All of the info and pictures are courtesy of GoRVing.com
Full-time RV living is something many in the Women’s Adventure community dream of doing someday. Here’s a guide to choosing your ideal RV for round-the-clock life on the road or for frequent weekend road trips and camp outs. Whatever you goal, one of these RV styles will probably fit your lifestyle and your budget.
Class B: Winnebago Travato (Photos courtesy of GoRVing.com)
Class B Motorhomes
Commonly called van campers, Type B motorhomes are built using automotive manufactured van or panel-truck shells. Van campers drive more like the family car, but offer the comforts and conveniences of home on the road.
Features:
• Nimble and easy to drive, Type B Motorhomes are easy to park and maneuver, even in downtown settings.
• Home-like conveniences are standard, including bathroom, sleeping, dining and kitchen facilities as well as storage.
• Full stand-up room is achieved by raising the roof and sometimes by the use of dropped floors, for extra interior headroom.
Price Range: $60,000 to $130,000 and up
Class C: Fleetwood Jamboree (Photos courtesy of GoRVing.com)
Class C Motorhomes
Type C motorhomes are built on an automotive van frame with a wider body section attached to the original cab section. Many Type C Motorhomes are easily recognizable by the over-the-cab area that is often an optional sleeping area. Amenities are similar to those in conventional motorhomes.
Features:
• Ample living space includes sleeping, kitchen, dining, and bathroom facilities, as well as entertainment systems and storage.
• Slide-outs in some models move the RV wall outward up to three feet at the touch of a button to create larger living areas.
• Owners can tow a small vehicle for short side trips once the motorhome is parked.
• The ability to easily move from the driving area or belted passenger seats to the living space when stopped along the way is the main reason owners say they chose a motorhome over a towable model.
Price Range: $45,000 to $200,000 and up
Travel Trailer: Evergreen Element (Photos courtesy of GoRVing.com)
Travel Trailers
Conventional travel trailers offer a wide range of floor plans, sizes and conveniences.
Features:
• Smaller models can be towed by mid-size vehicles, including the family car, minivan, SUV, or pickup truck equipped with a hitch. It is important to match the loaded weight of the RV to the towing capacity of the tow vehicle. Consult your dealer or owner’s manual for details and have the tow hitch professionally installed.
• Lightweight composite models are designed specifically for towing behind many six-cylinder family vehicles.
• At the campground, easily detach from the tow vehicle to use the vehicle for errands and sightseeing.
• Travel Trailers boast all the conveniences of home, including kitchen, dining, bathroom, entertainment, and storage.
• Slide-outs in some models move the RV wall outward up to three feet at the touch of a button, to create larger living areas once the travel trailer is set up in a campsite.
Price Range: $8,000 to $95,000 and up
Pop-Up: Aliner Expedition (Photos courtesy of GoRVing.com)
Pop-Up Campers
Also known as tent trailers or folding camping trailers, pop-up campers are great for outdoor lovers who enjoy sleeping in a tent without sleeping on the ground. The Folding Camping Trailer stows away for easy, lightweight towing. With canvas sides that extend to reveal queen-sized beds, it’s easy to have a fresh-air experience with all the comforts of an RV.
Features:
• Folding Camping Trailers appeal to budget-conscious consumers looking for a roomy, towable RV.
• The lighter weight allows for towing behind many typical family vehicles, including some small cars. It is important to match the loaded weight of the RV to the towing capacity of the tow vehicle. Always check your vehicle’s owner’s manual for towing weight restrictions and have your tow package professionally installed.
• Lightweight and easy to maneuver when closed; Folding Camping Trailers are a snap to unhitch from the tow vehicle, freeing the vehicle for errands and sightseeing.
• The compact size allows for easy storage as well as quick and simple setup.
• Ample living space means kitchen, dining, and sleeping areas are standard, with additional amenities available depending on size.
• Some Folding Camping Trailer models have slide-outs that provide additional living space at the campground.
