Are there any women owners out there?
How do you handle the driving of PUP, the maintenance and repairs etc. yourself - especially if you are not particularly handy and are single?
Quote from: spearmintAre there any women owners out there?
How do you handle the driving of PUP, the maintenance and repairs etc. yourself - especially if you are not particularly handy and are single?
In our house, PJay is the primary driver, and has probably driven more than 25,000 of our pop-up's nearly 30,000 miles.
Austin
Quote from: spearmintAre there any women owners out there?
How do you handle the driving of PUP, the maintenance and repairs etc. yourself - especially if you are not particularly handy and are single?
Oh boy (or maybe I should say girl). There are a few that I can think of that may jump in on this one.
The setup video I was given when I purchased my 2004 Fleetwood shows a woman virtually effortlessly setting up her PopUp.
I have participated in a few rallys where a PopUp or two were Women-owned, driven, and setup. I have also ran across a few Woman owned TTs, Hybrids, and ClassA RVs as well!
BTW, now that you mention it, I have never run across a Woman owned ClassC, or Slide-In Truck Camper though. ;)
There are several of us women in the COTOC group who own, etc our popups without the help of our DH's. We just do it and don't think a thing about it. I read and read and learned all I could about maintance, towing, setting up, mods, etc. and just applied what I learned. I think that the first step is wanting to do it, then just doing it. It is rather empowering to be able to do everything your self. It really is not that hard once you set your mind to it.
I really enjoy "girl camping" and in order to do it, the girls have to be able to go alone. I am teaching my DD how to girl camp and she has learned very well how to set up the camper. Its fun.
What are we in the 50's again? Of course there are women owners.
I am a woman owner and own a Fleetwood E-2 and love it. We load the motorcycle, canoe and dogs and go have a blast! Like someone commented, you have to want to do it, and trial and error is the way to learn. Also, watch, and ask alot of questions. This website has alot of answers. We all go through basicly the same thing, just different situations. hang in there girl, just enjoy the moment!
We have an 2005 Niagara. Is there a secret to putting the bed supports in place for a single woman? It takes myself and DH to do them. Other than that, I'm able to do everything, but, never have, DH does his part.
Donna - the wife of The Russinator
Tracy (tlhdoc) will be on the scene any second....
Quote from: RussinatorWe have an 2005 Niagara. Is there a secret to putting the bed supports in place for a single woman? It takes myself and DH to do them. Other than that, I'm able to do everything, but, never have, DH does his part.
Donna - the wife of The Russinator
We don't have the Niagara but I think the principal is similar.
We stoop down under the bunk end and push up with our shoulders then place the supports on their bracket. We do one corner at a time. My wife does one side while I do the other. She is a 5'4 light weight and doesn't seem to have a problem doing it (not that she would admit it anyway :p ).
Quote from: brainpauseTracy (tlhdoc) will be on the scene any second....
Heh, shortly followed by Kelly...
BTW, PJay has taken the pop-up with one or more kids without me, but I have never taken it anywhere without her.
Austin
Quote from: AustinBostonHeh, shortly followed by Kelly...
BTW, PJay has taken the pop-up with one or more kids without me, but I have never taken it anywhere without her.
Austin
Holly thought about surprising me a couple of times by taking the popup and setting it up somewhere, while I was working. However, she had never backed it anywhere, and the other big limitation was lifting the top. Ours wasn't a crank-up, so she would have had to enlist some fellow campers.
The thought was there....
Larry
Quote from: waveryWe don't have the Niagara but I think the principal is similar.
We stoop down under the bunk end and push up with our shoulders then place the supports on their bracket. We do one corner at a time. My wife does one side while I do the other. She is a 5'4 light weight and doesn't seem to have a problem doing it (not that she would admit it anyway :p ).
Wavery, thanks for the tip. I didn't think it was possible for one person, especially someone my size, to do it by myself [I'm the same size as your wife].
DH said he met you at the San Clemente campground a few weeks ago. He said that he spoke to several people and everyone was just great.
By the way, his van is The Russinator Van [TRV for short]. Our PU is known as The Donnanator--an inside joke. We'll explain it next time we see you.
Donna
Quote from: RussinatorWavery, thanks for the tip. I didn't think it was possible for one person, especially someone my size, to do it by myself [I'm the same size as your wife].
DH said he met you at the San Clemente campground a few weeks ago. He said that he spoke to several people and everyone was just great.
By the way, his van is The Russinator Van [TRV for short]. Our PU is known as The Donnanator--an inside joke. We'll explain it next time we see you.
