Rolling Solo – How to Drive and RV Safely if You’re by Yourself

Solo RV travel can be an unmatched experience for those willing and bold enough to take on the exciting potential that comes alongside the endeavor. You alone are in charge of every twist and turn along each adventure you embark upon with endless freedom and lasting memories as abundant as the fresh air and friendly faces you’ll meet during your journey. Solo travel in an RV is also an experience unlike any other but with it comes the need for some extra planning and preparation to insure the wheels keep rolling and the spirit of the voyage lives strong as you cruise the wild places or highways found wherever you may wish to visit. It may sound like a crazy idea to some, but captaining a motorhome alone is not only an exciting way to travel but also an accomplishment that not many are able to undertake due to a lack of skills, knowledge, or the great gusto to do so in the first place. If you are one of the lucky few interested or already planning a solo trip in your RV here is a look at some things to keep in mind before and during the trip of a lifetime.

Plan Ahead, Be Prepared

It goes without saying that driving a big vehicle by yourself for miles and miles comes with a good deal of responsibility. Not only do you need to know how to drive in any situation you may encounter, you are also completely responsible for anything and everything that goes wrong or right along the way. Before you set out on a solo RV trip plan ahead and be sure to let at least a few friends and family members know where you are headed. Draw up a potential itinerary with dates and stops so those who care about you know your whereabouts in case anything goes awry.

Utilize tools like the trip planner from MobileRVing to plan your RV adventure. Not only will this save you lots of time looking at maps while on the road, it will enable you to set a course and cruise without needing to worry about where you are headed for the day. When travelling and driving alone, especially in an RV, it is very important that you keep your hands on the wheel and not on your phone or GPS. One lapse in judgement can quickly prove disastrous and having a route plugged in before you start the engine is a great way eliminate one potential distraction. Having your routes planned ahead of time also means you can send the itinerary to others and they can know where you are.

Planning ahead also means you should stock up your rig with amenities that will provide safety and comfort for your travels and in case of any breakdown or emergency. Make sure you’ve done all of your basic RV maintenance and have extra fluids on board including oil, coolant, brake fluid, and any other fluid specific to your vehicle. You will also want to have a decent tool kit and emergency kit for any breakdowns that occur. Alongside the basic tools, the emergency kit should include flares, reflectors, and a first aid kit to keep you safe if you end up broke down on the highway and healthy should you accidently injure yourself. It is also recommended to join AAA or another motor club that offers RV towing or mechanical assistance. A breakdown in the middle of nowhere is a pain in the rear but by yourself it can be the start of a nervous breakdown. Plan ahead with these basic tools and try to stay calm and collected if your RV breaks down.

Related Read: Roadside Assistance for Fulltime RVers

Safety First and Always

You may roam miles and miles away from any other person during the course of a solo RV trip. If something goes wrong, it is up to you to rectify the situation and make sure any needed help is contacted. If you know you might be headed in to a region with limited cell service, make sure to let other people know when, where and for how long you’ll be in the boonies. Make sure the gas tank is full and always pack a backpack full of camping supplies, food, water, and other outdoor equipment in the event you need to abandon ship and walk out for help.

A key element to safe solo travel is to not push the limits when it comes to long drives, sleep deprivation, and exhaustion. No one is coming to relive you or take the night shift on a long drive. You need to make sure you are ready, rested and alert for the days driving and always be ready to change plans and pull off at the nearest rest stop or campground if you start to get drowsy. It’s just not worth pushing through sleepiness. It’s dangerous for you and for others on the road. If a cup of coffee or you other favorite caffeinated drink doesn’t work, pack it in for the night and start fresh in the morning. The beauty of solo RV travel is you make the rules and can stop and sleep wherever you want and for as long as you want!

If you are ready to take the plunge into rolling solo on an RV adventure, take head of these simple suggestions before you depart. It’s easy to plan and prepare beforehand and a little effort can really go a long way for your own safety and wellbeing if the unexpected happens. And it will happen. Those unexpected elements of travel, whether good or bad, will always be memorable and lead to the substance of any great trip. When you choose to travel alone, you choose to be a part of the spirit of wanderers and trailblazers that have set out since the dawn of man. Be bold, be excited and enjoy your adventure!