My Dad is considering buying a Hiace Poptop Campervan to follow us around Australia. We took him on a six week trip with us last year after Mum passed away and he loved the lifestyle. He stayed in cabins at each caravan park we visited. But we plan to be away for more than six months this time and will free camp some of the time so Dad will need his own vehicle to be able to travel with us. He is quite active for his age and drives his little Toyota Echo around town daily so he feels he is quite a competant driver. While we don't like to travel much more than 200kms per day before we set up camp I am concerned about Dad handling it. Any opinions would be appreciated.
Cupie said
08:58 AM Jul 24, 2011
I would be getting a Doctor's advice as a first step. A fair dinkum set of tests not just a short surgery visit assesment.
If OK then a couple of short trips might be the go.
If it were my Dad, I'd be looking at alternatives like taking him with us as a passenger. Might mean upgrading the rig. But his cash intended for his own rig would help defray that cost.
IMO after reading your post again, I would be looking at modifications to your earlier arrangement that has the option of him sleeping with you, possibly your annex.
I had a similar problem with a relative, now sadly passed away. We set up half the annex as a bedroom for longer stays & modified the dining lounge/table as a bed for overnighting. Worked well in a 21'6" van.
rockylizard said
09:30 AM Jul 24, 2011
Gday...
Obviously depends on the individual - fitness, outlook, health etc.
Having said that, my in-laws, he 81YO - she 82YO, have an 80series cruiser and a 19ft off-road van. Don't travel full-time but do travel for about 7 months of each year.
Live in eastern Victoria, love prospecting with detectors, annually go to Golden Triangle (Castlemaine area) Vic and north of Wiluna WA for extended stays.
I reckon they have another 5 to 10 years in them for travelling. Neither are more active, or healthty, than most their age and they just take their time.
So, if he wants to do it, doctor says no health reason not to, he handles a vehicle competently, let him get his own campervan and follow along. Especially so if his 'partner' has passed he will get more out of life mixing with other of us 'oldies' travelling.
He will probably do some of his 'own stuff' from time to time as well.
Cheers
John
Ma said
09:46 AM Jul 24, 2011
We have seen so many "oldies" in our travels. Not only are they in the 80's but 90's as well.
Some people don't let anything stop them, we have seen them with roller walkers and even wheelchairs.
I reckon if they have the determination and they have reasonable (after a trip to the Doctor) health, then all power to them.
You are a long time dead and there is no reason that some "oldies" - not all mind you - should be put into nursing homes or alternately sit in their houses and just day dream and wonder "what if" or "I wish" because they have become a certain age.
I hope to be still travelling well into my 80's all things considered.
Vic said
11:34 AM Jul 24, 2011
Look at Milo's Dad Stevo, I think he is in his 90's? Drives a Motorhome as well, although I think Milo would prefer to drive and does too.
Have a look at this little Hyundai Getz, has a camper bed down one side, awning, velcro around the back opening with stick on fly screening, cooking gear for outside, small gas stove and also an electric plate for powered sites. The "Awning" was designed for a taller 4WD roof, and has suckers on one side to stick to the roof.
I saw this at a camping spot, although I spoke to her and obtained permission to take the photo, I don't know who she is and can't ask permission to post the pic here, but I am sure she wouldn't mind. I was very impressed how inventive she was, did it all herselt too.
And she used a laptop, I passed on the GN website so she may even see this post if she has been visiting. This was taken near Perth, and this lady had travelled all the way from Queensland in it.
-- Edited by Vic on Sunday 24th of July 2011 11:40:33 AM
I do most of the driving Vic, but dad likes to drive out on the high ways .. oh , my dads 88 this year! Stevo, your great to be able to support your father like that, my dad had a real battle when he bought the tardis.. but we wont go there...
you cold have uhf in your car and your dads van, then chat as you go.. oh and get him a gps too, we never leave home with out it..
-- Edited by milo on Sunday 24th of July 2011 12:04:47 PM
Vic said
12:09 PM Jul 24, 2011
milo wrote:
I do most of the driving Vic, but dad likes to drive out on the high ways .. oh , my dads 88 this year!
Thanks for correcting that Milo, I was hoping you were around to answer Stevo's post.
