We’ve been asking you a few questions like this lately, but this one is a little bit different. What do you think about these people: They’re a young family, and they enjoy RVing, but don’t have the time, money, or space to commit to owning one. So every summer, they rent an RV for a week and maybe try to do it again for an extra weekend or two, depending on the kids’ sports schedules. Would you consider them RVers?
Some folks might say that using an RV, no matter how often, makes someone an RVer. After all, they’re out there camping, exploring, and making memories on the road, even if they don’t own a rig.
Others might argue that being an RVer means more than just taking trips—it’s about having a deeper connection to the RV lifestyle, maintaining and personalizing a rig, and having the ability to hit the road whenever the opportunity arises. If they only rent for a short time each year, do they truly belong in the RV community?
Then again, life gets busy. Between work, school, and extracurricular activities, not everyone has the freedom or financial flexibility to travel as much as they’d like. Some people dream of full-time RVing but have to settle for occasional trips until circumstances change.
Should intent and enthusiasm matter just as much as frequency? And if renting makes RV travel more accessible, does that help grow the community rather than define who’s in or out?
Why or why not?
After you vote, please make sure you leave a comment and explain your answer. We’re curious to hear your thoughts. Thank you a whole bunch!
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##RVT1196
I said no because they don’t experience the whole package of RVing. It’s about owning and maintaining a RV where the camaraderie is formed. That is what makes someone an RVer.
You could be part of a group that go yearly for the week so I’d see that as camaraderie for sure.
If not having the WHOLE ownership experience, including all the extra costs and aggravations, that makes them SMART RVers! 🤣
Yes, they are enjoying the travel and the place they visit without the expense or hassle of trying to store an RV. Some people do not live in an area where they can keep an RV near by or on their property yet they still want to enjoy visiting the campgrounds across the country.
I figure if voting makes you a voter, hiking makes you a hiker and shopping makes you a shopper, RV’ing makes you an RV’er.
If you rent a combine instead of having one sit in the barn most of the year, does that mean you’re not a farmer?
If you rent a plane instead of owning it, does that disqualify you as a pilot?
If you rent skis up on the mountain instead of ship yours to the lodge, does that mean you’re not a skier?
Being an RV’er is a mindset, not a measuring contest.
Doesn’t matter, a license pilot is a pilot. RV’er isn’t a mindset, it’s a fact!
I suspect that there are RV owners who may take their rig out for a week vacation once a year. Because they own vs rent, are they any more RV’ers than the renter?
Rather one week or throughout the whole year if you’re RVing you’re RVing. It’s about the venture, fun and seeing places and meeting people.
Renters become owners.
A renter is usually a lot more legit than those homeless bums who park (squat) on city streets and BLM lands.
For that one week, yes they are an RVer. The rest of the year not so much.
I agree with Marci. For the week they rent the RV, they are RV’ers.
As a single parent with 2 children one week a year was all I could afford at the time. Before the divorce we would go almost every 3 day weekend and at least 2 weeks. Not being able to schedule the time does make it less a camping trip.
If you lease your car rather than finance or pay cash……
Now more importantly neither dictate whether you will be a competent driver.
Why not? Could be some very good reasons – can only use an RV for a week a year, has no place to store an RV, doesn’t want to or cannot do RV maintenance. And so on.
There are RV owners who use their stuff less than a week each year.
RV renters are NORMAL RVer’s!
1 time a year is the NORMAL amount of time the vast majority of RV owners use their RV!
Most RV’s sit unused all the time. Many for years at a time!
The correct answer is Yes.
No, the correct answer is “who cares”. Why is making such a judgement necessary for some people? Do whatever you do and let others do their own thing, too.
If you take a cruise one week a year are you a ship captain? RVers not only travel, but maintain, fix and embrace lifestyle…good and bad.
I didn’t answer, because who cares? This is just divisive. I’m an RVer and you’re not! I’m better because I own an RV and use it more than one week a year. Honestly, who cares?
Yes…for the week they are RVing! Just because I own one doesn’t mean I’m always an RVer, but I am when I’m using it whether rented, owned, or borrowed! When people decide to live and travel in one they are called “full time RVers.” So why have that distinction if I’m always considered an RVer even though we are in it only 90 days a year?
But I also agree with Susan…who cares?! 😊
I agree…the family is enjoying an RV. Don’t be a snob.
They are possibly the smartest kind of RVers.
Yeah why not?
Thank you for the question, RV Travel. I voted, “yes,” but I don’t really think it matters. That is, I don’t think that what I think matters. It is what those who fit your description think that matters. Perhaps “they” can’t get closer to buying an RV than renting 1 or 2, or 3 times annually, but otherwise “embrace” the lifestyle. “They” are welcome to think whatever way suits them. Have a great day and safe traves!