Donna
The only thing that I don't know about is if the height of your bunks will make a difference. If you're as short as Carolyn, you may have to push up with the top of your head :p j/k
We enjoyed talking to Russ. Wish he could have stayed longer. That van's quite a beast....I'm glad that I don't have to feed it :D .
Whenever I come across someone asking the question, "Can a woman do...." I always think about WASP's like Ruth Daily who flew front line fighter and bomber aircraft during WWII before the male pilots were even done reading the training manual.
You hook, drive, back up or drive in. Lower the feet, raise the roof, plug her in ... Good to go! I had to learn how to light the hot water heater, but I think that is the hardest thing I needed to learn. Basically, as a woman, jump right in and do it. Desire to learn is your best friend.
While I don't "own" the PU myself. I do much of the maintanence and most of the towing since we've had the camper. Towing is pretty easy, the less you dwell on what's behind you the more relaxed towing is. Just remember it's there.
I'd say the hardest part is hitching up alone. Backing takes a little practice , but it's doable alone. I do go on ladies weekends... the camper wouldn't get there if I did not tow & set it up .
It's not often any more that I don't do the set up by myself. DHs work schedule has limited us to local camping, so he gets to arrive to a set up camp (but I let him do most of the tear down).
I purchased my N2 me PU just before Christmas, my first one. I was fortunate and all the orginal manuals and even video came with it. So I read and watched and came here and learned more. When it started warming up in the spring I started popping up in the driveway. I have gone out every available weekend since and finally it is getting routine and easy to do. Stuff like put the door up before flipping the sink down and leaving something out that should be in were minor irritations but are becoming less frequent. My DH golfs, I camp and since we work together we do these 2 things separetely. My 8 yo nephew usually goes with me and since he wants to help I usually enlist him to help, he cranks it up, he tells me when its level, he puts down the jack stands, he helps me back up. But when I go out on an "adult only" weekend (lots of beer drinking involved) I do it myself. As far as mods, well my very handy brother has helped me make a few small repairs but I haven't actually done any mods yet. I sure there will be some and I am positive there are plenty of women out there doing this themselves.
Typing on a pda so please excuse the cryptic-ness ... I'm single & first owned a PUP & now a HTT. Can do it all just fine. The only difference between men & women is that women aren't afraid to admit that they read the manuals & ask questions. The pride comes from doing what is typically thought of as a man's job. And it's not all about strength ... More finesse than anything.
Quote from: AzusateachTyping on a pda so please excuse the cryptic-ness ... I'm single & first owned a PUP & now a HTT. Can do it all just fine. The only difference between men & women is that women aren't afraid to admit that they read the manuals & ask questions. The pride comes from doing what is typically thought of as a man's job. And it's not all about strength ... More finesse than anything.
HEY!!!! :swear: I resemble that remark :p
Quote from: AzusateachTyping on a pda so please excuse the cryptic-ness ... I'm single & first owned a PUP & now a HTT. Can do it all just fine. The only difference between men & women is that women aren't afraid to admit that they read the manuals & ask questions. The pride comes from doing what is typically thought of as a man's job. And it's not all about strength ... More finesse than anything.
Well put, Laura.
I guess I better chime in, since AB said I would! LOL I've been a single mom for 4 years and the kids and I love to travel together ~ we just got back from a 10 day trip to the Upper Peninsula (MI) and northern WI and had an awesome time.
This is the first year I feel really capable of backing up ~ going forward has never been an issue. Hardest things was to remember to turn wide, so the poor PUP wasn't jumping curbs!
Fortunately my dad taught me a lot of very useful skills before he died and I am fairly handy. My mom taught me that it's okay to admit it if you don't know something ~ another useful skill. I camp with a really wonderful group of Minnesotans and they are always willing to help with maintenance and repairs ~ usually costs me a brown pop or three :p
There isn't anything about owning a PUP that you can't learn. Sometimes it just takes a few SPUTS before the lesson sinks in!
btw ~ why is this in the Product Reviews??
Quote from: Kellybtw ~ why is this in the Product Reviews??
Maybe it's because someone considers women to be products :yikes:
<
as he ducks & runs for cover> :sombraro:
I am the impetus behind our purchase of a pop-up, my family's camping trips, etc. I also camp alone with my girls regularly. By the way, I'm the wife--DH is GrumpyCamper (name denoted by his initial camping enthusiasm which he has valiently overcome now.) By the way, my 17 year old DD knows as much about pop-up camping as my 42 year old DH. He's catching up though. The girls and I have absolutely no problem setting up or taking down. By the way, I was a single mom with 2 girls for 9 years and refused to accept less in life (including camping) just because I was a single female again. What kind of example would that have made to my girls? Hope this helps destroy this particular stereo-type.
