When is to Old to begin Caravaning

TrueBlue57 · Member

When is to Old to begin Caravaning

Tony Bev · Guru

Firstly welcome to the forum TrueBlue57

From experience I can confirm, that 70 years of age is not too old to go travelling with a caravan

My experience comes from the fact that I am 70 years of age, and have recently returned from a 10,443 kilometre trip

If you are in good health (for your age), there is nothing stopping you, from going out there and enjoying yourself

Experience is just the same as, practice makes perfect, as we all had to start somewhere to learn about towing etc

I am led to believe that there are companies, who will teach you to tow a caravan, using their own equipment

Aus-Kiwi · Guru

When the heart stops beating . Or your ( god help us) your brain fails . What was the question ?? Lol

Desert Dweller · Guru

A modest sized motor home might suit you better. Never too old to travel.

Possum3 · Guru

Beth, some people are born too old to caravan others age no barrier - I've met vanners in their late eighties that are competent.
The main thing I believe is common sense and the ability to listen and learn. I believe their are towing courses that teach the rudiments of reversing, etc. Get on to the Caravan Council of Australia web site www.caravancouncil.com.au/ utilise their wise counsel to assist you with purchase of which ever set up or rig to suit your needs . Colin Young at the CCA is a very helpful chap give him a call or send a message .
CARAVAN COUNCIL OF
AUSTRALIA
3 Margaret Street
Parkdale VIC 3195
T: 0409 865 399
F: 03 9587 1828

caravancouncil@optusnet.com.au

TrueBlue57 · Member

Thanks Tony n Bev, we are both in good health, I guess its confidence we lack at the moment but certainly have the motivation. We would certainly consider a tow course or something similar. Thanks for your reply.

TrueBlue57 · Member

We have considered a motor home Desert Dweller but feel it could limit us as to where we can travel.

TrueBlue57 · Member

Thank Possum3, sound advice and we will contact the Caravan Council for further information. Thank you for your help, much appreciated.

jules47 · The Happy Helper

One thing I would suggest is doing a towing and backing course - the CCA can probably help you with that. Good luck we are 70, have been on the road six years now, and have no intention of stopping for a long time yet - still so much to see and do, and people to meet - love the diversity of the life - don't like the view - move, don't like the neighbours - move! Easy!

We tow a small car behind our motorhome on a tilt trailer - didn't want the hitching etc. with a caravan.

Good luck, and hope to see you on the road somewhere!

A little tempter -

Aus-Kiwi · Guru

I would like to know where your going if you say a motorhome is restrictive travel wise ? Are you planning on going off the black stuff ? River crossings etc ??

PeterD · Guru

As stated above, health and fitness is the main consideration of whether you are too old or not. It is great to see you are going for a smaller size van so you will be easier able to handle it.

I would suggest you join a club. The short answer is because of the assistance you will get when easing yourself into the lifestyle. Go to this page to see more. Click on the link under the heading "Why Join a Caravan Club." For a list of clubs in WA - Click on this link - ring around the list and see if one of them suits you.

-- Edited by PeterD on Wednesday 28th of March 2018 12:05:50 AM

TrueBlue57 · Member

Thank you PeterD, sound advice, we will investigate caravan clubs around our area, a very good place to begin.

turps2 · Member

A bit of neck oil and fresh outlook stops the rust and will keep you young. I have hit the 70 bracket and have graduated from a roof top tent, still have the off road van but now have an Active campers slide-on camper on the back of a Ford Ranger super cab. Queen size bed, table & seating for 4, usual kitchen stuff and a Shower and Toilet.

Goes any where and fits into a parking bay.

-- Edited by turps2 on Monday 28th of May 2018 09:55:03 PM

homealone · Veteran Member

I am 72 going on 73 and just beginning the camping nomadic life. Have a 4x4 and soon to have a camper trailer traveling solo. I try never to think what I can't do, but rather what I am going to do.
But as you say, it is not a matter of health or physical ability, but having the confidence needed. I have found in the short time with Grey Nomads any lingering doubts disappear as I read and am advised to just go forward not looking back. Help is always there/here.

Vern

aussie_paul · Guru

homealone wrote:
I am 72 going on 73 and just beginning the camping nomadic life. Have a 4x4 and soon to have a camper trailer traveling solo. I try never to think what I can't do, but rather what I am going to do.
But as you say, it is not a matter of health or physical ability, but having the confidence needed. I have found in the short time with Grey Nomads any lingering doubts disappear as I read and am advised to just go forward not looking back. Help is always there/here.

Vern

That's the spirit Vern.

Aussie Paul. smile

hufnpuf · Senior Member

I agree that it's not your age, but your willingness to learn what you need to know. Taking a course and haunting websites for information will give you the confidence you lack.

I'd also say that expressing doubt about your abilities when you are first starting out is a good sign. People who think they can do anything when they are totally ignorant can be dangerous. There are things you need to find out to be safe and you can learn them no matter what your age, if you put effort into it.

(BTW, I don't think your ages are "old". Mick Jagger is in his seventies, he's not "too old" to still be leaping about. )