By Gail Marsh
I recently talked with the owner of a campground. I wanted to hear his side of the controversial 10-year rule for RVs. (Note: The 10-year rule is a policy many RV campgrounds enforce, which restricts RVs older than 10 years from camping on their premises. Read more about it here.)
“This rule is not just about aesthetics,” Mike (camp owner) explained, “but it’s also about protecting my interests. I want to ensure a high-quality experience for all my campers. I need to maintain the safety and reputation of my campground, too.”
Our lengthy conversation gave me a new understanding of why some RV campground owners support the 10-year rule.
Abandoned RVs
“I’ve had RV owners simply walk away from their old rigs,” Mike admitted. “They left me to deal with their abandoned rig.” This scenario is more common with older RVs that may require costly repairs. This makes them more trouble than they’re worth to the owner.
Abandoned RVs not only represent a financial burden but also take up valuable space that could be used by paying customers. Additionally, the process of legally disposing of an abandoned RV can be lengthy and complicated, further exacerbating the problem.
Breakdowns
Older RVs are more prone to mechanical issues. These can lead to breakdowns during a camper’s stay. When an RV breaks down, it can create a ripple effect of problems for the campground. Not only might a broken-down RV occupy a campsite for an extended period, but it may also detract from the overall appearance and reputation of the site.
“I once had a camper set his non-working refrigerator outside his RV,” Mike said and shook his head. “He didn’t even think about the possibility of a little kid getting trapped inside!”
Mike also talked about towing a broken-down RV. He explained that towing an RV can be expensive. Costs range from $250 to more than $2,500, depending on the size of the RV and the distance to the nearest repair facility. These costs may be more than the RV owner can handle or is willing to pay for an outdated rig.
Aesthetics and reputation
The appearance of a campground plays a crucial role in attracting customers. Rundown RVs can create a negative impression and make the campground less appealing to other campers. Many RVers choose campgrounds based on the quality of the facilities and the overall atmosphere. Allowing older, poorly maintained RVs can diminish the campground’s appeal, leading to a potential loss of business.
Campground owners invest significantly in maintaining their sites, from landscaping to amenities. They have a vested interest in preserving the quality and image of their campground. Many feel that the 10-year rule helps them achieve this by ensuring that only well-maintained RVs are allowed on the premises.
Safety concerns
Safety is another critical factor. Older RVs may not meet current safety standards. This may pose a risk to other campers and the campground itself. Issues such as faulty wiring, leaking propane tanks, or deteriorating structural components can lead to accidents or even fires. By enforcing the 10-year rule, campground owners can reduce these risks, creating a safer environment for everyone.
Protecting investments
For some campground owners, the 10-year rule is a way to protect their investment. Running a campground is a business. Like any business, maintaining a high standard is essential for success. The 10-year rule allows owners to manage their campgrounds more effectively and minimize the risk of dealing with derelict or abandoned RVs. It helps to ensure that their property remains safe and attractive to potential customers.
To sum up
I’ll admit that before speaking with Mike, I had a very unfavorable view of the 10-year rule. I always thought campgrounds that enforced the rule were only concerned with aesthetics. My conversation with an actual RV campground owner helped me better understand his many and varied reasons for the rule.
The 10-year rule may seem restrictive to some RVers, but it serves a vital purpose for some campground owners. By limiting the age of RVs allowed on their property, owners believe they can maintain the aesthetic appeal, safety, and overall quality of their campgrounds.
The costs associated with removing derelict campers, the risk of abandoned vehicles, and the potential damage to a campground’s reputation all justify the enforcement of this rule. Or, as Mike put it, “Ultimately, the 10-year rule helps ensure a safe and positive experience for all campers while protecting my business interests.”
More about the 10-year rule
- Controversial 10-year-RV rule explained
- 5 ways around the RV 10-year rule
- Is the 10-year rule a sneaky way to sell more RVs?
##RVT1172
My wife and I have a 2014 Sunseeker. To look at it you would never guess From the outside appearance that it’s more than 1 year old. We have had no more issues than the brand new now somewhat crappy built units. We travel with our unit about 90 days plus a year. I have yet to be in a campground where I’ve seen dilapidated units. But yes I have seen them ON THE STREETS in Arizona and California in our travels. I really wonder how many of these squatter type of people actually stay in campgrounds. I would be offended to be turned away from this gentleman’s campground and if possible would give it a bad rating. All he would have to do since he’s that picky is to request a photo of the unit.
WoW! So say my camper is 9 years old. What am I supposed to do with it? Junk it? Because of a stupid, arbitrary number, it’s at the end of its life, and I’m stuck with it? Would YOU buy a camper that’s almost 10 years old, and be stuck with an albatross around your neck? 10 years … is destroying lives.
