The full-time RVing demographic is changing. People are living well into their “golden years” and staying on the road longer. Full-time RVers are younger too, enjoying the lifestyle earlier than ever before. Somewhere in the middle lies the sweet spot of the ideal age to hit the road. This may lead one to wonder: how old is too old to full-time RV?
iRV2 member BluePill hits the road solo.
Age, like beauty, is often in the eye of the beholder. For example, take one eighty year old man who stays active and healthy and put him next to a counterpart of the same age who sits in a chair all day. The first will probably tell you that age is just a number, while the other will gripe about how getting older stinks. Which one do you think will be a stronger, safer full-time RVer on the road?
If you’ve always dreamed of hitting the road but think you waited too long, think again. The time to do what you love is always “now” but before you take this major leap, first examine your attitudes about aging. How you handle age-related changes makes all the difference in how well you adapt to the nomadic lifestyle no matter what physical challenges you currently face.
“We started full time 4 years ago. We’re both 78 now and just wish we’d started sooner,” writes iRV2 member Chet, aka super_rep. “We’re having a lot of fun spending our kids inheritance, which neither of them need. As long as you’re able, go for it,” says the driver of a 45-foot Monaco coach.
Ways aging can affect full-time RVing
Most people agree that if you’re even asking the question, “Am I too old to full-time RV?” then you’re probably not too old to hit the road. Of course there are considerations. Physical changes that accompany aging play into your travel adventures. For example:
- Declining night vision means you won’t want to drive your RV after sunset (although most RVers of any age prefer staying off the roads at night anyways).
- Your current level of physical strength also plays into how well you adapt. Many aspects of full-timing, like unhitching vehicles and walking over uneven surfaces to hook up utilities can be challenging if your strength and balance isn’t what it once was. “Even at the young age of 64 we plan shorter travel days to allow more frequent road stops to stretch the old muscles,” says iRV2 member hohokam.
- Medical issues are the biggest challenge for older RVers. Even if you have Medicare insurance with nationwide coverage, you’ll need to be flexible in the doctors you see and how you access care. When you’re mobile it’s not always easy to get consistent medical help for pre-existing issues. However there are workarounds. “DW turned 70 recently, I’ll hit it next year. We’ve both got the odd medical issues, but they’re manageable,” says iRV2 members John and Diane, aka JFXG.
- Finally, consider that older drivers are often required to renew their driver’s license each year by taking a behind-the-wheel exam. If you’re an octogenarian you may need to revisit your home state on an annual basis.
Eventually every driver will have to hang up the keys. If taking an open-ended road trip has always been on your bucket list and you have the desire to plan and prepare for the full-time RVing lifestyle, now is the time to live your dream. You’ll be in great company!
Rene Agredano and her husband, Jim Nelson, became full-time RVers in 2007 and have been touring the country ever since. In her blog, Rene chronicles the ins and outs of the full-timing life and brings readers along to meet the fascinating people and amazing places they visit on the road. Her road trip adventures are chronicled in her blog at LiveWorkDream.com.
The is a very good article, and it applies to ordinary RVing as well as full timing. I’m 82 and have been RVing since 1960. We have now downsized to an R-Pod with an Anderson hitch. Very light weight and easy to handle. We try to limit our driving to 250 miles in a day, and only during daylight hours. We usually spend two nights in one location to rest and see the area. RVing is still fun, but much different from the pace we followed 30 or 40 years ago.
If you insist on driving an RV with a pet in your lap you are too far gone to be driving an motor home.
Please don’t even post pictures like this it’s embarrassing.
George
Amen George!
At least care about your pet and the other folks you share the road with!
It’s brain dead and absolutely dangerous!
I hope this is a posed picture. If not I now understand why young people often this us older folks are stupid.
Absolutely. The shows a perfect example of how dangerous an RV driver, or any driver if they have a loose animal in their vehicle, let alone in their lap. Shame on showing this photo as a positive example,
Driving with a dog on your lap. Time to hang it up.
My thoughts exactly. I don’t think a pet meets the standards of a proper airbag.
I don’t even allow my dogs to travel in the front seat – an airbag going off could literally KILL rather than save them. Keep them in the back, at least attached to a seat belt harness when the vehicle is moving – better yet in a crate. Safety first for my 4-legged “kids”!