88....ooops......don't tell him I said he was in his 90's Good advice to Stevo about the GPS and radio communication too if travelling in separate vehicles....
STEVO said
12:26 PM Jul 24, 2011
Thanks to everyone for your opinions. I guess I am just being a concerned daughter. Milo, we have discussed with Dad that the busy cities could be a problem for him and I would probably take over the driving then but I am pleased to hear that your 88 year old Dad manages the highways well. Gives me a bit more confidence that it is not such a crazy idea after all!
STEVO said
12:37 PM Jul 24, 2011
Dad likes his independence and would not want to sleep in our van as he is a restless sleeper and likes his own space. It worked well for us on the last trip with Dad staying in cabins but it was more expensive for him that way. This is one of the reasons he would prefer to follow us so that we can still cook for him and sightsee with him in our vehicle but he would have his own 'home' so that he could have 'poppa naps' whenever he wanted too and could also do his own thing on occasions. While the family try to keep him busy most days (3 daughters and 1 son) by visiting him or having him visit us etc., he is easily bored and not interested in joining senior clubs and just loves the socialising aspect of being on the road. So I guess all we need to do is find him a campervan to suits!
Happywanderer said
12:52 PM Jul 24, 2011
I would rather be following you around in my own van at that age than stuck in an old folks home fading away. Just make sure he has a medical, be there for him if he needs his pop top pushed up and down and maybe take over some of the driving where you can swap around and take turns. I am sure his will manage, good luck. Hope to see your little convoy out there someday.
STEVO said
01:01 PM Jul 24, 2011
Thanks HW. We have been following you trials and tribulations on this forum and are pleased that everything is finally looking up for you. Hope you and Myrtle are soon on the road again. We hope to get away in about three weeks time so it doesn't give Dad much time to find a vehicle but I always believe that things will fall into place the way they are meant to. Also hope to catch up with you someday.
milo said
01:26 PM Jul 24, 2011
just an idea too, if your going to be doing alot of travelling ,and your dad too, get a printed list from his doctor that has all the medications that he needs to get along the way, my dad did this for his cruise, so he knew if he needed anything he'd be right.
also maybe investing in a porta pottie loo thing, to have in the hi ace so in the middle of the night he doesnt have to trudge across to the caravan parks loo's ,especially when its raining.. and some form of heating , too, it can get cold at night in a campervan..
Vic said
01:50 PM Jul 24, 2011
STEVO wrote:
Thanks HW. We have been following you trials and tribulations on this forum and are pleased that everything is finally looking up for you. Hope you and Myrtle are soon on the road again. We hope to get away in about three weeks time so it doesn't give Dad much time to find a vehicle but I always believe that things will fall into place the way they are meant to. Also hope to catch up with you someday.
Here are a few links for the Qld area Stevo, you might find one not too far from you or closer to Brisbane etc, just click on the name. In particular check out the Frontline ones.
Someone was talking about Matilda motorhomes (not huge) they might be more suitable for your Dad or something similar, easier to get in and out of. The High Ace type are better for use as a run around, but can be hard to get in and out of the drivers seat (back ok), the later ones have bigger wheels so the cab is a bit higher off the ground.
Go and have a look with Dad at a few and see how he goes. Because of the limited time to departure might pay just to hire one so you have more time to look around later and won't be so rushed with the decision. Just a thought.
Vic, that lady's configuration is a BCF produce, adapted to suit her little car. Quite easy to use and cheap to buy. Very versatile.
When I was travelling full time I assembled a medical record for all my "conditions". There was actually nothing wrong with me, but the doctors kept finding stuff for which I had to take medication. I have a list of my medications and the dosages, any supplements I take, because they have to be compatible with the meds. Any health issues, maybe a medi-alert bracelet could spell it all out if required when you're not present. You can't be with him all the time. If, in your opinion he is still in control of his faculties, can use the facilities and is upright and breathing, I reckon he's fit enough. Tell his doctor what he's up to, then plan away. I'm sure his Doctor already knows him and any conditions which might hamper your dad's progress. Sometimes I think our children become too protective of their parents. While it's nice, and your intentions are all good, they have to give us old f.rts some credit for capabilities and experiences. If anyone complies with the above conditions, go for it!
