One thing that trailer owners don’t have to worry about is transportation once they set up camp. In other words, when trailer owners want to run errands or sightsee, they simply use their tow vehicle. Owners of motorhomes don’t have it so easy. Historically, the most logical choice was to tow a vehicle behind the motorhome. However, as society changes, so to do the number of options motorhome owners recognize when choosing how to commute while camping.
When we first started traveling in a motorhome, we didn’t have the resources to set up a “toad”, so if we wanted to go shopping, sightseeing, or the like, we had to break camp and drive the motorhome there. Since until recently we have always had large Class A coaches, there were often issues with manoeuvering and parking. However, we adjusted to this, and would leave things like camp chairs, barbeques, and the like behind so it was obvious that our site was occupied.
Eventually, we had upgraded to a late-model Class A diesel pusher and I realized it was finally time to think about towing my car behind the RV. Many people purchase commuter vehicles that can be flat-towed behind RVs so that can make use of the convenience of tow bars. However, my Prius can’t be flat-towed so I had no option but to use a tow dolly. After doing a lot of research, I decided to purchase an Acme tow dolly (http://www.towbartowdolly.com/). This is by far the best tow dolly on the market, with all-welded construction, small wheels, and hydraulic surge disc brakes. I highly recommend this dolly to anybody who can’t flat-tow their toad, but can dolly tow. This towing arrangement served us very well for many years until my kids grew up and no longer frequently traveled with me. At that time, we downsized to a Class B van, then subsequently back up to a Class C diesel. I sold the tow dolly after I purchased the van, so now we don’t have our car with us anymore.
Although ride-sharing services such as Uber are not yet legal in our province, they do exist in many other provinces and states. We have used Uber in both Seattle and Los Angeles, and on all occasions have found it to be inexpensive and reliable, with extremely friendly and polite drivers. All that is required is the Uber (or other ride sharing) app on your smartphone, as well as a registered credit card or payment system. The app will tell you how many cars are in your area and how long one will take to get to you. You simply enter your desired location, get a quote for the rate, and if you agree, the app will tell you the make and license of the car that will be arriving, as well as the name of the driver. As I mentioned, we found this service to be excellent, and I don’t hesitate in suggesting it as a great option for commuting while RVing.
The best option we have found to get around while camping is to use our bicycles. We have purchased electric bikes, which allow us to ride for long distances, and up hills, without worrying about fatigue. We normally use our bikes in “non-electric” mode, which means we pedalthem without the assistance of the motor. If we encounter large hills or have to ride long distances, we use the motors to assist. The added benefit of the bikes is that we get great exercise and more often than not encounter great trail systems in or near the RV parks. Cycling is a great way to keep in shape, explore the world around you, engage in family activity, and simply get around!
About the Author:
Steve Froese, an avid RV owner, traveler, and Coach-Net member since 2013, is the principal of “A Word to the Wise Technical Communications”, a published RV author, certified RV technician, and licensed Professional Engineer. He frequently collaborates with the “RV Doctor”, Gary Bunzer, and has worked with the RVIA/RVDA as a technical and training writer and consultant. Professionally, he works as a quality engineer and musician. Watch for more of Steve’s work in upcoming Coach-Net publications.
Ray M. ~ “We’ve had a service plan with Coach-Net with 2 different RVs and we’re so glad we do. Twice in less than a month we’ve called with tire issues. Both times your representative helped us to get back on the road in a short amount of time. Thank you from two happy campers.”