Pretty sure it was a staged photograph.
No reason to show a dog on a lap, poor staging if that what it is and not wise if it isn’t staged!
You, people, need to get a life if someone wants to let the dog set in there lap while driving it’s their business,
not your’s.
Until Fido moves unexpectedly and hits their left arm, knocking their multi-ton killing machine left of center.
This article is the cats pajamas. I started camping with an Air Stream in 1947 and have been camping for almost 70 years. I’ve never gotten tired of the open road. I’ve slowed down a little lately but I’ll keep going because I love it so much.
I am an 82 year old female and have two small RV’s I hook up and pull on my own. I have a Scout Aliner pulled by a Dodge Grand Caravan for long trips like from AZ to Indiana on my own and a Viking 16 ft self contained travel trailer pulled by a F150 small v8 for parking in the AZ mountains in hot AZ summers. I get a lot of good ideas from YouTube about all facets of camping alone and maintenance of my rigs. Of course the couch potatoes much younger than me are sure I am totally insane. I am an amateur photographer and have pictures from all over our beautiful and interesting country. If you have the financial means, go for it
You are awesome and an inspiration!! I am 65 and was full timing for the past 2 1/2 years. My daughter needed my help with the grandkids “for a few months” and is now attempting to comvince me to stay during the school year for an undetermined amount of time and travel full time during the summers. In some ways this is appealing because she is paying me to be the Nanny so I wouldn’t have to work at all while traveling as I have been needing to do to suppliment the SS. But, I’m itching to hit the road again. I have felt like I’m wasting my valuable travel time and what if I run out of time. But, reading your comment had me realize that even if I stop for 5 years (it won’t be that long I promise!) I still have enough life left to hit the road again.
You my dear are quite an inspiration to someone my age that’s a full timer. I’m about to turn 55 years young and have been living in our 5th wheel for 4 and 1/2 years. We stay in one place, but have plans to travel next year. I’m retired early due to hurting my back and being disabled. I live with my partner and 3 cats. I have my 1st grandbaby on the way so will be traveling from Louisiana to Georgia often.
Time to hang it up when you forget where you placed your RV !
if you forget where you placed your rv, you are still ok. if you forget what an rv is for, hang it up. Dr RA Self
Hey, Hey, Hey – Not so harsh. “Mack the Killer Cockapoo” is my service dog. He helps me navigate. One bark means turn right. Two barks means turn left. Three barks means “Stop – you need to walk me” And a constant howl means I just tuned to a Country Station on the radio.
Since that photo I have gotten him a doggie seat belt. I thought he would hate it, but he really loves it. His alternate name is “ADVENTURE DOG”
BluePill
BluePill I loved that photo of you and Mack! Thanks for having a great sense of humor and taking time to comment. Give Mack the Adventure Dog a smooch from me!
Even a staged picture of the dog in your lap while driving gives the impression it is proper driving practice . I have seen more than one occasion where a pet or child was injured by the steering wheel in an accident .
Go back home to your mommies basement
Good for you, Bluepill!! I want to travel with my dogs but haven’t figured out the logistics yet, still in the planning mode. Hopefully I’ll get out there before I croak! LOL
Not truly full-time, but I spent almost 100 days this year in the camper.
[img]https://i.imgur.com/i9UzseE.jpg[/img]
I travel up and down the East Coast to hit tourist destinations, ride my motorcycle in the mountains, and attend various events.
[img]https://i.imgur.com/rOapVfq.jpg[/img]
My A-Frame may look small, but it is twice the size of the dorm room that I spent 4 years living in. 🙂
Frank I’m from Australia and at 70 (can’t believe it, but it is what it is) may I ask what is it like travelling around as a single man?
I’ve no choice, just wonder how enjoyable it is?
PS
I am 75 this year. I am slower (arthritis) than I used to be, heart medications cut my stamina, and I have to be more careful with my diet. Considering the alternative, and looking at others with serious disabilities, I consider myself fortunate. If I have gained some wisdom with age it is this: Change is constant, and making smart corrections as a result of those changes keeps me positive. G.H. Chesterton said “Inconvenience is an adventure wrongly considered.” I agree fully.
