We received this poll question from a reader, Sandy, who told us she dreamt it! We love that you, our readers, dream about us! We’re honored! And thanks for the great question, Sandy.
(Psst: If you ever have a good question for a poll that you’d like us to ask, email us at editor (at) rvtravel.com. Thanks!)
If a stranger approached your RV and asked if they could come inside and use the bathroom, would you let them? Would it depend on the person? On the location? On the time of day? In other circumstances? Would you never let a stranger use your RV’s bathroom?
It’s an interesting situation that could catch any RVer off guard. Some might feel compassion, especially if the person seems desperate, elderly, or has children in tow. Others might immediately worry about personal safety, potential theft, or liability issues—especially if camping in a remote location or staying somewhere overnight. After all, our RVs are not just vehicles—they’re homes.
Would you offer an alternative, like pointing them to a nearby restroom or giving directions to a gas station or visitor center? Or do you believe in helping when and where you can, trusting your instincts and reading the situation in real time? We know RVers are often some of the kindest and most helpful folks on the road—but everyone draws their lines differently.
Please, after you vote, leave a comment explaining your answer. We’re curious to hear your thoughts.
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RVT1219b
I voted most likely but I would base that on a mom with young children. A child who was to wet or soil themselves would be devastating to them and sometimes, kids need to go.
Us old folks need to go too…but I’ll be danged if I ask to use someone else’s outhouse.
It would be totally dependent on multiple indicators. I wouldn’t dismiss it out of hand but the situation would dictate.
Too many variables for a short answer. Time? Age? Sex? Location?
And be inside the RV while they were there. Not just open the door and let them wander around.
Even someone with a child may be looking for quick snatch and grab.
I’d do so if child or elder was involved-others only if my gut felt it was ok I’d always remain in the RV monitoring what was happening
Didn’t we have this same poll question just a few months ago? Definitely within the last year. Maybe that’s why Sandy was dreaming it! 😴🙂
Yes we did. And my response has not changed.
We did. If I remember right, most said “No”.
It would depend on the circumstances
I said absolutely not. I’m not sorry about this in any way. It’s not a public bathroom and it’s not anyone else’s responsible to provide facilities. I actually had someone ask in a WalMart parking lot and got upset because I refused. There were restrooms in the front of the store.
I agree.
Ha! That’s funny!
Guess it would depend on who was doing the asking. Memory came mind when I read the question. I worked for a water drilling company. We had just finished drilling, pump installed. The couple we had drilled for had their elderly mother there and was showing off all of the benefits of indoor plumbing. The old woman grunted and spit out these words. “Ain’t nobody pooping in my house”.
Thank you for the question, RV Travel. I said “most likely.” I would have preferred that one of the choices were “it depends.” It depends on how full the black tank already is, where we are, and who is asking. That is, were we tailgating at a football game, the black tank is below 25%, and the person asking was wearing the colors of DW’s team, then I would. I would also go inside with them, instruct them in the use (push button, not press pedal to flush). In many instances, I would refuse. Ultimately, it depends. Have a great day and safe travels!
Most likely. We were stopped for several hours by a major traffic accident. We had a full tank of fresh water. We opened our door. It was the right thing to do. Other situations it might not “feel” right.
If it’s a “parking lot” on the interstate in the middle of nowhere & it’s a child that needs to go; definitely yes. An adult maybe, depends; distance/time to an exit, their eyes/attitude (aka my gut instinct)
Depends on the circumstances. I have had random people in gas stations ask if they could see in our motorhome, and if they seem to be legitimate customers I generally show them in. We used to live in Hampton Roads, Virginia and traffic occasionally is stopped for hours at the tunnels. We have discussed charging other motorists to use our bathroom, but none have ever asked. A random person on the street, no, sorry, it isn’t available.
It’s not something I would normally do. But when stuck for several hours in stopped traffic, I did offer the bathroom to those around us. So did other campers. It happened more than once.
I know someone who parked their RV at a public RV park. When they got ready to leave they locked it up and noticed what looked like a transient individual walking on the same lane. When they returned there was feces in the toilet.
I was driving our 40ft motorhome into the Osh Kosh fly-in in WI. For a long time we were waiting in line for parking/camping. Next to us was a young lady waving her hands, rolling down the window asking if she could use our bathroom as she had to go tee tee bad. I turned to my husband and asked, “What do you think?” He just looked at me trying to comprehend the situation. I told her to “Come On”. Two seconds later she barreled into our rig, didn’t wait for the step cover to roll in, leaped over our 2 lab dogs. Her husband was videoing all of it as we limped along. She thanked us on our way out with a sigh of relief. They were from Mississippi, us from Georgia. It’s a Southern thing.
I prefer to exercise caution. That does not mean universal yes or no. Weigh the circumstances. We had parked our first motorhome many years ago among many cars to watch a 4th of July fireworks display. Before it started a man told us his pregnant wife was desperate and asked if she could use our restroom if we had one. My wife had birthed our kids, and I understood the urgency. The city had not provided portapotties. Jean and I immediately invited her in. Our three sons are Eagle Scouts, and the motto do a good turn daily. That was that day’s good turn.
If I’m using a bathroom -home, rv, public, I wash my hands. If no bathroom/water is available I use a waterless hand cleaner recommended by my dermatologist. I am seriously allergic to hand sanitizers.