Price Range: $6,000 to $22,000 and up
Toy Hauler: Jayco Octane (Photos courtesy of GoRVing.com)
Toy Haulers
Are the best option if you want to travel with your quads, motorcycles, etc., but still want to have many of the comforts of home.
Features:
• Toy haulers appeal to people who want/need to bring lots of gear with them that won’t fit into the storage space underneath.
• Garage space is separate (but easily accessible) from the living quarters and can be turned into an optional party deck.
• Toy haulers have many options for the kitchen, dining area, bathroom & sleeping areas.
• Many different floor plans to optimize sleeping areas.
• They can be outfitted with big TV’s, sound systems, etc.
• Depending on options chosen and equipment loaded they can be towed by small pick-up trucks and some SUV’s
Price Range: $35,000 to $70,000 and up
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- Class B: Winnebago Travato (Photos courtesy of GoRVing.com)
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- Class B: Winnebago Travato (Photos courtesy of GoRVing.com)
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- Super C Motorhomes: Class C Diesel Motorhomes (Photos courtesy of GoRVing.com)
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- Class C: Fleetwood Jamboree (Photos courtesy of GoRVing.com)
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- Class C: Fleetwood Jamboree (Photos courtesy of GoRVing.com)
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- Pop-Up: Aliner Expedition (Photos courtesy of GoRVing.com)
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- Pop-Up: Aliner Expedition (Photos courtesy of GoRVing.com)
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- Pop-Up: Starcraft Comet Camper (Photos courtesy of GoRVing.com)
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- Pop-Up: Starcraft Comet Camper (Photos courtesy of GoRVing.com)
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- Travel Trailer: Dutchmen Aerolite Bunkhouse (Photos courtesy of GoRVing.com)
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- Travel Trailer: Dutchmen Aerolite Bunkhouse (Photos courtesy of GoRVing.com)
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- Toy Hauler: Jayco Octane (Photos courtesy of GoRVing.com)
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- Toy Hauler: Jayco Octane (Photos courtesy of GoRVing.com)
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- Travel Trailer: Evergreen Element (Photos courtesy of GoRVing.com)
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- Travel Trailer: Evergreen Element (Photos courtesy of GoRVing.com)
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- Travel Trailer: Keystone Premier (Photos courtesy of GoRVing.com)
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- Travel Trailer: Keystone Premier with outdoor kitchen (Photos courtesy of GoRVing.com)
I love my Aliner pop up Aframe trailer. As a solo female, it is easy to easy, set up and tow.
I am very interested in any information you can provide with traveling with the Aliner pop up Afram trailer. I am also a solo female. Can you give me any tips from set up, to comfort, and purchasing. I am new at this, however did much RV traveling when younger. Thank you for all the information you are willing to provide. Thank you,
Myra
mbsimmons0513@gmail.com
Being a grandparent and being on the road the vast majority of the time over the past 10 years I have to say that a travel trailer that offers a full bathroom (toilet/tub/vanity) is a must. There are many that weigh 2000 to 2500 pounds and can be pulled by every V8 and many V6 engines.
I would never go on the road and ‘squeeze’ myself into a smaller unit for any reason.
When I get somewhere I don’t want to wade through ‘stuff’ to get to my wine or food.
I also don’t like having to watch TV or a movie from my bed/couch/dinette. I’d like to have my dinette all the time and my couch/chair all the time and my bed for sleeping.
Without a great nights sleep Rv-ing is no fun in my opinion.
That’s exactly what I want! I am having trouble finding one. What do you have? I don’t want to sleep 4-6 just 1, maybe 2 once in a while. I want small and comfortable so I can enjoy my time full timing each year.
This is what i want as well. I want to enjoy my day of fishing and then come back and shower and relax. I don’t want to turn a dinette into a bed etc. i am looking at the airstream nest but it isn’t going to be available until spring:(
Are you still fishing? Where do you go?
