Too Old??

Submitted: Monday, Nov 28, 2011 at 16:06
ThreadID: 90340 Views:4092 Replies:24 FollowUps:19
This Thread has been Archived
Are there many seniors out there travelling with a trailer camper? Hubby says we're too old!
Back Expand Un-Read 0 Moderator

Reply By: DesF - Monday, Nov 28, 2011 at 16:23

Monday, Nov 28, 2011 at 16:23
Hi, Depends what you call too old. we have a Jayco campervan, and still enjoy it . now 72 and wife is 67. we had a Campamatic camper trailer before this when I was 63, and loved that as well.
hope to be still going for a long time yet.
Cheers Des Fuller
AnswerID: 471193

Reply By: Hairs & Fysh - Monday, Nov 28, 2011 at 16:27

Monday, Nov 28, 2011 at 16:27
Hi Kerry,
You are never to old for a camper trailer :)
And I'm not going to ask how old you are, that would be just rude ;)

Depends on what kinda setup your after.
Some are time consuming, but are great when up. Others are easy quick basic and light.
Have you got an idea of what your after?
If not, take a walk around a few caravan parks and the like ask people about their set up, also visit some expo's that may be happening in your area.
There are as many different configurations as there are different cars on the road.
Good luck with it and happy & safe travels.
Cheers.
AnswerID: 471194

Follow Up By: Life Member - esarby (NSW) - Monday, Nov 28, 2011 at 16:37

Monday, Nov 28, 2011 at 16:37
Kerry. It's never to old. I retired at 70, at 72 I bought a 4x4 and a T Van and set of to Cap York. It was my first go at it and have been enjoying it ever since. If you do not like it. ExplorOz is a great place to sell your rig. You'll never never know, if you never never go. Go and try it.

Lifetime Member
My Profile  My Blog  Send Message

0
FollowupID: 745732

Reply By: Member - Royce- Monday, Nov 28, 2011 at 16:43

Monday, Nov 28, 2011 at 16:43
"Seniors"???

Not sure whether to be insulted or not..... You might be referring to my age group or 20 years older.

Nowadays there are people in there early 50s going in to retirement villages, while people in their 80s do the Great Vic Bike Ride [currently underway] or skydive, sea kayak, hike.....

Forget about age.... What are you actually capable of? Give it a try.
AnswerID: 471197

Follow Up By: Kerry B - Monday, Nov 28, 2011 at 16:46

Monday, Nov 28, 2011 at 16:46
What a great thought.
0
FollowupID: 745735

Reply By: Kerry B - Monday, Nov 28, 2011 at 16:44

Monday, Nov 28, 2011 at 16:44
Thanks for encouragement. We're 60 and 65 and I'd like a trailer camper and not a caravan. Hubby says nobody around this age is seen in this type of camper.

AnswerID: 471198

Follow Up By: Lex M - Monday, Nov 28, 2011 at 16:49

Monday, Nov 28, 2011 at 16:49
Tell hubby to get out and have a look around. He's in for a suprise.....:-)
0
FollowupID: 745736

Follow Up By: Mick O - Monday, Nov 28, 2011 at 16:53

Monday, Nov 28, 2011 at 16:53
Kerry, I agree with a lot of sentiments expressed here and have run into people well into their 80's who are travelling the remote outback and using both a tent or camper trailer. The type of camper is also a very valid concern as there is a lot more work in setting up a soft floor camper as opposed to many hard floor varieties like T-Vans and Kimberley Campers.

I'd recommend taking a look at all the various makes at one of the big Camping and caravan shows held in the Capital cities. It's a great place to see just what's on offer and what is entailed in set-up (and of course the cost). I know Melbourne’s is usually held around March each year at Caulfield Race Course.

Cheers Mick
''We knew from the experience of well-known travelers that the
trip would doubtless be attended with much hardship.''
Richard Maurice - 1903

Lifetime Member
My Profile  My Blog  My Position  Send Message

0
FollowupID: 745737

Follow Up By: 178 - Monday, Nov 28, 2011 at 17:13

Monday, Nov 28, 2011 at 17:13
Kerry, I am 70 now and at this moment am researching the different styles of camper trailers available. Seriously looking at getting a trailer built and then buying a smaller tent top to be fitted which will suit our needs and not be too heavy or time consuming to erect for o`nite stop. As others have said it is a matter of finding what suits you. By the way my father was still getting around with a cub camper at 90 yo. Mother drove as he was legally blind. Caio Johnno
0
FollowupID: 745740

Follow Up By: rocco2010 - Monday, Nov 28, 2011 at 17:48

Monday, Nov 28, 2011 at 17:48
Hello Kerry,

I was out in the WA deserts earlier this year with a couple who were a fair bit older than you (I am too much of a gentleman to ask). Their transport was a Hilux and a Cub camper and they did just fine, dodgy knees and all . The Cub camper suited them as it has a winch to help with the folding up but I am sure there would be many campers suitable for you.

