Question 1 - How strenuous for full time RV?

[Dano1955]

1st off, I've Have several questions and thought I'd ask them separately to keep the answers on topic and allow people to just respond to the ones they have the most experience.

Ops/Mod if this is not appropriate then feel free to merge or delete if you think it better and I can repost under a single topic.

This question is being asked because of my bout with arthritis (family inheritance). While I'm not disabled, I have lost some of my physical mobility due to having 2 hip replacements and pain and loss of strength in my hands and legs. Heavy lifting (100 lbs perhaps, one time) or lighter weights repeatedly would not be possible. Since I will be on my own, could this pose a hazard if there were no assistance around?

Search did not return anything using the key words I could think of.

[ramgunner]

Hookups have been well covered, getting in and out of the trailer, and any steps inside.

The other issue you may have is lifting propane bottles to refill and putting full ones back in.

[bigred1cav]

I do not see where you live? We are in Ohio. I would submit you find a club. FMCA has nice clubs all over USA. The folks there will be very accommodating as will most RVers except the drunks and those thinking they own the camp areas.

Find tools that give you leverage and you'll get familiar with power drills for screws very soon. My back and knees are gone I take my time and hookup sewer line, it is the most difficult. Both my rotator cuffs are blown out and lifting is difficult, nothing over my head.

We own a Class A and have none of the leveling from the outside some RVers must contend with. Our tow car is a pain in my body to hook and unhook. I now have a small garden roll around chair I use. So long as I do not have to bend over I am good to go. If it hurts I stop for a while. If detractors complain I tell them to do my work under my supervision and as soon as possible i will get out of the way.

Dano1955 wrote:
1st off, I've Have several questions and thought I'd ask them separately to keep the answers on topic and allow people to just respond to the ones they have the most experience.

Ops/Mod if this is not appropriate then feel free to merge or delete if you think it better and I can repost under a single topic.

This question is being asked because of my bout with arthritis (family inheritance). While I'm not disabled, I have lost some of my physical mobility due to having 2 hip replacements and pain and loss of strength in my hands and legs. Heavy lifting (100 lbs perhaps, one time) or lighter weights repeatedly would not be possible. Since I will be on my own, could this pose a hazard if there were no assistance around?

Search did not return anything using the key words I could think of.

[rockhillmanor]

Dano1955 wrote:
..This question is being asked because of my bout with arthritis (family inheritance). While I'm not disabled, I have lost some of my physical mobility due to having 2 hip replacements and pain and loss of strength in my hands and legs. Heavy lifting (100 lbs perhaps, one time) or lighter weights repeatedly would not be possible. Since I will be on my own, could this pose a hazard if there were no assistance around?

Your main problem is not going to be if you can bend down for hook ups, lift stuff, etc. but just going in and out of an RV will be THE most difficult and taxing on your body.

I started out with 2 good knees and after about a month on the road I could barely walk. It was from repeatedly going in and out of my RV.

The steps on almost all RV's are way 'too narrow' to walk out on them straight like the steps in your home. You will find yourself twisting sideways to walk up and down into the RV twisting your knee to do so.

I suggest you go to a dealership and try walking up and down RV steps AND if you choose a MH, exit and entering the front of a Class A or Class B MH, to see if you are able to, BEFORE you leap into RV'ing. :C

[Geocritter]

I’m not certain how to answer this one since I’m lucky enough to be in excellent health (knock on wood!). However, I am 68 and I’ve definitely slowed down, particularly over the last 10 years. One thing to remember though, you’re at the use it or lose it stage, and by that I mean everything on your body! I feel it’s better to endure the pain and at least try to do things rather than just shrug you’re shoulders in defeat and make it self-fulfilling. A good book to read is My Life of Adventure by the late Norman Vaughan from Alaska. Not the best written book I’ve ever read, but the message was life changing for me. For instance, among many other things, Norman competed in the Iditarod into his mid-80’s, old age be damned!

Steve

[PawPaw_n_Gram]

The only thing I would add - you probably would not do good in a 5th wheel with the steps up to the bathroom/ bedroom.

[old_guy]

I too have new hips and when I have to get down to do things I have crawled on my knees to a tire or what not to pull myself up. you do what you have to do to enjoy still doing them

[2lazy4U]

It depends on what type of RVing you decide to do. If you have a nice big rig, then the above comments pretty much cover it. But if you want to boondock, you may find yourself carrying water jugs and such. I have a really messed up back and find I can do almost everything if I take my time. When I can't do it, it doesn't get done or I ask for help. There have been times when I swore I would give it all up, then by the next day I'm happy again. It's such an individual thing it's hard to say, but if you're unsure, why not rent an RV and try it out for a few days?

[Dano1955]

DownTheAvenue wrote:
The only two problems problem I can see would be your ability to get into and out of the RV and to get down close to the ground to hook up utilities, drain tanks, and possibility screw down and retract stabilizers (some RVs, motorhomes mostly, have auto levelers).

Another issue if you suffered from an incident needing help and you were camped in a remote area by yourself.

Whether full timing or a weekender, the same issues apply.

Getting up/down for hookups should not be a problem (yet) it really just things that may require what I wouild call "normal" strength. For example I've had to learn new ways to open a jar of pickles 😄

[Johno02]

It all depends on you, and the extent of your disability. DownTheAvenue had the right answer. As we get older, things do get more difficult, especially steps, and getting close to the ground. And more important, getting back up. I can get down with no problem, but getting back up can be another thing. Having said that, we do see a LOT of folks older that we are that do just fine!

[DownTheAvenue]

The only two problems problem I can see would be your ability to get into and out of the RV and to get down close to the ground to hook up utilities, drain tanks, and possibility screw down and retract stabilizers (some RVs, motorhomes mostly, have auto levelers).

Another issue if you suffered from an incident needing help and you were camped in a remote area by yourself.

Whether full timing or a weekender, the same issues apply.