How to caravan without upper body strength

I guess everything is relative for each individual, but when next on site somewhere, why not ask a friendly neighbour to compare things, just in case your van is exceptionally stiff in any of these areas.

The drill for steadies is a good idea, but take care not to get kickback on your wrist when it reaches the end of its travel.

Many motor movers are electronically engaged (not manual), but that would be quite an expense.

My OH is no bodybuilder, but I think the most constructive suggestion I could make from our own experience, is that over time and with practice, you each will find set up /take down tasks which you prefer and/or can do. There’s loads of non-strength related jobs….. set up loo, set up waste water disposal, etc……. To say nothing of ‘make first brew’ or ‘open a beer’!

Good luck.

BTW, if you go to your profile, you’ll be able to change the non-rememberable automatically allocated user name to something you prefer.

WD40 is a fantastic boon for both the fit & the not so. I use chainsaws & split logs (bear with me this is relevant😊) most days yet I never have less than 1 can of WD40 in my box of tricks. It takes a few squirts over moving parts regularly to keep everything running easily. Plus it smells wonderful-that could just be me tbh😳.Enjoy your breaks👍🏻

I like the smell too Rocky and often use it as after shave

I suppose that knowing nothing different with only ever having a caravan I've never thought about it. The jockey wheel clamp doesn't have to be that tight, just as hard as you can manage, likewise the handbrake unless it's not working properly? The hitch lever I agree with you and I just use all my weight above it when pressing it down.

The effort for the awning is just one of those things you have to do if you want an awning, I've found air awnings to be easier to put up but they do weight more.

As IanTG says so well, find out what you need and ask others. 

MrC, you’ll never get Arthritis👍🏻👏🏻👏🏻

I am no weakling but it's quite notable how much more is involved than with my parents motorhome.

Probably the reason why many of us change to a motorhome I am sure you will get used to it as you develop a routine. Enjoy.

David

We still enjoy the physical side of camping holidays. Never owned a mover, or a drill for steadies, a service pitch is wasted on us.

Check out that everything is functioning as it should, then simply build up to doing the chores if you are reasonably fit and well, but don’t strain or pull muscles. Treat each physical exertion as a calorie count, the more you move, the more treats you can enjoy.😁

Seriously though, don’t risk an accident.👍

"Plus it smells wonderful-that could just be me tbh😳"

I think that is just you!! and apparently a few others.

I have moved on from the Brut of lubricants to the Lynx (other fragrances exist) namely GT85

The amount of effort required for the tasks the OP describes is determinded by the design of the item in question.  This effort can be greatly reduced by using mechanics to ones advantage.

For example, tightening the jockey wheel clamp - get a length of steel tube that will fit over the short handle so that it becomes longer. (More important to be proper tight when towing than when staying on site!). Handbrake lever will probably need a larger diameter tube, but they will stow one inside the other.

For winding corner steadies one is limited by the crank in the supplied handle.  A cheap 1/2" drive socket set will contain a socket to fit the corner steady, some extensions that will bring the working end out beyond the caravan body, and a ratchet handle that will allow effort to be applied with only a short arm movement. Some even contain a long "breaker bar" that makes loosening wheel nuts so much easier.

Aquarolls do not ever need to be stood on end. A pair of wheel chocks from Allfrauds (other suppliers available) will keep it in place when in use, and the maker has supplied a cap half way along the body just for this.

Waste water and toilet containers are about half the weight when half full!

I'm sure other members will have further suggestions, but not having a power-driven engagement of a motor mover is just a no brainer.

Thanks everyone for the advice!  I will invest in some WD40 and keep practising!

My tip to make life easier is to spray the awning rail with furniture polish. It makes it much easier to pull an awning through.

Happy caravanning

peedee