We know size does matter when it comes to what campgrounds we want to get into. Or, if we want to boondock or stay in national and state parks. But have you had someone say to you, “How can you live or camp in an RV that small?” What if you have a 40-foot rig? Do you get comments like, “You probably can’t get that rig in many places.” (And you know it’s not someone trying to provide helpful input.) What happens if you extend your RV size by pulling out a ramp and unloading toys? Are they extravagant?
We have no idea why the RVers around us have picked their recreational vehicle. It might help each of us to stand back and not make snap judgments on other RVers’ rig choices. Here are some thoughts that should run through your mind when you start to question someone else’s RV choice. Maybe they…
- Have a disability and need an extra-large RV for space to be mobile
- Live and work full-time from their rig
- Used their life’s savings to buy the best for one last hoorah
- Love the challenge of economic lifestyles
- Won it in a lottery
It’s not just about size either. What if someone is RVing in a 20-year-old rig? Maybe they…
- Inherited it from their much-missed grandparents
- Renovated it themselves and the inside would blow your mind
- Are a billionaire into adventure
- Are hardworking and putting a roof over their head
- Doing a cross-country photojournalist job for national parks
I could go on and on with the endless reasons you shouldn’t judge what others are traveling in. Size, age, color, etc., just don’t matter if it isn’t your RV. We haven’t ridden in their seats and have no idea what their life is like. Also, we are not living in an HOA, so we shouldn’t be thinking about what our RV neighbors should be camping in.
I’ve also heard a little judgment going on among boondockers, moochdockers, full-timers, weekenders, etc. We should find unity in our “get out there and camp” philosophy. Be open about how we RV. We recently discovered boondocking after sticking with campgrounds for several years full-time. I think I’m addicted! But, still, some people prefer full amenities. Enjoy it all.
Even if the RVer is just filthy rich and bought the most expensive thing out there and it is a fly-by-night hobby, we shouldn’t care. At least they are out experimenting in some way with the RV lifestyle. Thank goodness we are not all the same person with the same wants and needs. This world would be a very boring place. RVing is about freedom, so give your neighbors the freedom to be themselves.
Even though it doesn’t matter what size your RV is, it does matter how you treat your neighbors, and it does matter how well you take care of your area and space in your campground. So, before you start judging your neighbor, make sure you are doing everything to be neighborly yourself—starting with not pre-judging someone else’s RV.
##RVT1155
I agree, Lucinda, and feel age restrictions on RVs should be reevaluated and hopefully loosened, that is, unless your rig looks like Uncle Eddie’s from ‘Christmas Vacation’. Some of the most beautiful (and most well cared for) rigs I’ve seen were ‘golden oldies’ that would be forbidden in many campgrounds today.
uh..that’s Cousin Eddie friend…
Unless Zen is Eddie’s nephew?🤔 Have a good night, Matt. 😀 –Diane
I’m a full timer living/traveling in a 13′ Scamp with a small dog n cat. For us is the perfect size. It has everything any larger RV/TT has. I can even turn around on a two lane road if need be. Every time I go “home” my son asks if I’m ready for a bigger camper. Never!
Thank you, Lucinda! 🙂 Great reminder! Thank you and safe travels! 🙂
Over the years we’ve been judged by so many on what we do. We just laugh and throw it right back at them. And watch them stammer to explain themselves. And a few times we’ve gotten the f u as they walk away. Some people just can’t live and let live.
As quoted above, our vintage Fleetwood class-a is from my deceased step-dad. He kept it immaculate on the inside. After a full detail the exterior looks just as nice. It had just under 29K miles, and we’ve added another 20K since 2017. Love the old girl.
We spend the winter in our 40′ motorhome next to a couple in a pickup camper. We’ve made the comment to each other that we can’t imagine how they can spend 5 months in something so small. We would never say anything like that to them, and if they’re fine with doing that, then so are we. To each his own.
We recently took a 30 day trip across 4 states. Twice, while in a campground, someone commented that by staying in our 27 ft long 5th wheel we were not really camping (both of these people had teardrop trailers). Then another time someone commented about our ebikes not being real bikes. Each time I thought, why would someone say something so rude to a complete stranger? And then, why would they even care about what a complete stranger is camping in or riding? It was really weird.
She needs room to quilt!