Why Is the RV 10-Year Rule Legal?

You can drop six figures on a shiny new RV today, and still experience an RV park turning you away in as little as 10 years. The 10-year rule is controversial amongst the RV community that you either love or hate depending on your rig’s age.

We live in a time where inclusion and acceptance are headlines, so why is the RV 10-year rule legal?

Today, we’re looking at this controversial rule and what RV owners need to know. Let’s take a deeper look!

What Does It Mean When an RV Park Has a 10-Year Rule?

When an RV park enforces a 10-year rule, they prohibit RVs from staying in their more than a decade old rig. Some of the most strict parks won’t care what renovations you’ve made, the type of RV, or its condition. Once it hits 10 years old, it’s a no go in their parks.

Do All RV Parks Invoke the 10-Year Rule?

You’re most likely going to see the 10-year rule in high-end RV parks. If you prefer to stick to state parks and private campgrounds, you’re not likely to encounter it. There is no consistency in who invokes this rule. If you see an RV park with camping fees in the triple digits, there’s a good chance they’re enforcing it. 

Many RV parks enforcing this rule will ask for the year of your RV when making a reservation. However, it’s a good idea to browse through the rules and policies before doing so, especially if your rig is more than 10 years old.

Why Do RV Park Owners Use the 10-Year Rule?

RV park owners use the 10-year rule to help maintain a particular atmosphere in their parks. Their goal is to attract a specific clientele willing and able to pay a premium price. These guests don’t want Cousin Eddie pulling in to the neighboring campsite in an RV that’s seen better days. 

An RV can look pretty rough if not properly maintained. It’s not uncommon to see peeling decals, faded paint, or rust spots. Those issues don’t exactly convey the luxury undertones the park is hoping to convey to guests. 

Some parks look past the aesthetics of an aging RV. Others have been put into a difficult situation by owners of aging RVs. Mechanical issues could result in rigs being unable to move, which could cause issues for the park when it comes to scheduling.

RV parks are typically independently owned and operated. This means owners can legally set their own rules and regulations for running their parks.

It can be frustrating to get rejected by a park, but it’s well within their legal right. Many RVers find that a park that rejects them isn’t likely the type of park they want to stay in anyway. 

Do RV Parks Allow Exceptions to the Rule?

Not every RV park follows the 10-year rule. Some RV parks allow exceptions, and some don’t. The ones that make exceptions will likely take it on a case-by-case basis. Management may ask for pictures of the interior and exterior of your rig before accepting your reservation. 

An RV park might conditionally accept your reservation. They’ll check out your rig upon arrival and may turn you away if the condition of your rig doesn’t match the pictures or your description. You must be honest about your RV’s condition to avoid unnecessary hassle. 

How Do You Get Around the 10-Year RV Rule? 

Learn these 5 way around the 10-year rule!

We think honesty is important, and we’re not encouraging dishonesty. However, we’ve heard it’s possible to get around the 10-year rule. That possibility only works if your RV is in like-new condition and isn’t showing any obvious signs of aging.

Some RVers don’t volunteer the information unless asked by the staff. You don’t want to give a reason for them to turn you away, especially if they’re not likely to tell you your rig exceeds the age limit. Playing dumb in these types of situations may work out to your advantage.

While the previous tip might be a bit of a gray area in morality, some RVers will simply subtract a few years off the actual age of their rig. It magically becomes 9.5 years old. However, some RV parks have caught on to this method and now ask to see the RV’s registration.

Is the RV 10-Year Rule Beneficial?

The RV 10-year rule is beneficial to RV park owners and those guests that expect a certain look when it comes to the park. Those whom the rule benefits typically have very high standards for the park and are willing to pay a premium for those standards.

It can get annoying to find out a park is off-limits to you, but typically not the end of the world. There are often plenty of other parks available that don’t have the 10-year rule. So don’t let it ruin your trip if a park turns you away from a campground.

Have you ever been inconvenienced by the 10-year rule?

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