Are There Campgrounds and RV Resorts That Do Not Allow Older RVs?

by anonymous
()

Some Campgrounds Don't Allow Older RVs

Are there places that older RV's are not welcome?

ANSWER Thanks for your question. The simple answer to this question is YES; some RV Parks, Campgrounds, and RV Resorts do not allow older RVs to use their facilities.

These are primarily RV Resorts that cater to the "wealthier RVers" and want to keep their resorts from looking like a used RV Dealership. Some of these resorts have what is called the 10-year rule. If your RV is over 10 years old, you are not welcome at their resort, regardless of how good your RV looks. Some will let RVs older than 10 years old in as long as they look good.

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How can they do this you ask? Well, just like a restaurant, these private facilities have the right to refuse service to anyone for almost any reason. For example in a restaurant you have seen signs saying "No Shoes, No Shirt, No Service". Well, in some of these RV Resorts they should have signs saying "Your Old RV Ain't Staying Here".

Luckily for all RVer's these exclusive RV parks and resorts are few and far between. But the ones that do exclude older RVs from their campgrounds do have the right to do it.

All RV Parks, Campgrounds and Resorts have some set of rules for example some common rules are No tarps or clotheslines allowed, No cluttered Campsites, tents allowed in RV Campsite, No washing your RV in Campsite, certain dog breeds are not allowed, in some cases pets are not allowed at all and some are adults only.

If you own an older RV and are concerned about whether you will be allowed in the resort or campground, visit their website, call them, and find out their rules.

Our family has over 40 years of RVing, and in those 40 years, we have owned many types and vintages of RVs, and we have never been refused entry into any Resort, Campground or RV Park. I will admit that in retrospect, I wish that some of the places we have stayed had refused us entry after seeing what their park actually looked like on the inside.

I don't think you will have many problems with this issue during your RV adventures. If you do, remember that there is always another campground just down the road apiece.

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Happy RVing

RVing Al

Comments for Are There Campgrounds and RV Resorts That Do Not Allow Older RVs?

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Try asking the campground if you can send pics
by: Anonymous

If your camper/RV is older than the campground allows but is in good shape, ask the campground if you can send pictures. I have a 1999 fifth wheel in my park right now that looks like it just came off the showroom floor. I also have a 2010 fifth wheel that looks like it's one hundred years old and, unbeknownst to me, must use all three plugs on the pedestal to work because it's in such bad shape they've had to rig everything. That's not fair to the other campers on his main breaker. He's a power hog. Until you run a campground for a couple of years, you will not understand.

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New to this 'New Reality'
by: Susee

I bought A 1992 Mallard Sprinter as I've decided to Nomad and live in, travel & work around the US in it. My main plan is to be a CamperForce worker for Amazon, and my first destination is Nashville next month for 3 months. Amazon pays my camping cost, so there is no issue with a lack of payment.
But 'No Room in the Inn for 'Gloria' & me at the Nashville East KOA because my RV is older than 6 years, YES, 6!!
Screw them and their narrow minds. I've thought outside the box and researched private people & Businesses in the area and have rented a privately owned piece of property owned by an RV owner complete with all needed amenities.
I have spent the better part of a month updating & giving Gloria a facelift. All seals caulked w/Proflex, windows reset & caulked, and everything done as needed for her to drive me into my next 20 yr. Adventure.
Shame on all of you Parks that discriminate against older RV's. I'm an Adventuring Woman fulfilling a Dream and I don't need to make you a part of it, shame shame.
We should ALL boycott their Establishment's and raise our complaints on their Social Platforms.
We have a voice, USE IT!!

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Older trailer
by: Anonymous

Thinking of buying a 1998 trailer. Will I be turned away at camp sites? Not looking for super fancy places but decent.

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Stressed and worrisome
by: Anonymous

I have been denied more than a few times in CA. Only because my RV trailer is a 1996, Dutchmen Classic, pop up. It is in a well conditioned inside and out and do not accept it. I need a place to park my trailer, near Coronado CA, because that's where I work. My Supervisor is rushing me to get a place because she only gave me 3 weeks to telework 3 days a week from home. I have been paying hotels for the past seven weeks just to be at the office. I don't know what to do anymore. I live in AZ, paying mortgage and that's what makes it even harder. CA apartments, studios and rooms are very expensive. That's the first main reason why I bought a home in AZ because in CA I would never afford one. If anyone knows of an RV Resort in San Diego and accept my trailer, please let me know. Shadylane in San Diego does not accept my trailer.

