The RV Ten-Year Rule: What You Need To Know

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Introduction to The RV Ten-Year Rule

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We all know that the RV lifestyle is a great way to travel, but RVing has some challenges. The RV Ten-year rule is one of the many. If you don’t know what this is, you should. It is a rule that some RV parks and campgrounds set to restrict how old a recreational vehicle can be when making reservations to stay on property.

orange and white class-a motorhome surrounded by snow — The RV Ten Year Rule

What Is The RV 10-Year Rule?

Park owners set this rule to keep out vehicles that are more than 10 years old or have a dilapidated look or feel. The RV park rule is typically a deterrent for older RV’s that may need repairs or have been in an accident. It also keeps the area looking more aesthetically pleasing and less junky to patrons staying at the RV facility.

What Does The Ten-Year Rule Mean For You?

What Does The RV 10-Year Rule Mean For Me?

The RV 10-year rule means RVs more than ten years old will not be permitted in the park. RVers with older vehicle models may need to upgrade their RV or find a different park altogether.

When Does This Rule Apply?

Typically the RV ten-year rule is applied by individual parks and private campgrounds that set it as a requirement. RV owners will find that some RV resorts and campgrounds have no age limitations. The park may provide owners with older models the option of paying extra. Sites may be provided in a more remote area or further away from the others.

Is The 10-Year Rule Enforceable/ Legal by RV Parks?

The RV ten-year rule is legal and enforceable. RV park owners (privately owned RV parks) enforce and set the age limitations for camping spots. If you do not meet the requirements, then don’t expect to stay in a spot on the property. Many RVers find themselves stuck overnight without campsite options because they didn’t find out information in advance. Be sure to make reservations in advance and know the rules of the RV park to avoid ruining your trip.

Why Do RV Parks/ Campground Owners Make This 10 Year Rule?

What's The Point of The Ten-Year Rule? — What’s The Point of The Ten-Year Rule?

There are RV owners who own older RVs and travel by this type of vehicle for a living. Many people find themselves staying at RV parks that do not have any age limitations or restrictions on RVs. Still, many other RV park facilities apply the ten-year rule to those wishing to stay overnight in their area. The RV facility may charge RV owners with older models extra for staying on-site. They could also put them in a more secluded RV park area away from other patrons.

The ten-year rule is set to keep out older RVs. These vehicles may need repairs and/ or do not meet the aesthetic value of newer models. It also keeps areas looking cleaner and more appealing. Be sure to check with the park in advance to receive any information about age limitations or restrictions. Do this before making a reservation and arriving at their destination.

Aesthetics:

RV park owners want to keep their parks looking picturesque and welcoming to bring in new guests. This also allows them to charge a certain rate. In some cases, older recreational vehicles can detract from the aesthetics of the grounds. Peeling decals, broken awnings, and many other things can make an older RV distracting and not pleasing to the eye.

Previous Problems:

RV park owners may have experienced situations where broken-down RVs cannot leave the premises. They may have also incurred expenses related to leaks and other damage that have occurred. These damages may have been due to the vehicle owner’s lack of performed maintenance.

Screening:

In some cases, this rule is established as a screening method to avoid some of the above problems. Communication is key when booking a site at a resort or campground.

What RVers Think of This Rule?

What Do RVers Think of the 10 Year Rule?

Some RVers view this rule as discriminatory. RV owners who have older RV models may feel they are being discriminated against for the age of their RV and what RV model they own. RVers feel like this rule is unfair because it does not allow them to stay at the resort or campground unless they upgrade their vehicle to a new RV, which can be costly if possible at all.

Other RVers may actually appreciate this rule because it keeps campgrounds looking a certain way. If you vacation in a remote area and appreciate the natural views, you may not want to be staring at an eyesore for your entire trip.

Is There a Way to Get Around The RV 10-Year Rule With An Older RV?

There are RV owners who have been able to appeal the ten-year rule successfully. RVers may find that they can provide a letter from an RV mechanic to the RV park owners stating that their vehicle is safe and sound or bring along other documentation proving the age of vehicle ownership.

Some RV resorts and campgrounds will allow for exceptions if you pay a fee, which can be pricey. RVers traveling on a budget may not have the extra money or feel that it is not worth spending more money on upgrading their older RV, but this is ultimately up to the RV owner’s discretion and financial preferences.

The best way to determine if you can circumvent this sometimes unfair rule is by speaking to the RV park or campground owner or staff. If you send pictures and documentation that your vehicle is in great shape and properly maintained, you will find that many parks are willing to give your vehicle a pass.

Pictures:

Send pictures of your well-maintained recreational vehicle.

Keep a Well-Maintained RV:

Make sure that you always complete regular and necessary maintenance on your RV. This is not only helpful for staying at most campgrounds, but an RV is a large investment, and maintenance will keep you up and running for a lot longer.

Vintage or Restored Vehicle?:

If you have a vintage or restored RV, a great explanation and picture of your digs will help you work around this rule with many RV park owners.

Do RV Park Owners Make Exceptions To This Rule?

As stated above, some park owners will allow you to stay on-premises if you prove the safety and looks of your vehicle. Some will also allow you to stay for an additional fee. RVers paying for RV sites on a budget may not want to pay the additional fee, but this is ultimately up to you!

Other Types of Vehicles Commonly Banned at Some RV Parks/ Campgrounds:

There are sometimes other types of vehicles that are banned from staying at certain parks/ locations. These include:

Pop Up Campers:

Some campgrounds do not allow pop-up campers to park on-site. This is because pop-up campers were not built for RV park living so that they may get easily damaged. Some campgrounds will only allow self-contained RVs to stay.

Self-Contained Vans:

There is a huge movement toward van life and homesteading in a restored and upgraded van. Many times RV parks will not allow vans to use the campsites. This is because they may not be built with all of the specifications required by RV parks (sewage, electrical outlets, safety features, and more).

Skoolies:

A skoolie is a bus that has been upgraded and renovated to be used as a home (like an RV). For the above-mentioned reasons, sometimes Skoolies will not be allowed to use RV sites at some parks.

Conclusion To The RV Ten-Year Rule

Booking an RV site can be a complex process. We hope this short post has helped you understand the ten-year rule and other rules and regulations that some parks enforce.

If you have any questions, feel free to ask them in the comments below! We’re always willing and more than happy to help RVers like yourself.

For a great article on campground etiquette, check this out!!

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