Adrienne Kristine
"Women Can't Do That!" (or can they?)
By Adrienne Kristine

"Women Can't Do That!" When was the last time you heard those words? I read them last week in an RVing forum. Someone mentioned that men discuss RV mechanics, electronics, propane, sanitation systems and satellite TV. Women discuss babies, curtains, recipes and what color the bridesmaids wore. The worst part was not one woman -- or man -- protested.

I won't reveal the name of the forum but the members seem to be happily locked in time in 1955. I realize it's still a novelty to see a woman driving an RV and solo women RVers are even more of a minority. I certainly don't know everything about my RV and I'm always trying to learn from someone who knows more than I do. I try to take care of it myself and if I don't know how, I'll ask someone who does.

Maybe the RVing women I'm around don't always take care of the rig themselves. They have a husband, boyfriend, significant other or friend to help. The women do know what to do. However, if you don't know how to take care of the RV yourself, what will you do when the husband, boyfriend, significant other or friend isn't around? Ignorance is not bliss. It's stupid and dangerous. You'll be forced to depend on the kindness of strangers and that wasn't very successful for Blanche Dubois as I recall.

Next week, I'm taking my motorhome to have her brakes checked and oil changed. My friend, who is also a solo woman RVer and a mechanic, will follow me in my toad so it can have new tires mounted and its oil changed at the same time. I called and the garage can handle a motorhome. It was my suggestion for my friend to follow me since she bled the brake lines here and will be near in case anything happens on the way. When we return, we'll have dinner to celebrate the new tires, clean oil and well-adjusted brakes.

Go check the fluids on your vehicle(s). If you don't know how, ask someone who does. Have the oil filter changed. Have the air filter changed. Have the engine tuned up if it needs it. The maintenance won't take long and you'll have a sense of accomplishment. Then have your car washed. Mine always runs better when it's clean.

Find your local chapter of RVing Women and enroll in the next RV maintenance class. It's taught by women for women and you'll learn a lot.

Good grief! I hope RVing women have more to talk about than babies (don't have any and don't know anyone with any), curtains (have some), recipes (have a few and rarely use them) and bridesmaids' dresses (don't know any brides-to-be so don't know any bridesmaids). Let's make sure our RVs are running well, kick back over a campfire at the end of the day and talk about our adventures.

Learn more about RVing as a woman. Check out the long list of books at RVbookstore.com.



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