How about a bit of research to back it up?
What a bunch of wining over the cost of doing business. About 2 years ago we limped into a campground when we had real problems with our then 17 year old RV which has been completely refurbished on the inside and looks great on the outside as well. The owner/manager was very gracious but had no idea about any repair services nearby or tow truck help. We learned many towing services will refuse to tow class A campers because the windshields break and tow company is liable. I would suggest the campground owner you talk to develop a working relationship with local repair and towing services. As far as safety, any camper can be dangerous no matter the age.
BS! Safety and aesthetics? Are there any statistics on how frequently this actually occurs? Why isn’t the owner contacted thru DMV registration? Why not confront RV’er when he placed his fridge outside and “tell” him to remove it when discovered. This article is nonsense, it doesn’t give a different perspective. Three comments below tell you exactly that!
RV Travel, you write articles on how someone transformed an old used bus, (20 years old) and made a cozy RV. Then you write an article like this and say, the ten-year rule is justified according to one CG owner, unreal!
As a former campground owner, we used the 10 year rule with owner’s discretion. If someone had an older camper that was well maintained we would allow them into the park. However if someone had a camper that was only a couple years old but was already trashed or if they had a reputation as a bad camper (we had seasonal campers as well as transient) we would not allow them into the park. We did not want to invite problems or potential problems into the park.
I would think a campground owner can make whatever rules they want. Just like I can choose to stay where I want. We wanted to stay in an RV park near our daughter, on a visit when she was in college. They had the 10 year rule, but used their discretion when we sent a picture of our 20 year old 5th wheel, no problem. But it’s their choice.
And my choice to leave a one star review if declined for this stupid rule. I hope everyone does the same. This trend can be changed.
I always wonder why some blood sucking lawyer hasn’t declared this rule “Discrimination”, and sued it away?
Because laws have criteria that must be established and there is no law prohibiting discrimination on any grounds. Signed, blood sucking lawyer
I appreciate this article and the explanation about 10 plus year old RVs. We stayed at a casino campground in New Mexico that had this rule in place. Our TT is a 2010 so the hosts came out and looked at it before allowing us to stay. We were actually pretty flattered that we passed the test! My husband keeps the outside as pristine as he can when we travel and I’m in charge of the interior. I really don’t blame campground owners for having this rule. Abandoning an old, unusable and unfixable camper would be a cheap way to get rid of it, at least for the owner of the camper.
Just admit the 10 year rule is arbitrary and capricious. Do 10 year RVs suddenly have everything break on them? How does the average mileage of a 10 year RV compare to a 10 year car? A new RV with serious road grime can look much worse than a clean 10 year RV.
If a CG owner wants to have certain rules and “standards” for guests to be admitted, it’s their business and they can do what they want. But one only has to read the RVTravel Recall Newsletter to see that a brand new RV can be dangerous as well with serious wiring faults and other major issues. RVTravel has these new(er) RV disaster stories ALL the time!
In 45 years of adult RVing we’ve never been asked the age of our RV by a CG owner. We’ve been in 42 states & four Canadian provinces. If one ever tells me my 2013 Newmar Mountain Aire, that looks good as new, doesn’t meet their standards, I’ll happily go somewhere else.
As fulltime RVers, we’ve stayed at campgrounds with the 10 year rule. In our experience not one of those campgrounds was maintained any better than any other one without the rule. Nor did we notice any better attention to safety measures in place. Maybe it’s just one more way a campground owner is trying to justify higher fees!
Try filing an ‘abandoned’ property claim for a seasonal RV whose roof has collapsed because it was not shovelled for five or six snow storms. Camping fees reflect the cost of doing business. Ultimately the recovery of these costs are reflected in the costs of camping fees – which starts another round of complaints. Sometimes, it’s just easier to sell out to the corporations we often deride.
If your Older Camper is in Great Shape, just lie about the Model Year when you make your Reservation.
Sounds like a politician’s RV travel log.
Or a Supreme Court Justice! Vote for me!
I like the idea of the 10 year rule for saftey as a lot of campgrounds have you stacked up next to each other….although my preference would be they give us more space for safety!
I’m OK with a ten year rule as long as there are exceptions in both year directions. To imply newer RVs are safer for a campground is pure speculation. Look at how many new rigs have electrical problems or water problems. My rig is 8 years old and looks like new in and out and is mistaken for new many times.
As for the owners comments about costs I find that hard to believe, he is either a poor businessman or is ignorant of what he can do. He has their credit card charge them or sell the rig for scrap to cover the cleanup or tow and clearly state at check in owner is responsible for all costs associated with their rig.