Munchkin
Quote from: munchkinI am the impetus behind our purchase of a pop-up, my family's camping trips, etc. I also camp alone with my girls regularly. By the way, I'm the wife--DH is GrumpyCamper (name denoted by his initial camping enthusiasm which he has valiently overcome now.) By the way, my 17 year old DD knows as much about pop-up camping as my 42 year old DH. He's catching up though. The girls and I have absolutely no problem setting up or taking down. By the way, I was a single mom with 2 girls for 9 years and refused to accept less in life (including camping) just because I was a single female again. What kind of example would that have made to my girls? Hope this helps destroy this particular stereo-type.
Munchkin
Good for you :-() :U :# :U
<
I had to post that or face a linching at the next camp-out> :sombraro:
Thanks!
Quote from: AzusateachTyping on a pda so please excuse the cryptic-ness ... I'm single & first owned a PUP & now a HTT. Can do it all just fine. The only difference between men & women is that women aren't afraid to admit that they read the manuals & ask questions. The pride comes from doing what is typically thought of as a man's job. And it's not all about strength ... More finesse than anything.
Great reply Laura.
Moose
Hi, single mom here of a just 9 year old daughter. I am the proud owner and user of a pop up. My daughter and I have logged 31 nights camping this season.
Thanks to these types of forums and internet access I researched and bought my new to me camper and had 99% of my questions asked and answered just by reading. I have even done a few mods and plan to do more next year.
At times it has been difficult, but mostly because it is always nice to have another adult to toss ideas back and forth with. Everything is doable and I have even set up the canopy and add-a-room myself. (I'm sure it looked real funny too!) The nicest thing I have found is that if you do need help, most campers are willing to lend a hand.
Good luck to all and happy camping!
Quote from: waveryMaybe it's because someone considers women to be products :yikes:
<as he ducks & runs for cover> :sombraro:
Nah, I believe the proper term is chattel, (..... as he types this very quietly looking over his shoulder in fear of the wrath of his wonderful DW).;)
.
Quote from: spearmintAre there any women owners out there?
How do you handle the driving of PUP, the maintenance and repairs etc. yourself - especially if you are not particularly handy and are single?
As you have read here most campers are very friendly and happy to help when they can. I often will help back people into their site. If you have questions write them down and ask here on the forum. If you are camping, find another site with a pop-up. Most brands are similar enough that they can help. Go for it.
I too am a female PUP owner. I don't have any problems hooking up, towing, backing in to a site or setting up. Just did my first solo stint since breaking my leg ... it just took a wee bit longer for me to get the job done (rest breaks).
Why should 'toys' be a man thing? I love camping/travel.
Right on Xraytech and PattieAM!
I too Pop up all by myself. I was late 30 something and figured why can't I do this. Why do I have to wait for DH? It sure doesn't say "operate using testosterone only" in my owners manual. Now I'm 50 something and I set up all the time.
Anyway, frequently DH has to work later than me so I hook up, pull the PU to our favorite CG and setup alone. No biggie. I kinda enjoy the peace and quiet after days of teaching??? rowdy 7th graders. I even back the PU better than DH. I have more patience.
He doesnt mind either. It is nice to drive down to the cg and have the camper ready to go. He has gone early and set up ahead of me so I know how nice this can be.
Just take your time and go slow and think things through. Soon it will be a no brainer.
Here's looking forward to Labor Day weekend camping!!!!! (Please, No hurricanes )
Quote from: brainpauseTracy (tlhdoc) will be on the scene any second....
Well it took me more than a few seconds to reply. I have been out camping at Assateague Island National Seashore MD, Hickory Run SP PA, Pine Haven Campground NH, with stops at Harmony Ridge Campground in NJ in between.:D
DH doesn't camp and I camp often. At this point in time I camp by myself / or invite friends along most of the time. Other than repacking the wheel bearings and adjusting the brakes I do the rest of the maintenance/non-warranty repairs myself. I even teach other campers how to do maintenance, repairs and how to winterize their campers. I don't see why women feel that they can't camp on their own. All it takes it a little time and energy to learn how to do it.:)
Tracy, you could easily repack your own bearings.
Quote from: austinado16Tracy, you could easily repack your own bearings.
