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Age and RVing: Are You Too Old for the RV Lifestyle?

| Updated May 15, 2024

One of the most common questions we get has to do with age and RVing: When is someone too old for the RV Lifestyle?

This specific question comes from Diane via our RV Lifestyle Facebook Group

QUESTION: “Hubby and I are 64/62 and we were thinking we want to get an RV to start doing some traveling. But, we’re wondering if we’re too old to do it!

We’ve recently started making day trips with our dogs. It’s exhausting – lol! By the time we pack for the day, drive 2-3 hours, hike with the dogs, and then drive back, we need a nap!

How do people our age do it? Did we miss the window to travel due to our age?”

Answers about Age and RVing and being too old for the RV Lifestyle

ANSWER: The answer to this is an unequivocal NO! Age and RVing is not an issue – unless there are health or physical reasons that would make it dangerous to drive.

Diane’s question on our RV Lifestyle Facebook Group brought a huge response from members. More than 400 came in within hours on just the first day!

And the answers are awesome:

Answers from Senior RVers about age and RVing and being too old for the RV Lifestyle

Jerry: We're 73 & 70 and love it. Take longer trips with some do-nothing days. Take a drive, then a nap.

Henrik: My dear, I'm 60, my wife 65.. we are currently prepping our house to go on the market in the spring.. plan is to get a 30′ TT and get out! Never too old! If your body can tolerate the adventures, I say go for it! I can not imagine starting our retirement doing this.. it's our dream. And it will come true! Good luck and hope to bump into you and some of the great people in this group next year!

Age and RVing: Are You Too Old for the RV Lifestyle? 1
Age and RVing have few limits, and hiking is a very popular activity.

Larry: Diane – you're only too old if you think you are. I am 63 tomorrow and will be taking off in my MH in March with a friend who is turning 62.

Lindsay: You're not. Do it and do it now. So many older people wait till the last minute and can’t. Do it while you can enjoy.

Amy: I'm 64 and a widow. I'm doing it!

age and the RV Lifestyle
Senior RVers enjoying a healthy and active lifestyle outdoors is a big draw

Carol: We are 69 wife, 65 husband. Husband and wife good health …feel our age… hubby still works own business retires in July. I have a very bad back and use a walker or electric trike. I wanted this lifestyle but hubby thought I was nuts. We have never camped out, know no one who did this. Reluctantly he agreed and we bought a very nice new Class C. From day 1 to now, 5 yrs later, we love it. We still stay 1-2 hrs from home until retirement, then we will do our long trips and we can’t wait. We are not athletic, adventurist or very social. We do as we please, always meet new people and there are weekends I don’t leave our now Class A. Do it ….

Senior RVers speak out

Patricia: We are 73 and just bought a 25ft class c. I used to have a 40 ft diesel pusher for twenty years. We got rid of it a year and a half ago. Missed the freedom to travel. So bought something smaller.

Age and RVing: Are You Too Old for the RV Lifestyle? 2
Lots of senior RVers are able to make special memories with their grandkids

Ann: I'm 68 & my husband is 73. We bought a used motorhome 4 years ago & have been heading South for 3 months in the winter. We do not pull a car. We have ebikes. We previously stayed in about 20 different places, shopping or doing laundry between campgrounds. We stay mostly at state, county, & municipal campgrounds with a few “ Boondockers Welcome” spots thrown in. This year we only have reservations at 7 campgrounds. Hard to get reservations, even 11 months in advance, when you have a budget. We have enjoyed it immensely! I know there will come a time when we may not be able to do it. Enjoy it while you can.

Vicky: Are you kidding me? I didn’t even start full-timing until I hit 62! 2 cross country trips in my class A motorhome towing my car behind. My only travel companions were 2 Dobermans and a cattle dog. I’m 72 now, down to 2 dogs and just completed 3400 mile trip to Maine, again, towing my car behind my motorhome, just me and my dogs. After this last east coast trip, I’m pretty much going to spend 5 months in the winter in Vegas, 5 months on the coast of Oregon and or Washington in the summer, and 2 months down in San Diego area visiting my family. I still have a few good years left in me to keep those wheels rolling!

Age and RVing: Are You Too Old for the RV Lifestyle? 3
When you ask when is someone too old to RV, this senior would tell you age and RVing go hand in glove

Charis: My parents are both 80. They don’t full time but we (my siblings and I) can never keep up with them. Every time we talk they seem to be in a different location and/or state. We think it’s great, it has definitely helped keep them young. I only ask.. they let me know what direction they’re heading in so I have a general sense of where they are in case I need to go get them for whatever reason (which has never happened).