Seems to me that removing the occasional abandoned RV is a cost of doing business for the campground owner. Why penalize everyone with an older rig because one lowlife walks away from theirs?
The owner of a private park has the right to refuse service to anyone, as long as it is not a protected class situation. So manage the park and its customers instead of hiding behind some blanket edict like the 10 year rule. I don’t think it’s that difficult.
Come on now. 10 years? First, we sold our 14 year old TT 2 years ago and bought a 6 year old 5th wheel. It looked brand new and still looks brand new. Second, some folks are taking out 20 year loans on RV’s. So after 10 years (and still looking near new), they’ll still owe on the RV but would be refused entrance into restrictive parks like this one – all in the name of “protecting their business”? I don’t buy it. Not at all. Not 10 years. Then there are the $100,000 25-30 y/o Class A’s. I call BS.
I support the 10 year rule whole heartedly!! But with all rules there are always exceptions!! We own a 25 year old Tropical by National class A 36 footer. Have had it for 14 years and take extra ordinary care if it. Decided last year to have it repainted. Our coach is pure quality and wouldn’t exchange it for any 1/2 million dollar quality defficient unit being manufactured today. We are proud to submit pictures when asked and have never been turned away
A poorly maintained or poorly built RV can become a dangerous eyesore in much less than 10 years, so I don’t think that argument is valid. However, it is much easier to enforce a ten-year rule than it would be to enforce a “well maintained” rule. Maybe require current license and state inspection and move under its own power every month or so, that is enforce a maximum stay rule.
How many articles are posted on your very own service stating that new rv’s are being built cheaper and of poor quality now than ever before. I submit that these older rv’s, that are maintained, are safer than the recent models that are on the streets today.
Exactly. We will not buy the absolute junk they are throwing out the doors now.
It’s a business people. Not a charity. Not a publicly funded housing area for derelict RVs. A business. They can make their own rules and run it the way they want to. Don’t like it? Go elsewhere. California seems to be a good bet of late. Just park on the street. Or better yet, buy your own plot of land in the mountains and set up there. Just Please stop the whining!
Sure, of course. As long as they don’t mind the one star reviews that I strongly encourage everyone denied for this reason to leave. We can fight back as this is ridiculous. We shouldn’t be punished for being thrifty. And our trailer functions very well and has had nearly every component replaced.
Mechanically my 1995 Diesel Pusher runs like a top and has never let us down. Now it does look it’s age because my motto has always been “Shine she may, Run she must.” I don’t worry about aesthetics, but the leaks, oil changes and other items that affect reliability will always be preformed as needed.
Love your motto!!
I have never been asked the age of my trailer when making reservations, either online or by phone. My trailer is 6 years old now and except for some peeling decals, which I have removed, it still looks like new.
I store my trailer at a storage facility and the 3 year old trailer next to me looks like it has never been washed.
I would have a real problem if I pulled up to a campground with a reservation and they turned me away because it was over 10 years old but never asked the age when I made the reservation.
PS: I have not seen any of the campground websites I’ve visited ask for the age.
My 5th wheel is a 2012 and although I’ve never been asked how old it is when booking a reservation or pulling into a campground I agree 100% with the cg owners. I also tow 5th wheels and travel trailers and to date have moved over 1,000 campers. I’ve made it a policy to not tow a trailer older than 15 years. I’ve been challenged on this and have been assured that their 20 year old camper is in very good condition. Well they’re not. I’ve learned from experience that there’s an issue with lights, or broken break-away switch, or dead battery, or storage doors that don’t close properly, or umbilical cord is shorted, or tires are 20 years old, or …..well, you get the idea. Is this 15 year rule
arbitrary? No. It’s based on experience and I stand by the policy. and see exactly where the cg owners are coming from.
In “Campgrounds” full of squatters, living there 24/7 for years, what happens when the rig passes 10 years? Do they arrive at the door and demand the owner leave, to protect their “investment”, and take all the yard junk they have collected?
“At the owner’s discretion” sounds very arbitrary and prone to bigotry and favoritism.
One can argue the ignorance of 55+ communities or how their homemade plywood camper is better than anything from Elkhart. One can say 20 years of rodents chewing wiring is no more unsafe than 5 years. It doesn’t matter. If a park owner doesn’t want orange rigs, long rigs, dogs, children or aged rigs in their park, they have the right to cut their market potential.
Reality with all its imperfections dictates those in new rigs are less likely to abandon them, risk impoundment, steal from their neighbor or use their RV as a mobile storage locker. There’s exceptions to everything but the lack of new rigs in houseless encampments might influence the perceptions of humanity.
