarize yourself with things like propane and emptying the tanks. Do this a few times until you know how everything works.

If you don’t have anyone to go camping with, go to a large commercial campsite, there will be staff on hand who are friendly and will show you the ropes.

You’ll also want to know what basic maintenance you’ll need to do like checking the oil and tires before a trip. Luckily Youtube is a great way to learn how to do basic maintenance, just make sure that you have the tools.

Plan Ahead

Planning ahead is important. After you’ve done your research and had a few practice trips you will know how to set up your RV and will be comfortable driving it around. But before you set off on your first solo trip, make a plan.

I love checklists, they’re simple and effective. Make a list of everything you need to pack and check it off as you go. 

Make lists for the processes you will need to do, like hitching the trailer, emptying the tanks, connecting to hookups and the RV check before setting off. Honestly just make a list for everything you can think of, they will come in handy if you doubt yourself or forget how to do something.

10 Safety Tips For Solo Female RVers

Being safe is the top priority for any trip, but it is even more important if you are traveling alone as a woman. You’ll want to feel as safe as possible for peace of mind. These are the best ways to make your RV trip as safe as possible if you are traveling alone.

1. Tell Someone Where You Are And Where You Are Going

When you are traveling alone it’s important that someone knows where you are and where you are going. It’s even more important when RVing, as you don’t know what each adventure will bring. You could break down or get lost with no signal.

Tell someone when you expect to arrive and that you will let them know when you get there safely. If they don’t hear from you then they can raise the alarm.

2. Trust Your Gut

As women I think we can all tell when something just isn’t right, this sense will be even more heightened when traveling alone. Although you’ll have done your research and read the reviews if you arrive somewhere and your instincts are telling you it’s not right then find somewhere else.

That’s the beauty of RVing, you can just up sticks and move if you don’t feel comfortable somewhere. And, if you don’t feel comfortable it’s never a bad idea to leave.

When solo traveling your only priority is yourself, so make sure to trust your gut and look after yourself first.

3. Keep Your RV Well Maintained

Unfortunately breakdowns are an inevitable part of RVing, just ask any RVer. Making sure your RV is well maintained will help to prevent some breakdowns.

Always check your tires, oil and lights etc before any trip (you can always consult your checklists). Make sure that you take your RV to the garage for regular checkups.

Good roadside cover is also a must, you shouldn’t go anywhere without. Check the fine print and make sure that you will be taken to a safe place if you break down and they can’t fix your RV.

4. Lock Your Doors and Windows

This one is just common sense, and you’ll sleep better knowing that everything is locked and secure.

5. Stay Near Other RVers [Especially if Boondocking]

Stay as close to other RVers as possible, especially if you are not at a campsite. There is safety in numbers and you’ll just feel safer knowing that there are fellow RVers nearby.

6. Join A Group

Joining an RV group is a great way to meet like-minded people and have some company on the road. There are plenty of RVing communities on Facebook, there are also dedicated groups for solo travelers like Loners On Wheels and RV Singles.

You can even meet up with other solo female RVers and travel together. You’ll quickly realize what a tight-knit community RVers have and how friendly and welcoming they all are.

7. Get a Dog

Pets are fantastic RV companions and having a dog in your RV will make you feel safer. They are also a great way to meet people and make friends around the campsite, because everyone loves a friendly dog.

8. Get a Good GPS

GPS is a way of life now, I know I can’t get anywhere without it. Make sure that you don’t skimp on a GPS system, as you’ll want to get to your destination as quickly and as stress-free as possible.

9. Pretend to Have a Partner

It’s a sad thing to have to say but, don’t advertise that you are alone. The less people know the better. Pretend that you are traveling with someone if you get awkward questions, you can even say goodbye when you’re leaving your RV.

10. Get to Your Destination Early

Arrive at your destination as early as possible, be there for mid afternoon at the latest. You want there to be plenty of light so you can set up your rig and get a feel for the site. It also gives you time if you feel uncomfortable and want to move.

Face Your Fears

The best thing to do when it comes to solo traveling as a woman is to face your fears and give it a go. Try a few short trips first and take it from there, you don’t have to put pressure on yourself to do a month-long road trip.

As long as you are sensible and plan ahead you will be as safe as you can be. Follow the tips above to go the extra mile and put your mind at rest.

There is no reason why you can’t go solo RVing as a woman, in fact, there has been an increase of solo women who have chosen this lifestyle. And why not? Women can do everything a man can do when it comes to RVing.

Final Thoughts

Travelling alone is an amazing experience and everyone should try it at least once. Choosing to solo travel in an RV is a great choice, as it gives you even more control over where you can go and what you can see. 

With proper planning and a few practice runs (and checklists), you will know everything you need for an adventure on the road. And if you get stuck you can always ask a staff member at the campsite or a fellow RVer for help.

Face your fears and go for it!