Debra: 64 & 65? Too old? Please! I’m 63 and I’m having more fun in my life than EVER! I pace myself though. I don’t drive 12 hr days like I used to. I take 2-3 days to go where I used to go in one day. And I take care of myself. Good food and exercise help keep my energy level up. AND I make checklists for prepping to go, setting up, and breaking down. Go for it!

Cary: But let me say, 64 & 62 are YOUNG!! I’ll be 77 in another month, and although it’s not as easy as it once was, I’m still enjoying the RV life and plan to continue for many years to come.

Bev: I’m over 80 years old and a Solo RV traveler. My little dog goes everywhere with me. I check in with my kids, when on the road, every night so they know where I am. Keeps me young and active 

So there you go. The RV Lifestyle has no age limits. As long as you are healthy and have the desire and physical health, don't let your age slow you down!

If you want to read more about this topic, here's a great post from the folks at RoverPass.

Explore Arizona with our RV Adventure Guide

Age and RVing: Are You Too Old for the RV Lifestyle? 4

We start our Arizona adventure guide at the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, then move west in a slow semi-circle to hit all of the highlights, including Sedona, Lake Havasu, Quartzsite, Kofa National Wildlife Refuge, Apache Junction, and Saguaro National Forest.

Throughout this guide, we explore incredible rocky vistas, historical and mystical sites, inspiring scenic byways, charming Southwest towns, national and state parks galore with wonderful wildlife. No matter what your interests are, you are sure to find something to awe and inspire you in Arizona.


Mike Wendland

Published on 2024-05-15

Mike Wendland is a multiple Emmy-award-winning Journalist, Podcaster, YouTuber, and Blogger, who has traveled with his wife, Jennifer, all over North America in an RV, sharing adventures and reviewing RV, Camping, Outdoor, Travel and Tech Gear for the past 12 years. They are leading industry experts in RV living and have written 18 travel books.

27 Responses to “Age and RVing: Are You Too Old for the RV Lifestyle?”

August 19, 2024at12:03 pm, Kenneth Hetherwick said:

At 80 I sold the TT after 24 years of RV/Camping. Not because of age, but because of the crazy fools on the road and in RV parks. Not fun anymore.

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March 24, 2024at8:10 pm, Alex Bryce said:

I sold my 40’5r and truck total length approx 54’, we want to buy a 45’ luxury coach , would it be as easy to drive as my last rig , also I am a very young 77 year old , good health no big problems . What do you think , thank you.

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March 25, 2024at1:57 pm, Team RV Lifestyle said:

Mike and Jen have never owned a Class A, but hope others will see this here and weigh in their thoughts. Team RV lifestyle

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June 01, 2024at10:49 pm, Teresa Driscoll said:

We had a 43’ 5th wheel that we pulled with a Freightliner M2. We decided to go back to a motorhome. My husband is disabled so I am the driver and I do all the hooking up and tearing down. I prefer the motorhome over the truck and trailer.

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January 17, 2024at2:47 pm, Linda Lowry said:

Great responses and so glad to hear that you don’t have to be young to have this lifestyle. I’m mainly concerned about repairs. We are not really physically able to crawl under and over an RV to make a repair. I keep hearing that there are many repairs to keep up with. Any suggestions?

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May 16, 2024at7:15 am, Linda Roeder said:

When in the road, we rely on mobile RV techs, recommended by the campground managers. So far, we’ve had excellent, prompt service.

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December 22, 2023at9:33 pm, Roberta Day said:

Widow, 80 want to have some good years on the road, have kids in NY and FL, thinking about a 30 foot rv and traveling full time. My kids think I’m crazy! Come spring I might prove they are right!!

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December 27, 2023at10:51 am, Team RV Lifestyle said:

It will be great! Happy Trails! Team RV Lifestyle

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December 08, 2023at11:14 am, Lynnette Shoemaker said:

My husband and I met in 2016 when he was 65 and I was 62. We married a year later and our wedding present to ourselves was a travel trailer. After seven years, we have camped in Alaska, most of the lower 48, and three Canadian provinces. We plan on getting to the Southeast USA in the next year to complete our goal of camping in 49 states. You’re only as old as you feel. It’s an old cliche, but it’s true.