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don't care to support your business
by: Anonymous

We need a website so we can avoid these discrimatory RV parks. I prefer my vintage trailor over your 'upscale stuck up RVers' you keep your huge old person motorhomes.. my group of campers won't miss a thing. Happy to support businesses who don't look down on vintage trailer. Good day.

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So What is a wantabe owner of an older RV to do? Any websites for older RV parking?
by: Anonymous

I don't own an RV yet, but I've been looking for 1 & talking to RV parks here in S. Ca. & over & over I've come across this 10 yr rule. Sadly any RV that I can afford & that I'm interested in are over 10 yrs old, most are in in the early 2000 or 90's.I'm a handicapped Senior. I've seen a number of RVs that look just pristine & were very well cared for, but where am I going to park it for a month or two in the San Diego area? My intentions were to stay in the San Diego area for January & part of Feb. then to travel on to central Florida. After talking with some parks in the S.D. area & reading on the internet, I see I'm going to have a big problem with parking any rig that is over 10 years old. My question is for anyone with any ideas.....Are there any web sites that list where in each of the 50 states you can park an RV (motorhome or travel trailer) that is over 10 years old? Or are there any websites that list by state where you can park an older RV? I'm a handicapped senior & have no idea where I can get help with this problem. Does anyone have any suggestions? It seems to me, as it does to others that this 10 yr rule, is a form of prejudice against not only seniors, but anyone handicapped & as well as to a lot of other people. If I can find a way I'm going to look for a way to buy some land open a RV site for RV with no age limit. Maybe there is a way to do this if others are also interested...just a thought. Right now, I need to solve my 1st issue, that of finding a place to park and older RV in the San Diego area...any suggestions?

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List of sites for older RVs
by: Greg

Does anyone know where to find a good list of sites that DO allow older RVs? Please share with gneidig@gmail.com.

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10 yr rule
by: Love our rv

II absolutely never heard of this until I owned my own. I think its wrong. I totally get how folks let things go there homes bodies cars but I think in the same retrospective some people take care of things. Extremely well in fact. I am a new owner, 3 months to be exact I looked far an wise hard as heck it was but mine is 35 yrs old an inside it looks no more than 20 wood cabinets are a dated look no matter how nice. Seems though this issue needs to be sold with a retro Rv park with ideal to fit us older but nice guys just as the old school cars am other collectors who use there things..

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One that limits age.
by: Anonymous

French Camp, Manteka, CA. We inquired, 2007 and newer.

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Older vs newer rv
by: Sam

I can understand having a age limit on rvs but instead of discriminating against the age I think they should go by condition , I used to work at s dealer that serviced rvs and I’ll have to admit there was a lot of newer ones I’m talking a couple years old that looked terrible, and some of these were very expensive ones, they came in damaged that were weren’t fixing, spray canned painted, filthy in and out, we also had a lot of very well taken care of too, but I have a older one 2001 to be exact and I had a professional paint job done to it and I keep in and out very clean and I constantly keep iafter it, I hand wax it twice a year plus wash it constantly, I dress my tires and polish my chrome constantly, nobody believes it that old I always get compliments, but someone’s not going to let me in cause it’s 19 yrs old. There’s other places that’ll be glad to take my money.

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Congratulations, 10-year-rule park owners!
by: Anonymous

Your park and your policies have just alienated an entire market share of vintage RV owners with Airstreams, Scotty’s, Avions and Spartans that appraise at well above what you are charging for several seasons worth of stays!

Take a look at what "vintage camprounds" with stationary vintage rigs are charging per night and you’ll get an idea of what our rigs are actually worth and what we spend to own and maintain them.

Honestly? I’ll do the extra driving and extra research to find a place that is happy to accept my hard-earned money than waste that time sending you photos of our Airstream so you can judge our ‘worthiness". If you need to decide if we "look nice enough" to come and play at your park, we want nothing to do with you.

We are adaptable and flexible and will find other solutions.

Some of those solutions include HipCamp, The Dyrt, networking through RVillage, Public Lands and other resources where community and support for fellow RVers still exists.

