Pt 3 No RV's Over 10 Years Old!
I was nervous, “Um, can I reserve a spot for January?” Silence. All my pent-up energy—gone! The clerk finally asked, "How old is your RV?" I replied proudly, “20 years old.” More Silence.... Game on!
Part 1 Welcome to Trains, Planes, and RVing, if you missed it, catch up here.
Part 2 How a Soul's Cry Set This Adventure in Motion is just before this one you can catch up here…
Last week I shared with you all how spoiled we were living in our motorcoach for 3 month in one park while getting everything sorted to begin our adventure.
We were spoiled in that park, with picnic tables, ample space, and activities galore. Little did we know then that not all parks were created equal. The most important lesson I learned? What to say when calling an RV park for a reservation. I had no idea I had to take into the age of our coach. To this day, our coach does not look like it is (at the time) 20 years old.
Lesson 1: What to Do When Your RV Is Over 10 Years Old
The biggest hurdle for us was the age of our coach. Some RV parks won't admit Rv’s over ten years old. I felt a pang of deep RV shame. It was this feeling that we were not good enough for the exclusive life. Kind of like rif-raf trying to join an elite country club. I cannot believe I actually fell for that. Hmmm, probably need to do some soul searching as to why I feel the need to want to fit in with the elite. It could be subdued raging Karen try to surface, I am not sure.
I think it might have something to do with having the highest tier hotel accommodations and business class select (don’t laugh -wait for it…) on Southwest (OK, laugh) has somehow gone to my head. I have this vision of a perfectly shining woman dressed all in white, overly anxiously wide brimmed hat, nose slightly elevated holding up the exaggerated sunglasses her arm ever so elegantly raised holding a leash attached to a an overly nervous little dog, Ya, that’s not me. Don’t get me wrong, I am elite and exclusive. I just don’t need to look the part.
Calling my first RV park ever was an adventure in itself. I was excited, nervous, and brimming with so much pent-up energy that I just wanted to blurt out, OH MY GOODNESS, this is our first campsite and our maiden voyage and I can’t wait to see you all! Like somehow, they'd been waiting their whole lives to meet us. I get overly excited sometimes.
I tried to maintain my vocal posture as the phone rang. Finally, it stopped, and I heard a click. A woman answered, “Blah blah campground….” with absolutely no enthusiasm, instantly deflating mine. I stuttered, “Hi, I would like to…,” and suddenly, I wasn’t even sure what I was supposed to say. The word "reservation" didn’t come to mind. Instead, I think I used "spot." I said something to the effect of,
“Do you have any spots?”
Silence.
Quickly, I found the words, “Um, can I reserve a spot for January?”
More silence. All my pent-up energy—gone!
The clerk finally asked, "How old is your RV?"
I replied proudly, “20 years old.”
Silence.
Park after park, I heard the same repetitive answer: “We don’t allow RVs over 10 years old.” I was so stunned, I didn’t even dispute it or ask why. I was just shocked that we could be turned down. I didn’t get it.
Feeling like I needed to immerse myself in a good gluten free cake and some coffee. I thought I would try one more RV park before really diving into that imaginary cake.
As I dialed I was trying to maintain my mental composure, feeling completely deflated, ready to come unglued—hence the cake!
“Hi, I would like to reserve a spot at your resort,” I said, trying to muster some enthusiasm.
“Sure thing,” said the overly friendly clerk, which gave me a shot of hope. Then came the dreaded question: "How old is your RV?"
Silence. My heart raced, my face flushed, and I fought the lump welling up in my throat as if I was child wanting to blurt out my confession to save face. I envisioned once again the overly wide-brimmed hat lady looking down upon me with a smirk widening ever so slightly on one side.
“Twenty years old,” I said with a defeated sigh.
"Do you have pictures?" she inquired.
A little air inflated me back up. Intrigued, I replied affirmatively.
"Send them over," she said.
And, just like that, I learned how to bypass the ten-year-old rule: send pictures of my beautiful beast, and suddenly we were in with the hoity-toity. Take that overly wide brimmed hat lady- oh and your dog too.
In fact, our coach passed muster at Class A Motorcoach resorts. The self-inflicted shame began to fade away. I got to the point that if the resort clerk asked, I would confidently reply with the date and offer the pictures. I also learned to stop using the word “Motorhome” and use the proper word “coach.” Coach just sounds more sophisticated and seems to help with the whole passing of the park rule. And quite frankly I could see that overly wide brimmed hat lady and her overly anxious dog approving of our Coach’s amenities and luxuries.
Only once was I turned down – sort of. I think my inner "Karen" emerged on that occasion. It was a resort in Colorado. "Nope, anything over ten years old not allowed," the clerk declared. "But I have pictures, and I haven't had a problem anywhere else," I protested. "Honey," she replied, thick with sarcasm, "you can send all the pictures you want, you're not getting in." As my furious pride swelled, it was game on! The challenge was accepted. I demanded to speak to the manager. She directed me to send my pictures via email. I waited impatiently for the reply, a mixture of fury and shame (man, where does this shame come from?). It finally came.
Dear Ms. Langston, our policy is not to admit RVs over ten years old. My heart sank. Your rig looks good in the pictures; however, we reserve the right to inspect your RV upon arrival and will make the final decision then. My heart rose. Game on! I had transitioned from RV shame to luxury coach snobbery once again.
I had our coach washed and the hubbies’ polycoat applied to ensure we looked as good as a high schooler on her first prom date. We were shiny! My only concern was the peeling topcoat on the back. My emotional rollercoaster between shame and snobbery, with a side of anxiety, felt like pledging a sorority house.
