Vintage trailers are NOT allowed in RV parks!If you spend any time on social media, you have likely heard how someone was turned away from an RV park because their trailer (or RV), was more than 10 years old. Before you go to www.sellvintagetrailers.com to unload your unusable camping rig, give this a read. We share our experience and how to be prepared to deal with if the “10 Year Rule” comes up in your travels.
Is there really a “10 Year Rule”?
Yes, kind of, sometimes. Some parks, typically higher-end (more expensive) RV parks may have this “rule.” Understand that these types of RV parks are catering primarily to a clientele with rigs that start in the six figures. RV parks typically use this rule to screen long-term rentals of 30 or more days. The “10 Year Rule” is usually not enforced for weekend camping stays. The rule is simply a filter RV parks use to eliminate the riff-raff.
Why is there a “10 Year Rule”?
- Safety- Unrestored or poorly maintained RV’s may pose a higher risk of fire due to wiring or gas issues. Older RV’s may be more likely to leak fuel or fluids. The park cannot perform a safety inspection on every unit, so the ten years old rule is used as a gauge.
- Visual Appeal- Campers that are staying in newer or well-maintained vintage trailers do not want to stay in a beautiful park next to a beat-up or unsafe trailer.
- Laws- County and state laws may dictate rules. Particularly with long-term stays where the tenant is considered a resident as opposed to an overnight guest. There may also be terms in the property owner’s insurance policy that prohibit certain types of RVs or activities.
- Park Expenses- Tennants with an RV that is worth very little may be more apt to not pay rent, abandon the vehicle, or require an eviction. All of these things are less likely to occur if the camper has a newer rig or restored vintage trailer. Should the park have to deal with removing a crummy old trailer, it can be costly and time-consuming to go through the process.
RV Parks and campgrounds are busy these days. Following the COVID-19 pandemic, the camping craze is likely to continue to grow. RV sales have increased, and camping is a safe way to get outdoors with friends and family. Don’t fear, though, even if the large exclusive resorts turn you away, you have options. If an RV park’s supply of available campsites is low, they may be more particular with who they allow to camp in the park.
What to do if you own a vintage trailer and want to go camping?
- Keep in mind that many (most) parks do not have this rule for short term campers. Don’t bring it up.
- Don’t volunteer that you have a vintage travel trailer or RV when making reservations.
- Don’t make reservations. Just show up. It can be risky, but most parks will fall in love with your trailer when they see it.
- Keep your trailer safe, well maintained, and your campground neat.
- Research where you are going. The fanciest RV park in the area may not be available to vintage trailers. Still, there are plenty of options available at locally owned or public campgrounds. We use our Harvest Host membership to camp for free. We have had many positive interactions with the hosts BECAUSE of our vintage trailer!
- If the topic of your trailers manufacture date becomes an issue while making a reservation, offer to send photos. If you have them posted to a website or blog or social media, it is easy to send the park a link. Show them how nice your trailer is, and they may waive the rule.
- Is the park where you stay going to make or break your trip? Don’t give your money to a park that wants to be difficult or stuffy. Find an alternative, and enjoy your trip.
Should I sell my vintage trailer and buy a newer one?
We have been camping on the west coast and around the US for over a decade. We may camp up to 20 weekends a year. We have always had vintage trailers. We have NEVER come across this obstacle and cannot recall any reports of the “10 Year Rule” being imposed on any of our friends that camp vintage. If a park uses this rule as a screening device, and your vintage RV is in good condition, most of the time, the park will make an exception for you. Chances are they will want to see it up close, have a bunch of questions, and want to find out where they can get one! Be sure and tell them about www.buyvintagetrailers.com.
Keep in mind that park owners and managers are probably campers too. They are not blind to the popularity of vintage trailers. Some campgrounds even have vintage trailers as rentals. If you hear of someone being turned away from a park because they had an old trailer, consider the whole story.
- What is the condition of their trailer?
- Length of their stay?
- The caliber of the park where they were making a reservation?
If you do run across a park that enforces the 10 Year Rule because you have a vintage trailer, (or any another experience you have with this), we would like to hear about it. Give us as much detail as you can. Let the park know about the Vintage Camper Trailers Magazine, and we will send them some copies to see if we can change their mind.