Good luck with your unsustainable policy.

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No RV park takes me
by: Anonymous

so I gave up my apartment in Bakersfield and moved into an RV a 93 Fleetwood Southwind in exceptional shape inside and out so with that being said I saw this post somehow and I just had to comment on here and I really look forward to any feedback that I could get because this is the problem I've had when I left in my RV. I left with my dog and my two-year-old and we went to the Central Coast that way I could go and raise her in a nice community in a good neighborhood where she can play outside in there and gunshots going off everywhere so when I left I had the idea of going to an RV park not knowing I would have any problem when I got out there I cannot find one RV park that would take me because I have a model of it is over 10 years and over 20 years so I tried RV parks in the whole County and I couldn't find one that would take me so I took my car on my RV and I went to my friend's driveway so I can figure something else out two days I was there the cops were called and said that I was living in his driveway and the cops came they were really nice and said that I cannot live in my RV in the driveway and I said well as soon as I can get it fixed and I can figure out where I'm going to go I'm going to go so three more days went by and they called the cops again and a couple more days after that then they called code enforcement when code enforcement came out because I was plugged into the house so that the next time they came out but it would be an $800 fine I am not leaving anything out I'm not I don't smoke I don't drink I don't do drugs I don't do anything and there's no reason for someone to call and complain on me but they did and I have now been basically roaming about going from park to park with my daughter because we have nowhere to go so anyway I'm between Bakersfield and San Luis Obispo in California and if anybody has any idea of an RV park I don't care how far away it is it will take my RV I will go I look forward to any and all comments back on this my email also is j a n a underscore long at yahoo.com my phone number is 661-974-6344

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RV Park Manager Weights In.
by: Anonymous

I have managed RV "resorts" and extended stay RV parks. Currently, I'm managing an extended stay park on the Texas coast. We have a rule that if your RV is over 7 years old we have to see pictures front, back, side and side of the rig to approve it.

We are also one of the lowest-priced parks in the area, have many rigs over 10 years old in the park and have wonderful guests. We do the approval thing for several reasons but most importantly to keep the riffraff out.

If the guest doesn't take care of their property (i.e. Rig) what are the chances that the guest will take care of our property. I've seen this over and over again. We also require guests to keep their RVs looking nice. "Units must be approved by management, be in good condition, remain in good condition, and be kept clean and in good repair.

Units with damage to the exterior, including but not limited to broken windows, dents, rust, exposed wiring, missing panels, repairs using tape, tarps or other unsightly appearance are NOT considered in good repair and may be denied entrance into the park or result in the guest being asked to vacate the park with no refund."

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Vote with your wallet!!
by: Tammie

When I was growing up, my grandmother had 20 & 25yr old Holiday Ramblers...she bought one at 2yrs old, the other at 3. They served her well, she had gotten them exactly as she wanted them, maintained them, & that was that!! She loved RV shows, but always said there was nothing at them that she liked better than what she had :-) She complained about the modern quality(cant imagine what she would say about what is being put on the road today!!)

Now I have 5 kiddos of my own & we are buying our first TT(we have a pop-up for quick trips already). I have opted for a Winnebago for the bit higher build quality in hopes that like my grandmother before me, it will last us 15-20+yrs, when we are ready to downsize...&maybe then one of my kiddos will need a well maintained unit that sleeps 12 ;-)

Just based on that principle, I would not want to stay at a park that does not allow older units!!! I will vote with my wallet in hopes that things will change by the time my unit is passing the 10yr mark!! That is what causes change, we live in a capitalistic society, if these campgrounds don't fill, when they cannot pay their bills, they will be forced to change!!

I will say that we have stayed next to some that shouldn't have been allowed(broken out windows, more duct tape than fiberglass, etc), however that is not what we are talking about, we are talking about well maintained older & vintage units!!

So vote with your wallet & welcome the change!! Spread the word to the ownwers of newer units(im lucky I found this!!), get them to vote with you!!

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Make a list
by: Anonymous

Someone should compile a list of these parks that do not allow the older RV's and make it public.

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Have a right
by: Glenn

It's not exactly right but if you do own a property full of homes you should be able to write your own HOA rules.

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New is not always better
by: Anonymous

No matter what the age if you spend the time and money maintaining the RV, after several years you have the bugs worked out of it where a new unit may have to be in for service several times during the warranty.