I know I can, but I don't. I like someone that knows about brakes to check them out. This year my brakes needed new magnets. I would not have caught that.:)
Quote from: austinado16Tracy, you could easily repack your own bearings.
Are you kidding :confused: .......Tracy is a girl :o .......anybody knows that girls can't pack wheel bearings :D
Quote from: waveryAre you kidding :confused: .......Tracy is a girl :o .......anybody knows that girls can't pack wheel bearings :D
LOL
First off, I am not a girl, I am a woman.
Second I can pack wheel bearings, but I don't. I am secure enough in my womanhood that I can let someone else do that for me. I can also change the oil in my TV, but DH and DS to do that job for me. :)
Quote from: tlhdocFirst off, I am not a girl, I am a woman.
Second I can pack wheel bearings, but I don't. I am secure enough in my womanhood that I can let someone else do that for me. I can also change the oil in my TV, but DH and DS to do that job for me. :)
I know what you mean. I can change the oil in my car, I choose not to. Heck, PJay replaced the engine in her first car herself, and she chooses to pay someone else to change the oil.
BTW, electric brakes are not that complicated. You could inspect them yourself. But don't tell anyone I said so...girls...er...women aren't supposed to be able to do those things.
Austin
Quote from: AustinBostonI know what you mean. I can change the oil in my car, I choose not to. Heck, PJay replaced the engine in her first car herself, and she chooses to pay someone else to change the oil.
BTW, electric brakes are not that complicated. You could inspect them yourself. But don't tell anyone I said so...girls...er...women aren't supposed to be able to do those things.
Austin
Page ONE of my manual says, "Step 1: Apply testosterone cream."
*ducking*
Quote from: tlhdocLOL
First off, I am not a girl, I am a woman.
Second I can pack wheel bearings, but I don't. I am secure enough in my womanhood that I can let someone else do that for me. I can also change the oil in my TV, but DH and DS to do that job for me. :)
Ya...ya...we know......fingernail polish and grease don't mix too well.... :p
That goes for you too AB :J
Well, I am the one who does the management of the pop up... If something needs repaired and I can't do it myself... I will have the hubby do it.. but that far and in between... Or the pup goes to the dealership. (we got a great one here in town) I do the driving, hitching up, setting up, take too much control that the hubby thinks he's on vacation when we go camping :confused: So he is there to help, but its not needed but most appreciated when he does. Last year he got spoiled, he had knee surgery and I basically had to do everything... and I guess you could say, I like it.... And since I am a stay at home mom and he works alot... I think its only fair that he gets to take it easy... But for me after driving 5 hours with PUP in tow, I am ready to make camp.. that is my limit... So its good to have someone to share the driving with...
late to the discussion, but not late to the subject!
I've been a single mom since my son was 1 1/2. I had always been 'handy' and had always been a camper. I grew up in scouting and my family took a wilderness canoe trip almost every year I can remember. I was determined that Jon would never miss out on having or doing anything just because his dad wasn't around. His dad wasn't an 'outdoors' type anyway, and I didn't want Jon to miss out on all the wonderful things I had learned growing up camping. I took him tent camping before he was 2, & built his wooden swingset/sandbox /fort by myself for his 2nd birthday.
I disassembled and moved that swingset to the house I bought us when he was 4. Jon started out learning his 'handyman' skills from MOM - as I drywalled, painted, re-wired and re-plumbed the house over the years. (His first lesson was - "what do you do if mommy falls/ gets hurt?" answer, "dial 911 and call Grandpa's house!"LOL!) He never had to call, but he learned to take safety seriously!
In first grade WE joined Cub scouts. I was a den leader & the whole den made Derby cars in my basement. We discovered a magic tool called a 'dremel' - Jon was hooked - he won trophies for every derby thru cubs for cars HE built using real tools.
When Jon was in 2nd grade, I was looking for an easier way to camp than loading and unloading my small car (with smaller trunk) of camping equipment every weekend. a friend sold us his 1976 starcraft Starlette PUP for $200. It was in good shape, except for a leaky roof vent and a rotted roof wall over the door. I replaced that piece of wood and we were off. It was TINY - I think the box was 5' X 6'. the beds 'folded' out over the wheels, and the door over the back bumper. I could tow it easily even with my small sedan, and got very adept at backing, parking & leveling it. We camped in it every other weekend (the weekends Jon wasn't with his dad)) from May to October, for thru grade school. I made a number of minor mods, and learned to replace cables and pulleys when the lift system broke on us on a campout. Our cub scout den was taught how to change a tire and turn signal light bulbs on the camper, along with many other household jobs listed in their handbooks - by working on that old camper with me.
the handy skills paid off - when Jon was 13, for his 'Family Life' merit badge, he had to do a project to benefit his family. He remodeled our full bathroom. I had a professional plumber install a new tub & surround. But 13 yr old JON did everything else. He installed a ceramic tile floor, new toilet, cabinet and granite top/porcelain sink, removed 3 layers of wallpaper, re-wired the lighting & outlets (under guidance of my brother, an electrical engineer) , installed new accessories and repainted. He did NOT learn that stuff from dad!