Helena said
07:11 PM Jul 24, 2011
Bill will be 80 next year and we have no intention of slowing down on our travels we usually go away for a 4 to 5 month trip each year and then short trips throughout the rest of the year we are fortunate enough to still have good health but we always carry a medical history given to us by our doctor so I say go for it you are a long time dead. Helena.
milo said
07:53 PM Jul 24, 2011
the other option is a campervan with bathroom, very easy to drive ie like this
Vic, that lady's configuration is a BCF produce, adapted to suit her little car. Quite easy to use and cheap to buy. Very versatile.
Thanks CG, she was quite a capable lady (like our GN ladies are) and I was quite impressed with her, just wish I could remember her name.
Cruising Granny said
10:24 PM Jul 24, 2011
Would her name make any difference to your memories Vic? Mmmm ..... Some of us are quite resourceful and capable.
If anyone is planning to travel, regardless of age, let them go if they are capable. Getting out and about for a day or 2, or longer, has to be good for the person. They'd be achieving something they want to do, they'd be meeting people along the way, and not veging in a bored state of mind staring into space. Being busy and active is very healthy.
Vic said
11:50 PM Jul 24, 2011
Remembering her name is important to me CG, don't like forgetting nice peoples names. Rotten ones I don't care.
Milo, that is the same as what Chi Chi bought from Kea Campers, branches in most states including Brisbane. The Ford Transits are manual though so anyone wanting an auto they wouldn't suit. The older model Transits did have an auto, but apparently they had some trouble with them and they only make manuals now. See this link for the transits for sale, new and used;
-- Edited by Vic on Sunday 24th of July 2011 11:51:10 PM
ChiChi1 said
12:06 AM Jul 25, 2011
Really good vehicle. Very easy to drive.
milo said
01:13 AM Jul 25, 2011
if it were just me and i didnt have the tardis, id go for something like that vic, would be very easy to drive and handle...
Vic said
04:08 AM Jul 25, 2011
Yes they are really good Milo, as Chi Chi says.......
beachball57 said
08:56 AM Jul 25, 2011
just go what the hell, at 85 what have you got to loose,, get out there,, 95% of all the things you thing are going to happen never do, don't load yourself down with to many what if's
Onedodger said
04:00 PM Jul 26, 2011
beachball57 wrote:
just go what the hell, at 85 what have you got to loose,, get out there,, 95% of all the things you thing are going to happen never do, don't load yourself down with to many what if's
Yep,
Couldn't agree more.
In our travels we have found many people in their 80's doing just that. If he is a competent driver thaen why not as you said you could take over the wheel in places that may challenge him.
Cheers Dodg.
jack biggles said
07:55 AM Jul 27, 2011
I'm in my nineties and just set up a new touring vehicle and van. The youngsters just can't keep up with ole jack.
85, just another boy on the road ;)
Ma said
08:20 AM Jul 27, 2011
Way to go JB. I hope I can still carry on with the dream when I get to your age.
Gotta get there first though don't I.
Vic said
11:46 AM Jul 27, 2011
jack biggles wrote:
I'm in my nineties and just set up a new touring vehicle and van. The youngsters just can't keep up with ole jack.
85, just another boy on the road ;)
Good onya Jack, your an inspiration. Mind telling us what type of tug and van you have please?
jack biggles said
08:19 PM Jul 27, 2011
Hi Vic, please excuse me I'm typing on one of those iPhones as I'm still minus a pc. I have a new troopy landcruiser, the V8 one, it's new this year but a few health issues have slowed me up getting it ready, it's a ripper tho, I want to post a picture of it but I'm not geared up for that just now.
The van is a full size not poptop, it's 19 foot with bed and toot! I have it all I think or at least anything I don't have I probably left behind somewhere, it certainly beats a retirement home or trips in a mini bus. I have a friend overseas, he's 92 and still rows his boat every day and it's hard to keep pace with him I m not joking either.
jack biggles said
08:22 PM Jul 27, 2011
Ma wrote:
Way to go JB. I hope I can still carry on with the dream when I get to your age.