I had an older unit that for unusual circumstances I lost but wish I could find another one like it or the same one again because for being a diesel pusher it's maintenance only cost me about $250.00 a year and got super great fuel mileage.

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Please help us
by: Dot

We have a 36 ft 1990 lumilite and no one will take us we are literally on the street nowhere to park with amenities we need heat and water like everyone else I work at the hospital and have a broken foot really? We are not rif raf we simply decided to get a motorhome instead of apartment living with only one working pt and possibly a chance to move to another state if we wanted to for work.

Please if anyone in Washington north of Seattle knows of a safe affordable place please email me @ neomie40@yahoo.com thank you

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Old RV
by: Anonymous

I am a construction worker and I have to travel a lot for work, I purchased a brand new RV in 2006. I had never had any issue with being refused entry until my RV was 10 years old (The Seattle area mainly) I found that if you email the park management pictures and it looks nice they will allow you to stay there.

I have also learned that the reason for the rule is not to cater to the wealthy RV owners it is to ensure that your RV has enough value in it that you will take it with you when you leave and not abandoned it in there park and they get stuck with several thousand dollars in legal fees, disposal fee's and lost profits

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Discrimination against older rv’s
by: Anonymous

Most RV loans are 15 years. So, now you have to buy a new RV every 10 to 15 years. They are expensive. Who can afford to buy a new one every 10 years. This really is a form of discrimination.

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RV storage
by: Tim W

Has anyone ever filed a class action lawsuit with the state of California for there not bring a place to store your RV if its older than 10 years? You cant store it in some HOA neighborhoods or on public streets. If you have money to pay to store, then you should be able to store what you drive in.

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Stay away from these places
by: Anonymous

In the Mid-1960's, baseball star Roberto Clemente walked into an NYC furniture store, and the salesman moved him from the furniture he liked to the lower-priced furniture on one of the upper flowers. Clemente insisted, but the salesman, hearing a heavy Spanish accent coming from this black man, told him that he couldn't afford the expensive furniture on the first floor. Clemente pulled five thousand in cash (back when that was big money) from his wallet and asked if that was enough to buy the furniture.

The salesman then asked who he was, a big group of employees circled him, and they told him that they would ship the furniture to Pittsburgh - no reason to even put any money down. Clemente walked out.

I can sneak in under the wire at these vey special campgrounds (yes, mine is only EIGHT years old), but if someone asked me the age of it, I would first tell them that it is 8 years old, then ask why they want to know, and when told that I was within their elite 10-year window, I'd tell them that I have decided to choose another campground.

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Retired Engineer
by: Carl Sundberg

My '86 Monaco was the finest Motor Home made in that year. It cost over $200,000 when that was real money. It's a rare gas pusher, all white oak interior with every convenience they put in coaches at that time. To hell with resorts that decide policy by age. Nothing looks better than my unit, it puts most of what is being made today to shame and I would not want such a piece of style and beauty like mine next to the junk you can buy today.

Picky date made policy resorts, you lose. I think you owe an apology to the entire RV community for this ignorant & foolish policy. Yes there are clunkers out there that are dinosaurs but that should be the standard, not it's birth year.

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This is discrimination to the low income
by: Anonymous

I live in a 1985 Prowler Trailer not by choice. My husband died eight years ago I lost everything house car new fifth wheel. I only had enough money to buy an old trailer. I have looked everywhere for long term parking nothing in Oregon exists. They look at it as your a looser and can't be a good person. I've lived on private property paid my rent and 3 days later they disconnected my water and electric after they accepted my monthly rent. I only live on SSDI which took me 5 years to get xand got screwed out of my back pay of five years. All I want is a safe place to rent around Sherwood Newberg or Wilsonville OR areas. I don't do drugs or drink. But, when people see my trailer they just assume.