When we both moved up to Boy Scouts, most of our camping turned to troop camping on bikes and canoes, and in tents. We hardly used the camper anymore, and it was showing it's age and needed another round of repairs and maintenance. Our beloved Golden Retreiver, Tristan, was diagnosed with cancer - Lymphoma. I was unemployed at the time, and we hadn't used the camper in 2 summers, so we sold the camper and some other stuff in garage sales to raise funds for his cancer treatment. Tristan was not only our best buddy, he was our scout troop's mascot and went on many troop campouts. Even the boys in our troop helped raise $ for his Chemo. We got a few wonderful months of remission that fall. Tristan got to go canoeing and camping and made loads of friends before he left us in Jan 05.
Last spring, with Jon almost 17, and more interested in camping with his friends than with mom, (and mom has less patience for staying up all night with giggling teen boys and sleeping on the ground) I started wishing we hadn't sold that old camper. but it WAS very small, and Jon is now 6'2 and 180 lbs. Mom is no lightweight either. We have another Golden (Fizzy) nicknamed 'chubbs' , and I have a boyfriend, Paul, who is not a small person, either. Jon is happier camping if he can bring a friend - so if I got a camper , we needed more room.
So this spring I bought a 1973 Starcraft Starmaster, 10' long, 'tall' box, sleeps 6, with furnace, stove, sink - (but no portapotti or shower), and started refurbishing it. it's more than twice the size of the old Starcraft Starlette, and needed roof and cable repairs - but I'd already done that before, so I knew it was 'doable' again. I've been working on it all summer with the assistance of Paul and my son. But the ideas, initiative, materials, tools, research and most of the labor all come from ME.
(and no small part to the ideas I beg, borrow and steal from great boards like this one!)
all it takes is a willingness to try, learn new things, get a little dirty, and be persistant.
Laura
Kudos. ScouterMom was also very helpful when I joined the forum, as many of you were. My aunt also became a single mom of a son when he was 7. She learned to hunt, camp and lead scout troops, even though she was one of 6 girls growing up and no brothers, in addition to the usual room mom stuff, etc., so that her son wasn't deprived any more than unavoidable, because of the choices his parents made. I had girls, so it was a little easier for me, but the point is that you can do almost anything you want if you're motivated.
Munchkin
The only women that are limited by simply being women, are those that CHOOSE to limit themselves.
Quote from: spearmintAre there any women owners out there?
How do you handle the driving of PUP, the maintenance and repairs etc. yourself - especially if you are not particularly handy and are single?
i have a 1992 flagstaff pup ,i put the new tires on myself , i did have to have a service person come to fix it once ,the top would not raise....there doesn't seem to be that much to maintain. the driving is no problem ,,my 16 year old daughter can pull the camper with my jeep i do have good friends that have campers and they give good advice and help when needed... terri
It's great reading stories like this from you gals! Right on!
I be a woman owner and last summer I took my first trip with just me and the kids. It was a little scarey and exciting at the same time. I was able to do everything including the awning by myself.
I'm looking forward to going out in our Fleetwood...it's a bit bigger but I tow it no problem. Some things are different and some things are easier than our old camper...but I intend to master them too!
CC
I'm the proud owner and chief operator of my pup. DH just has no interest in camping so my DD and DGS go off whenever we want. We tent camped for years and last year I bought my pup. It's a 2000 Utah so it is big. Backing was the big issue but with patience and my DD's help watching we do fine. As far as maintenence goes, I do most of it myself. Everyone here has been very helpful and I know the dealership is not far away if I have anything I simply can't figure out myself. If my family told me today, they no longer wanted to camp, I would still go by myself. It's not an issue. So Go and Have Fun!!!
Have owned PUP for several years now and camped numerous times since I got it. It pulls just fine, no sway unless water tank is full so I leave that empty unless going to campground without hookups. I get it checked once a season at local dealer, they have a yearly maintenance package. You'll get the hang of it once you camp a couple of times, Good Luck!