Aren’t You Afraid to Live Full-Time in Your Motorhome… Alone… With Just Your Cat?

That is the most common question I
get asked.

Short answer: No. Long answer: Still no.

I’ll admit, fear and I have always had a strange relationship. For example, I wasn’t all that afraid when I got held up at gunpoint in Asunción, Paraguay—while serving in the Peace Corps.

Maybe I’m missing a spark plug or something. But I’d like to think it’s because I’m not reckless—I take precautions, and I stay aware of my surroundings. It’s called situational awareness. Basically, common sense—put through grad school.

Things I Don't Do

I don’t stay at truck stops. I stick to family campgrounds, where the scariest thing is usually a kid sprinting with a fishing pole—hook swinging like a medieval weapon.

I don’t advertise the campgrounds I stay at until I’ve left them. Posting my location in real time is basically saying, “please come find me.”

I don’t leave valuables visible on my site, and I keep my exterior compartment doors locked. My cat Luna might look intimidating, but she’s not exactly a guard dog.

I don’t ignore my gut instinct. If a place—or a person—feels sketchy, I move on. Even if the reviews say “five stars, great Wi-Fi.”

Lastly, I don’t drive more than four hours at a stretch. Because it’s just me, everything takes longer—and honestly, it’s exhausting. Plus, I don’t want to roll in after dark.

Things I Do

On Driving Days

I keep my phone plugged in.

I gas up when I’m down to half a tank—just in case I need the generator running all night.

I check weather conditions a couple of days in advance. Breaking down camp—or setting up—in the rain is basically a slapstick routine I don’t want to star in.

I depart with empty black and gray tanks (even though dumping is gross!) and about a third of the capacity of water in my fresh water tank. Since I don’t boondock, a third is plenty to get me through a night and a day.

At the Campground

I wave. And smile. A lot. Friendly visibility is its own kind of security system.

I keep my motorhome in top operational shape, so I’m less likely to end up stranded.

My insurance is always up to date, with roadside assistance included—just in case duct tape and optimism aren’t enough.

I use Life360 with my friends and family, so they can keep an eye on me—and stop asking “Where ARE you?” every three hours like I’m a toddler at Target.

Bonus Question: Do You Carry Pepper Spray?

Yes—but honestly? It’s mostly for the bears. In Florida. (Yes, Florida has bears. No, I didn’t know either. I thought Florida only had gators, theme parks, and questionable life choices.)

When I hike alone, I bring it along. Again, it’s more for bears than humans. Humans, honestly, are way more terrified of suddenly becoming the star of your livestream.

Pro tip of the day: if the threat level ever feels real, pretend you’re going live on social media. Or actually go live. Nobody wants to go viral for felony vibes.

So, Am I Afraid?

No. But the truth is, living this way isn’t about being fearless. It’s about being prepared, staying smart, and accepting that life on the road comes with risks. But hey—so does staying in one place. And at least my risks come with better sunsets.

If you enjoyed this little peek into my slightly questionable survival instincts, let me know in the comments: What’s the weirdest precaution you’ve ever taken?