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Elitist Swines
by: Anonymous

Our world is turning into a petty, inhumane and hostile place. Having a modest income and wanting to live within one's means seems impossible with the judgemental attitudes many people possess. It is more than a shame and atrocity when a family of low monetary means is discriminated against because they own a travel trailer more than ten years old. Imagine a typical family with two kids who spend their winters in a cruel, cold climate. They dream of basking on a golden beach with gentle waves lapping the shore and a warm breeze soothing their tattered souls. They can only afford an older trailer in which to pursue their dreams. Starry skies, the smell of pine, laughter, and marshmallows around the fire. The very good things fond memories are made of. Then this is all dashed when they are made to feel like pariahs and humiliated because a shiny and new RV is not within their budget. What has happened to make people so closed minded and unaccepting of mercenary differences? Why must we bow and pay homage to those that have and belittle and demean those that have not? We had better administer to the sorry rot our society is infested with before it is too late.

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old RV's
by: Happywanderer

We Workcamp in an older RV and have run into this problem. What these parks are doing is blatant discrimination. (Same as saying NO hippy's or black people.)

It is amazing how quickly the age rules disappear
once the owner of the park realizes that we are not indigent, but hard working taxpayers who can afford a federal attorney, who would be all to happy to bring legal action.

If more people vigorously exercised their constitutional rights these problems would go away.

Nothing gets peoples attention quicker than hitting them in their pocket book.

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rv age restrctions
by: gary

I have run into this on a regular basis (been out here for 7 years) and it used to frost my cookies, However as time went on I realized that a lot of these parks are where the snooty My rig is better than yours so therefore I am better then you people hang out.Now I just take it as a warning sign that this park is filled with people I probably don't want to hang out with. I'll take good old real world all walks of life Americans over the snooty crowd any day. The friends made and the campfires I have sat around have rewarded me greatly.

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Doesn't fool me
by: Anonymous

This is a way to stop people who have limited Income(Asstisance/Disability)from traveling freely.It's now impossible to find a place to Rent, AND now I find out RV Parks are discriminating against older RV's? What a disgusting World,just absolutely disgusting.

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Texas Proud
by: SouthrnGal

I am currently in the process of buying a 95 Ford Coachmen RV Catalina Series in mint condition. I came across this site when I looked up about older campers and parks. I am really sorry everyone has had such problems up north. I can think of 4 campgrounds within 50 miles of me alone that rent monthly, yearly, and allow older rvs and campers. Some even allow the Fema ones!! Granted Im in a small town inbetween Houston and San Antonio b7t still. I have been all over. Tx and east coast and every park i saw allowed all. Even tents!! Ya'll come visit down here...we will welcome you with open arms!

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dress code
by: Anonymous

I agree this is not a dress code.

Dress codes are based on health and safety.

To simply discriminate by age of rv in my opinion cross the line and starts to sound like age or maybe overt race discrimination..

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No Shirt No Shoes No Service?
by: Anonymous

Nope that is not the same analogy. It's more like if a person is old, or don't look pretty they are refused service. Because RV is merely old, and not lacking wheels, or windows etc. Banning an RV for being old can not be compared with no shirt, or shoes. That's like a parking lot banning old cars from parking, and in fact that's pretty much what they are doing. It speaks volumes on how the rich looks, and teats the poor, and the simple people. It's sickening!

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Why no to older rvs
by: view river

Simply put It is "Dress Code"
Not Discrimination. If you were in college housing would you want your roomie to be a senior citizen.
There is a right place for everyone . "Dress Code works. //

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older rigs
by: Anonymous

I find it hard to believe that the age or looks of a vehicle would be the sole reason to deny entry into an RV park.

When you open a park you create a "public accommodation", it is no longer "private property" it is an entity subject to a host of government rules and regulations which prohibit all kinds of actions ranging from contract law, health and safety, free speech, economic discrimination ETC..
This is why parks carry business liability insurance.

I would be amazed if he park owners and/or managers were really that ignorant of their potential liability.

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Exclusions
by: Anonymous

We were excluded with an almost new Roadtrek, because it wasn't class A or C.

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Turned away
by: Anonymous

My family and I had a great trip running around the western states. We have a 1991 bus conversion. Painted and nicely done. We have so many people walk up to us and ask to come in side and take a look. In the last three years we have traveled all around with our great ride. Never had anything been said about us staying at RV sites. We showed up to the Colorado Springs KOA. With a three week advanced reservation we arrived and we excited to register. We didn't even get a hello just a your not staying here comment. We have never heard of this and asked if it was on their website. No it isn't was there reply we promptly given our paid in full refund and shuttled out the door. I hate to rage against KOA we've stayed at a lot of them and have had great times. This was a shock. And of course it was Memorial Day weekend when you need a reservation to be able to stay everyone else was full. So we ended up staying in a hotel for the weekend. So angry.