As we pulled into the park, a porter approached. I held my breath, anticipating the verdict. "Wow! What an impressive-looking coach! How long is this sucker?" he exclaimed. Usually, I would proudly respond with "45 feet." But today, it was more of a questioning "45 feet?" – thinking we were about to be inspected and rejected. "Welcome in, let me take you to your spot," he said cheerfully. I breathed a sigh of relief – shame to snobbery once again.
RV park O, Karen 1
But there was more. I had to quell the simmering fury inside as I wondered why we had gone through all that trouble without an inspection. As I followed behind the porter, observing definitely older than 10 year RVs that looked rather worse for wear, I stewed. Seriously?
Lesson 2: be prepared with your RV's best portraits if over 10 years old, send them, and don't take no for an answer.
RV Park, 0 - Karen, 2
Why the ten-year rule?
Why the ten-year rule? It depends on who you ask. The consensus seems to be that it keeps out the "riff-raff" and the "schoolies”. Don’t shoot the author here, I am merely repeating what I have been told numerous times. I do not get it either.
I mean no disrespect to anyone with an RV that looks like it has seen better days – I respect you and understand what you're going through. I have been there, and will share our peeling top coat, broken toppers and scrapes and scratches story for later. As for schoolies and those with unconventional-looking RVs, I tip my hat to you. I think they're fun, and obviously, you are fun and have a bit of creativity and whimsy in your heart too. We need more whimsy, fun and creativity! I am so glad you are converting and making this world more fun—now if we could just get the RV parks on board!
I also believe this rule is for better park reviews. I read park reviews. I have read numerous times where others have mentioned the esthetics of the RV’s and then associate the park with being run down. Sometimes you are going to meet the best of people living in a rundown RV. Don’t judge an RV by its paint job. Believe me, don’t!
Also, keep in mind, this is just some RV parks, not all of them. Campgrounds, national and state parks really do not care, they welcome us all. Thank goodness.
Once I learned the ropes of what to say to reserve a site and the potential of having to send in photos I created a folder on my phone and laptop housing photos of our coach. When I first started out I kept everything I needed on my Notes app so I did not have to go searching for the information. I found it a lot easier to sound confident ensuring the RV park attendant that my coach is just a good as the others if I had the information at my finger tips. Although I have most of it memorized I still find myself referring to my note. It is super helpful. Here's what it looks like— I wrote it in such a manner that you can copy it and use it yourself;
Year of RV
VIN#
Make and Model of RV
Lenght of RV
Number of slides outs, and sides slide outs are on
Amp — 30 or 50 amp hook up
Chasiss
Engine
Transmission
Towing (toad); (the vehicle you are towing)
make, model, colour
License plate
VIN#
Number of pets, type
Pull thru or back in
Some RV parks designate a part of their park for pets only. Since I walk my cats on a lead, I count them. If they were indoor cats only, I probably wouldn't mention it because some parks will charge you a pet fee. I am not paying for 2 cats that will never visit the dog park. The only mess they make is eating grass and the promptly regurgitating it. I don’t’ get it either -but, that is what they do!
I added the VIN number, make, and model of each vehicle and keep this on the same page. This information is useful for making reservations, purchasing a toll road pass, at a rest stop (true story), registration tags, and repairs. I also have it under my phone contacts as a backup. It’s the Girl Guide in me; “Be Prepared.”
The only aspect I haven't touched upon yet is the type of RV sites. This can get a bit complex at some parks. Some establishments base their charges on the size and amenities offered. If you're looking for a picturesque view of the ocean or a spot right on the sand, be prepared to shell out a hefty sum compared to a location tucked away at the back of the RV park near the washrooms or the garbage dumpsters. While some parks may lack a specific view, they compensate by offering different-sized lots and charge accordingly.
However, there's one key distinction to bear in mind regardless of the amenities available: back-in and pull-through sites. A pull-through site allows you to drive straight into the lot, making it ideal for overnight stops during travels, as you can simply pull out in the morning and not even have to unhook the tow. On the other hand, a back-in site requires you to reverse into the spot thus, unhooking the tow.
I've noticed that pull-through sites typically command a higher price compared to back-ins. Most of the time, back-in spots offer nice locations at a more affordable rate. If we're planning an extended stay, we usually opt for a back-in spot. However, if we're just passing through for the night, we are willing to pay extra for the convenience of pulling straight into a site without having to unhook the car, allowing us to depart early in the morning.
Lesson 2: Be prepared with the information until It becomes second nature. And, then keep it anyway, just in case.
RV park 0, Karen 3 (winning).
Next week, I will share the down and dirty on the grey and black tanks and our first maiden voyage, crashes and all and what that imaginary pink stuff is dripping on my foot. Stay tuned!
If you are enjoying my work and want to keep the creative engines running, consider buying me a coffee (well, I actually drink tea) or, a couple of gallons of diesel? After all, even creativity needs a bit of a fuel boost now and then! ☕️🚍 Whether it’s a tea to spark new ideas or diesel to power through the tough spots, your support means the world to me. Thanks for keeping me inspired and on the move!"
My goal is to release new posts weekly on Wednesdays at 4 am. And, I'll strive to stick to this routine. If you have any questions, comments or a story to share, please share them in the comments section, and I'll be sure to respond. Thank you for joining me on this journey, and I can't wait to continue sharing my adventures with you.
3/24 A special thank you to
for creating
Essay Club to inspire the writer, creativity and the courage to commit to the 24 essay challenge. Thank you!
If you are thinking about starting a Substack for your journey, insights or essays, and want to build it and gain followers check out ✨Sparkle on Substack
What an awesome read. I had no idea there was a 10 yr rule. Your right is beautiful 🤩 thank you for sharing.