I understand the Camp owner’s concerns but the listed concerns seem to apply to RVs parked for more than the normal few days to a week long stay. It would seem that having a policy of paying in advance if someone is “camping” for more than a week and having a valid credit card on file to cover any future stay would resolve most of the concerns. It should be easy to have a policy and statement in a contract form that if an RV is left unattended for more than a week the card will automatically be charged for the next 4 weeks. If the card can not be used to cover that additional time, IN ADVANCE, the contract should allow the towing of the RV to the tow facility for disposal.
We have that rule at our resort, but we make exceptions based on pictures sent in prior and a light inspection when they arrive. Our own rig is way over 10 years and have been turned down (over the phone) just a couple of times over the last 10 years, but otherwise, we’ve had no problems. She may not be “beautiful and shiny” like the brand new ones, but I’d put her up against them in quality any day.
Thank you, Gail! 🙂 I can understand why the formailty of the 10-year rule, but it also seems there is (or should be) latitude for those with RVs beyond 10 years of age to demonstrate the “worthiness” of their RV. Isn’t the usual means to provide pictures? Certainly exterior pictures can conceal soon-to-fail systems, but they also imply the degree to which the current owner cares for, maintains their aged RV. Thanks again, have a great day, safe travels, and safe stays! 🙂
In 16 years of RV’ing I have never encountered a campground with the 10-year rule. Perhaps that didn’t pertain to me and my wife because we never have had a 10-year-old rig until now, our 2014 DP. I wish more CGs that have a high number of seasonal campers had a 10-year rule because that is where the CG’s owners’ points made in Gail’s piece make sense. Some camp setups are disgusting. But, for campgrounds especially around touristy destinations that depend more on trip-campers, I would say most of the CG owner’s points are invalid.
Sounds like most of these people have an ego.
They want people to look at them and think they’re special. When really, nobody knows them or will ever know them or see them again. And if you’re just staying a day or two, who cares?
This comes from having attention needy syndrome.
I understand the rule and I have a 20 year old RV and have kept it clean and up to date and everything working right. And to date I have not been refused to enter in, but also I am not staying long.
Why 10 years why not 5 or even less. I tried to get a summer site in a north east Georgia was denied sight unseen because my 11 year old motorhome. However I could use the campground for short stays. It will be a cold day in July before that happens.
Seems to me that a trailer would make redundant some of these concerns. Just saying.
Oh give me a break. How often do any of these scenarios actually happen, besides just the looks they don’t like? These theories mean nothing without numbers.
Being the owner of a 24 year old Motorhome that doesn’t even look 10 years old, runs & is maintained better than most on the road. The owner of the park is in his own right to make whatever rules he sees fit. I just don’t like the insinuation that because I own something old I am poor & irresponsible. As someone else mentioned put in place a deposit for reservations of RVs over 10 years old. I can afford a $2000 charge on my credit card until I leave the park with my rig. But then parks in financial trouble would stiff us old rig folks 😊🤔
I agree but I will never stay at an RV park that has a rule like that. Even if I’m in a brand new rig.
The whole issue is whether or not the rig is well maintained. We have some friends we traveled with for a few months. They had a 1962 ideal camper. Totally redone. They were pulling it with a matching 1972 ford f150. They were never turned away because of the age of their camper. Because it was well maintained
Now I know why Tom Hanks got rid of his 92 Airstream 2 years ago
I don’t buy it. If someone abandons it, the park can have it towed and the tow bill is on the RV owner. Just like if they tow your vehicle after an accident. All the other comments sound like typical snobbery. Aesthetics, Reputation, Investment BALONEY!!! Bottom line, they don’t want you there if you are not rich enough to buy a new RV at least every 10 years!!!!!!!
I read here on this RV newsletter somewhere that people have registered for their campsite using fake names and paid in cash and then disappeared, leaving their crappy old rig on the site, making the park owner responsible for disposing of it. $40 or whatever the cost of a campsite is infinitely cheaper than paying the disposal cost yourself. Sad, but apparently true. Owners of parks could mitigate that by refusing cash registrations and accepting cards only, I guess. But my point is, sometimes people DO do nasty things that the park owners have to deal with and then, they make rules that the rest of us get penalized for.
I confident any of the following policies would have coverage for, or a rider for abandoned vehicles:
Business Owner’s Policy
Campground Equipment Insurance
General Liability Insurance
RV parks campgrounds insurance
So, when I read these abandoned vehilce threads, I wonder.