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Happens all the time in the Northwest
by: Anonymous

Hubby and I bought an '91 Fleetwood a couple of years ago as a first RV. A "Learner RV" if you will. Paid a few thousand for it, sunk another few thousand in repairs and remodel. Took out for a fourth of July trip and fell in love with not only our "old boy" rig, but with the lifestyle.

Unfortunately, we found that State Parks and the occasional "mom & pop" type campgrounds are about the only places we can stay.

Medical complications since have put us living in the "old boy". I love it! But is so frustrating that we haven't been able to find a place that will rent to us on a monthly (full-timer) basis because he's over 10 years old. We spend almost three times as much as the newer full-timer rigs that get the monthly rate because he's older or we get turned away flat out. We have actually had one guy laugh at us and tell us we might as well live in a cardboard box under a bridge.

I wish we could find a place to settle but we just drift.

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Annoyed
by: Anonymous

I have been about to make a reservation in a park that wouldn't allow a new trailer or motor home in the park because they had a warranty on their rig and they didn't want strangers in their park to do repairs so we couldn't stay there for more than 1 week.

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There is a way out of this by federal law state parks cannot judge by race sex or religion or by your camper anyone and everyone is welcome in a state Park....but you have to jyst move your camper
by: Anonymous

Fed law makes state parks take older campers period other cannot tell you no older campers that's judging and against law only rule u have to move camper weekly to the spot next to the one you just rented then it starts new rental fee in state parks most only let you stay a week so you just move it to the next spot by law that starts a new week rental in that different spot but u still in same rv park that's what lot of people do state parks cannot run u out by sex race religion and not by what you drive in with to a rv park that's how you get through the loop in sorta legal way and state parks are always nicer than the 10 year and less

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LOL!
by: Alex

Those of you who are defending the campgrounds for doing this sight unseen and even for overnight stops are either actually campsite owners/managers trolling this thread or, delusional or lacking the ability to understand the implications or long term effects of this trend.

These places are owned/operated by the same people who cry and complain about revenue loss when they see an RV in a Walmart parking lot.These people fight and lobby to try to make it illegal to camp there anyplace other than their parks and then try to put unreasonable and broadly discriminating limits and restrictions on what they will allow in.

This is ABSOLUTELY immoral and should be fought tooth and nail! They can not be allowed to have the best of both worlds- in areas where they have fought to have city ordinances put into place to prevent boon docking or overnight parking at locations other than themselves, they should , then, be legally OBLIGATED to accept any and all RVs. YOU DO NOT GET THE BEST OF BOTH WORLDS!!!

If you do not want to let certain people stay at your park, then stay the heck out of local politics that effect this subject, you greedy, sleazy slime ball crooks.
And, anyone who believes that this is fine and embraces it is just as guilty, or, not capable of using logic. The original breed of RVers had a very adventurous spirit mixed with the desire to be able to relax and enjoy nature and to be able to drive across the country and enjoy it. If some people come along and have a different viewpoint, that's fine, but, you WILL allow the rest of us to still enjoy our viewpoints and continue to enjoy RVing and camping in our way, as well. You don't really have a choice.lol!

I have always enjoyed laughing at how certain snobby and entitled (feeling) people think that they have a right to force others to change. it doesn't work, certainly not long term. Reality always breaks up their delusions.

NOW, that being said...if this park is in an area where they have not forced the municipality to pass ordinance about overnight parking on private property with permission, then they should definitely have every right to put these kinds of rules in play, I also understand completely if they are just referring to long term residents. They have every right to run there camp the way that they see fit as long as they do not "Rig the game" by making themselves your only choice of spot. that sounds an awful lot like monopoly and is accomplished by very shady means most of the time. these practices, at least in certain circumstances may very well be illegal!

Do we want everyplace to become on big Nova Scotia?

just boycott these morons and move on, if there is no place to move on to because of their manipulations and machinations, sue the crap out of them.

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Are trailers really RV's?
by: Anonymous

In my view, the problem has a lot to do with the industry calling travel trailers and fifth-wheels, RV's. They aren't vehicles at all, because they don't have an engine and you cannot travel in them. And the overall build quality of a travel trailer or fifth-wheel cannot be compared to a Class-A motorhome of similar size.

