I know the decision is mine and mine alone. But, I also believe input from those of you who have personally experienced and gone through similar situations will be of assistance to me. About a year ago, I ‘hung up the keys’ and sold our coach due to my age. I’m 80. I was concerned that my driving skills may have deteriorated over the years and that it might not be safe for me to continue ‘piloting’ the rig down the highway. The reason I’m posting this is because I really miss having our coach and am contemplating diving back into RV’ing. I badly miss having the ability to climb into the motorhome and take off for…wherever. Please, for those of you 80 and older, I would like very much for you to respond and let me know if you are still driving and at what age. Also, if you have ‘hung up the keys’, at what age and was it due to feeling there might be an inability to safely operate the coach at your age. Please feel free to provide any other information that might help me determine whether purchasing a new coach, at my age, is or is not a wise move. Many thanks!

I'm not 80, YET! 71 - camphosting in SC for the winter and I can tell you I see several folks in their 80s that are traveling in RVs for various reasons. Those that I have seen and spoken with have been very capable at handling and manuvering their rigs. I see young folks that are somewhat defiviant in those abilities. You just need to assess your own abilities, or have a good friend help you decide. Age, alone, should not be the determining factor in your decision.Good luck, and safe travels.

I feel it is a personal choice, only you know your body and mind. If you feel you can’t drive any longer than you probably can’t

As far as being a sole personal opinion, if you are concerned about your abilities then perhaps you can still do so. Just keep in mind there a many people who do not know they are past the point of making that decision due to dementia.

I'm only 52, but watching my parents age, and friends parents, it really varies from person to person. I know a 77 year old pilot, that I'd have no concerns hopping into a plane with him, but my mother in law at 79, I wouldn't let her drive around the block, and she thinks she is fine. The fact you are concerned, is a good sign. Do you have a child or friend that would ride with you in a car or RV, and give you an honest opinion?? Maybe you can travel, and pick less congested routes, or maybe a smaller coach.With the urge to go, I hope you can find a solution to let you travel, and enjoy your retirement!

wowens79 wrote:I'm only 52, but watching my parents age, and friends parents, it really varies from person to person. I know a 77 year old pilot, that I'd have no concerns hopping into a plane with him, but my mother in law at 79, I wouldn't let her drive around the block, and she thinks she is fine. The fact you are concerned, is a good sign. Do you have a child or friend that would ride with you in a car or RV, and give you an honest opinion?? Maybe you can travel, and pick less congested routes, or maybe a smaller coach.With the urge to go, I hope you can find a solution to let you travel, and enjoy your retirement! If we get back in, we are going to look for "less congested routes" and, again 'if', we won't go back to a large Class A...it'll be a smaller class C. Speaking of 'less congested routes', in the past, we've had to travel directly through downtown Atlanta. That won't happen again...!

Too old to drive ? | Good Sam Community

phil-t
Explorer
Mar 02, 2021
I'm not 80, YET! 71 - camphosting in SC for the winter and I can tell you I see several folks in their 80s that are traveling in RVs for various reasons. Those that I have seen and spoken with have been very capable at handling and manuvering their rigs. I see young folks that are somewhat defiviant in those abilities. You just need to assess your own abilities, or have a good friend help you decide. Age, alone, should not be the determining factor in your decision.

Good luck, and safe travels.
Busdriver
Explorer II
Mar 02, 2021
I feel it is a personal choice, only you know your body and mind. If you feel you can’t drive any longer than you probably can’t
wildtoad
Explorer II
Mar 02, 2021
As far as being a sole personal opinion, if you are concerned about your abilities then perhaps you can still do so. Just keep in mind there a many people who do not know they are past the point of making that decision due to dementia.
wowens79
Explorer III
Mar 02, 2021
I'm only 52, but watching my parents age, and friends parents, it really varies from person to person. I know a 77 year old pilot, that I'd have no concerns hopping into a plane with him, but my mother in law at 79, I wouldn't let her drive around the block, and she thinks she is fine.
The fact you are concerned, is a good sign. Do you have a child or friend that would ride with you in a car or RV, and give you an honest opinion??
Maybe you can travel, and pick less congested routes, or maybe a smaller coach.
With the urge to go, I hope you can find a solution to let you travel, and enjoy your retirement!
goufgators
Explorer
Mar 02, 2021
wowens79 wrote:
I'm only 52, but watching my parents age, and friends parents, it really varies from person to person. I know a 77 year old pilot, that I'd have no concerns hopping into a plane with him, but my mother in law at 79, I wouldn't let her drive around the block, and she thinks she is fine.
The fact you are concerned, is a good sign. Do you have a child or friend that would ride with you in a car or RV, and give you an honest opinion??
Maybe you can travel, and pick less congested routes, or maybe a smaller coach.
With the urge to go, I hope you can find a solution to let you travel, and enjoy your retirement!

If we get back in, we are going to look for "less congested routes" and, again 'if', we won't go back to a large Class A...it'll be a smaller class C. Speaking of 'less congested routes', in the past, we've had to travel directly through downtown Atlanta. That won't happen again...!
chast
Explorer II
Mar 02, 2021
I think you are wise to be aware of your abilities or the lack thereof. At 77, I realize that I am no longer on the younger side of life and find that I am no longer confident piloting a large rig. This realization has brought me to appreciate a smaller version in the form of a B van. I still enjoy driving, but am intimidated by the size of the old class A. The B van gives me the freedom and convenience of a motorhome, but without the tension and apprehension of the larger rig. It may be an answer for you—to each his own.
Gjac
Explorer III
Mar 02, 2021
Do you feel more confident driving a car vs a Class A? Maybe a good compromise would be a 24 ft Class C or B+.
rhagfo
Explorer III
Mar 02, 2021
goufgators wrote:
wowens79 wrote:
I'm only 52, but watching my parents age, and friends parents, it really varies from person to person. I know a 77 year old pilot, that I'd have no concerns hopping into a plane with him, but my mother in law at 79, I wouldn't let her drive around the block, and she thinks she is fine.
The fact you are concerned, is a good sign. Do you have a child or friend that would ride with you in a car or RV, and give you an honest opinion??
Maybe you can travel, and pick less congested routes, or maybe a smaller coach.
With the urge to go, I hope you can find a solution to let you travel, and enjoy your retirement!

If we get back in, we are going to look for "less congested routes" and, again 'if', we won't go back to a large Class A...it'll be a smaller class C. Speaking of 'less congested routes', in the past, we've had to travel directly through downtown Atlanta. That won't happen again...!

Well maybe if you want a second opinion find a truck driving school near you and hire one of the instructors to do a check out drive with you. You could rent a class C of similar size you are thinking of getting in to for the checkout drive.
goufgators
Explorer
Mar 02, 2021
Gjac wrote:
Do you feel more confident driving a car vs a Class A? Maybe a good compromise would be a 24 ft Class C or B+.

Thanks! I am more comfortable driving our car or my full size pick up. If we jump back in it will be a smaller class C.
rgatijnet1
Explorer III
Mar 02, 2021
Since you live in Florida, I believe that Lazydays RV, near Tampa, used to have courses for RV drivers. I would think that one of their instructors should be able to evaluate your abilities and advise you the best.

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