I am just starting out on a fly fishing adventure and would love to discuss with you. FoxyFisher@aol.com
Hi Doc,
As you can tell this new adventure I am considering is keeping me awake with worry that I can’t pull a travel trailer by myself. I have been told I have to purchase a dually truck and all kinds of additional expenses. I would be brand new doing this on my own, but before I see my Maker, I would love to see the country I live in.
Thank you in advance for any information you give me.
Lauri
So glad to hear that you like the aliner. I just bought one and want to try it out in a week or so. You can email me. Pattycaketheclown@yahoo.com
You’re probably not aware of the Cricket Trailer? I can send a few pics later. We live in Boulder if someone wants to check it out? It costs about 22,000 because we opted to get an air condition installed( since I have MS) it would be less without AC. I typed in their website below..
I also live in Boulder and am looking for a group to camp with. I bought a 2018 Aliner Ascape and would enjoy company camping.
Thanks, Nan Otero
Hi Nan what type of vehicle do you pull your Ascspe with!
I also love the cricket as mentioned above, but I chose to buy a custom made teardrop trailer. They’re small and manageable, sport a queen bed, and the only limit to their features is your imagination. http://highcamptrailers.com
Happy glamping
A Scamp or Casita is great for solo travelers, and are super lightweight! They come with kitchen, bed/table, A/C and full bathroom. I have a scamp 13 foot. https://www.scamptrailers.com/
I had 2 Scamps and sold them for top $ because they are light weight. I now have a 18 ft fun fund finder a lot bigger and more storage room. I travel full time.
Are you selling it?
Hi Maura –
I am looking at buying a 13ft Scamp to solo explore the USA in my retirement and just wondering is it easy to pull and maneuver?
Thanks for any info/tips you can give me.
Stella
Yes! I had one and it was amazingly easy to pull and maneuver.
The T@B teardrop has a lot of single women owners/travelers. It’s a great little camper, easy to pull and set up.
I’m looking to travel full time : get off the grid : need to learn how to pull small travel trailer : also need to know if I need to buy SUV or Truck to pull it
I am just starting to organize myself to also get off the grid and travel as inexpensively as possible. I would love to here about your experiences.sundownshoresresort@gmail.com
My hubby and I are getting ready to go full time in a crossroads elevation toy hauler. It’s not nimble at all, but we can easily get close enough to our destination. I love that our pets and toys can finally travel with us on long outings.
Hello,
I’m looking for the smallest, most self contained travel trailer, but most of all, easiest to set up. I’d like to travel throughout the country. I am a solo female and want to make this a great adventure! Suggestions?
Thank you!
Deb
Hi Debbie…did you get any answers to your inquiry? I basically have the exact same questions and desire to visit friends and family but I want my own place to sleep shower and cook! Plus I want to bring my baby …PattiCake…..2yr old standard poodle.
Thanks
Carrie
I would also like to know if you found one. I would also be solo.
I’m looking for a toyhauler with washer/dryer in closet livingroom or Two tvs, 12 foot garage w washer dryer party deck. Top name appliances and top of line toy hauler that will not fall apart. I’ve rv’20 years and lot models are for larger families. Looking at voltage. Octaine, seltic, momentun. Can you order without being taken to cleaners. I’m single but want quality without size. 10 ft garage is a joke. I need a washer and dryer vented not a one in all. They aren’t good appliances. Thank you for any help you can give me. 36 outside measurement prefer 34 tops.
Tops.
Hi Ladies,
I just bought a new 2017 Gulf Stream Ameri Lite 14RBC travel trailer. It is light enough to pull with a V6 vehicle (Nissan Frontier for me), and has all the necessary living accommodations. Bed(s), toilet, small tub with shower, sink, fridge, microwave, stove, AC, heat, etc. There are many versions of this travel trailer from different mfrs. Check out this website where I found a good list.
http://smalltrailerenthusiast.com/2012/01/05/the-crowded-14-floor-plan/
I will also be traveling solo, on and off.
