At first I was scratching my head trying to figure out how I would navigate RV living with mobility issues. I think, like with a lot of things, it takes a bit of time to figure things out. I watch ‘grey nomads’ getting around the van parks and think there must be a way!

The RV was well loved that we hired. It had its issues, like seemingly no insulation as we shivered through our first night. A fan heater later and we were back on track. A friend recommended taking a plug in night light. That was also so worthwhile.

Struggling with stairs

I can’t do stairs the conventional way. My right leg doesn’t lift up. Thankfully there were handrails on the RV. I ended up holding onto the handrail and lifting the leg that doesn’t work with my other hand. Sure it looks awkward. Wobbly but hey I get there.

Ground surfaces at RV parks

Our first van park was gravel everywhere, the next two had concrete slabs with grass surrounding. 

• Gravel is a nightmare for walking frames. It just won’t move in the thick gravel and if it does it is fishtailing all over the place. You need someone to help you. 
• With grass you need to move slowly and check the angle first before you put your weight through. 
• Spongy grass is the most dangerous. 
• Concrete is a friend, well… if it is flat. This is why people on walking frames are so slow. We have to navigate the ground surfaces as well as ensure that we are moving in the space accurately.

Ensuite

I struggled with the ensuite the most. There’s barely room for me to put my feet. I’m skinny as. I don’t know how others do it. 

The shower is tiny. It was a bit dangerous for me. I used the amenities at the van parks. I would take my mobility scooter to the amenities cause it works out safer. 

You need to empty the ‘cassette’ (aka loo) at the ‘dump’ every other day. We tried to use the van parks amenities as much as possible.

The bed

When you start speaking with others that get around in their RV’s you realise that there are many configurations. They said that you just need to find the ones that are right for you. Some have a double that takes up the whole back of the van. Some have single beds on either side. Lots have their double up a ladder and sleeping in a loft space above the cabin. I only found one that you could walk around the bed like you would at home. 

Thank you

You say please and thank you a lot when you can’t get around. I may not want to ever ask for help but often you just go with the flow. It’s amazing how people have eyes in the back of their head to help you out. Hey, when you see me on my scooter you know there is someone there taking a photo. 

So would I do another RV holiday? The answer is absolutely yes. I just need to research things to the enth degree and problem solve things as much as I can. Who knows what the next adventure will be. 

Dezzie 2024