Safety Considerations for Women Travelling Alone?

[dljosephson]

Comments posted so far are all good -- except the bit about shouting about cleaning shotguns -- and I'm sure too that you'll have little problem. A couple of things to add...

The most intimidating practical personal defense item I can recommend is a seriously bright police-type flashlight, specifically a Mag Lite "Mag Charger." This is about $100 and can be recharged from 120 volts or 12 volts. It is much brighter than anything that operates from normal D cells.

I was the munchkin in tow when my mother made the same decision you did, only we were tent camping. Three times across the country and all over in between (and we ended up on the opposite coast). It was a different time (40 years ago, I was 7 to 10 years old) but some things haven't changed. It was far less common for single women to be out alone doing such a thing, and many friends worried about her safety (and sanity). She said that she found one of the most significant protective things to do, from getting good service at garages to cooperation from campground hosts for late arrivals, was the fact that she was driving a shiny new car (in this case, a 1963 Dodge Dart convertible). She felt that the miscreants we occasionally ran across were put off by the neat appearance of our "rig." I've seen that in my travels too; ragtag people who look like they need help are victimized where people who seem together and self-sufficient are left alone.

[Whirlaway]

Originally Posted by dljosephson

Comments posted so far are all good -- except the bit about shouting about cleaning shotguns -- and I'm sure too that you'll have little problem. A couple of things to add...

The most intimidating practical personal defense item I can recommend is a seriously bright police-type flashlight, specifically a Mag Lite "Mag Charger." This is about $100 and can be recharged from 120 volts or 12 volts. It is much brighter than anything that operates from normal D cells.

I was the munchkin in tow when my mother made the same decision you did, only we were tent camping. Three times across the country and all over in between (and we ended up on the opposite coast). It was a different time (40 years ago, I was 7 to 10 years old) but some things haven't changed. It was far less common for single women to be out alone doing such a thing, and many friends worried about her safety (and sanity). She said that she found one of the most significant protective things to do, from getting good service at garages to cooperation from campground hosts for late arrivals, was the fact that she was driving a shiny new car (in this case, a 1963 Dodge Dart convertible). She felt that the miscreants we occasionally ran across were put off by the neat appearance of our "rig." I've seen that in my travels too; ragtag people who look like they need help are victimized where people who seem together and self-sufficient are left alone.

It's all about command presence...In the first few seconds people size you up as a victim or not a victim.

Consider the Streamlight new LED flashlight. I have carried both and I have preferred the Streamlight, it holds it's charge when out in the cold temps for over an hour were the Maglite seems to die very quickly. LED gives you longer run time with the option of the regular bulb for task lighting.

[3streams]

I have traveled alone- particularly while recovering trailers. Ditto on the flashlight, bear spray, and emergency numbers in your phone. I wouldn't go nuts with too much stuff (but if your staying for awhile- two chairs is worth it). The best thing is to not come across as all skitish and spooked- don't let yourself be tagged as the victim. One thing is for sure- you will never regret getting your airstream!

[87MH]

I'm surprised no one has yet mentioned perhaps the three most probable safety and security issues -

• Common Sense - don't drive when you are tired, do not exceed your personal limitations, do not drive in bad weather or when ice may be encountered on the road.
• Maintain a properly sized Tow Vehicle (TV) for your trailer and purchase the best Weight Distribution (WD) Hitch you can afford.
• Have a contingency plan for your travel plans and equipment and know what to do when it breaks down or you are involved in an accident.

On common sense:

- I'll leave that one alone - A good GPS with trip planner and a good cell phone with nationwide coverage will go a long way to helping you with go/no go decisions.

On a Tow Vehicle:

Purchase a properly sized vehicle (Factory Tow rated for at least 120% of the weight of your trailer) AND capable of being loaded with everything" (including the tongue weight) without busting the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR).

The best reference that I know of to assist in choosing your TV is the "Trailer Life" series of Tow Guides (by year). Below is a link to their 2008 Guide - it's a huge PDF file (19 megs), so it will take a while to load, but please take the time to read and understand it.

http://www.trailerlife.com/images/di...wGuide0801.pdf

I have quoted what I believe to be the most important paragraph in that guide below.

"The GVWR figures are neither guidelines nor estimates; they are limits, and there are numerous valid reasons the manufacturer arrived at the figures given. If you think these figures are “close enough” or have a fudge-factor percentage built in, think again. Your warranty coverage — and your safety — may be at risk."

There is a lot to learn about towing and vehicles here in the Forums - use the advanced search function to find specifics.

On Contingency Plans:

NEVER succumb to "get there itis" - if it takes an extra day - or two or three - that's OK - take your time and travel safe. Slow down, enjoy the scenery, or the attractions of where you are.

Be sure you have a GOOD break down and towing plan. I can attest to the benefits of the "Good Sam" tow plan. I am sure there are others that rank in the same league as "Good Sam", but I am familiar with their services.

When broken down on the side of the road you really do not have the luxury of finding the "best" local towing company that is capable of handling your TV and trailer. Good Sams has a central US dispatcher, they have pre-approved towing servises all over the country, and, best of all, they will call them and pay them directly - no out of pocket expense to you.

I used them when the 345 MoHo' transmission went south several years ago. The wait for a rig was a bit longer than usual because the "closest" recommended rig was out of commission. But I was saved unknown hours because Good Sams knew WHO to call, and had backups to the priimary service providers.

