Age Concern

We came to caravanning from tenting in our 50's, as we wanted to avoid putting up tents and wanted a bit more comfort. Now at mid / late 60's we are switching to a 6.94m MH. From over 12metres of car and van. More because of the ease of moving on and the type of touring it will open up, rather than any problems with towing or caravanning in general. I think the age to which folk will feel confident to carry on with our hobby will vary greatly. Depending on health / physical / mobility problems. As will the type of rig they will feel confident in handling.

I don’t think there can be any generalisation. We all age in different ways and rates. Physical and mental ability varies and some continue towing well into their 80s while others of us find it becomes a bit much in our 60s.

Just do what feels right for you.

I am nearly 72.  I had a medical just before my 70th birthday so I can keep my full licence and continue to drive a minibus.

I think every driver over 70 should have to have a medical, It means that things like poor eyesight, or being unable to answer simply questions, or dangerous heart problems would stop them driving but that is a safer option that driving regardless. 

I don’t think changing to a MH has anything at all to do with age. Someone not fully competent to drive a combo carefully is just as likely to be as uncompetent with a MH. Driving is all about observation, reaction and understanding the rules of the road, and the behaviour of one’s chosen vehicle. We drive a small MH, a classic car, a 4.0 litre monster of a Jeep and another Jeep we use for towing. All different requiring different driving techniques and reaction/observation times. 

I agree that a small MH can be easier to deal with on sites, a lot less humping around of water and waste water, and very quick to set up.

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you don't need to be dependant on public transport when you have a M/H, ours is 6.5m long and 2.1m wide and so far there has never been a place we haven't been able to take it 

my next van will have a self levelling system with automatic winding down of steadies

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My decision to swap to a MH was solely on the convenience of touring style rather than any physical constraints. Having said that, I do find they seemed to have moved the ground a bit lower these days.

I do find they seemed to have moved the ground a bit lower these days.

Cunning aren't they. They have lowered it very gradually over the last 30 years so that you don't notice at first. If you are unfortunate enough to take a tumble you may well find that they have also made it harder