I used to have a Coachmen Clipper 17bh, but the V6 truck had some trouble pulling it, and it was a little too big for me to handle alone after breaking up with the bf. If you want to pull something this size or larger, I highly recommend a V8 vehicle. Dealers will try to push you to the limit of your towing capability, but that’s not good for your vehicle or you. Pop-ups and A frames are light and easy to tow, but lack a plumbed toilet and shower. Would be fine if you’re staying only at campgrounds with facilities, but I like to dry camp whenever possible, and prefer my own clean bathroom.
I totally agree about the boring colors, RVs are definitely still designed by men for men! But I painted the cabinets in my last RV, and did some other light-weight decorating and made it more female friendly, like removing the bunks and putting in a walk-in closet, and using plastic “tin” sheets for kitchen backsplash. You can also put wallpaper over the dreadful tan contact paper walls.
I hope to meet some of you out on the road!
Buy a weapon
I too am thinking of doing this. Are you apprehensive with all the set up etc. by yourself?
I am SOOO sick of the interior of these rv’s being brown and tan .. Are there any that have color and unique truly Contempoary designs ? I am looking for red, or purple and other splashes of color and patterns
I think a truck camper is a great option. It’s easy to maneuver because the end of your truck is pretty much the end of your camper. No backing up a trailer. If you need repairs for either truck or camper, you can detach. You can get into small back-in sites, making your options for where to stay much greater.
I have lived in my 32′ JAYCO Class C since 2006 ~ solo since my husband passed on in 2011. I take it to service centers and have traveled a few states solo. Several people voiced an interest in a small travel trailer, easy to tow but still live-able. A neighbor mentioned her friend living in a 24′ Mallard by Heartland RV. I’m also looking at similar by JAYCO. I like JAYCO’s construction and extra storage. I agree with needing new colors beyond brown and tan. I couldn’t live in a truck camper full-time. If you are camping the east coast, you need more protection from wet and humidity. The small tear drops and pop-ups are better in the dry west.
I’m 62 and will probably travel solo with my German Shepherd Service dog. I have been researching travel trailers for months along with a used truck that will pull it. I am leaning towards a Jayco trailer. I love the way they are built and their 2year bumper to bumper warranty. I’m very apprehensive because I have to learn to do this myself, but it has been a life long dream. Friends have been encouraging.
I have just purchased a casita spirit deluxe 17 foot
Trailer with all options. Take delivery mid October.
At first some short trips to get use to it. I have been interested in wildlife/bird photography for a long time.
I will be towing with a Toyota fj cruiser. The trailer will be outfitted with solar. For communications amateur radio.
I am all alone so it will be a solo adventure how would like to hook up with others also pulling small trailer who like “been there done that”. Up and down a few roads going to interesting places like the northwest Canada and Alaska. Would like to hear from those interested.
Reading the many comments from all of you single women who are out on the road, and doing it solo, has been one of the most inspiring adventures of my life.
thank you to all of you for sharing your thoughts and adventures, for your courage, your “get up and go” attitudes, and your commitments to your dreams.
i am a 74 year old, divorced/single woman, a retired educator, and am currently converting my Ford Transit cargo van into a comfortable, yet very “Zen”, Class B campervan. it will sleep two (if necessary), have a sink with fresh water, a decent portable refrigerator, and a small portable table on which to take meals, have a glass of wine,
and use the laptop. that’s it, but for my constant companion, my two year old yellow lab. she will have to travel in her harness in “tie down” mode, which will not please her, but we will both get used to traveling together.
i wish there were a way for me to meet many of you. i am planning on my rig to be complete
by november and then i am starting out on my first solo adventure beginning with the exploration of some parks in northern california. i no longer feel so alone in my adventure. it’s never too late. dreams should not be deferred forever.
thank you again. i am so happy i accidentally fell onto this site.
How did your van turn out? I am planning to convert one.
