Hi
Hope to get a secondhand touring caravan (with a motor mover) soon... but just slightly worried that we will be over stretching ourselves physically or just kidding ourselves and therefore wasting our time and money!
We are a capable, fit, couple in our mid 70's, still doing all maintenance jobs, gardening and decoration etc around a (large) house, though it does take longer than it used to do as unfortunately we are not as strong as we were.
Are we being silly to dream of touring here and abroad again with a caravan, not having done it for about 20 years.
Have any of you experience of caravanning in older age and have you any advice to share?
Thanks.
I met a couple in my local dealers who were both 78 & just part exing their caravan for a new one. Go for it!
------------- Lyn xxx
Harbury Fields March
Moreton in the Marsh March/April
Hawthorn Cottage April
Lamb Cottage April
Somers Wood May
Maxstoke Hall June
Houghton Mill June
Lamb Cottage August
Somers Wood September
The Meadows, October
no where near snuffing it ha ha ... though have made a Will.....
have bank travel insurance which is valid till we leave the bank...
how helpful is the EU health card... ?
and further questions... how heavy is a full awning to put up... seem to remember them as very unwieldy and heavy... are they still?
A full 'proper' awning is heavy but you can get lightweight nylon porch awnigs or sun canopies but if theres only 2 of you then an awning don't seem much point. Choose a caravan with fixed bed & dinette. If its warm enough to sit outside you don't need an awning.
Alan, us motorhomers manage without an awning! We want to move on quickly without spending the time putting up an awning (we might as well use a tent and have the convenience of a car). Just needs a bit of discipline like the German campers use - outdoor shoes off, tuck under motorhome, slippers on - and the caravan (or motorhome) stays clean. (Dogs, however, don't follow these rules...)
Adrienne - get the caravan first and enjoy!! the awnings etc can come later. Mark Twain says you regret what you don't do more than what you do do (I'm not quoting him, as you can tell, just the gist of it) - so go for it. None of us is getting any younger. As we said when we got our MH - if not now, when? Folk on sites are friendly, you'll always have a helping hand if you need it.
Wouldn't advise getting a traditional canvas awning - there are lots of lightweight ones out there so you are sure to find something suitable - so much easier to put up, lighter to transport etc. We have a 390 Sunncamp one that takes us about 30 minutes from getting it out of the bag to sitting down in the chairs in it with a cuppa.
There are even new awnings that inflate! They are quite expensive but I have read good reviews on them.
If all you want is somewhere to keep the muddy boots and extra storage, a small lightweight porch awning is ideal and you can buy one for about £100 or less if you shop around.
actually thanks to everyone for their help and support......
certainly helped clarify our thoughts.... will go for a lightweight sun porch...
looking at a 4 berth caravan with fixed bed and a shower in a cubicle...and a motor mover.... pure luxury...
and although fit and healthy now... had two hip replacements and now as good as new... in fact, better.
And thank you folks..... very much appreciated.
Age is just a number. My father in law tent camped and walked up Ben Nevis in his 80's. If you're fit and healthy go for it. But I agree that making it as easy as possible is the way to go (for anyone) so a motor mover etc is a good move.
I don't see a problem at all. My only advice would be get a motor mover on the caravan and use a lightweight awning. Full canvas awnings are hard work.
I go to many rallies and most of the people I camp with are over 70. I am considered young because I am in my 60s.
Many have had health problems but they manage fine.
Some of the jobs are hard and heavy like loo emptying, but on an all facility campsite you should be fine.Agree about a light awning. Many manage without. If you just want extra storage for chairs etc a small pop up tent might suffice.