Am I Too Old For This

[mbubbaca]

I’m 73 and have enjoyed my Airstream. Maybe someone mentioned this, I just skimmed through your responses. The thing that really confirmed my decision was taking the time to visit a local Airstream Club. I just drove up and said I was interested in Airstreams. I got an earful of the good and the bad and was invited to look in and cha with every owner. Google AirStream Club International. Poke around until you see a club near you , check out if they are having a rally, give the leader a call and get invited to drop in. It will give you a chance to see the community you’ll be joining. I’m not so impressed with the International Airstream Club…too much politics. Local clubs ( there may be several near you) are usually laidback a whole lot more than the International. You don’t have to join anything to enjoy your Airstream but visiting might give you some confidence..

[KPHealy]

Only you can really answer that question on age. I was 65 when I purchased a camper van - though had spent a couple of years doing research and looking at options. I love AS trailers, but the thought of towing (mainly backing it up) was somewhat off-putting. The debate then was 19' v 24' - which goes to how we/I use the van, which is mainly motorsports and music festivals (where space usually is limited) - 19' gave us more options and along with the E1 package and AWD, the ability to pretty much overnight anywhere was a plus. I added a Mototote bike/scooter carrier and generally carry and e-bike when alone (RadRunner) or a scooter (Honda ADV160). When and if we go for longer road trips with extended stays, we'll likely convert to either trailer or the Atlas.

Physically, go to a dealer and practice some of what you'd need to do - that will help with the question on strength and stamina. Some of the comments on driving towed vehicles are really good to consider. before heading to the dealer, Airstream has a bunch of videos on YouTube that are helpful and well worth watching that will go into some detail on all the working systems, how to use, service and maintain them. if you're comfortable checking tire pressure and fluid levels on your car, can change a tire or fuse if need be, you should be well suited to RV life.

I'm six months and 7,000 miles in and loving it...looking forward to actually retiring soon.

[Ksweeney]

The hitch is no joke; My Blue OX receiver is cast iron, and heavy. I'm 73, can still do it (essentially one arm - bicep), but I wonder how long till my back goes out, Consider it!

[overlander64]

I am 65, and have been towing a travel trailer since 1980. Started out with a 1980 Nomad Light Weight Special then upgraded to 1983 Compliment Class B Van Camper that was a big mistake and was traded two years later. Then tent Camped until 1995 when I purchased my current Airstream, the 1964 Overlander Land Yacht International.

I have always used a Reese Strait Line Hitch with Dual Cam Sway Control. For many years, I would put the hitch head in the receiver on my tow car at the beginning of the season and remove it at the end of the season. Beginning about 15 years ago, I leave the hitch head in the receiver continually with no ill effects.

I verify that all bolts are properly torqued annually, that the retainer pin is in good shape and properly secured prior to each trip, the hitch head and hitch paint are touched up annually, and the hitch ball is kept lubricated and covered with a properly sized cover when not being used. It has never caused any problems around my home or any place that I have driven my tow vehicle which is also my daily driver -- a 1992 Buick Roadmaster Limited Sedan.

By using the electric tongue jack, I raise the back of the tow vehicle high enough that it takes very little effort to either install or remove the weight distribution bars so hitching or unhitching isn't a particular taxing exercise. While I am not particularly good at backing into sites, by limiting my travel days to under 300 miles, I find that I am less stressed and the backing/parking process if much less stressful. I also like having my familiar car for sightseeing, and I even upgraded its stereo system to a modern unit that has GPS Sirius XM Radio as well as AM/FM/CD/DVD/Backup Camera options.

Good luck with your decision!

Kevin

[kb0zke]

We also use a Blue Ox Sway Pro hitch system. The ball assembly stays on the truck as we are full-timers and sometimes find ourselves moving daily. It also serves as a convenient step for me to get to the pickup's bed without opening the tail gate and pulling out the bed slide.


The sway bars are easily handled one at a time. As Kevin said, using the tongue jack to raise everything makes installing and removing the bars quite easy.

[ROBERT CROSS]

82 here.
When it's time, we plan to park Cloudsplitter in the nursing home parking lot.

Sweet Streams

Bob & Sandra 54yrs and still at it.

[ROBERTSUNRUS]

Hi, I just turned 79 and my hitch is only in the receiver while my trailer is connected. Taken out and put back in at evey campground where we stay for more than one night. One exception, my hitch is in the receiver for tear down, clean, lube, and torque. I have been doing this with the same trailer and the same hitch for 19 years. Two tow vehicles.

[Airtandem]

85 and still doing it, the hitch hookup. The bars rest on battery box and hitch to a receiver on tongue. BO hitch; wish Anderson would work.
Mike

[sfranklin]

Originally Posted by johnmcgill

So, I am a newbie, aged 70+, did a lot of travel in my youth but now am trying to retire (not doing that very well) and am considering the purchase of an AS- used of course, but very nice- 22' International 2003 CCD. Am I out of my mind or is this something I can and should do? I am healthy - no meds and no physical issues- but I am not sure if this is a good idea or not. Not exactly a mid-life crisis since mid-life too is in the rear-view mirror, hopefully not that far away though. I want to re-visit the places I saw when I was younger, and then other places too.
Please convince me with thoughts one way or the other. I really do like AS's but has this boat (RV) sailed?
Thanks

Given that the OP posed this in June and the last time he was online was end of July, my guess is that he either didn't go through with it, did, and is gleefully out there, somewhere or is in that great Airstream RV park in the sky (hey, it can happen)...either way, safe travels!

[switz]

Carrying any of the three ProPride stingers that arriver 50 pounds (2 for the truck for either the Classic or the 23D and one for the Land Cruiser for the 23D cause it's receiver is 56" higher than the tracks receiver) is getting to be more. of a challenge at 80. Because it sticks out so far, the stinger must come off for extended stays cause it is sure a knee buster.

I don't want to quit yet so will get creative with this process somehow. Setup just takes longer. But I get it done.

[ROBERT CROSS]

Originally Posted by switz

Carrying any of the three ProPride stingers that arriver 50 pounds (2 for the truck for either the Classic or the 23D and one for the Land Cruiser for the 23D cause it's receiver is 56" higher than the tracks receiver) is getting to be more. of a challenge at 80. Because it sticks out so far, the stinger must come off for extended stays cause it is sure a knee buster.

I don't want to quit yet so will get creative with this process somehow. Setup just takes longer. But I get it done.

I made a shin-saver...latest model has a red light at the end. Blue high-tension bungee cord holds it on.
An old scoot-seat helps with transportation.

Bob
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