Gotta get there first though don't I.
Hi ma, you'll be right, just keep moving. I honestly believe one day we will all eventually wake up dead :lol:
My Dad is considering buying a Hiace Poptop Campervan to follow us around Australia. We took him on a six week trip with us last year after Mum passed away and he loved the lifestyle. He stayed in cabins at each caravan park we visited. But we plan to be away for more than six months this time and will free camp some of the time so Dad will need his own vehicle to be able to travel with us. He is quite active for his age and drives his little Toyota Echo around town daily so he feels he is quite a competant driver. While we don't like to travel much more than 200kms per day before we set up camp I am concerned about Dad handling it. Any opinions would be appreciated.
I would be getting a Doctor's advice as a first step. A fair dinkum set of tests not just a short surgery visit assesment.
If OK then a couple of short trips might be the go.
If it were my Dad, I'd be looking at alternatives like taking him with us as a passenger. Might mean upgrading the rig. But his cash intended for his own rig would help defray that cost.
IMO after reading your post again, I would be looking at modifications to your earlier arrangement that has the option of him sleeping with you, possibly your annex.
I had a similar problem with a relative, now sadly passed away. We set up half the annex as a bedroom for longer stays & modified the dining lounge/table as a bed for overnighting. Worked well in a 21'6" van.
Gday...
Obviously depends on the individual - fitness, outlook, health etc.
Having said that, my in-laws, he 81YO - she 82YO, have an 80series cruiser and a 19ft off-road van. Don't travel full-time but do travel for about 7 months of each year.
Live in eastern Victoria, love prospecting with detectors, annually go to Golden Triangle (Castlemaine area) Vic and north of Wiluna WA for extended stays.
I reckon they have another 5 to 10 years in them for travelling. Neither are more active, or healthty, than most their age and they just take their time.
So, if he wants to do it, doctor says no health reason not to, he handles a vehicle competently, let him get his own campervan and follow along. Especially so if his 'partner' has passed he will get more out of life mixing with other of us 'oldies' travelling.
He will probably do some of his 'own stuff' from time to time as well.
Cheers
John
We have seen so many "oldies" in our travels. Not only are they in the 80's but 90's as well.
Some people don't let anything stop them, we have seen them with roller walkers and even wheelchairs.
I reckon if they have the determination and they have reasonable (after a trip to the Doctor) health, then all power to them.
You are a long time dead and there is no reason that some "oldies" - not all mind you - should be put into nursing homes or alternately sit in their houses and just day dream and wonder "what if" or "I wish" because they have become a certain age.
I hope to be still travelling well into my 80's all things considered.
Look at Milo's Dad Stevo, I think he is in his 90's? Drives a Motorhome as well, although I think Milo would prefer to drive and does too.
Have a look at this little Hyundai Getz, has a camper bed down one side, awning, velcro around the back opening with stick on fly screening, cooking gear for outside, small gas stove and also an electric plate for powered sites. The "Awning" was designed for a taller 4WD roof, and has suckers on one side to stick to the roof.
I saw this at a camping spot, although I spoke to her and obtained permission to take the photo, I don't know who she is and can't ask permission to post the pic here, but I am sure she wouldn't mind. I was very impressed how inventive she was, did it all herselt too.
And she used a laptop, I passed on the GN website so she may even see this post if she has been visiting. This was taken near Perth, and this lady had travelled all the way from Queensland in it.
-- Edited by Vic on Sunday 24th of July 2011 11:40:33 AM
I do most of the driving Vic, but dad likes to drive out on the high ways .. oh , my dads 88 this year!
Stevo, your great to be able to support your father like that, my dad had a real battle when he bought the tardis.. but we wont go there...
you cold have uhf in your car and your dads van, then chat as you go.. oh and get him a gps too, we never leave home with out it..
-- Edited by milo on Sunday 24th of July 2011 12:04:47 PM
Thanks for correcting that Milo, I was hoping you were around to answer Stevo's post.
88....ooops......don't tell him I said he was in his 90's
Good advice to Stevo about the GPS and radio communication too if travelling in separate vehicles....
Just make sure he has a medical, be there for him if he needs his pop top pushed up and down and maybe take over some of the driving where you can swap around and take turns.
