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urnmor · 04-04-2017, 11:51 AM

I am looking for some advice. We have a 2012 FB Flying Cloud that we very much enjoy, however, I was wondering if we should move up to a 30 foot AS. I think the extra space would be nice and we have the vehicle to pull it (F250 Diesel). My concern is that my wife and I are in our seventies. I will be 73 in September. So my question is this: At our age is it a wise move to go bigger and has anyone done it out there when they were in their seventies?
Thanks

SeaLevel · 04-04-2017, 12:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by urnmor

I am looking for some advice. We have a 2012 FB Flying Cloud that we very much enjoy, however, I was wondering if we should move up to a 30 foot AS. I think the extra space would be nice and we have the vehicle to pull it (F250 Diesel). My concern is that my wife and I are in our seventies. I will be 73 in September. So my question is this: At our age is it a wise move to go bigger and has anyone done it out there when they were in their seventies?
Thanks

I'm not in my 70's, but I am curious why you think it would be much different from what you are towing now. I've heard that the extra 4-5' isn't all that noticeable when towing, so unless you think a 30' AS wouldn't fit where you like to camp, or where you park it, I don't think it would matter.

Air Apparent · 04-04-2017, 12:49 PM

There was a guy in his nineties pulling a Classic 30 at the Sugar Creek rally when we attended in 2011. I heard that he was back last year.

You can do it.

FCStreamer · 04-04-2017, 12:52 PM

70s is the new 60s. Go for it an enjoy!

carlose · 04-05-2017, 11:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by urnmor

I am looking for some advice. We have a 2012 FB Flying Cloud that we very much enjoy, however, I was wondering if we should move up to a 30 foot AS. I think the extra space would be nice and we have the vehicle to pull it (F250 Diesel). My concern is that my wife and I are in our seventies. I will be 73 in September. So my question is this: At our age is it a wise move to go bigger and has anyone done it out there when they were in their seventies?
Thanks

My wife and I are in our 70's and we have a 2010 30' FC, we love the space and the FC has the 2 recliner option, which is no longer made. The recliners are great for a quick nap and watching the kitchen TV. Length is not an issue and we pull it with a 2014 diesel F350...

graysailor · 04-05-2017, 11:24 AM

I am 70 and have no issues at all with my 30 footer. All the more reason to enjoy a longer AS. You certainly have the vehicle to pull it, Go for It.

Urbanologist · 04-05-2017, 11:59 AM

Only you and your doctor know your physical and mental limitations. Be guided by what you can or can't accomplish. Be honest with yourself. If you travel with a companion, are they also capable of being your backup. A REAL backup, in case you need assistance. Peace to you as you travel.

Mollysdad · 04-05-2017, 12:08 PM

I'm in my early 70's and I was shocked that anyone thought that was maybe too old! I plan on starting a new adventure with a 26'.
And it's closer to the ground so steps aren't as big a problem as with a larger RV.

USAtraveler · 04-05-2017, 12:11 PM

You are right to be concerned IMO. Declining abilities and capabilities are simply a fact of aging; we don't get stronger or more alert with advancing years. Towing an even larger trailer is more demanding. It requires more attention to driving and maneuvering on the road or at stops such as gas/diesel stations and campgrounds. It's natural I guess to think we are going to be able to continue on as we are now for many more years, but that is probably more wishful thinking than truth.
You have a responsibility for your own safety as well as other people and vehicles on the road. Don't push it past the point of reason, no matter what others say or do..

weber.roger · 04-05-2017, 12:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FCStreamer

70s is the new 60s. Go for it an enjoy!

Don't believe it. 60 is still 60! and 70 is still 70!

pappy19 · 04-05-2017, 12:40 PM

73 years young here and towing a 30' Classic with a slide out. Is it more work? Maybe a little, but no big step for a stepper.

Air Apparent · 04-05-2017, 12:44 PM

Urnmor:

You're going to be 73.

Based upon some of the above responses it sounds like you will be turning 100 shortly after. You are now so old that you shouldn't be thinking of an Airstream trailer.

You should be applying to one of the death panels. Oh sorry, we don't have those YET.

jimfa440 · 04-05-2017, 12:49 PM

I'll be 70 in June. I ain't giving up.

cwf · 04-05-2017, 01:14 PM

My Pop is going to be 84 this year. If he WANTED to, he could Airstream.. but, he prefers fishing..

The key... never stop... go till you can't.

After all, you can fly any airplane as long as you can afford it, don't go to any 'controlled' airspace/ports and don't survive a crash...

larryglarson · 04-05-2017, 01:17 PM

I am 74 and went from a 30 ft. Classic to a FC 26U. I find the smaller trailer nicer. We do not miss the room and getting around is easier. I will tell you we went from on air conditioner to 2 with new ducked air and that is a big deal.

Air4563 · 04-05-2017, 01:58 PM

I am 71 and plan on pulling my 31 footer as long as possible.I see no more difficulties in hitching up or pulling the larger trailer as long as your tv is up to it.

m.hony · 04-05-2017, 01:59 PM

Get a 30'.
You won't even realize you have a longer trailer.
In fact, the longer trailer may be easier to back.
The extra storage, seating, and walk-around room will be much appreciated.
Other side of the coin:
I didn't see how long your 2012 FB Flying Cloud is.
If it is a 23', yes, go bigger.
If it is a 25' or 28', maybe keep it. Those are great layouts.

Betty Farmer · 04-05-2017, 02:44 PM

Hmmm!!! I will be 83 in December and I pull a 28 ' Classic all over the USA. My thoughts are your medical condition, including your vision ability - rather than age. My husband has Macular Degeneration and does not drive, but is a good help mate in parking, etc. I went from a 25' to the 28' with no problems - and would go to a 30 ' in a heartbeat if a good deal came up. My best wishes to your travels.

Bgibbs · 04-05-2017, 03:16 PM

Way to go Betty. We grow em tough in Texas. We have a guy in our church that is 99 and still has his pilot's license! Stay active and keep in shape. Gotta go, time to get on the bike for my Weds ride.

cabinetmaker · 04-05-2017, 03:43 PM

I've pulled them from 23' to 30'...believe it when others tell you it's no big deal because it isn't.

The 30' was actually one of my favorites to tow...very stable and easy to pull. Only difference was tail swing...otherwise everything is the same as your 25'.

We even towed our 30' with a earlier model 3/4 ton diesel truck similar to the one you have...used a equalizer weight distribution hitch. Loved that setup but because of a illness in the family had to move so we sold it.

Things have improved so we are back to Airstreaming again but went to a new floor plan 26U this go around as we really like the U dinette and large all in one bath. I say go for it! You only get one chance at life...and we sure don't want to leave it to our brat kids who we have already given more then they deserve!