You just retired and now it’s time to pack your bags and see the world. Buying or renting an RV can be a great step for seniors wishing to be on the move. But how do you know which RV you should buy or rent? And how do you pay for all of the travel expenses? In this post, we will go over everything you need to know about RV road trips for seniors.
Types of RVs
It’s not a one-size-fits-all approach when finding the best RV for a senior. There are various RV options out there for seniors of all ability levels. Below, we will take a look at some motorized and towable RVs along with some details on each to help you make the decision.
Motorized RVs
Class A
Range 26-45 feet
Sleeps up to eight people
Most come with shower, toilet, and kitchen area
Price starts at $50,000 and ultra-luxury models reach about $400,000
Class B
Under 20 feet
Sleeps 2-4 people
Small and compact but can include kitchenette, sitting room, and toilet
Price starts around $90,000
Class C
Range 21-41 feet
Sleeps 6-8 people
Usually has slide out, or extra storage or sitting space that can be collapsed
Price ranges $50,000-$100,000
Towable RVs
Truck Campers
Fits in a truck bed and over its cab
Popular for couples but some can accommodate up to six people
Most come with large sleeping area, small living space, compact kitchenettes, and/or bathrooms
Prices range from $5,000 for newer models to about $50,000 for luxury options
Travel Trailers
Comes in wide range of sizes and layouts (some may include only a crawl-in bed and outdoor kitchenette while others can house a whole family)
Many can be towed with a small to midsize SUV
Prices range $10,000-$35,000
Fifth-Wheels
Requires a truck to tow
Great for sleeping, lounging, and storage
Great for use as a second home or for extended camping trips
Prices range $30,000 to $100,000
Pop-Ups
Can be towed by smaller cars (check the manual or speak to the salesperson for more information)
Can be soft-sides or hard-sides
Wide range of sizes and weights
Most models “pop up” to reveal sleeping and lounge areas
Some require physical strength for setup
Price ranges $5,000-$20,000
Now that we know more about finding the appropriate RV for seniors, let’s take a look at some RV groups for seniors.
Best RV Clubs for Seniors
You purchased or rented your RV and you’re ready to make your trip. But is car camping for seniors that easy? Do you simply park your RV wherever you want? It doesn’t necessarily work that way. There are a number of clubs where you can gain access to parking at numerous locations ranging from beautiful parks to metropolitan areas. Below are a few RV travel clubs for seniors along with information to help you decide where to invest.
Now that we’re ready to hit the road, let’s review some tips on RV camping for seniors.
RV Travel Tips for Seniors
You have the RV and the appropriate membership and now it’s time to make your big trip. But first, here are some things you should remember:
Install sturdy stairs with handrails and no-skid steps, or use ramps
Find an RV with a walk-in shower and install handles for easy gripping
Install a handle next to the toilet as well
Make sure the interior and exterior of the RV is well-lit
Keep a headlamp near the door to make it easier to travel when you need to leave the RV at night
Keep a spare pair of prescription eyeglasses on hand in case your regular glasses break and you do not have access to a nearby eyewear shop
Have a good supply of medication and keep your chronic medications on file with a pharmacy chain
Find a doctor you can call or email while traveling and if you have a chronic condition that requires regular checkups back home, try to schedule your appointments for the same time period each year
Get roadside assistance
Invest in tablets, smartphones, and other technologies to keep in touch with family and friends back home
Get an AARP card for discounts in various places
Get an America the Beautiful Senior Pass for free admittance to national parks
Keep your belongings organized
Find jobs and volunteer opportunities at campgrounds, many of which offer free stays for your service
Have a good trip!