Cheers

rocco
0
FollowupID: 745747

Follow Up By: thewayes - Monday, Nov 28, 2011 at 18:25

Monday, Nov 28, 2011 at 18:25
Hello Kerry,

Your only as old as the girl you are feeling so tell him to hold you and get on with living
0
FollowupID: 745751

Follow Up By: Member - Frank P (NSW) - Monday, Nov 28, 2011 at 22:56

Monday, Nov 28, 2011 at 22:56
Kerry,

Met a couple in Leigh Creek. He was 80 with a bit of Parkinsons, she was 78. They were the life of the party and they were tenting it.

You're only as old as you feel.

Forget appearances, convince him to go for it!
FrankP

Lifetime Member
My Profile  My Blog  My Position  Send Message
Moderator

0
FollowupID: 745788

Follow Up By: Member - neville G (QLD) - Tuesday, Nov 29, 2011 at 07:38

Tuesday, Nov 29, 2011 at 07:38
Kerry, Pat and I had a Campomatic and used it a lot up to our early 70,s, that was six years back and we are planning a "round the block" trip in our Phoenix caravan leaving mid April next year. I think it,s a matter of how you are travelling healthwise, some bodies last longer than others. We really did enjoy our Campomatic and travelled a good part of Australia with it. Good luck,
Neville.
0
FollowupID: 745803

Follow Up By: Member - sangster(Vic) - Tuesday, Nov 29, 2011 at 21:09

Tuesday, Nov 29, 2011 at 21:09
Kerry , We travelled around Australia in my home made camper (very comfortable)
got a lot questions on where did we purchase same, we were in our 50's then
year 1985. We are now well into our 70's and we are going back to the caravan travel again..." Go for It," it really is a great way to travel and meet nice ppl ,
I agree with all thats been said on this thread..
regards
Stan de man
0
FollowupID: 745906

Reply By: Member - Oldbaz. NSW. - Monday, Nov 28, 2011 at 16:57

Monday, Nov 28, 2011 at 16:57
G'day Kerry, this "too old" thing depends on your state of mind, your mobilty & health, & your sense of adventure. One cant deny there is a physical side to a
Camper trailer, but if shared, the effort is more one of co-ordination than sheer
strength. But if you have no desire or inclination to "set up a camp' maybe you need
a caravan instead. We are currently planning what may be our last Camper Trailer
holiday & will go right across the country & back in 6 weeks..about half on outback
dirt roads & half on tar. It will be our last trip, not because we are too old (mid 60"s)
but because we have done all the stuff that we cant do with a caravan. We plan to
get a small van & continue travelling at a reduced pace. We dont see many our age
in tent type C/t"s..most go for the big 20' + van, but we dont see them in the must
see places we camp either. cheers....oldbaz.
AnswerID: 471200

Reply By: Bill BD - Monday, Nov 28, 2011 at 17:02

Monday, Nov 28, 2011 at 17:02
Well, at some stage in your life the stuff you need to do to set up a camper becomes more difficult than it used to be. That's not TOO old..... but it gets less comfortable.
AnswerID: 471201

Reply By: Member - John and Val - Monday, Nov 28, 2011 at 17:22

Monday, Nov 28, 2011 at 17:22
Hi Kerry,

"Too old" is a state of mind in my book. When it comes to camping regardless of how you travel, its a question of what you want to see and where you want to go.

We sleep in our vehicle and have a minimal tent for privacy more than anything else. But we can get into places you certainly cant go with a caravan, and every time we feel envious of those with the comforts of a caravan we think of the out of the way places we have not yet been and the things we have not yet done. And all the wonderful bush camps we have where caravans cant go. We are 66/70 with the usual creaks, sqeaks and ..eaks that come with maturity. But we always feel happier and healthier when we are out travelling. There are many others our age doing similar things too.

