Can I please ask a question of those who are experienced? My husband, who is turning 70 this year and I have just turned 60 would like set of into the sunset and travel this vast land of ours with a caravan. However it has been suggested that perhaps we are to old to start at our age. We are not experienced in anyway shape or form with towing, backing or anything else to do with caravanning. We were thinking of a full sized caravan no more than 19 foot. We also have to update our car and were looking at something like a Ford Everest or Isuzu MU-X as a tow vehicle. I have suggested that perhaps we change our car and hire a caravan and see how we go. My question to this forum is simply what are you thoughts? We are both practical people and in good health. I think the concern was the actual towing of the caravan on the road with the large road trains and the sway and controlling the van. Your thoughts and advise would be most helpful.
-- Edited by TrueBlue57 on Tuesday 27th of March 2018 01:41:01 PM
-- Edited by TrueBlue57 on Tuesday 27th of March 2018 03:39:04 PM
Tony Bev said
03:26 PM Mar 27, 2018
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 said
03:29 PM Mar 27, 2018
When the heart stops beating . Or your ( god help us) your brain fails . What was the question ?? Lol
Desert Dweller said
04:04 PM Mar 27, 2018
A modest sized motor home might suit you better. Never too old to travel.
Possum3 said
06:56 PM Mar 27, 2018
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
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 said
07:11 PM Mar 27, 2018
We have considered a motor home Desert Dweller but feel it could limit us as to where we can travel.
TrueBlue57 said
07:20 PM Mar 27, 2018
Thank Possum3, sound advice and we will contact the Caravan Council for further information. Thank you for your help, much appreciated.
jules47 said
08:43 PM Mar 27, 2018
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!
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 said
11:59 PM Mar 27, 2018
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 said
11:22 PM Mar 28, 2018
Thank you PeterD, sound advice, we will investigate caravan clubs around our area, a very good place to begin.
turps2 said
09:52 PM May 28, 2018
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 said
06:52 PM Jun 5, 2018
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 said
06:59 PM Jun 5, 2018
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.
hufnpuf said
08:02 PM Sep 21, 2020
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. )
Can I please ask a question of those who are experienced? My husband, who is turning 70 this year and I have just turned 60 would like set of into the sunset and travel this vast land of ours with a caravan. However it has been suggested that perhaps we are to old to start at our age. We are not experienced in anyway shape or form with towing, backing or anything else to do with caravanning. We were thinking of a full sized caravan no more than 19 foot. We also have to update our car and were looking at something like a Ford Everest or Isuzu MU-X as a tow vehicle. I have suggested that perhaps we change our car and hire a caravan and see how we go. My question to this forum is simply what are you thoughts? We are both practical people and in good health. I think the concern was the actual towing of the caravan on the road with the large road trains and the sway and controlling the van. Your thoughts and advise would be most helpful.
-- Edited by TrueBlue57 on Tuesday 27th of March 2018 01:41:01 PM
-- Edited by TrueBlue57 on Tuesday 27th of March 2018 03:39:04 PM
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
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
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.
We have considered a motor home Desert Dweller but feel it could limit us as to where we can travel.
Thank Possum3, sound advice and we will contact the Caravan Council for further information. Thank you for your help, much appreciated.
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 -
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
Thank you PeterD, sound advice, we will investigate caravan clubs around our area, a very good place to begin.
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
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.
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. )