Longtime RVers (we’re talking about those who have been RVing for 15 years or more), do you find RVing just as enjoyable today as it was back then? Why or why not?
A lot has changed in the RV world over the years—some for the better, some not so much. Advances in technology have made RVs more comfortable and easier to operate, with features like automatic leveling systems, solar power options, and high-tech navigation tools. (But maybe you don’t like those new technologies!)
At the same time, rising campground costs, overcrowded parks, and tighter reservation windows have made it harder for some to enjoy the lifestyle as freely as before.
For those who love boondocking, increasing restrictions on overnight parking and dispersed camping areas might be frustrating. Others may miss the quieter, more relaxed atmosphere of campgrounds from years past, when sites were easier to book, and fellow campers seemed more respectful of shared spaces.
On the other hand, some long-time RVers appreciate the growing community, better amenities, and improved connectivity that make staying on the road easier than ever.
We know every RVer has their own unique experience, and we want to hear yours! After you vote in today’s poll, please leave a comment explaining why you answered the way you did. As always, we’re curious! Thanks!
MORE POLLS YOU MIGHT LIKE:
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- Does your RV have a spare tire?
- How well-built is your RV?
- Have you ever continuously stayed 3 months or more in an RV park or campground?
RVDT2842
More enjoyable today because we evolved from pop up to hybrid traditional TT to a 5th wheel and now back down to a bumper pull toy hauler. We hike, bike, and kayak. It was always difficult to bring our outdoor fun toys before the toy hauler. In minutes we load up the toy hauler and down the road we go. The generator, large freshwater tanks, and rear deck patio with it’s own awning put us up off the ground into more remote camping areas with no hookups. We think of the toy hauler as our tent on wheels with kitchen, comfortable beds, and bathroom. Much more enjoyable.
Yep, still enjoying it. We’ve been reading your newsletter for about 7+ years and we still pick up new tips. We also find reminders for safety and maintenance valuable. Of course there’s lots of other good stuff too. It’s one of the first things I read in the morning, I find it a great diversion from our current world events.
It takes longer to pack up and longer to unpack which is becoming tiresome. The age seems to make getting task done longer. I try to convince myself I’m being more precise but the truth is I was precise when I was younger as well. But, still enjoy the time away.
Retired now – more time, priority budgeting now puts camping near the top, more room and amenities in a big camper, can go anywhere for almost any length of time. All that’s better now, but the “draw” is the same as always; fresh air, nature and all it holds, birds, creeks, dark sky at night, less traffic noise, etc. Time to read, walk, see the sights, meet interesting people sometimes.
“The same”, but in a different way. 15 years ago, it was exciting to travel in a 21′ travel trailer to Alaska (after many previous work and vacation trips there by air). Exciting to visit new-to-us national/state parks, monuments, and historic sites by RV. Exciting to retire and snowbird in FL, TX, NM, AZ, and SoCal in a 5th wheel.
Today, it’s been-there, done-that. We are in our 80’s, but loving our solar, Li batteries, inverter, induction cooktop, conv-micro, and tankless WH, none of which were factory-installed in small Class C’s 15 years ago. So, still exciting, just different!
Affordable campgrounds have changed drastically. Used to be there were activities going on, friendly neighbors and a clean wholesome atmosphere in the campground. That’s barely true today. Affordable campgrounds are filled up with full time people. And I’m not talking about full time RVers. They’re great to be around. I’m talking about those that live in THAT campground full time and never move their RV and turn their spot into pretty much a SLUM. I feel sorry for these people but they’re not what I want to be parked next to when I’m out RVing.
More enjoyable today than when we started. As we learned, acquired the gear that did what we wanted, got rid of gear we didn’t use, we lost most of the stress of RVing (even when (not if) things go wrong) and just enjoy.
Rude and obnoxious campers, campgrounds filled up with full-timers, campground costs almost equal to a hotel, more aggressive and rude drivers, plus more. These have made RVing much less enjoyable than it used to be.
Not as enjoyable as we are approaching the age where we will have to sell the coach. It is harder to get in and out with the steps getting steeper every time we use them. Takes a couple of weeks to pack and un-pack. Last years 5 two week trips spaced two weeks a part did us in and I almost wished the NPS would have told us to pack up and leave when the Government shut down. This year we are only doing three trips with three to four weeks in between.
People no longer respect privacy or rules. The camp grounds are shrinking site sizes as well. But we’re in a big diesel pusher and it’s so much easier to set-up and tear down.
In the last 15 years we have retired, upgraded from a pop up to a hard side, gotten a tow vehicle that will handle any terrain we encounter. We can now take it easy getting to where we’re going, stay longer when we get there and have plenty of time and money to explore wherever we’ve traveled to. Win, win!!
We have a larger RV now with more slides and it’s harder to pack up to move and set up on arrival. It is also harder to just drive up to a campground and get a site. Otherwise, just as good now as then.
More enjoyable. Over the years transitioned from tent, to pickup campers to our 2nd motorhome. Have economical diesel vs. gas guzzler. Have queen bed. The USA has a wide choice of campground options, from city-county parks, to state, to federal and private owned.
Had plenty of foreign travels. Now we’re just enjoying USA.
Fifteen years ago I was 76 and we had been RVing for about 20 years. After fifteen our “exploring/discovering” era had peaked and we were entering our “been there done that” phase, but enjoying it. Now my wife is deceased and I almost RV for the sake of something to do, and that’s a good thing! Color me fortunate!