Hi Gaisie

The last time I replied to one of your posts, I had not been into a caravan park, for quite a while, for more than an overnight stop, (so was unable to comment on caravan park dwellers attitudes)

During the last few months, I spent some time in a caravan park, in Kalbarri (Western Australia)

I found the people around me, not much different, than people I had met in free/donation/low cost campsites

I, along with every person I had ever met on this forum, would gladly assist someone to set up, or pack up, if we were asked

There is nothing wrong with growing old, and loosing a bit of strength, as it will happen to us all one day

We are all different, but I sincerely hope that everything comes good for you

Hi no strength.

Will be hard only one person with caravan See how you go,KEEP TO THE DREAM..

You might think of trading to motor home,Depends on your money situation.The body tells you what to do take care .roker

Hi Tony,GOOD REPLY.

 

My experience was similar to yours in that I realised I'd done my dash to late, not enough money and not enough strength or health to go long term. So I chose simpler, (sleep in the car) smaller (so I can change a tyre) and shorter (trips) then I injured my wrist the first time I put the awning out (now have to tie a tarp to it if alone and can't change a tyre) and now I am struggling to do anything.

This year I'm making my hubby do a trip with me (so he can do the heavy work).

And next year (if/when I've had surgery on my wrist) I plan do do a half lap.

I went from planning on being a full time nomad, to planning to do a big lap, to now hoping to do a half lap, come home then maybe another half lap another year if I can. Whatever happens I'll still be doing smaller road trips.

I got very depressed when I realised I couldn't be a proper nomad, and have my plans keep shrinking. And furious with myself for injuring my wrist so I have an awning I don't use, but in the end I'm still breathing.

I know our situations are very different but don't give up just yet. I'm assuming you would have to sell your rig to pay for a village, and if you do your rig will be a 2nd hand sale anyway, so you might as well give it another go (or 3). Or if you could afford to keep your rig, I've seen many if them parked in retirement villages ready for part time travel.

Sorry Tony, I thought you were Guru, thanks for your reply

Thank you everyone for your posts. Everyone has certainly given me hope and will seriously reassess my decision making process. I am not too up-to-date with IT stuff so I apologise if I do not reply/respond appropriately. I TRULY appreciate everyone's comments, it gives me hope that may be, just may be I will be able to give it a go. Thank you, thank you everyone, it certainly reinforces the Grey Nomad community's passion for what they do. 

Just rolling up a simple awning on the side of a car, pretty much requires 2 people to avoid scratching the car, & that's on a non windy day.

 

In Europe so many caravans have remote control movers which typically clamp on the wheels. My brother in-law installed a mover as he has 2 hip replacements.

 

There are tools for lifting, pushing, turning, rolling at the press of a button.

 

There is a solution for every problem. 

When are we there, thank you. I have tried to make it easier on myself but my strength has declined, so even more of a challenge to contend with. It would appear that MANY people out there will be willing to give assistance when asked so I am leaning towards   " giving it a go". If I become too much of a hindrance, then I reassess the situation and alter plans accordingly.

Hi Gaye.    I'm guessing from some of your latest posts, that you haven't been able to read my Private Message to you.  Have you considered a Campervan ?  I am 81, and have a Toyota Hi-ace Auto Campervan, which I am hoping to get back on the road as soon as possible.  You can get one into most Car-parks, Fuel consumption is good,[depending on how you drive,] and you only have one lot of Insurance and Registration, and one set of Tyres.

Cheers,

Sheba.

Sheba, I was thinking with a 40yr. old brain with a 70yr. old body and a not-so-healthy one at that. I was fortunate to have 4yrs. on the road in my 40's and they were the happiest days of my life. I did it then because my body was not going to do so well as I got older, thanks to a car accident. Well, I forgot that fact in the planning, I feel I bit off more than I can chew. I am so pleased you are enjoying life on the road but feeling very unsure for myself. Thank you.

Sheba, I do not know my way around the site. I had trouble signing in for several months and have no idea of private messages, sorry..

Gaye, As I am uncertain of your knowledge regarding many tasks related to operation of your caravan may I suggest you do a little study; to assist you should thoroughly read all your manuals and instruction books supplied with van.

You are able to download many FREE Checklists and technical documents at www.caravancouncil.com.au/technical-articles that may assist.

Dr Google is a good source of instructive videos regarding caravan owner self-help on such things as to eliminating air locks when re-filling water tanks.

