Howard -- My wife has been following your blog for quite a while. We have thought long and hard about full-timing and considered everything, including finances. Our hearts and minds say go for it and start towing a fifth wheel in the spring/summer of 2016....but one question remains -- we are 71 and 72 years old and would like to full time for 2 years. We both are in good health and probably would circle back to our "home base" every 3-4 months (at least for the first year). Your thoughts -- Thank you in advance...
bjoyce said
09:54 AM Nov 9, 2015
I am not Howard, but know many who have fulltimed into their 80s. Your health is more important than your age, since I have met 85 year olds that were in better shape than some 65 year olds. Getting out and active is good for your health and mind. Go for it.
Barbaraok said
10:23 AM Nov 9, 2015
George,
We're in our early 70s. We have slowed down a little, but there is still so much we want to do that come spring we hook up and go. So come on out and join us!
Barb
Howard said
02:19 PM Nov 9, 2015
Since you've thought long and hard and considered everything including finances, and your hearts AND minds are in line, you are certainly not too old.
As they say, you are as young as you feel. My only caution, since I've seen this happen with those that start a little later in life, is not to over do it. Sometimes, folks starting at your age feel like they have "limited time" and rush to try to see as much as possible. Even those of us in our 50s will never see all there is to see, so choose wisely, go slowly, and embrace the present deeply. :)
Lucky Mike said
03:15 PM Nov 9, 2015
Amen .....Howard !!!!
The Bear II said
04:23 PM Nov 9, 2015
Go for it.... you won't regret it.
Be sure to get an automated leveling system on your 5th wheel. It will save your knees and back.
GeorgeWM said
07:52 PM Nov 9, 2015
Thank you all so much for your very positive responses and, yes, an automated leveling system is definitely high on my list ...
As I said in the original post, we have thought and talked for many months about living full time in an RV and your responses have made us feel more confident about our decision. We used RV-Dreams as a major resource in the process...in fact, my wife used Howard's budget as a guide in building our estimated budget...and, although we are fortunately both physically and cognitively sound, thank you especially, Howard, for your wise reminder to "choose wisely, go slowly, and embrace the present deeply."
And Howard -- we are particularly grateful that you took the time today to reply. My wife realizes from your Journal that you took the time to respond even with all you must have to do since you and Linda leave for Costa Rica tomorrow. Have a wonderful and safe trip!
George
PD CFK said
08:16 PM Nov 9, 2015
Welcome George and DW! We too are 71 1/2, and go for a few weeks at a time, returning to home base for awhile. We had never owned an RV or been camping before almost 5 years ago, but have found that we really enjoy it. That was good advise that you be sure to get a 5th wheel with automatic leveling system. Also, we feel safer with a dually truck pulling it...more tread on the ground. Get on out there and have some fun. Pat & Charlie K
Barbaraok said
08:25 PM Nov 9, 2015
Speaking of knees - - get a few pair of knee pads from Home Depot/Lowes. We have used them since we started RVing and wouldn't be without them. I know a lot of people use kneeling pads, but trust me, knee pads are even better.
Barb
A hitch and hop said
08:31 AM Nov 12, 2015
George, I belong to a Florida group who travel through out the US working at various Christian Ministries. We are known as Campers on Mission ( COM). Information on our group can be found at www.flcampersonmission.net/join-us. Most are in their 70's. our recent work at the North Florida Fair, there was a 91 year (young) lady who drove her class C unit and witnessed to people in our booth. Age is only number. Our moto is "As We Go". Our activities range from VBS and Youth Camps to building new churches. Please visit our web site and see what we OLD people can do. By the way, there are Camper on Mission chapters in most of the states.
Howard -- My wife has been following your blog for quite a while. We have thought long and hard about full-timing and considered everything, including finances. Our hearts and minds say go for it and start towing a fifth wheel in the spring/summer of 2016....but one question remains -- we are 71 and 72 years old and would like to full time for 2 years. We both are in good health and probably would circle back to our "home base" every 3-4 months (at least for the first year). Your thoughts -- Thank you in advance...
We're in our early 70s. We have slowed down a little, but there is still so much we want to do that come spring we hook up and go. So come on out and join us!
Barb
Since you've thought long and hard and considered everything including finances, and your hearts AND minds are in line, you are certainly not too old.
As they say, you are as young as you feel. My only caution, since I've seen this happen with those that start a little later in life, is not to over do it. Sometimes, folks starting at your age feel like they have "limited time" and rush to try to see as much as possible. Even those of us in our 50s will never see all there is to see, so choose wisely, go slowly, and embrace the present deeply. :)
Be sure to get an automated leveling system on your 5th wheel. It will save your knees and back.
As I said in the original post, we have thought and talked for many months about living full time in an RV and your responses have made us feel more confident about our decision. We used RV-Dreams as a major resource in the process...in fact, my wife used Howard's budget as a guide in building our estimated budget...and, although we are fortunately both physically and cognitively sound, thank you especially, Howard, for your wise reminder to "choose wisely, go slowly, and embrace the present deeply."
And Howard -- we are particularly grateful that you took the time today to reply. My wife realizes from your Journal that you took the time to respond even with all you must have to do since you and Linda leave for Costa Rica tomorrow. Have a wonderful and safe trip!
George
Barb