Have a look (better still get your husband to have a look) at our vehicle set up (its pretty venerable too!) and our blogs and you will see what I'm talking about.

Cheers,

Val.
J and V
"Not everything that can be counted counts, and not everything that counts can be counted."
- Albert Einstein

Lifetime Member
My Profile  My Blog  Send Message

AnswerID: 471203

Reply By: Member - DAZA (QLD) - Monday, Nov 28, 2011 at 17:27

Monday, Nov 28, 2011 at 17:27
Hi KerryB

I'm 64 and the Cook is a Cougar at 66 and we love getting away.

Ok we don't rough it, and neither would you in a Camper Trailer.

We are young at heart and will try any thing once, even if it takes extra time to recover from it.

I suggest you hire a Camper Trailer for a couple of days or so and see if like the life style.

That way the only commitment you have made is the hire fee.

I know you will enjoy the experience, and then you will start looking around at different types to purchase.

My neighbour has a caravan and a camper trailer and enjoys them both.

Go for it, lifes to short.

Cheers

AnswerID: 471205

Follow Up By: Fred G NSW - Monday, Nov 28, 2011 at 21:19

Monday, Nov 28, 2011 at 21:19
'I'm 64 and the Cook is a Cougar at 66'

So now we know LOL.

Dazza, may there be many more recovery sessions for ya mate... hehehehehe

Good onya mate.

Fred
0
FollowupID: 745771

Reply By: LeighW - Monday, Nov 28, 2011 at 17:38

Monday, Nov 28, 2011 at 17:38
Hi KerryB,

I currently have a Jayco camper trailer, I find it good as it offers more comfort
than a camper trailer having a table and kitchen fridge etc there all the time setup ready to use once you pop the roof.

I find that if you go away with others with camper trailers tents etc that when the weather turns bad we usually all end up in mine sitting round the table.

I must admit though these days getting a bit tired of setting it up when moving daily so now looking at a Kimberly Karavan or similar with push button setup.

Cheers
LeighW

Lifetime Member
My Profile  Send Message

AnswerID: 471206

Follow Up By: Kerry B - Monday, Nov 28, 2011 at 18:51

Monday, Nov 28, 2011 at 18:51
Yes I saw a Kimberly Karavan recently. Definatley sure you will enjoy it.

With all of the people gathered together in your van must have been something to remember. :-)
0
FollowupID: 745754

Reply By: Member - Ed C (QLD) - Monday, Nov 28, 2011 at 18:22

Monday, Nov 28, 2011 at 18:22
We don't stop playing because we grow old,




We grow old because we stop playing


:)

Confucius say.....
"He who lie underneath automobile with tool in hand,
....Not necessarily mechanic!!"

Member
My Profile  Send Message

AnswerID: 471210

Follow Up By: Kerry B - Monday, Nov 28, 2011 at 18:49

Monday, Nov 28, 2011 at 18:49
Most definately!
0
FollowupID: 745753

Reply By: Kerry B - Monday, Nov 28, 2011 at 18:48

Monday, Nov 28, 2011 at 18:48
Thanks to you all for all of your thoughts about my issue. You have been a great help.
Happy travels to you all.

Kindest regards

AnswerID: 471213

Reply By: disco driver - Monday, Nov 28, 2011 at 18:57

Monday, Nov 28, 2011 at 18:57
If it is becomes too difficult for two people to set up a camper then it's time to consider a caravan.
In my opinion, it's not worth the risk of injury if it's become an effort to erect a camper trailer set-up, it may be time to change over to a caravan
If that's the time for you, consider how small a caravan you can live with as this will influence the size vehicle needed to tow the 'van.

Hope this helps,

Disco
(who tows a 16ft van)
AnswerID: 471214

Follow Up By: Bill BD - Monday, Nov 28, 2011 at 20:12

Monday, Nov 28, 2011 at 20:12
I tend to agree Disco. When it becomes difficult or there is a need to strain then it is time to upgrade and protect the ageing bones and muscles. I am only a little over 50 and it takes a lot more huff and puff to put up my camper than it did 10 years ago. For us we will ease the strain and get a light van when we get around 60 I think.
0
FollowupID: 745760

