RVing with Kids: Selecting the Perfect Rig for Solo Parents
RVing is a fantastic way to see the country and create lasting memories with your family. It can be an even more rewarding experience for single parents, as it provides a unique opportunity to bond with your children in a setting free from the distractions of everyday life. However, selecting the right RV for a single parent with children can be a daunting task. There are many different types of RVs on the market, each with its own pros and cons.
In this blog post, we will discuss some important factors to consider when choosing an RV for solo parenting. We will also provide a list of recommended RV models for single parents with children of different ages.
Factors to Consider
Here are some important factors to consider when choosing an RV for solo parenting:
Size: The size of your RV will depend on the number of children you have and how much space you need. If you have young children, you may want an RV with a separate bedroom for them. If your children are older, you may be able to get by with a smaller RV. We are minimalists and prefer to spend our resources on adventures so we opted for a smaller unit. You can get a bunkhouse in all sizes of units.
Layout: The layout of your RV is also important. You will want to make sure that the RV has enough space for everyone to sleep, eat, and play. You should also consider the layout of the kitchen and bathroom, as these will be the areas you will be using most often. If the unit you’re looking at has slides you’ll want to see them in AND out before you purchase. You want to be sure you can access the bathroom, some seating and sleeping areas without opening your slides. This is very important for those quick overnight stops at Cracker Barrel, Walmart, Pilot, etc…
Amenities: Some RVs come with more amenities than others. These amenities can include things like a TV, a dishwasher, and an outdoor kitchen. Decide which amenities are important to you and choose an RV that has the ones you want. Remember that every amenity equals weight!!! Do you really need a dishwasher when you have kids? I just make this a chore.
Budget: RVs can range in price from a few thousand dollars to hundreds of thousands of dollars. It is important to set a budget before you start shopping so that you don't overspend. Shop around and don’t jump on the first thing you see. I highly recommend heading to an RV show where you can see virtually everything in one place! The Florida RV Supershow is in January each year along with a show in Quartzite, AZ. The other big show is in September each year in Hershey, PA.
RV Models
Here are a few recommended RV models for single parents with children:
Pop-up Campers: Pop-up campers are a great option for single parents on a budget. They are easy to tow and set up, and they provide plenty of space for a family of four. We started our RV journey in an old pop up camper and had a wonderful time. These are NOT a full time option and many don’t have bathrooms or showers.
Travel Trailers: Travel trailers are another good option for single parents. They are more expensive than pop-up campers, but they offer more amenities and comfort. You can find these ranging from under 17’ long to well over 30’ long. This was our next step in our RV journey where we stepped up to 22’ with a full bathroom. You can get a travel trailer with virtually anything you want inside but again………amenities equal weight! The main thing to look for here is a bunkhouse and a full bathroom.
5th Wheel Campers: Fifth-wheel campers are a popular option for single parents because they offer a lot of space and amenities. They are towed behind a truck, and they have a living area that slides out over the truck bed. This provides extra space for sleeping, eating, and playing. Fifth-wheel campers also often come with a full kitchen and bathroom. The downfall here is you really need at least a 3/4 ton truck to safely pull these units.
Class C motorhomes: Class C motorhomes are a good choice for single parents who want a little more space and convenience. They have a cab-over-bed design that provides extra sleeping space, and they often come with a kitchenette and bathroom. These units come in all sizes and lengths but the biggest downfall is you will need to tow a car if you want to get around once in camp.
Class B motorhomes: Class B motorhomes are the smallest type of motorhome. They are perfect for single parents who want a simple and easy-to-drive RV. This is basically a van or Sprinter conversion. Room is limited and baths are generally wet baths. These a great for a couple but not a family.
Class A Motorhomes: Class A motorhomes are the largest type of RV. They are built on a truck chassis, and they have a spacious living area with all the amenities of home. Class A motorhomes are a good choice for single parents who want the most space and comfort. However, they are also the most expensive type of RV. These units generally run from 30’ - 45’ in length and have virtually everything you need. Like the Class C you will need to pull a car if you want to get around once parked in camp.
Additional Tips
Here are some additional tips for single parents who are RVing:
Do your research: Before you buy an RV, it is important to do your research and read reviews. This will help you make an informed decision about which RV is right for you. Matt’s RV Reviews is definitely the go to site for this research. He is detailed and goes in depth on everything RV.
Consider renting an RV: If you are not sure if RVing is right for you, you may want to consider renting an RV for a weekend or a week. This will give you a chance to try out RVing and see if you enjoy it.
Join an RV club: There are many RV clubs that cater to single parents. These clubs can provide support and information, and they can also be a great way to meet other single parents who are RVing. We are members of Fulltime Families and Escapees.
Conclusion
RVing can be a great way for single parents to explore the country and bond with their children. By following the tips in this blog post, you can choose the right RV for your family and make your RVing adventures safe and enjoyable.
We hope this blog post has helped you learn more about selecting the right RV for a single parent with children. If you have any questions, please feel free to leave a comment below.