In a recent RVtravel.com poll, we asked our readers whether they have ever been asked their RV’s age when making a reservation took center stage. (Thanks to longtime reader George Bliss for the poll idea!) The results revealed a spectrum of responses, but we’re right at about 50/50, yes and no.
For 31 percent of respondents, the answer was a resounding “yes,” and not just once. Gary W. shared his frustration with the process, writing, “Yes, twice. I sent 1 photo, a front 3/4 shot. No, ‘all 4 sides’ pics, that’s ridiculous. Approved both times. They are just trying to keep the homeless riff-raff out,” he emphasized.
Roy recounted a different experience, mentioning that they have been asked a few times, primarily in luxury resort places and motorhome-only parks. Roy described a high-end facility that asked for detailed information, including the year, make, model, and license plate number. Despite the meticulous pre-arrival check-in process, Roy acknowledged the hefty price paid for a luxurious stay.
In contrast, the other 50 percent of respondents stated that they have never been asked about their RV’s age when making reservations. Readers DW/ND expressed their preference for avoiding commercial sites and humorously outlined the criteria they would set if asked, challenging the park’s amenities to meet their expectations. They wrote, “We’ve never been asked; however, we don’t stay in commercial sites anyway! If I should be asked, I would ask them how old their park was and if they had concrete parking, BBQs, fireplaces, and over-roof covers. If they don’t, I would say ‘Sorry, you don’t meet my expectations and requirements.’”
The discussion around the “10-year rule” (more on that here) emerged from Split Shaft’s response, emphasizing that reservations at RV parks with this rule often involve questions about the RV’s age, even for short overnight stays. The rationale behind such inquiries, according to Split Shaft, raises questions about the tolerance of an 11-year-old RV for just one night.
Jill shared a unique experience of being asked about the travel trailer’s age at a small mom-and-pop campground, despite having another camper vouch for them. Jill acknowledged the campground owner’s responsibility to care for their investment and livelihood, aligning it with the personal responsibility RV owners have for their rigs. She wrote, “What is laughable is when we arrived, we were the second nicest rig there.”
Bob added a critical perspective, challenging the fairness of the “10-year rule.” He pointed out that newer models may not be well-maintained, and he questioned the exclusion of tow vehicles from such inquiries, saying, “I have seen some newer models that have not been taken care of and look like they belong in the scrap yard. And what about the tow vehicle? I have seen some trucks that are rusty and falling apart pulling new trailers.”
##RVT1141
LOL. When I first quickly read the title, I thought it was the owner’s age, not the RV.
I have a similar experience as Jill, but with storage spaces. One place in particular didn’t even accept photos, but insisted on on-the-spot inspection.
When I toured their facility, I realized why: lots and lots of dilapidated vehicles. Rusty trucks with deflated tires, shabby- looking boat trailers and all sort of broken- down junk that looked not unlike the homeless’ vehicles at the encampment outside.
The people in the office there said they couldn’t do anything about the existing vehicles as long as the space was paid. And I get that they’re trying to spruce up the place, but I didn’t want to have the spiffiest RV in their junkyard, so I ended up going somewhere else.
My 2018 rig will be perpetually 5 years old. I keep it clean and nobody ever asks.
Thank you, RV Travel! 🙂
You could tell them that it is between one month and a thousand years old. See what kind of response you get or better yet ask what the camp grounds age is. Then if it is more than ten years old say that your not to sure it is up to your expectations
I don’t look for restaurants that require coat and tie, nor RV Resorts that may look like they may require them either. Therefore, I have not come across that question. I just look for a gravel road that goes in a circle.
“…I would ask them how old their park was and if they had concrete parking, BBQs, fireplaces, and over-roof covers.”
How about functioning electrical when everyone has their ACs running and WIFI promised actually working at something higher than dialup speeds!
That said, I understand why some parks are doing it. I would also contend the issue is not as big as 30% or 50%, which was due to how the question was worded. Even those asked multiple times may only have encountered it on a small fraction of total reservations made. It doesn’t mean one has a 50/50 chance of being asked. In the end, I wonder how many asked were actually IMPACTED…denied.