Jean,
I will turn 70 next year, and have promised myself that I will finally fish or cut bait about my dream to solo rv in retirement.
I am poring over solo women websites to glean what info I can about what like-minded women are accomplishing, and in what rigs. I lean toward a campervan — not too keen on the mechanics of hauling.
I’d love to hear how you’re faring with your adventure. I, too, have a constant doggy companion.
Karen
I’m also curious about how to find friends with similar interests. I am researching best campers for women and fell into this website.
Looking forward to adventures and new friends!
Sarah
what a serendipitous joy to read yours, as , i too, fell upon this site.
taking the “on the road” plunge (at 74) has been a fantasy in limbo for several years.
altho, respecting the adamant “nos” of my adult children, that has not been the issue. i think it has been my own insecurity versus my life long love of travel .
lacking any and all knowledge of rv travel, solo travel, campsites, appropriate rv, expenses etc etc i realize i have considerable leg work ahead if i want to be on the road by autumn. my journey will be to head west across the nation from new england. again, thank you for yours (and every one else’s comments). they definitely fuel my courage. perhaps, you might find time to share with another newcomer a few tips.
I am reading what I would like to do, accompanied by a future dog and am fine with traveling alone at my tender age of 74. I can’t think of anything worse than traveling together with a grumpy partner, especially in a limited space.
I have traveled 40K miles all over Mexico in the 70 ties when I was young, naive and totally trusting. I was very successful but stayed in motels and hotels, which became expensive.
Now, I wonder how much more National Parks and their snacks cost and how much camping in a leased spot, like by the ocean, would be in 2018?
If anyone has some numbers, I would very much appreciate it.
Are you still traveling, Jean? I want to but have never pulled ANYthing, nor driven larger than PU truck or van!
I have an old 1990 Toyota winnie. very dependable but now having issues in getting to the camper part from the front seat. so looking for something that is easy to go back and forth. used truck camper for yrs. but not great for overwintering in. I like the c’s and b’s best so you do not have to get out of your vehicle .
I feel like I still want just a truck camper combo. As the nearing 60 single woman i’d like to figure out the easiest camper to remove when need be..
I forgot to mark notify me by email of follow-up comments
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again.
I see many women are heading out solo. That’s my plan too, but with my lab Jake. I’m 52 and recently fired before merger, divorced after 30yrs w a veteran and also an empty-nester all in 2017. Guess what…I survived and I’m ready to live life on my own terms for once. I’m nearly finished purchasing a 2010 22ft Class C. I chose security and drive ability over amenities. I JUST found the world of Women Who RV. What a relief!! I intend to be on the road Aug 2018 after my last bit of family responsibility is done. Heading from TX to South Dakota for Sturgis to work in a “high-end” food truck, then onto Montana for the fall. Let me know if any of you have similar plans
Awesome uplifting encouraging site! Just purchased a used 2014 sprinter conversion van. I too, am a single 56 yo empty nester! Thought it’s time to pursue my dream of traveling cross country. Starting off slow…did a few local trips here in New England. Heading to Kentucky next week to visit my daughter… hopefully all will go smoothly. To women, to reaching our goals, to living life fully!
I purchased a new Gulf Stream Vintage in aqua and cream a year and a half ago. Interior is also aqua and cream with a matching fridge—no guy decor. I’ve put about 8000 miles on it and love it. It tows beautifully behind my Nissan Pathfinder. Only needed upgrades were a topper for the mattress and child locks to secure the overhead cabinets. I don’t think any trailer cabinets are meant to survive extremely bumpy roads and 40 mph crosswinds. Downside (maybe) is it is a single person unit. You can have people with you (it could sleep four) but people would need to step outside to change their mind. Had looked at much cheaper brands but they had a lot of maintenance issues. The Gulfstream Vintage is well worth the higher price.