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December 09, 2023at11:29 am, Team RV Lifestyle said:

Wow – what a great wedding gift! And love your spirit of adventure – thanks for adding to the conversation and encouraging others. Enjoy this upcoming year’s trip! Team RV Lifestyle

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December 08, 2023at10:58 am, Dennis Lubrano said:

Kudos, these are all so purely inspirational. Not only age also income and savings do come into play here, yet budgeting and health aside one can always RV closer to home and family. You still enjoy the adventure and freedom yet still have the safety and security of help nearby when and if needed. Take that plunge live while you are alive just don’t wait till your life is over. Still uncertain, then rent one for a short trip and see what you are missing. Safe travels everyone and happiest of holidays 2023. I have watched and followed this blog as it continues to grow and benefit RVers .

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December 09, 2023at11:28 am, Team RV Lifestyle said:

We love how you said, “live while you are alive” — great advice, Dennis! And thank you for following this blog and your encouraging words. We really appreciate it – Team RV Lifestyle

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December 08, 2023at10:43 am, Gerald Crees said:

Go for it! My wife and I are 80. Sold the brick and mortar home 3 years ago, bought a 34’ Reflection and a 3500 chevrolet diesel truck. No regrets!

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December 09, 2023at11:26 am, Team RV Lifestyle said:

That is awesome! Thanks for sharing – Team RV Lifestyle

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December 08, 2023at9:38 am, Susan Koch said:

I am 72 and travel solo. My challenge is not being strong enough for connecting and disconnecting things like to the black water tank. Are there any ideas about tools to put on the fittings to give me some more torque besides just using my hands to screw and unscrew things? Thanks

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December 08, 2023at11:26 am, LJ Pearce said:

Wearing a pair of gloves with good grip-y palms might help, as it will provide friction that your bare palms or a smooth pair of gloves won’t.

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December 08, 2023at8:19 pm, Barbara Wiborg said:

There is a plastic wrench you can get on Amazon to help turn the sewer hose on and off. There are also water hose connections that just pop off and on (look up “quick connect” on Amazon.

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August 30, 2024at1:53 pm, Marvin Kornegay said:

You can use longer handles for ratchets and wrenches. I use a rechargeable drill for leveling my trailer. Go to a reputable RV dealer and ask them for suggestions. A reputable Hard Ware store is also a good place to discuss tools. Hope this helps.

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December 08, 2023at9:24 am, Ed Shapiro said:

Never too old Me 64 g/f 66
We been full time for 3 years, 4 dogs and have hit 24 states. I don’t drive more than 4 hours and being retired I have no time limits and can stop and see all the great spots in this country
Just got back from a 6 month trip out west and now sit in sunny warm Fla. Planning trip to New England states for next April till November
Go for it!!!

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December 09, 2023at11:25 am, Team RV Lifestyle said:

Your trip out West sounds amazing. Thanks for sharing what you do – enjoy the adventure! Team RV Lifestyle

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December 08, 2023at9:06 am, Barb Balchus said:

Nope, not too old. I’m 62 and I just purchased a teardrop to do weekend adventures with my dog. Going to meet up with friends who also have a camper. I bought the smallest fully contained camper I could find. Even my 90 year old Mom came on my last trip. I never go far, just a change of scenery every so often does me good.

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December 09, 2023at11:24 am, Team RV Lifestyle said:

Love this! Thanks for sharing and enjoy! Team RV Lifestyle

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December 08, 2023at8:54 am, David Setterberg said:

Age and rving. I’m 80 and my wife is 74. We have been full time in our 30ft tt for over 1 year and love it. We have seen lots of country and plan to do more. Also we sold our house.

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December 09, 2023at11:23 am, Team RV Lifestyle said:

That is awesome! Thanks for sharing and enjoy the adventure! Team RV Lifestyle

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August 30, 2024at1:57 pm, Marvin Kornegay said:

I bought my trailer at 68 and sold it 5 years later and have regretted it ever since. that was in 2018. I am seriously considering calling the guy I sold it to and making an offer to buy it back. Wish me luck.

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December 08, 2023at6:26 am, Karen Daines said:

You should do an article on Escspees CARE independent living for folks either to old or having health issues and can’t travel
I’m volunteering here now

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December 09, 2023at11:23 am, Team RV Lifestyle said:

Hi Karen – We are going to send you an email – look for one from us! Team RV Lifestyle

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