Old folks in TC?

[KSalzwedel]

We have a TT, and love it. However, we live in Alaska and hate campgrounds and parking lot camping. Spots here are almost all dry camping. Additionally, we want to take the ferry with a camper and see some more of America. A TT makes that too expensive.
Onto my question. We are in our mid 50's, and I (female) am not in great shape. I have osteo arthritis everywhere including my spine.
Is a TC a ridiculous choice? And NO, I do not want to sleep on the dinette.

[pnichols]

There is a motorized RV that's not a TC but kindof just like one ... except it's door is lower so it's much easier to get into and out of. You don't have to sleep in the overhead bed either - the fold out coach can be slept on. They can go anywhere and camp anywhere that a TC can. We used to call them a "chassis mount".

This is an example of one - but they may be tough to find used because owners like to hang onto them: http://www.tigervehicles.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/2017-Bengal.pdf?x88549

[welsteach]

Thanks everybody! Good ideas here!

[work2much]

We just camp back from a summer In Alaska with our truck camper. There was a ton of truck campers we saw that were Rentals. They come with the truck and the camper. I think many were rented out of Vancouver.

Rent one for a week or two and see how it goes.

[Grit_dog]

TC is ultimate for AK travels, and anywhere else for that fact, haha, but for ease of access and easy to drive around like a TC/pickup, I'd look at a small C or a B if I couldn't get around well.

[bighatnohorse]

I've seen several friends move to a TT from a TC due to health issues. As others have posted, try as many TC's as possible including the climb into the bed. And if you "make the bed" then you must realize that you have to really bend the knees to do it. (Same for any type of cabover bed arrangement.)

[dks]

I think a class B might be your best option.

[joerg68]

I , too, agree that you need to test. The main obstacles have been mentioned - entering/leaving the TC, and getting in and out of the cabover bed. Not all campers are the same.

I have mobility issues myself. But with some practice, getting in and out of the cabover proved to be easy. Good training, actually.

And the large assist handle works well for climbing in and out of the camper. We bought the torklift railing with the camper, but so far haven't had to use it.

Additional steps, handles or handrails could help with the cabover where needed.

Only you know what will work for you, and only after some practice.

[toedtoes]

I agree with the others that you'll need to test them out.

Also remember that with chronic ailments, you may have some nights when you hurt more than others. So, even if you find you can get in and out comfortably most of the time, you'll need a bed option for those times you can't.

A short class C may be a good option. Mine is 21ft and I use the cabover bed most all the time. However, if I injured myself or such, I could always sleep on the couch below. It gives me an option that a TC couldn't necessarily provide (without using the dinette as that's where the bird's cage is).

[Lwiddis]

"I (female) am not in great shape. I have osteo arthritis everywhere including my spine. Is a TC a ridiculous choice?"

Steps into and out of a TT are easier than a TC. Try a TC's steps five times. Then try the bed steps.

[jimh406]

The difficulty of getting in the bed varies. There are workarounds but in general basement models are easier to get into bed but higher. Side entry is more convenient "if" you are pulling a trailer or have something else on the hitch. Otherwise, not so much.

The TC is hard to beat for being off the beaten path, but you should really go see some TCs in person to see if your are physically capable of using one or not.

Finally, a bigger TC also means a bigger truck. If you are buying a truck just for the TC, cost wise, you could be better off with a shorter Class C/B. The newer nicer TCs are expensive.

Oh, and mid 50s isn't old. 🙂

[Kayteg1]

I changed rear entry TC where my DW took the stair hard way one time to side entry TC.
Side entry is way more convenient to enter, but then the camper has higher interior steps, than the basement model with rear entrance.
So when you do have some choices that make it easier here or there, if there is choice that makes it all easier - I did not see it yet.
TT is good if you drive short and stay long. We put over 3000 miles in last month.

[Yukoners]

Sbryan has given you a good response...I would add that getting out of the bed can also be an issue, there is a certain technique involving turning over and shuffling backward and stretching you legs till your feet are on the step or platform. I suggest borrowing or renting for a weekend and test things out thoroughly for your particular ailments. I am 68 and my wife 66 and enjoy our camper many many days every year. Probably helping to keep us young.
Best of luck!

[sbryan]

The two biggest issues for anyone with mobility issues in a truck camper is the step up into the camper and then the step up into the bed. I suggest you look at some truck campers to assess your comfort with especially the bed room. There are many solutions to the step up into the camper (additional steps, short ladders, etc). The bed room is usually the more difficult problem. Trying a few floor plans out will give you a lot better answer than anything we can tell you. I'm 70 years old and my wife is 63 and we have no issues with the truck camper but we also don't have any medical issues limiting our mobility. And after 12,000 miles in our truck camper this year (so far) we are still loving every minute and only wish we could be gone more.

[jim1521]

K,

We were in a very similar situation. We decided on a TT. Easier to get in/out of, better amenities, - just more comfortable living. We're in our mid-late 60's, arthritis, spinal stenosis, multiple surgeries (3 out of our 4 shoulders required major surgeries).

At our age we want - and indeed deserve - creature comforts when we're traveling. Enjoy life! At our age, it's too **** short.