I am sure his will manage, good luck. Hope to see your little convoy out there someday.
that he needs to get along the way, my dad did this for his cruise, so he knew if he needed anything he'd be right.
also maybe investing in a porta pottie loo thing, to have in the hi ace so in the middle of the night he doesnt have to trudge across to the caravan parks
loo's ,especially when its raining.. and some form of heating , too, it can get cold at night in a campervan..
Here are a few links for the Qld area Stevo, you might find one not too far from you or closer to Brisbane etc, just click on the name. In particular check out the Frontline ones.
http://www.cmca.net.au/pages/marketplace/marketplace/motorhome_sales.php
Someone was talking about Matilda motorhomes (not huge) they might be more suitable for your Dad or something similar, easier to get in and out of. The High Ace type are better for use as a run around, but can be hard to get in and out of the drivers seat (back ok), the later ones have bigger wheels so the cab is a bit higher off the ground.
Go and have a look with Dad at a few and see how he goes. Because of the limited time to departure might pay just to hire one so you have more time to look around later and won't be so rushed with the decision. Just a thought.
try this lot too up your way..
http://www.queenslandrv.com.au/used-motorhomes-queensland.html
When I was travelling full time I assembled a medical record for all my "conditions". There was actually nothing wrong with me, but the doctors kept finding stuff for which I had to take medication.
I have a list of my medications and the dosages, any supplements I take, because they have to be compatible with the meds.
Any health issues, maybe a medi-alert bracelet could spell it all out if required when you're not present. You can't be with him all the time.
If, in your opinion he is still in control of his faculties, can use the facilities and is upright and breathing, I reckon he's fit enough.
Tell his doctor what he's up to, then plan away. I'm sure his Doctor already knows him and any conditions which might hamper your dad's progress.
Sometimes I think our children become too protective of their parents. While it's nice, and your intentions are all good, they have to give us old f.rts some credit for capabilities and experiences.
If anyone complies with the above conditions, go for it!
the other option is a campervan with bathroom, very easy to drive
ie like this
http://sydneyrvcentre.caravancampingsales.com.au/DesktopDefault.aspx?R=10539652&tabid=300943&__Qpb=1&Cr=14&__Ns=p_StockHasPrice_Int32|1||p_StockPrice_Decimal|0||p_StockRankSort_Int32|1&__N=1549%201552%204294965079%204294965513&render=details&silo=1701&seot=1&__Nne=15&trecs=120&__sid=12FA97F128A0
just as an idea..
If anyone is planning to travel, regardless of age, let them go if they are capable. Getting out and about for a day or 2, or longer, has to be good for the person.
They'd be achieving something they want to do, they'd be meeting people along the way, and not veging in a bored state of mind staring into space.
Being busy and active is very healthy.
Remembering her name is important to me CG, don't like forgetting nice peoples names. Rotten ones I don't care.
Milo, that is the same as what Chi Chi bought from Kea Campers, branches in most states including Brisbane. The Ford Transits are manual though so anyone wanting an auto they wouldn't suit. The older model Transits did have an auto, but apparently they had some trouble with them and they only make manuals now. See this link for the transits for sale, new and used;
http://ausales.keacampers.com/vehicles/vehicleDetails.aspx?siteID=45c3f703-71c8-4d13-bb76-ba0cdac3588a&vehicleGroup=ea&stockItem=freedom
-- Edited by Vic on Sunday 24th of July 2011 11:51:10 PM
Yes they are really good Milo, as Chi Chi says.......
Yep,
Couldn't agree more.
In our travels we have found many people in their 80's doing just that. If he is a competent driver thaen why not as you said you could take over the wheel in places that may challenge him.
Cheers Dodg.
85, just another boy on the road ;)
Gotta get there first though don't I.
Good onya Jack, your an inspiration. Mind telling us what type of tug and van you have please?
The van is a full size not poptop, it's 19 foot with bed and toot! I have it all I think or at least anything I don't have I probably left behind somewhere, it certainly beats a retirement home or trips in a mini bus. I have a friend overseas, he's 92 and still rows his boat every day and it's hard to keep pace with him I m not joking either.