RV sales have slowed and fewer people are buying RVs. Most costs across the board have risen. RVing is evolving. Has that changed how people are RVing? Are there still some areas that are crowded with campers? Are people more or less content with RVing?
RVtravel.com readers discuss their experiences and offer tips to help other campers find that perfect spot.
Yikes! Are RVs over 7 years old now considered “old”?
A reader sent in an email about a new RV park in Texas where 7-year-old rigs are considered too old! Our motorhome is 8 years young now, and we have no intention of trading it in. I love the interior, the design, and all the real wood trim. Plus, we just about have all the bugs worked out and are just starting on fixing the round of things that break as we roll down the road. Not to mention, we have six new expensive tires!
My husband is definitely into getting it washed and hand-waxed often, and it looks practically brand-new. The “almost brand-new” is because of the numerous rock dings we just got going down eight miles on a gravel washboard road. Another professional wash was required!
We had been turned down once in the past for an RV that was 11 years old until I sent in a photo of our new paint job. We stayed at that exclusive, gated, Florida RV park, and although it was definitely a luxury site, it wasn’t all that! No amount of the unused amenities were worth the hassle or the price to me. We don’t use a clubhouse, swimming pool, spa, or bar, so we’re happy in a bigger site in a state park, even if we only have power.
But that being said, we do stay at RV resorts. Looking toward our upcoming six months of travel, I do have to wonder if 7 years is now going to be the new 10-year rule? Continue reading to see what other RVers are saying about this.
Here are a few observations from our readers. These do not necessarily represent the views of RVtravel.com.
“Old” RVs over 7 years are not allowed!
Paula P. wrote to us about a new RV park that does not allow old RVs. “We live in central TX. There is a new RV park that has just opened. I went online to see how much the sites were going to cost as we have friends coming to visit. The first thing I learned was that there was an ‘old RV not allowed’ rule in place. All rigs over SEVEN years old not allowed!!! Nope, I am not going to support a park with this rule!! I don’t know that many people who can afford, or want, a new RV every 7 years. I know you can call and you can send pics, but why?? Yep, I’ll just pass on this one!!”
Changes plans due to the 10-year rule
Dave M. has recently had to change their travel plans. He wrote, “We have RV’d for more than 20 years now. We recently returned from our last trip. Five states, 14 RV parks in six weeks. We did not experience any overcrowding, but I plan and make reservations usually two weeks in advance.
“In the past couple of years, we have had to make changes in our RV travels due to the 10-year rule, higher cost to stay in parks. We are usually on the road for three to four months a year.”
Can see why there is the 10-year rule
Sarah W. writes in that she understands why there is a 10-year rule. “We’ve seen a lot of overcrowded state parks in Missouri and Illinois. A lot of no-show people are reserving spots in advance. We have had better luck at private parks. We have definitely seen a lot of full-timers and can see why many parks have the 10-year rule because of this. It’s one thing to have a nice retired couple in a $100K RV vs. some bum doing drugs in a piece of junk from 1978. But we have seen some nice younger working folks, too. Travel nurses and contractors. They tend to have the newer, more expensive 5th wheels like the retired folks.
“My husband does remote work so we try to take our 2018 Thor Axis out when we can find a spot with our small chihuahuas in tow. I think state and federal parks could benefit from an overhaul of their online reservation systems. The private parks do a much better job.”
The 10-year rule is ridiculous!
Andrew H. writes that the 10-year rule is ridiculous! “My wife and I never have any trouble getting sites with short notice in the USA or Canada. We are, however, fairly flexible, and we always avoid busy holiday times. I do have to comment on the 10-year rule. The age of your unit does not affect us yet, but it will in six years. This rule is ridiculous. Many of the units that are much older are well looked after, cute, well-built, and totally retro; no unit should be refused because of its age. My thoughts.”
People keeping their RVs longer; 10-year rule is going to harm RV parks
George G. adds that RVers are keeping their rigs longer, and the 10-year rule will not only harm them, but it will harm the parks, too.