Plus, a Class-A looks better. But, the industry did this to make customers feel better about their purchase. It's ridiculous that some RV parks would turn away a 10 year-old Prevost or Class-A Winnebago over a brand new travel trailer that costs less than 10K.

If I owned an RV park, there would be a 30 year limit on Class-A RV's, a 20 year limit on Class-C RV's, and a 15 year limit on travel trailers and fifth-wheels for monthly renters.

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Just bought a 1989 Nomad in pristine condition on the inside, but rust on the hitch
by: TheBraveNomad

I had no idea this could even be an issue. I just purchased my first camper to pull behind my 2013 Toyota Highlander. In other words, I have a brand new expensive SUV pulling a 27 year old travel trailer. I am in no way "trailer trash"! This issue worries me & I hope I never run across such discrimination.

I just bought it 4 days ago & haven't even had the trailer hitch installed on my vehicle. Thanks for making me aware of this issue. I'm working on "Glamping up" the inside, but outside renovations will come down the line. I live in Nebraska where there are not many RV Parks. Praying I will be OK. Planning on taking my maiden voyage in the Spring.

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What if....
by: Thinker

What if 50 OLD RVs all came in, one right after the other, into a RV Park that discriminated by age? What if 100 Old RVs did that? And I do mean that the drivers are all lined up, waiting for there turn. Then, what if the 51st RV or the 101st RV was a brand spanking new A model and just drove away because they assumed that the park was all full? Just think of all the money that foolish park owner would be losing!

Or what if....all those with those old RVs all banned together to create their own parks in States where parks that allow old RVs don't exist? And, if you made those parks so over the top swank - what would happen to those other parks? Wouldn't they then maybe go out of business? This may happen especially, if your park for all RVers has more space, more privacy, glam pool for kids, glam pool for adults, wading pools and the likes. Put in the golf course, kiddie golf, mini-golf. I can't see how this could possibly lose. Of course, all the usual needs of RVers would be had - all the hookups and all.

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older rvs
by: Happywandererusa

I agree with your point that the park owners are looking for a way to avoid problems by imposing blanket rules.
However the point that is missing is that while an owner of a park can be discriminating they can not discriminate.

We all know that discrimination due to race, religion, age, sex etc. is illegal. But did you also know that there are a lot of other actions which have also fallen under the civil rights act.

What most people do not know is that a property owner who offers a public accommodation does not have an absolute right to refuse service to just anybody their right to discriminate is governed by state and federal rules including the civil rights act.

What I object to is the implication that if you have a older unit you are automatically an undesirable. How many of you remember when this kind of attitude inflamed the civil rights movement in the 60's which in turn brought a slew of new rules and legislation?

Granted parks have been turned off by a few who spoil it for the rest of us.But, it seems to me that park owners are trying to avoid their responsibilities which they assumed when thy offered their accommodations to the public.

My hope is that they start making judgments based on the people not the age or preconceived economic status of their guests. Because it only takes one group of "disadvantaged" guests to file a title42usc suit to open the doors to a lot of unneeded state and federal rules regulations.
K

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Restrictions for simplicity's sake
by: BeCeejed

Age requirements for RV parks are done mostly for simplicity's sake. The Park doesn't want to have to deal with, as someone in the comments suggested, the 'Cousin Eddies' of RV parks. Nasty trailer, nasty habits, unconcerned for others. People don't like staying in trashy parks.

We all know that the age of an RV does NOT denote trashy living or behavior. For legal reasons, parks like to have 'reasons' to justify using their right to refuse service. One would never want to be in a situation where they were accused of refusing service to someone because they were brown of skin or other discriminatory practices. So instead they refuse service based on age of RV or other explicit descriptors that help preserve the cleanliness of their park. Regrettably, these measures hit low income campers who may have excellent rigs. But enough people have RVs in the range to keep their customer base going.

The unfortunate answer to reducing the innocent bystanders being hit by this is MORE SPECIFICITY. "Your vehicle cannot have peeling paint. Your paint cannot be aged or yellowed. No visible dents. Recent inspection proving sewage / electrical / propane systems are in order." Etc etc. Now their customers are filling out forms and forms to get a spot! Good Grief.

