File this in the "you never know what life will toss at you" bin...You may recall that I spent the summer of 2020 rebuilding a 2002 Lance with extensive water damage (link to the project is in my sig). The camper really came out great, and it was my first project that DW really helped me with. She was elbow-to-elbow with me getting it done! We were both excited to get on the road and travel with our new TC. Well, we used it exactly twice last year...DW has developed bad arthritis in her knees, and even with the Motrin and Voltaren it pains her a lot to get up into the bunk area. Heck, she even has trouble just getting in/out of the Ram. So, sad to say the TC is for sale and we're looking to get back into a TT where everything is one level. I'd like a 5er but not sure about the steps going to the bedroom, we'll see. I'll still be hanging around the forum, but just wanted to say thanks to all here on the TC pages who helped me learn the ropes with this TC. Stay safe on the road and best wishes for a happy healthy new year! Don

Any chance that the knees can be fixed? My new hip is great!

I am so sad for you and your wife. Hoping you can live your dream thru your trailer. It is something that I have thought about with my camper delays. My wife and I are not gettng any younger. I know life can be a harsh reality and changes have to be dealt with. Good luck and take care. Barry

Well that is crappy. I know exactly what you are going through, as we looked at Class A and Class C about 4 years ago. Still have the camper and use stools to make steps shorter, but she still loves the camper, so I am in charge of making it work for us. She is in line for two new knees, but Ontario just put another hold on elective surgeries, so who knows when the new knees are going to be installed. Next it will be supply chain issues for replacement parts! Your wife could try cortisone shots many people have had luck with them. My wife's surgeon said not to do them because of fear of infection before surgery.Sad that you will be losing your labour of love. Good luck in your search.Brian

Bad luck!I'd go for a trailer rather than 5th wheel.Some one is going to get an excellent RV!

Bittersweet | Good Sam Community

JoeChiOhki
Explorer II
Jan 13, 2022
Sounds almost like you need an Amerigo, so your wife can use the lower fold out bed in the rear (My wife's plans since for when we don't have company staying with us in the camper, so she can have the whole bed to herself :p). Sadly, they haven't been made in a number of years, so the only options are restoration.
daily_double
Explorer
Jan 13, 2022
I have a friend that had both knees replaced at once and was balling hay 2 weeks later!! I had 1 nee replaced and was an invalid for about a month. However I can now do anything I'm man enough to do.
Pete_k
Explorer
Jan 12, 2022
Know of a guy. His Arthritis got so bad. He was not able to move his knees. Then it got where his back and other joints joined right in there.
He takes a IV drip every 90 days. Got him back to moving again. Also back to work and farming.
He still takes the IV drip every 3 months. But after loosing a leg. Hes not doing that great. But that iv drip did get him 7 good years. I can find out what its called if you would like to know.
Supercharged111
Explorer
Jan 05, 2022
I've had my ankle worked on 3 times and my back chopped on once and I'm not even 40 yet. I wouldn't hesitate to get surgery on the knees, there are options now that weren't available 10 years ago. If you do nothing, it will only get worse. Despite my numerous procedures, I'm doing quite well.
3_tons
Explorer III
Jan 05, 2022
Improvise, Adapt and Overcome…Good Luck!

3 tons
stevenal
Nomad II
Jan 05, 2022
1) Replace TC with something else? Never.
2) Replace arthritic wife? Too tough to train a new one.
3) Replace wife's arthritic knee? Winner!!

Surgery occurred in June, and she was able to get into the camper bed in November, and still getting stronger. Of course TCing was not the only consideration. Mid-60s is too young to be giving up the things we love to do.
RetiredRealtorR
Explorer
Jan 05, 2022
My wife and I are both arthritis sufferers as well, so I know where you're coming from.

If you'd consider a Class A, the Thor Axis and Vegas are have low step-in heights (although I'm not a big fan of Thor products). Then there's no in-and-out of a tall truck either. Ideally, a pristine Winnebago Rialto is the easiest access, but finding one would be the tough part.
bgiroux
Explorer
Jan 05, 2022
Sorry to hear about your wife’s arthritis. I’ve lived with it for many years and tried just about everything. I’m now using Biofreeze and it gives me the most relief. Might be worth giving it a try. Good luck with finding a trailer that will work for you both and I hope your wife finds some relief.
BurbMan
Explorer II
Jan 05, 2022
I had a guy on FB today want to trade me straight across for a 1998 Allegro 28' Class A (no slides) on a Chevy chassis with 454, 55k miles.

DW put the kaibosh on it so we are back to looking at trailers.....
Lantley
Nomad
Jan 05, 2022
Sorry to hear the TC didn't work out. You didn't want one of those small cramped things anyway...LOL
At this point you might as well try a 5'er.
Actually if you want a flat floorplan go with what you know and get another TT.
Check out Palomino River Ranch 392MB it is a single level 5th wheel floor plan.
I'm not a advocate of that unit per se, but I just want to show you single level 5th wheels are available. Let the fun begin! Good luck with whatever you decide.
Life's thrown you a curve ball, now is a chance to hit it out of the park....OK maybe a line drive single.

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