Reply By: Eric Experience - Monday, Nov 28, 2011 at 20:42

Monday, Nov 28, 2011 at 20:42
Kerry.
Best you have a look at 'caravaning and RV in Australia' Lionel Mussel is 80 and still travelling but is doing it much easier than a trailer. Eric
AnswerID: 471219

Follow Up By: Mick O - Monday, Nov 28, 2011 at 21:14

Monday, Nov 28, 2011 at 21:14
Outback Al Kennedy, the veteran of more than a couple of trips in the passengers seat of my rig is at least 103 years old. Yes he has trouble remembering his way back to the vehicle if he walks too far away for the morning ablutions but in all seriousness, Al's folks are in their mid 80's and still travelling to FNQ from Melbourne every year with the boat on top of the car and a caravan behind. His old man reckons that the day he can't get the boat back onto the roof top is the day he'll get a canoe for fishing! Now there's an attitude I like! State of mind and knowing your physical limitations which is why I recommend going and having a look, touch, feel and discuss the Camper options. Goodness gracious you're only 60+ years young!

Cheers Mick

''We knew from the experience of well-known travelers that the
trip would doubtless be attended with much hardship.''
Richard Maurice - 1903

Lifetime Member
My Profile  My Blog  My Position  Send Message

0
FollowupID: 745768

Follow Up By: Fred G NSW - Monday, Nov 28, 2011 at 21:38

Monday, Nov 28, 2011 at 21:38
G'day Mick. Funny you should mention canoes for fishin' mate, that's what I'm seriously looking at. I just worry about their stability, because the ones we made 55 years ago out of a sheet of corrugated iron folded up each end, weren't all that flash :-)

Fred
0
FollowupID: 745775

Reply By: Fred G NSW - Monday, Nov 28, 2011 at 21:07

Monday, Nov 28, 2011 at 21:07
Aye Kerry, give him the flick, and come with me :-))))))))

Good onya luv. Sounds like he needs a bit of a nudge. LOL

Fred.
AnswerID: 471221

Follow Up By: Kerry B - Monday, Nov 28, 2011 at 22:14

Monday, Nov 28, 2011 at 22:14
Yep, he sure does need the nudge and getting him to read these will certainly do just that!
0
FollowupID: 745781

Reply By: Member - Dunworkin (WA) - Tuesday, Nov 29, 2011 at 00:13

Tuesday, Nov 29, 2011 at 00:13
Kerry B, Keep at your hubby, like so many have said, you are only as old as you feel. Hubby and I have a tent to travel out in the deserts and doing the trips that in time we won't be able to do, last year we went to the Birdsville Races via the Simpson Desert in our tent. LOL We also have a caravan which we use for holidays on the black top when we're not planning off road travel. We are in our mid to late 60s and may I say no where near as old as some we've met on our travels. Go for it girl, now is the time to get out and enjoy yourselves. Good luck and I hope this thread spurs your Hubby on.

Cheers

D


Simba, our much missed baby.

Lifetime Member
My Profile  Send Message

AnswerID: 471240

Reply By: Member - Brian R (WA) - Tuesday, Nov 29, 2011 at 00:31

Tuesday, Nov 29, 2011 at 00:31
Hi Kerry
You have lots of great replies.
If the thought of a camper trailer and all that canvas is a problem....Take a look at A'Liners. I have no connection with agents or whatever Just love the setup.
Whatever get something and get out there good luck
Brian WA
AnswerID: 471241

Follow Up By: Kerry B - Tuesday, Nov 29, 2011 at 12:37

Tuesday, Nov 29, 2011 at 12:37
Thanks Brian
0
FollowupID: 745841

Reply By: Motherhen - Tuesday, Nov 29, 2011 at 00:38

Tuesday, Nov 29, 2011 at 00:38
Hi Kerry

An inspirational moment was when on our first trip away with the Bushtracker (purchased for the easy life), we went into a caravan parts shop. There was a couple in their eighties. They had just sold their caravan as it was getting a bit much for them to manage :( There they were; buying a tent and camp stretchers - no stopping them :)

Your hubby sounds a bit like mine. However when we do get away, he is so much more relaxed and enjoys the travel. A caravan is easier - no setting up at all.

As said, old is just a state of mind. Good luck with dragging him out camping again.

