Buying My Motorhome Solo - Sheila Lawless

I have wanted to own a motorhome since I was ten, and now, at sixty years old, I finally do. For as long as I can remember, I have dreamed of seeing Canada while camping in a motorhome. To me, it symbolizes freedom and travel.  And I finally bought one solo after my husband passed!

I adore being out in nature and seeing the off-the-beaten-track places. When I was a child, my family went camping in the summers, sparking in me a love of the outdoors and camping.

On our trips, I saw many different kinds of tents and campers, but the motor home was my favorite. I remember dreaming as a young girl that someday I would own one and be a vagabond just traveling around. My dream has finally come true, and I feel like the luckiest person on earth.

My late husband and I camped for years in a tent and then in a travel trailer. We loved it, and he also wanted a motor home, yet it remained out of reach for us due to its cost. When he passed, I decided to keep searching for one and see if I could fulfill our mutual dream.

One day, while I was searching online, an ad popped up for a small motor home at an affordable price. I was stunned and thought, this is too good to be true. I hesitated for a few moments before replying to the ad.

I was nervous on so many levels. Afraid both of inquiring about the motor home and not inquiring. All of a sudden, I was plagued by what-ifs. What if this motor home was meant to be, and I missed out? Will I be able to drive it? Will I be able to maintain it? 

I dug deep for some courage and sent the owners of the motor home a message, and they replied, assuring me that this motor home was in excellent condition. I felt I had to act fast, or it would be gone, so I blew caution to the wind and asked to see it. I was so excited and nervous at the same time. Finally, after decades of dreaming, I would see my potential motor home the next day! I just knew it was the one.

So off I went, thrilled to find out it was in beautiful shape! The older couple selling it were downsizing. They were friendly and asked if I wanted to take it for a test drive. I said yes, but when the owner passed me the key and said here you go, I felt panicked about driving it alone. I had never driven a vehicle this big before, and I needed guidance!

I asked the owner to come with me, and he said yes, and away we went. It was so exhilarating. I was in heaven. Even though I didn't have anyone with me to look everything over to see if there were any mechanical problems or water leaks, I decided to go with my gut. I took a bold step and told them I wanted it.

They held it for me for a couple of days, and when I returned to pay for it, I brought a friend with me. He looked it over and said this rig is in great shape, so I bought it and drove home like a pro. I was over the moon with excitement. I am so grateful to that couple for keeping their promise to hold it for me, even though other people called to enquire about it.

A short time later, my new set of wheels was in my driveway. I kept looking at it and thinking, “I can’t believe this is happening. Can I do this alone? Self-doubt was setting in. 

It was the end of the season, so for now, all I had to do was store it for the winter while I got myself ready for RV ownership. I felt so overwhelmed at the very idea. 

The following summer, I remained nervous about going out alone, but I mustered my nerve, made myself leap, and finally went on the awaited adventure.

My first trip out was with my granddaughter and my dog. I knew how to handle all the hookups, as they were the same as the travel trailer. I knew how to cook; what could go wrong? So, away we went!

When we arrived at the campground, a gentleman helped guide me to my site. He knew I was a newbie, and he was patient. Then, I started to get my new RV ready to live in by hooking everything up. Immediately, there was a problem with the sewer hookup. Hmm, what was I going to do? Their setup wasn't correct for my RV. It was too high, and the PVC pipe wasn't threaded. 

I went to see the campground owner, and he came to look. He confirmed there was no way for me to hook up and told me I had to use the dumping station. That meant moving my motorhome each time the tank was full. I had never done that before and wasn't happy about it. 

The owner's assistant came over, and we chatted. He assured me he would help because he could see I was upset. He kept his word and helped me when I needed to empty it - yay! He taught me what to do, which was simple, and I was so appreciative. 

My first trip was a success, and I felt like I had the world by the tail! We had fun! I gained my confidence and was excited for the next adventure!

I went on a few trips around Nova Scotia, Canada this summer. I stayed close to home as I got used to a new way of camping.  

Every new outing was a learning experience, the biggest of which is that it is not as easy as a travel trailer to level! It took me and two others to get it leveled on one outing. My fellow campers even gave me wood to help level it. The great thing about RV camping is that there are usually lots of helpful people around. 

I am thrilled to say that overall my pup and I had a great time and met many wonderful people along the way! I learned so much about myself this first summer with my motor home - most importantly, I am resourceful and can do this independently!  

I am excited for next year and plan to go further afield and adventure out around the Maritimes and possibly Quebec in Canada. I can’t wait until she comes out of storage next spring and new adventures begin!

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