10-08-2018, 06:01 AM
I am also a solo traveller (probably travel in coach 25% of my time). Here are some thoughts in no particular order:
- Managing a 45' coach with no co-pilot takes some effort. (My two Boxer dogs don't stay awake long enough to help). Things like reading maps, spotter when backing up / parking, looking out for landmarks and road signs. After 100k miles driving the coach, I am just now comfortable. (I may be slow learner).
- I don't tow a vehicle. I have motorcycle lift with a big bike on the the back. This allows me to back up whenever I need to. Pre-2004 coaches don't have a steer tag axle and that means they have a HUGE turning radius. If you are not really careful, you can end up in a place you cannot drive out of. Since you cannot back up while towing it adds another level of complexity. Again, with a co-pilot a car can be unhooked and moved out of the way if you end up needing to back up.
- The general rule of thumb about slides is....If you drive more than park, get fewer slides. If you park more than you drive, get more slides. I have four slides and enjoy the room when parked...though it is a little tight when moving from place to place.
Finally, talk to some full-timers. They will give you invaluable advice.
Good luck in your search!
Cheers,
bill
ps. Sorry about the loss of your dog. These furry creatures bring a great deal of happiness to the our world. When I lost my "heart dog", I remembered what someone told me.... When you get a dog, you also sign up for a heartache but the joy they bring you far offsets the pain of losing them.
- Managing a 45' coach with no co-pilot takes some effort. (My two Boxer dogs don't stay awake long enough to help). Things like reading maps, spotter when backing up / parking, looking out for landmarks and road signs. After 100k miles driving the coach, I am just now comfortable. (I may be slow learner).
- I don't tow a vehicle. I have motorcycle lift with a big bike on the the back. This allows me to back up whenever I need to. Pre-2004 coaches don't have a steer tag axle and that means they have a HUGE turning radius. If you are not really careful, you can end up in a place you cannot drive out of. Since you cannot back up while towing it adds another level of complexity. Again, with a co-pilot a car can be unhooked and moved out of the way if you end up needing to back up.
- The general rule of thumb about slides is....If you drive more than park, get fewer slides. If you park more than you drive, get more slides. I have four slides and enjoy the room when parked...though it is a little tight when moving from place to place.
Finally, talk to some full-timers. They will give you invaluable advice.
Good luck in your search!
Cheers,
bill
ps. Sorry about the loss of your dog. These furry creatures bring a great deal of happiness to the our world. When I lost my "heart dog", I remembered what someone told me.... When you get a dog, you also sign up for a heartache but the joy they bring you far offsets the pain of losing them.
Bill Johnson
Birmingham, Alabama