Reminds me of the book, “Travels With Charlie” about a 1960s road trip that Steinbeck took with his beloved Standard Poodle.
We are 75 and coming off of 39 years of boating and cruising, 6 years of that full time. We are now selling our boat and considering buying a 28 foot Airstream TT. We may even be taking our Great Dane with us. Our boat was a 55′ Fleming Motor Yacht that we at one time cruised with 3 Danes and a Maltese. Her name was Sandy Paws. (the boat, not the Maltese) 😉
For some of us, travel is not a choice.
Travel is our heart, our soul. Travel is the reason we get up each morn. Going to bed each eve, we hope to dream of travel.
Stand-still houses? A cottage overlooking the harbor to watch everybody else go travel? Not so much.
PS:
Gotta have a dog!
It’s against the law to have a pet on your lap because it’s a distraction!! Service dog or not it does not belong on your lap!!1
Dont go outside when its raining you might get wet snowflake
Ditto
Assinine comment. It’s plain wrong and dangerous, irresponsible to drive with loose ranging pets in the front seat. PERIOD. A pet on your lap while driving is sheer stupidity!
What a great photo promoting the comfort and relaxation of the RV Lifestyle.
Cruising down the road with a dog on your lap, does it get any better?
Why not a joint in his mouth and a beer in his hand too.
Or would that be staged.
If he does get in an accident, at least the dog will cushion the blow.
Could we suggest flashing amber lights on the roof to alert all oncoming traffic that Mack and his chauffeur are coming and to get out of the way!
Oh yes, to the original question about when to stop ……. “NOW” if you can’t steer it alone.
Staged or not, I think it’s a poorly thought out picture, especially when I see this happening on my commute all the time. If the picture had the man sipping on a beer or texting on the phone, I’d be just as critical. Distracted driving is no joke and according to stats, kills as many or more people than impaired driving. As noted already, it’s potentially deadly for the dog even in a minor accident.
You don’t stop traveling cause you get too old— you get too old when you stop traveling.
Seeing eye dog. What is the problem? Next year he will be trained to drive the RV.
Now that’s the comment I wanted to hear and was looking for. ( da bomb of quote,s) Thank’s
When your turn signal hits one thousand clicks, it’s time to stop.
I just seen these. …..Really driving with a dog in his lap…..really. Well this guy should be done driving. Him and his dog need to go to the home. And have someone else drive him around. It seems that people of age…retied folks that is are looked down on behind the wheels of their RVs. So lets not make it any more difficult for us. By doing stupid things like having Fido up front. Or before you know it . RVers will have to have a new drivers license to operate an RV. That is only a matter of time. And when that happens. There will be a lot of people out of the RV life.
Thank you . Well said.
I’ve been trying to decide if I’m too old to start RVing…..72. I’ve been “listening” to all these remarks and still am not sure. There seems to be so much to learn and most of you started many years ago, lucky you. so maybe it is too late for me.
Yes, it’s too old to start. Well,maybe you can do it for a couple of years now, but then, you will have an expensive vehicle to sell later. Rvs and opal other vehicles depreciate. Best to save your money and find a nice senior mobile home park instead. I am 62 and with advancing health issues, know, as a single female, it’s unrealistic to start this lifestyle and do it for any length of years. How realistic is my Dream if I have little savings, and little income, and declining health? It’s not a cheap lifestyle either.
Gertie…I am 80 and thinking about doing it alone! Want to go with me???
Hi Gertie,
I’m a 68 year old woman and am just starting out on this (maybe) new life journey.
I was concerned about the same things you mentioned – and more. It had me paralyzed, afraid to move forward. But I figured; there was no reason for the decision to be “all or nothing” right from the get-go.
I bought my 27’ RV a year ago. I’ve spent this last year getting to know it – taking short trips – the first few just 5 miles away to a friendly, helpful RV Park where I knew I could get help if I couldn’t figure something out.
For the past 3 months, I’ve worked up to longer and longer trips, and have now explored a lot of the vast state of Alaska – just me and my two Dachshunds! I’ve figured out electric systems, generators, leveling, black and gray water dumping and maintenance, driving, backing up and so much more! YOU CAN DO IT! What’s more – you’ll have experiences you’ll remember for the rest of your [hopefully] long life. Go for it. Be sure to pack pliers for tightening (and I tightening) your water hose! ????????