Again, good praises for Good Sam's, they asked all of the appropriate questions, - they were looking for health/safety issues first - made sure that we were "OK" (able to handle the situation mentally), and fished out that we knew that no work could be done until Monday - they even offered to tow us to a campsite and retow on Monday morning.

All the people we talked to with Good Sam's were based in the Boston area. They had all the resources in the area listed on their computer, I could not imagine me calling through a yellow pages list late on Saturday trying to find a tow truck that was outfitted properly to tow the MoHo.

Good Sam continued to call after to make sure that we were not only safe but were handling the stress of the situation. I used them a second time when I had a flat time on the TV which I could not handle myself. The same good service ensued, even though it was four o'clock in the morning.

Like I said, I am sure there are other RV specific (that's an important item - dont expect a "run of the mill" towing policy to handle an RV situation) towing services, but I have had nothing but good service from Good Sam.

RV'ing is supposed to be enjoyable - take your time, take it slow, ask questions, "try" various TV's and trailers to see if they "fit". I once purchased a new Chebby half ton - sold it with about 600 miles on it - it simply did not "fit" - never could get comfortable driving it.

For sure, go to as many Forums and WBCCI rallys as you can and ask as many questions as possible from as many people as possible. For starters, the knowledge base here in these Forum pages is your most valuable source of information.

Luck.

[danalee]

These are all great suggestions and even those of us who have a travel companion can keep them in mind. I will do most of the driving and some assumptions might be made. My favorite is the mudy boots.
It is one reason I always own a big dog, I know they are really ***** cats but most people up to know good will avoid someone with a 4 legged companion.

[jolttx]

Thanks everyone for your thoughts!

I was thinking about it over the weekend and it struck me that I have no problem traveling alone in a car or on a plane or in hotels etc and I have been on the streets of NYC and on subways in the wee hours of the morning (NYC of course being a much safer place now than ever) without problems-- so why am I nervous about traveling alone with an airstream? I think it may just be out of my comfort zone since I haven't done it before--not sure what to expect etc.

[overlander63]

Jenni, I see from your profile you live in or near Weehawken. When you get a chance, maybe you can drive over to Colonial Airstream, they are just down the road from you ("just down the road" being relative). If you go, ask for Patrick, he is NeatAirstream here on the forums. I'm sure he'll be happy to show you their inventory. He may even have a few suggestions about your cat dilemma.

I also have a 6 cell MagLite I use for 1-seeing at night, and 2-as a billy club. I've used it, or one like it, for both purposes. I haven't had to use it for purpose #2 while camping.

[Sugarfoot]

Hi Jolttx and welcome to the wonderful life of Airstreaming. Everything thing said on this thread is true and good advice. Confidence and commone sense really is key.

The first time you go out in your Airstream go close to home. Get comfortable with the process of handling a trailer. Venture out further as you become more comfortable with hitching, backing, camp setup and breakdown. The confidence you show in managing your Airstream will add to the "I am not a victim" image you need to portray. Camping with other Airstreamers can also do wonders for your confidence. Take in a rally or two before you hit the road on your own.

Whirlaway is so right about "listening to the voices". That inner voice is right more often than not. Listen to it and do what you must.

[Ganaraska]

Thrift stores are good places to buy well worn boots, hard hats, or jackets cheap. If you want to be seen wearing your "husband's" football team jacket thrown over your shoulders when doing chores.

[wheel interested]

I feel very secure in the Airstream. I have traveled alone cross country and stayed on the road at rest stops and travel centers and if it doesn't feel right I just move on. Surprising how much more awake you feel after a brush with imagination or woman's intuition.

I actually don't think this is a gender or single predictament. We all need to be aware and be cautious as we negotiate our way. Crime and violence unfortunatelty strikes at random but we can be cognizant of our surroundings and move with determination and purpose and concentrate on making ourselves less of an easy perceived mark.

I like to not be one of two anywhere. I look to surround myself with a cross section of others and count on good samaritans and witnesses to stave off crimes of opportunity and I do not stop at isolated areas. I think urban areas are a bigger threat than rural areas and that may or may not have reality as a basis. However living in urban areas all my life I think crime is much higher there with the population and intercity challenges that exist therein.

It actually is an interesting topic that I have often wondered about even before setting out to travel on my own often times. If I am the dissimilar occupant or traveler am I the obvious choice of election of crime? Are the risks higher when you remove yourself from your usual environment?

I think of risks mainly in terms of unforseeable occurances, wrong place wrong time, and do my best to not look like an easy target. A barking dog is reassuring to me as an indicator of unseen visitors and the announcement of their approach.

I don't travel with a weapon but others don't know that. Heck, I squirt myself in the eye with hair spray! Keeping distance is my number one defense and actually my plan of escape. We have only been a cat owner for a couple of years but travel has been going OK. A collar and lead even inside the trailer has come in handy. We have chased over creation otherwise. I have let him roam free when we are not leaving soon after.

Campgrounds themselves are much safer than hotels or motels, I think.

[Woody.303]

I would consider a self-defense class. There are classes available for women only.

I'm a big guy, in construction, and rather scary looking. (Size 12 foot) I've had many women (alone) come right up to me to ask about my Airstream when I'm walking to the laundry or such. I believe the campground is probably one of the safest places you could ever be.

Woody