Motherhen

Motherhen

Red desert dreaming

Lifetime Member
My Profile  My Blog  Send Message

AnswerID: 471242

Reply By: Kimba10 - Tuesday, Nov 29, 2011 at 08:00

Tuesday, Nov 29, 2011 at 08:00
Your only a spring chicken, my mums just turned 74 and still does the city to surf (fast walks most of it now instead of running) would leave me for dead for fitness, come to think of it probably health to, still helps my sister pushing wheel barrow loads of soil and stuff up her driveway (new house) Enjoy yourself and as others have said, when you start to struggle then its time to think of a change...........Enjoy
AnswerID: 471252

Reply By: The Landy - Tuesday, Nov 29, 2011 at 09:38

Tuesday, Nov 29, 2011 at 09:38
Age is merely a statistic that seemingly we all need to have, being old is a state of mind...just go for it!

Cheers,
AnswerID: 471266

Reply By: RedCherokee - Tuesday, Nov 29, 2011 at 10:32

Tuesday, Nov 29, 2011 at 10:32
I second the suggestion to hire one and try it.

Hiring a camper will give you a good idea of whether you like it, how you handle the challenges etc.

Before buying my camper, I hired two different styles of campers and did some serious trips in them. Put a camper up and down every night for a week and you quickly learn what you like and dislike!

If you are concerned at needing a lot of 'stuff' to do this, some of the camper hirers can also provide the important bits of gear, like a portable fridge. Peter and Catherine at Independent Trailers set their hire TVans up with a folding table, cookware, plates and cups etc even a portable light and dishwashing detergent! The only thing we needed were our favourite camping chairs, bedding, clothes, food and wine. We already had our own fridge to take. If your chosen hirer can't provide gear, you can probably borrow enough from family and friends for a few nights away.

Have a go. Then decide how how much luxury suits you.
AnswerID: 471275

Follow Up By: Geoff H (Q - Tuesday, Nov 29, 2011 at 12:05

Tuesday, Nov 29, 2011 at 12:05
Good suggestion,

We started with a basic Camper Trailer and quickly mover to a Camper Van which suits us better, however I can see the day when we move to a pop top van.

Some camper trailers are easy to set up some are a PITA and it doesn't matter weather you spend $3000 or $70,000.

My advice is to go to a camping show and have a look at everything and ask lots of questions then question everything you are told.

Good luck.
0
FollowupID: 745836

Reply By: Member - Joe n Mel n kids (FNQ - Tuesday, Nov 29, 2011 at 22:44

Tuesday, Nov 29, 2011 at 22:44
ok lets scrap the age thing and look at the "camper" ....... i really would go and hire one for a long trip, not a short one but a decent one and see what you think, personally i hate them but that is me, i also will make a point of "noting" i have seen many a camper trailer n car parked outside of motel rooms in places that had many surrounding areas that would have suited a camper well, i also can back this up with a few comments that Al & Serina said about them and trust me they ran the roadhouse in the best spot for any camper trailer and heaps of people pulled up with expensive camper trailers and all they wanted was a decent room, really it is still just a tent, some have hard floors and hard covers ect but the ultimate camper trailer is a good caravan .... yes i have owned one and i am just a tad over 21 years old so it is not an age thing hahahah .......
AnswerID: 471329

Reply By: Member - Ian and Cheryl (QLD) - Wednesday, Nov 30, 2011 at 12:19

Wednesday, Nov 30, 2011 at 12:19
I was chatting to a lady at a free camp near Casino last week.
She was driving a camper van (not a trailer) and it was her second one. She had done 70k in this and 100k in the previous one.
Been widowed for 20 years and didn't want to stop travelling - she was 82 and travelling alone!

As others have said - it is entirely up to you - mentally and physically.

IAN
AnswerID: 471348

Reply By: Kerry B - Wednesday, Nov 30, 2011 at 13:22

Wednesday, Nov 30, 2011 at 13:22
That's a beautiful story. Thanks for sharing :-)
AnswerID: 471357

Reply By: Member - Gordon T (NSW) - Wednesday, Nov 30, 2011 at 23:07

Wednesday, Nov 30, 2011 at 23:07
If you can walk then you are not too old to go bush in a campertrailer. I am 67 and my wife is 68 - we purchased a 4WD last year and a Tvan off-road campertailer in October to go to some of the out of the way places early next year. We are of course taking precuaitions as appropriate to our age and state of health - one of which is a sat phone - but we will not be held back from going to locations (apart from wild night clubs) frequented by much young people. Liive and live well now - you are dead a long time.
AnswerID: 471397

Sponsored Links