He writes, “A lot of RV parks are using the 10-year rule, which is actually going to hurt their business because people are keeping their RVs longer. I guess the RV park owners don’t realize that the RVs they are turning away are generally in better shape than they (park owners) think. For this simple reason, the RV owners have to keep their rigs in tip-top shape in order to keep them on the road. I personally own a 23-year-old RV that is in better shape than some 5-year-old rigs because of all the upgrades I’ve done over the years.”
Now, some questions for you:
- Has the ten-year rule been a problem for you?
- Are you finding campgrounds booked up or is finding a site not a problem?
- What do you like best about RVing?
- What are your pet peeves?
- Are you seeing more permanent and seasonal RV parks?
- Are rising costs affecting your camping style?
- Do you have favorite campgrounds or RV parks?
- What is the most memorable experience you have had RVing?
- Do you have any tips or secrets you’d like to share?
Please use the form below to answer one or more of these questions, or tell us what you’ve experienced with campground crowding in general.
Read last week’s Crowded Campgrounds column: The biggest issues we’re seeing as camp hosts
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We have been turned away once for the 10 year rule. I think the 10 year rule might be okay for the permanent residence in these parks. But for the regular rvers that travel it is a pain. Our rig is 19 this year and is in way better shape then the new units. We look to upgrade but nothing is worth buying as they are not made with the same quality as older units.
Not only the 10 year rule——We have a $200,000 new fully self contained van conversion and were told “no vans “!!
Hmmm. Where was that? We also have a nice van conversion ( not 200k, lol) . At one time we were not allowed at harvest host sites, but they have changed their policy.
I suspect that RV parks that institute the 10 year rule generally charge more and are aiming at those who can afford and are willing to pay higher prices. So long as that works, they will continue their policy. I doubt that that policy will spread to most RV parks simply because there are too many RVers who own older units. I also believe that location makes a difference. RV parks closer to urban areas will be dealing with more people using older RVs as permanent, cheaper homes. Some of them take good care of their units and some don’t. Those that don’t are a big problem for everyone.
I place parks with a 10-year rule on the same list as gated neighborhoods with HOA’s. That list is titled “Places I Won’t Go.”
Agreed.
I had a park owner tell me, “If your rig is declined under any age rule, it’s not the age to blame, it’s the condition of your rig”. He said nobody wants to turn down income but they’ll gladly leave a spot open than fill it with damaged coaches or people. I think there was a lot of truth to his statements.
I love when “common sense” takes center stage…thank you Vince!
It’s time to build an RV Park not allowing any RV newer then 10 years in.
We’ve been RVing for 40 years and have always bought used. Two years ago we traded our 2005 Dutch Star on a 2015, I think we bought the 2005 in 2016, trading in a 2000. I think we have been asked to send a picture once in that time. We don’t look for high end “resorts” instead we choose campgrounds based on location near places we want to be and favor military campgrounds when convenient.
Given the quality of most of the cracker boxes being built anymore at over inflated prices…it’s little wonder why so many older folks are keeping their RV’s longer. To hay with the glamping crowd that are mostly snobs…there are still many of us left that like to go camping the way it should be. Not everyone can afford a half million dollar motor home . As for trashing some folks who are not as fortunate as others…judge ye not …lest ye be judged.
The 2 reasons our 2006 Tiffin Phaeton is still on the road are it was built when “quality” was still a word known at Tiffin and we take care of it so it can take care of us.
Saved up down payment to buy camper of dreams in tenth year which it will be paid off. Will be able to afford to travel more. NOW I can’t cause it’s too old. Sounds like hotels are backing this ideal.
Thank you, Nanci! Have a great week and safe travels!
What any year rule,is,is financial theft of monetized investment. Both through physical labor, and investment capital. The effect is this, you cannot sell and you cannot travel either. Most people sell their used rig to move into another one. Most people start by buying a 10 year or older rig. Those outside of the top income brackets, wont be rv’rs in the very near future. And, if you bought used, you wont be able to sell to even break even. Your choices are exactly 1. You will call a regional rv dismantler and pay them 3000$ to tow off your perfectly functional rv and you will never again rv. Because there is literally nothing else you can do. Seems like it fits the definition of extortion.