The initials ”RV” stand for recreational vehicle; there are ”RVers”
of all ages who vacation or live full time in their rigs.
And the ”RV bug” is getting to more seniors who like the economy, convenience and camaraderie of the RV lifestyle.
What`s more, RV clubs are forming for fans of almost any interest, including singles, couples, retired military personnel, feminists, Christian activists and sports enthusiasts.
Here are a few:
– Loners on Wheels (LOW): This club is for RVers who are widowed, divorced or otherwise single and can`t stay off the road.
The club`s 3,000 members camp, rally and caravan together. But LOW is not a matchmaking service. Members do not share the same van and agree to leave the club if they do find a mate.
Many members live in their rigs year-round. LOW, in its 22nd year, has 50 active chapters. Dues are $26 a year, with a $5 initiation fee.
For further information, write to Dick March, club president, Box 1355, Poplar Bluff, Mo. 63901.
– The Friendly Roamers: This club was organized in 1977 by former members of Loners on Wheels who got married or otherwise paired up.
Now it`s open to all RVers, couples and singles. First-time dues are $15. It`s $10 a year after that. The program includes a newsletter and scheduled social events.
For further information, write to Forrest S. ”Woody” Forbes, secretary/ treasurer, The Friendly Roamers Inc., Box 1716, Lancaster, Calif. 93539-1716 or call 805-942-5455.
– Escapees: This club has more than 12,000 members, most of whom live in their vehicles full- time.
It offers members a place to call home base. Some 13 member-owned co-op campgrounds are scattered from Washington state to Florida. At any of the grounds, members may camp for free or rent lots at low rates.
They also can buy permanent lots on the campgrounds, a quarter-acre or more in size. Dues are $40 a year, with a $5 initiation fee.
For further information, write to Escapees Inc., Route 5, Box 310, Livingston, Texas 77351; or call 409-327-8873.
– What I Need (WIN): This club, started in 1988, currently limits membership to single RVers in their 50s and 60s.
The club stresses active gatherings (”not just sitting around,” the membership literature says). Activities include white water rafting, tubing, skiing, horseback riding and sailing. Dues are $25 a year with a $5 initiation fee.
For further information, write to What I Need, Box 2010, Sparks, Nev. 89432.
– SMART (Special Military Active Retired Travel Club): As the name implies, this club is to promote friendship among retired military personnel. Initial dues are $35.
For further information, write to SMART Inc., 3722 Navy Blvd., Pensacola, Fla. 32507.
– RVing Women: This club is a new organization with about 2,000 members in the United States and Canada. They are all women traveling alone.
It is ”a support network for women RVers,” according to the membership literature.
Annual dues are $29 for singles, $39 for a two-person household.
For further information, write to RVing Women, Box 82606, Kenmore, Wash. 98028 or call 206-791-1884.
– Christian Camper Club: ”Happiness is camping with Christ, sharing Christ with other campers,” according to the introductory literature.
For further information about age limits, dues and membership, write to Box 606, Homeland, Calif. 92348 or call 818-343-3881.