As you have already found out there is a wealth of information available on forums such as this but you should be aware that (unlike motor cars), there are rarely two caravans that have identical features and operating systems which exacerbates the problem/s.

Hey Gaisie, I wonder whether you are a bit depressed and your uncertainties are motivated/contributed to by how you are feeling rather than your physical issues/limitations. I have some issues and lack strength, some things are difficult for me, but I want to do it so I've found ways around it.

I don't drive huge distances, I keep it shorter so when I arrive I'm not too tired to do anything.  Do something, have a sit down and cuppa, do something else.  There's no timetable, you don't HAVE to have everything hooked up and ship-shape just because the young fit adonis on the next site has his setup achieved in 5 minutes flat. 

When you are setup somewhere, are you enjoying seeing some sites/breathing fresh air/using your van?  If the answer is "not really", why do you think that is?  Do you not enjoy being on your own?  Look at joining a local tour like one that walks around town and tells you about everything.  If there's somebody else on their own, suggest a coffee or ask some questions. 

As for the physical issues, make a list of what's a problem, specifically.  Many things can be addressed.  Somebody's already mentioned a motor mover.  You can get electric jockey wheels.  A different hose fitting might overcome that annoying airlock. 

You may have selected the wrong van for you, a smaller lightweight van might be easier.  I met one lady at a park, she had an Adria and she could manage it on her own.  I've been able to manage with my vans, but only because they are small/light.  I don't think I could manage a big van, even though all the principles are the same.  Getting in to a site is trickier with a longer van, having a comparatively small van can be easier to manoevre. Or a motorhome, as suggested. 

If you are feeling down because it's all "just you", have you considered joining a caravan club?  As I understand it, they organise trips where members go along, you'd have other members to help you out and give you some company.  Or try to find somebody who might want to travel with you?

Don't give up before you've given it a decent go, but if you've made a mistake for you, there's no shame in realising that and selling up.

 

 

 

Hello Gaisie,

Wayne here from the south coast NSW.

I too are 70 (71 actually), and I think I have gone through what your experiencing.

Due to my marriage break up last year, I found myself without a home but with a chunk of money.

I had travelled extensively in the past with a 4wd towing either a camper trailer or caravan.

Last year, having decided that a life on the road was for me, I bought a Prado and Caravan and took
off expecting it to be just like it used to be, but of course it was now many years later and I was now
on my own.

I only did one short trip in the Prado and Van and decided to sell it. I got more than my money back,
so that worked out ok.

In my desire to keep it as simple as possible, I bought a new Jayco 'Renault Master' RM-20.5 Motorhome.
These have been out for a few years now and their are a few Motorhome builders, as well as Jayco, who
build their own version.

Whilst this is a very compact motorhome, it never feels cramped within it, is easy to drive, very economical
and has everything you want.

105litre fuel tank (Av.10L/100 or less)
125L water tank, 40 L grey water,
Cassette toilet, hot water, shower, diesel heater,
large fridge/freezer, 2 couches
........the list goes on but you get what I mean.

It is very easy to live in Gaisie. Everything is close at hand and you do not have to get out to put up the awning.
It is electric and controlled from within.

The reason I changed from the car and caravan combination to a Motorhome was, like you, I no longer had the
energy or the desire to tow a large van anymore let alone the set up.

I can literally pull up anywhere and stay the night knowing that everything I need is in the motorhome, and like I
said it is very easy and pleasurable to drive.

Don't be afraid to admit to yourself that you have made the wrong decision. The decision you made was with the
best of intentions and was based on what you knew and felt at the time. Time changes us all and we no longer can
do what we used to do.

I have no regrets whatsoever in changing to the motorhome. I can fuss with the set up if I want or just simply pull up
cook some dinner and go to bed. It's all up to you.

HOWEVER, IT IS LONELY.

I do prefer my own company most of the time and it has always been that way all my life, but pulling up somewhere in
an isolated location, as beautiful as it may be, I cannot but feel lonely.

To this end, make sure you have a mobile phone just simply so that you can text or phone (if possible) and make contact
with someone so that you know that, in a way, you are not alone. I also have a dongle (Telstra) for my laptop, and I
am typing this on the road somewhere out in the sticks. This also keeps you connected.

I wrote a similar post to yours a few months ago, pretty much expressing the same fears as you. In the end, I read everyone
replies but of course, I had to make the decisions myself.

Changing to a Motorhome was my Plan B. Give it some consideration.

Happy to help you in any way that I can.

Regards,
Wayne