Fran Reisner -- photographer, author, RVer

Professional photographer and author Fran Reisner began traveling the highways fulltime in mid-September 2011, just a few weeks after selling her home in Frisco, Texas (about 30 miles north of Dallas).

She bought her motorhome "only days before having to hand over the keys to my home," says the solo RVer who travels with her two rescue dogs, Jazzy and Sadie.

Recreation Vehicle: "I got a SWEET deal on a very slightly used 2010 Winnebago Adventurer, affectionately referred to as The Beast" -- 35.5’ long, 12.5’ high, and 8.5’ wide. "In high winds this baby can rock and roll," says Fran.

"With the three slides out it is very spacious, which was important to me since I'm traveling with two dogs. I've never owned an RV and went cold turkey into full time RVing."

"The visibility is great, especially with the back-up camera and side cameras. Without the back-up camera I would not be able to see the car unless in a tight turn."

Toad: “Zippy,” Honda CRV EXL, weighs in at about 3,200 pounds. "I went with the Blue Ox system and I’m very happy with my choice." The toad added 17-feet behind her motorhome, equalling "a whopping 52-feet. "The benefit of adding the tow car is that I am now able to travel down many 'roads less traveled' without the worry about getting stuck," says Fran.

"You cannot be in a hurry in a big RV, which is just as well because I don’t want to be in a hurry any more. You also can’t be worrying too much about the guy behind you when there’s nowhere to turn off and ya just can’t go any faster. I’ll use the turn outs when they’re available, but otherwise … I’m just going to be another one of those old farts toodling down the road like I’ve got all the time in the world."

Customizing RV for traveling companions:

"I built a portable platform (doubles as a table) that fits over the passenger seat with space enough for both Sadie and Jazzy to ride eye to eye with the 'big boys' out there.  They love it," says Fran.

"After leaving a two-acre fenced property where they could run freely, I though it might be a big adjustment for them. Not so. They're happy to be with me and jump in willingly when I ask them if they're ready to go for a ride."

URLs: Follow Fran's travel adventures by clicking on:  Journey in Focus
Check out her professional photography at: Fran Reisner Photography

Books:
'The Dogs of Central Park' (Hardcover, $19.95) 2011. (Order direct from Fran Reisner at Fran@FranReisner.com and a percentage of the purchase price goes to support animal rescue organizations.)
'The Mountain Dogs of Colorado' (In process).

Photographs: Courtesy of Fran Reisner.

Read more by Julianne Crane at RVWheelLife.com