Hello Ladies,
It is so refreshing to read that there are so many women who are considering this lifestyle. I will be 70 next year and have spent my life as a single mother and grandmother ….and just this morning became a great grandmother. I have always had the dream of traveling to see every state in our beautiful country. That said…I find that it may be financially necessary for me to live the RV/Traveler lifestyle in retirement. I am doing a lot of research because it is prudent for me to be able to make the right decision / investment where this is concerned. I will also be traveling with a couple of pups…although they are small, I think I might feel safer on the road with a big dog…lab, German Shepard or big mutt. I noted that someone mentioned to buy a weapon. I suppose there could be danger everywhere.
I am 71 and plan on retiring in the next two years, however, I would like to learn more about solo RVing for . women. I have started some research on which type of RV to purchase a Class C or Class A and the pros and cons on which one to consider, as well as, living in one. If you would like to provide information it will be very much welcomed. Presently, I reside in Rhode Island near family with two grandchildren. I think this would be a more affordable way of living and travel.
I have read so many articles or reviews on the
topic of the blogger lovers but this paragraph is truly a
pleasant paragraph, keep it up.
I too am considering traveling solo at 69 with canine friends. I am interested in a new or slightly used Class B. My concern is operation of hook up hoses and other gadgets, due to arthritis in my hands. Are any of the class B models/brands easier to operate? Are there any good training classes that would be good for a newbie like myself? I live in North Caroliner but would rent and travel to class. All suggestions appreciated!
Oh my gosh, this is GREAT to read about women who want to travel and see U.S. you are all giving me so much help now that I am an empty nester after being a single mom and now a single grandma. I want to enjoy things around me, but I’m a little nervous about being all on my own without a weapon, a big man, or a big dog. There is more power in numbers.
So, what do you think about travelling in pairs or groups? Say, you have your trailer, and the other person travels and theirs. This would be really cool, kind of like how guys travel on motorcycles to go to some big event or veterans event. We would be in our little trailers. I love it!
I am happy to coordinate it for people.
What would you be willing to pay me to set up a site?
Say, I provide a portal of names, contact info, what values are important to you, places you would like to visit, possible your spots, time away. For security, we can even provide background checks for those willing to do so.
Eg.
Susie Smith, Denver Colorado, Christian lady, healthy and active, no drinking, no drugs, no partying, just enjoying God’s country, Planning on touring Four corners, Grand Canyon, one week, August 1 – 7.
Right now, in CA renting a room in a 99-year old lady’s house (Not a kind lady. ), to being in my daughter and my three adorable grandchildren. I have a lovely home that I can’t afford to live in since I’ve been laid off.
I’m a professional woman and this is killing me to be renting a room in someone’s house. I feel almost like I am living an old people’s home, especially with this Chinese virus thing, and I have so much energy. I want to be able to pull my place up and open up the back and enjoy the sunsets at the beach and have my grandchildren come and visit me and we can have a little bite outside in the fresh air. But, I’m living in a room in a lady’s house.
What do you think?
Just stumbled across this site! I am not alone!
I too rent a room at my (very expensive) place of work. I won’t be staying here after this gig is up. My 2 kids want to pass me back and forth when I retire (within the year), but I want to be able to escape and travel, and do some things I haven’t had time for while working.
We’ve been considering various options for “carrying my home” with me. My kids thought I was crazy to be seriously looking at toy haulers. I don’t have a motorcycle, etc. but the idea of opening up the back to make a deck, and the giving my bike indoor quarters seems just right. The extra space would allow me to spread out with some woodworking or sewing that wouldn’t be possible in a trailer. And I really dislike those plasticy interiors. Don’t get me started on a “standard” queen sized bed–what a waste of space. I also wanted a composting toilet to reduce water use.
Soon we’ll start converting a cargo trailer: superinsulated, lots of open space, a single murphy bed, extreme solar, decent counter space, realistically sized refrigerator, and composting toilet. A mobile barn with living accommodations! What could be better!
And it’s pretty stealth when you close it all up.
I would love to be involved in a “network” of single women traveling.
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