When to stop RVing

[cemmett]

As we get older but still enjoy the RV lifestyle, we are wondering if there is a certain age when it's not safe or practical to continue. Any ideas on this?

[pigman1]

Unfortunately, people don't want to do an honest evaluation of their abilities and capabilities. This, in itself, is probably the most obvious clue that you shouldn't continue. As has been said, it's not a matter of years, but physical and mental abilities. Some clues might be more accidents, more near misses, losing or leaving more stuff at the CG, and more navigating mistakes. Also greater and greater difficulty in parking the RV. I would hope I could recognize these things in myself, but I also have a partner of over 53 years that will help. It's too bad there are so many out there that are well past their cutoff point. I do my best to stay as far from them as possible.

By the way, this is not unique to RVing. I ran the Delaware 55 ALIVE program for a number of years and just getting seniors to hang up their car keys due to failing abilities is a far greater problem overall. No easy solutions.

[moonlightrunner]

I will stop when I die. I am in good shape. My parent lived to be almost a 100 (dead early due listening to idiot doctors). My grandparents actually hit 100yo and one lived past 100 (gotta love old Sicilians). I take care of myself. When I hit the point that I can no longer adjust things to where I can't do them by myself, I will simply travel with some younger fulltiming friends who are like family to me. I've known 20yo who were so weak and helpless they couldn't hitch up a towed (this 80+yo woman did it for them because they couldn't pull the hitch out... weak girly-girl men tick me off). I've known 90 yos who were in much better physical and mental shape than most of the "youngsters" I run into. Just stay out of my way. I've got a life to live.

[Valkyriebush]

Aridon wrote:
You stop when you personally can't do it safely anymore. Different for everyone.

Our friends who were in there 80's quit after having an accident every year for their last three years in a row. They even continued after the second one when they rolled their truck and TT one year. I know they miss it.

[Dick_B]

My thought is that when it gets too difficult to hitch/unhitch, load/unload the `stuff', drive down the road, and/or when health conditions reduce the freedom that RVing presents, it is time to do something else.

[Dog_Folks]

When they pry my hand off the steering wheel. Actually the below statement says it all clearly and succinctly:

Aridon wrote:
You stop when you personally can't do it safely anymore. Different for everyone.

I have seen people in their 90's driving a motor home and doing well. On the other hand, I have seen people in tier 60's that should be off the road.

It really is different for everyone.

[old_guy]

strange how I can read on this forum something I and DW are thinking about at this time. just the other day DW brought up the subject. I had a hip replacement and am getting better thank you, but now DW is having a heck of a time with her back. she leaned over and pulled something out of whack and she must have been ver depressed as she brought up that statement. it really made us wonder if we are ever going to be able health wise to keep camping. One thing that really sadden us is the kids all sold their TT's due to some hard times. hope they fair better and get back into the camping mode again.

[Bionic_Man]

50. That way I can have a better shot at reserving my preferred camping spots.

[Lantley]

abc40kids wrote:

Emptypockets wrote:
We are both 79 in reasonably good health - just did a 75 day trip visiting family & friends. Now making plans to go back to AZ this winter.

Hope we can be just like you!!!

Me TOO!

[BB_TX]

Age only has a little to do with it. Health, both physical and mental, will be the prime factor. That and desire. Hopefully you (and I and all others) will be able to make a sensible determination when the time comes.

[DutchmenSport]

Well, I'm not at that point in my life yet (thank goodness!), but when the BMV says you cannot drive any more, I think it's time to reconsider the lifestyle. Although, that may not stop anyone either, as someone with no drivers license can sill hitch a ride with someone else!

And if you are a permanent full timer on a permanent site, who says you have to pack up and move to a retirement village? I suppose you can continue to RV as long as you really want. My request is to place my body in my camper, and bury camper with me in it! I'll be RVing forever then!

Actually, that is not such a dumb idea. My wife and I have requested from our kids that we both get cremated and or ashes put together in a camper shaped urn! (this is morbid I know, but true!)

[azdryheat]

Do it till you can't do it any more. Met a WWII vet, 90 years old, with a 5th wheel who had no plans to quit.

[Aridon]

You stop when you personally can't do it safely anymore. Different for everyone.

[cyntdon2010]

Last year I was on a campground. a young man set up a RV. and later that evening he brought his 80 year old grandfather and grandmother out. they stayed for the weekend.

The old man didn't drive anymore, but still loved camping.

[arhayes]

We just started FT'ing a few weeks ago at age 60. I hope we are still having as much fun and enjoyment that we make it to our late 70's. Like all other activities, I guess as long as you're having fun and enjoying the lifestyle that's what matters. I cannot imagine a "line in the sand" age that applies as we've already met folks in their 80's out here having fun FT'ing and doing great.