Does your spouse/partner drive

[drobbjr]

We just came back from our first Airstream rally in Orangeville ON. I drove there and back. We did discuss my wife learning to drive. Your post will reinforce the idea. Thanks

[MelGoddard]

I seriously doubt that I could get my wife to drive this rig.
She drives a Camry, has never driven my Ford F-150.
She has no understanding of mechanical things, or how to work them, or the 'physics' of life.
If worse comes to worse, she'll get her brother, (experienced in RV) or anybody to help out.
She is a homemaker, a classy dresser, and like a Dutch woman, (she's not), fastidious cleaner. (she's Scottish heritage.)
But to drive the rig? Not a chance.

[InsideOut]

Yes, he does...why should I get to have all the fun?

We are both 100% self-sufficient with hitching, backing, driving, hooking-up/breaking-down the trailer. We both like to go off for jaunts with friends without the other occasionally.

Hope your ankle heals quickly!

Shari

[InsideOut]

Originally Posted by MelGoddard

I seriously doubt that I could get my wife to drive this rig.
<snip>
But to drive the rig? Not a chance.

Don't limit her. There's no reason she couldn't do it, given a chance...it's always best to learn when there isn't pressure to do so - such as with a medical emergency.

Shari

[Hittenstiehl]

This may sound strong but those who don't drive (irrelevant of gender) don't do themselves or their partners any favors.

Emergencies happen all the time.

Those of you who claim they can't do it......I can't even wrap my mind around that.....if you can drive a car you can drive a tow vehicle and trailer, with practice.

But you have to practice. Please

[StreamDog]

My wife does most of the driving, but ONLY going forward. We share in the hitch and unhitch, set-up and tear-down duties.

[Tsunami-v2]

First AS purchase 11 years ago, wife drove it 15 feet. New 2016 AS, wife has driven it 0 inches, feet, yards, miles....

[turk123]

Timely post! I discussed with my wife that she ought to learn how to drive with the trailer starting now. She was a bit hesitant, but I think she will learn and will do just fine. There are some days that the road gets long and the eyes get heavy. We need a break once in a while and our spouses should have this skill. On our next outing, she will be at the helm.

[smsmith50]

I'm the wife and I have summers off; my husband's busiest time at work is summer. I can't wait to do the Airstreaming with him, but until then, I go it alone with my German Shepherd. I started with a brand new 16 foot, but in 3 years I felt confident enough to go bigger. I just sold the Bambi and bought a 2015 23D. It's all mine and I do everything, although I get lots of technical help at home from my husband. He's the best.

[gunnyrose]

I split the driving with the hubs about 50/50. I can hookup and unhook the AS, but we usually both take turns with the checklist and the actual duties. Anything can happen! Towing is easy with an Airstream and I love our Chevy 2500HD Diesel truck.

[tjdonahoe]

We go for 6 weeks twice a year, my wife drives, 1/3 of the time..she does fine even through Chicago...

[h2ocoolerman]

Sadly no.

[DaddysBus]

She drives 10% of the time as it's truly easier for all parties involved if she deals with the kids and I deal with the traffic

[thiel]

My wife is the most adaptable person I've ever met. I could never learn to do what she does, but she could pick up all my jobs in an afternoon--and probably do them better.

[TravlinMan]

Well of course she does.... how the heck would she get around town while i'm out travelin the country in my airstream????

[wendyanddick]

Originally Posted by PKI

She has. She will. Next trip we have a more extensive plan. It is important to share responsibilities, but we will lose a lot of weight on my cooking.

We have a lady in our WBCCI unit who does it all. Congrats to you who do and the partners that encourage a shared adventure.

Thanks for posting your challenge. Drive safe. We hope to meet you down the road. Pat

we just got home and I said to my husband, " Now I need to learn how to drive it. I can do everything else! And I do. the cooking

[Hittenstiehl]

Travlinman that's the best answer yet. Made me laugh.

[tburnand]

I have to share my side of our broken ankle journey. First, I did take a driving lesson at a truck driving school for RV traveling. He had me on busy city streets, I 10 with the trucks and parking. That was three years ago. Since then I had only driven once last year, but really didn't learn the hooking up and tearing down. I just did the stabilzers and handed my husband the weight distribution bars. Well, as you know, he broke his ankle. I first drove his new Ford F250 Diesel back and forth to the doctor and grocery on narrow rainy roads. That helped me get comfortable with it. We had wonderful park people hook us up and show me how to drain the black and gray tanks. The first couple days on the trip back, my stomach was in knots, I couldnt drink and I had the Donald Trump white knuckle grasp on the steering wheel. After that, I felt much more comfortable. Bob was very patient and gave me excellent pointers to help me get comfortable. He helped navigate and gave me heads up with events up ahead. The last 4 days of the trip, I was drinking my water and singing off key. Bob said I was doing great with everything but my singing. Everyone should learn how, it is not hard and it makes the trips much more fun for everyone. Thank you everyone for you good wishes. Hopefully, we will see you down the road.

[Stefrobrts]

Good job! Its always easier to know how before you HAVE to, but it sounds like you were prepared.

My husband and I share hitching duties and driving. The only thing I cant do is back it up! But we plan to finally remedy that this year with some parking lot practice. Its only been 14 years, so theres no hurry! I have a trip I plan to take alone later this year so it would be nice if I knew how to back into my spot when I get there.

[blickcd]

My sweetie drives maybe 33% of the time. Usually on the long trips, but for local stuff its all me.

I think the spouse, companion, or whomever should be competent enough for towing. You never know what will happen on the road.