Thanks, De! I’ll get there eventually, I haven’t given up hope. I hope to make Alaska too, that’s where my sister wants her ashes spread…..and there’s lots there I want to see. I already have a toolbox ready. LOL
Wilson T, I hate to encourage you but thats some funny stuff. Thanks for the humor.
I don’t think it has been mentioned yet, but being a travelling FULL-Timer with a number of health conditions can be difficult because you may need a healthcare team that is only available in a single location. I am now finishing my fourth month on the road this year. I did two sets of two months, with health check-ups before and after.
Travel before and after peak months in Summer is great!
We spent 2-1/2 years fulltiming in a 40’Class A. I was 82, my DH 80 when we started. We had a wonderful adventure! My only regret is we didn’t start sooner.
The older generation has something the younger generation has, common sense. The staged picture is just that, a staged picture to show the pleasure of RVing. Younger people may look at the picture and think it is ok to have your dog on your lap while driving, LACK of common sense. Get a sense of humor, people!!
Sylvia – Thanks for saying it before I did! People have to learn to lighten up. Not everything is meant to be taken literally…..
Solo female camper with small travel trailer in second year of US northwest coast ventures at 78yo. No problems, just fun and meeting nice folks. Glad to hear so many doing the same, despite others who negate the possibility. I also limit travel time to around 200 miles and use a camping organization membership to provide safety and experience as I continue to learn about this wonderful patient and demand free life offered by long experience and some wisdom of personal need and enjoyment.
Thanks for article and discussion. BTW each of us determines what we need to live, really live…
Hear,Hear! Just what I was thinking about the unbelievable amount of sourpusses. Lighten up !
Great topic, poor picture choice. Results = 70% off topic comments.
Healthy 80 YO & 76 YO BH enjoying FL condo living but would like to get away for a few months each summer. Thousand Trails is appealing but may not be a good choice for us as we will probably only travel for 2 or 3 years.
Shopping for used class A and money saving tips would be appreciated. Best clubs or groups to join.
My husband and I are both 72 and are usually on the road about 5 to 7 months a year. Our drive-time averages 8 to 10 hrs a day/600 miles range. We seldom travel less than 30 days per trip. We have found that it is not cost-effective or fun to only go out for a weekend or week. We drive a 42 ft motorhome and started our RV adventures in 2005 after riding motorcycles for 6 years. We had three near fatal accidents during that time and decided to go to Plan B. Our first motorhome was a 35 ft Winnebago. Over the last 14 years we found that the campground duties of retrieving items from below, dancing in the hall waiting for our turn in the bathroom, hooking and unhooking utilities at the campsite just became too much. So, in March, we bought a motorhome with basement doors that allow easier access; motorized utility cords; second bathroom; and more storage inside the motorhome. We extend our driving range and time when we both drive. I drive because I do not want something to happen on the road and can’t drive the vehicle to take my sweetie to the hospital if needed. Or if he is just not feeling well on any given day, I can hop behind the wheel with confidence. I rode my own motorcycle for nearly 100,000 miles in the 4 years I rode. So, driving the motorhomes we have had did not intimidate me. But there will come a time when we can no longer “safely” drive. Our friends or family will often see the need for that decision long before we are willing to accept it on our own. We have a Plan C for that transition. We will just into the cruising life on the open seas and or the train-life across our beautiful country. Either way, having a life plan to extend our love of freedom and travel will be a very wise decision and one that will make our more senior years more fun and less intimidating.
Thanks, everyone. My hubby and I are 76 and thinking of renting a Class C and then maybe buying one. Should we buy used?
EW
I didn’t ask how old was too old ; I asked how old was the oldest person driving a RV ! As far as the dog, let it drive. Put the old guy in a rest home! I love being negative ; it keeps the positive thinkers away. I wish you all the very best of yourselves. My first wife went to heaven. My second wife is going to the same place I am . I haven’t told her yet ! Frederick
Hi, I’m a recent widow, soon to be 80 and traveling is in my sole, I’m looking to purchase a used rv and experience all the enjoyment we had in our over 60 years together, hope to meet some of you that made comments on this page. robertaday2020@yahoo.com