A. was the appliacable sign posted for their local?
B. Did they not have adequate insurance?
C. Does the campground owner operate as if they will never face such a thing and not save money for a rainy day?
Cash is not the issue here. Personal Problem solving, Personal responsibility, and lack of real world expectations in the sphere of the general public is, at the end of the day, the problem.
If the owner is so concerned over the safety of his RV park he should look at the latest RV recall list with all the electrical problems with RVs that are less than 5 years old.
A poorly maintained rv is not the same as 10 year or older rv. And my 20 year old rv has the same or similar safety features as new. My rig is fully functional and quite road worthy like so many other older rigs. The appliances, water and sewer connections have not changed that much. If you don’t want me and my rv, just say so. Don’t feed us the hooey.
I love the 10-year rule. It’s the reliable signal to me that I want nothing to do with that RV park. My 18-year-old Alpenlite 5er is better constructed, better maintained and safer than a lot of the junk on RV dealer lots in the last 5 years. These parks are only hurting themselves. The reasons stated are a bunch of BS.
Someone should send Mike the stories of the million dollar rigs that are broke down and can’t get parts for months. Or can’t be moved because the jacks won’t go up or the slides won’t go in. On many trips I see more new cars on the side of the road that are broken than older ones. New is not always the best.
I understand what the park owners/operators are trying to prevent, but I think 10 years is a needlessly short time – how about 15 or 20 years instead, or base it on condition not an arbitrary age? Actually I would not mind so much except that a site that was $40/night 8 years ago some how became $100/night in the last few years, which is way beyond the rise in consumer prices and minimum wage.
I wish you had published the name of this “owner’s” campground so I would be sure to avoid it, no matter what.
His thinking is specious and reeks of snobbishness. I’m sure he charges an arm and a leg and I hope his policy attracts others like him so they congregate away from where I camp.
PS: My rig is ~3 years old and I *still* wouldn’t stay at his campground.
I make it a point to never stay at any park with a 10 year rule, if I have a choice. My most recent RV is only 2 years old, but I’ve seen new RV’s leaking water, and maintenance issues leading to more serious problems. Management needs to address legitimate issues with offenders, and quit blaming it on the age of the RV.
PURE CRAP.
Bottom line – how many articles about brand new RV’S with tons of repair issues???
Our RV, a 2007 was constantly upgraded with on going paint touch up for nicks and road damage. Always in top mechanical shape.
Lazy ass owner – so you don’t take a picture to document the shape an RV is in?
RVers need a guide that specifically lists the Parks that descriminate so wr can be sure to totally avoid them.
Last year stayed at new, upscale RV park in Florida. It was in season & had availability. (A miracle…lol). Had the 10 yr rule. Called & said our coach was 20 years old but new paint & most people are shocked when they learn the age. She said send pictures, even said the views she wanted & they would review it. Had all but one view & told her in the email with pictures I would have to take a picture of missing view. She came back right away and said “you are good & I don’t need the other picture”. Booked the reservation. In all our years traveling we have only stayed at few of these parks, but never been refused.
I can understand most of the rationales given for the 10 year rule. After all we all know that many RVs will reach junk status according to the owner’s desire and ability to maintain it. There is nothing magical about the year 10. But rather than having a hard and fast 10 year old cut off point. The rule should better fit reality. Many older RVs are well maintained and a source of pride to their owners. And, I would wager, are better built than most later models. Perhaps the rule should be that the Park reserves the right for on-site review of the RV prior to admittance and reserves the right to limit/conclude long term stays based on the aesthetic site standards set at the outset.
Park owner is violating federal anti-discrimination laws as well as not having to look and think…ten years old or more….NO!
If I ever replace my 1992 Class RV, with 60,000 miles, with something less than ten years old I will never stay at a park that has the ten year rule. Interesting to note how many commenters here feel the same.
4 years ago I did a random survey across the usa on this. I did this for our family. I emailed and called 245 different parks across every state. I got responses to 218 of the parks. I told them it was a survey. All but 7 had this rule. In increments of 3,5,7, and 10. Well over 50% said it was hard rule. Reality Check. If you dont make payments-you are out of the club. You dont want a new rv? Out of the club. You dont want a bucket rattletrap, frame cracking fire hazard? Out of the club. and the rvr friendly websites that report on this? Say what? ahh dont worry about it.. its all good…Total Gaslighting. Total. If. You. are. A financially responsible Rv’r. You are. Not In The. Club.
How does that work with my truck camper combo? The truck is 2011, the slide in camper is 2018
Leave the truck at the gate and bring in the camper
Too much work to disassemble.
When I had a C motor home I was asked once( it was older than 10 at the time) guy said “I’ll have to look at it” looked thru off window and said you’re in