Old age

[GHOST1750]

There are subjects about classic motor homes but how about classic drivers. I was just reading another forum and someone asked opinions about the age of drivers. I know this must have been covered before but here goes. How old and how far per day, I'll start, can anyone beat my story?

I started driving a 35 ft. National Tropical gasser when I bought it new in 201 at the ripe old age of 68. In 2003 I traded it for a 2003 39 ft. National Tradewinds with a Spartan Chases, the difference was amazing. When traveling cross country I try to cover 400 miles a day. I'm a Korean vet with heart stints, otherwise good health. I just turned 85 last month and traded for a 40 ft. Canyon Star gasser. There has been a big improvement in handling and ride of the gasser since 2001. We will head back cross country in a month or so and I still plan to cover 400 miles a day, if I can do it without pushing too much. I have the advantage of having a much younger wife (8 years :B ) who is able to take the wheel when needed.

[10forty2]

DallasSteve wrote:

GHOST1750 wrote:

DallasSteve wrote:

GHOST1750 wrote:

I started driving a 35 ft. National Tropical gasser when I bought it new in 201 at the ripe old age of 68.

That means you are over 1800 years old! That's definitely too old to be driving.

Wise guy!:)

I meant to ask, was that 201 AD or 201 BC? It makes a big difference.

Be careful poking the bear.....could be a vampire being that old... :B

[DallasSteve]

GHOST1750 wrote:

DallasSteve wrote:

GHOST1750 wrote:

I started driving a 35 ft. National Tropical gasser when I bought it new in 201 at the ripe old age of 68.

That means you are over 1800 years old! That's definitely too old to be driving.

Wise guy!:)

I meant to ask, was that 201 AD or 201 BC? It makes a big difference.

[J-Rooster]

Good to see posts from some of the RV.Net long time posters! I can’t sneak up on a stop sign but I’m sneaking up on 70!

[BigSkyBob]

I'll be 80 in October and still drive and maintain my 40' Camelot without issue. Lost my passenger seat occupier several years ago but Charlie the Beagle is excellent company but he has problems with maps. I have 5 heart stents and received a new hip last year. After two hip dislocations and a total revision I'm back in the saddle again doing 350-400 miles per day. I hit the gym every other day which keeps me in shape to handle this hunk of iron safely. Still have 20/20 unaided vision which I feel is important for operators of large vehicles.

[Cloud_Dancer]

According to the paperwork, I'm 78 years old. My brain seems to think much younger. Fortunately its body is in pretty good health.
As a commercial pilot I got used to getting my heart, eyes, and body checked every 6 months, by a FAA certified doctor. I'm retired, but I still get a physical every 6 months.
I bought my Dutch Star brand new, in 2003. I picked it up at the factory. I've been doing all the work and maintenance on it ever since. Its directional stability is great, it handles great, and it gives me a sweet ride. Taking it on a 8 to 9 hour drive is no problem (short stops about every 2 to 3 hours).
BTW I know exactly how to handle a front-tire blowout, and I train for it frequently. (my procedure for it is not exactly the same as in the Michelin/Anderson video).

[Scottiemom]

While age can and does make a difference, overall health is the best indicator. We are both 68. DH has not driven our 40' Phaeton since 2009 when he experienced numerous heart events. He has been a heart patient since 1998 when he was 47 years old. But at 59, he hung up his keys to the big motorhome. He still drives the car and our 22' motorhome, but the thought of driving a big rig of 40,000 lbs down the road is not a risk he is willing to take. He is an excellent navigator and keeps me on the right road using his laptop. He also watches the engine stats with his Silverleaf. We make a great team. I love to drive, having learned tips from my trucker Dad. It all works for us.

Dale

[toedtoes]

Just a warning to be careful out there. My dad was about 71 when he had a heart attack while driving on the freeway. Fortunately, he was not towing the 5er and his passenger was able to get him pulled over to the shoulder safely. Had he been driving alone and/or with the 5er, it might not have turned out so well.

[GHOST1750]

DallasSteve wrote:

GHOST1750 wrote:

I started driving a 35 ft. National Tropical gasser when I bought it new in 201 at the ripe old age of 68.

That means you are over 1800 years old! That's definitely too old to be driving.

Wise guy!:)

[DallasSteve]

GHOST1750 wrote:

I started driving a 35 ft. National Tropical gasser when I bought it new in 201 at the ripe old age of 68.

That means you are over 1800 years old! That's definitely too old to be driving.

[tinkerer]

That encouraging, I turned 70 this summer and on my 2 DP motorhome. My goal is to get one more and one a DP with a tag axle. My grandson informed that we have get a motorhome with 2 wheels in the rear!

[LadyRVer]

I will be 75 in a couple of weeks. Have done all the driving of a motorhome w/toad or towing a fifth-wheel since 1994. Hubby did not like to drive and was a good navigator. He preferred sitting in the passenger seat and I preferred driving. Now that he passed away, I am still out on the road by myself with my cocker spaiel. I hope I have at least 5 more years of wandering and maybe 10? I think we will all know when to hang up the keys...just whether we want to or not. But, it will happen.

[wa8yxm]

rgatijnet1 wrote:
Age has little to do with physical ability. Everyone is different. I'm sure that there are some 25 year olds that could not drive a Class A safely.
I congratulate you for you abilities at your age an d wish you many more years to come.

I will second that big time I know many people older than I am who are "Younger" physically. and even more who are younger but Much older physically. Most folks guess me 5-10 years less than I am.

[Ivylog]

Just upgraded at 73 and still do 1000 mile days when necessary.

[Johno02]

I am 78, and have been driving all types of vehicles all my life. However, I do realize that I am getting uncomfortable in drivings situations that would have been everyday normal several years ago. Much of this is due to the increased traffic on many roads, but mostly due to the fact that there are more unaware idiots on the road that do not know or care about anything except what they want to do, and have no concern about anyone or anything sharing the roads they want to drive. I do take a lot more caution, realize my own limitations, and try not to push those limits.

[ferndaleflyer]

I am 78 and just got another DP. I routinely tow a 32ft car trailer from 50 to 1000 mi every weekend, I drive the race car also and actually won a race a couple of weeks ago----I'll drive till I or the kids decide its time to stop