In short, Age restrictions are the easiest way for Park companies to Cover Their Butts. Its a simple measurement that tends to block out all the undesirables without hitting the bottom line. Most of the parks don't care about providing a great place to camp for everyone. They just want a great place to camp for enough people to turn a profit. Depressing!

There are ways around it of course! Many parks will give rigs a cursory look over your RV and never ask its age if you just 'show up' without sending pics/asking ahead of time, and if your rig looks good. Not everyone can do that though, its not always easy to pull out and move on to the next spot. You can find out if they have spots open when you call by giving a false age of your RV on the initial query, and then never reference the call again when you 'show up', as if you were a different person. You're basically looking for ways to circumvent the beurocratic filter, and get the park PEOPLE to see you not as a reservation but as another PERSON. No matter the policy, people will generally be more generous to judge a clean person with a clean rig face to face rather than on the phone/e-mail.

Hopefully the vintage restoration movement and the DIY Camper movement flood the market with campers wanting to trek out in well loved and well crafted rigs rather than buy the new flashy thing with the out-of-place moose-and-mountain painted on the side. If there aren't enough people to camp in the newer models, parks will be forced to use MORE SPECIFICITY, and they'll find the simplest route to it, and camping will hopefully become a less painful process for those of us with less of a budget but no less heart, skill and love.

Circumvent the simplification wherever you can! The more we see people in well-kept older RVs, the more the parks of the world will factor them into their economic model.

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Can my 'Do it Yourself' panel truck conversion be allowed
by: Anonymous

I have an older Panel Truck, with a colorful commercial type 'wrapper' saying 'Above Simple, Subline' with a custom 'Shabbie Chic' Interior including a sink, Porta Pottie with holding tank, and a Futon. Will I have any problems having RV Parks welcoming me to their park? Can I have an unspecific web domain address and or telephone number printed on the Truck as well?

I want to attrack 'Greenies' who want to experience how it is to reduce a 'carbon footprint by less is more vacationing.

Note From RVing Al I would not be surprised if some of the pickier RV parks or resorts would refuse to let you in, even though they have no problem with an RV from a national RV rental company that is wrapped with advertisements, that include phone number and websites.

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HATE DISCRIMINATION OF ANY KIND, PERIOD
by: Karen. Ontario Canada

We have a lovey 24 year Coachman, sports coach that has been in our family for 15 years. She has taken us all over Ontario, to Washington DC and to Cape Hatteras North Carolina. We have always been Transient campers, spending a few nights to a full week @ times. Now looking for a seasonal space for 2016 is proving impossible. We've been searching close to our home so we can enjoy this season without all the travel. Kawarthas a no no so far..Shame on this discrimination.

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older rvs
by: Anonymous

A growing segment of the population choose to restore and enjoy older RVs for there nostalgic and historic value. They are in no way deadbeats.

Many manufactures have recognized this growing trend and are starting to offer retro RVs.

I noticed a recent ad for a vintage RV park in the San Diego area.

We consumers all vote with our dollars, perhaps when the word gets out about how much busine$$ RV parks are losing with their 10 year rule attitudes will change.

K

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OREGON :(
by: New RV'er

I was very recently turned away from 2 rv parks in Southern Oregon. Both claim that the 10 year rule is state mandated???? I have only checked with a couple of others but they claim the same.

Has anyone rv'd in OR and where?

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Hmm..
by: Anonymous

Being rigid and inflexible about anything is a bad idea. There are exceptions to every rule, and there are reasons for that. I thought wisdom was supposed to come with age, but I guess that's not necessarily the case. Tsk, tsk, tsk..

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Snooty doesn't mean quality.
by: Jamie

There are a few RV parks in Lower Alabama that are like that. Just because they are elite on age, doesn't mean they are nice once you enter them. No shade, just cement. As far as the eye can see.

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People Forget
by: Silver Streaker

This is such a sad commentary on our current society. Everyone wants new, shiny, and current. We, in America, value little and throw away anything that is aged.

We have traveled the Western United States with our classic 1977 Silver Streak. Many times we have been told that we can not stay and 'to keep on moving', yet, our trailer was made by Silver Streak for 'a life-time of use'. Too bad Silver Streak didn't realize what a snooty society we have become.

My trailer has aged well, looks as it was designed, but because it is not some new piece of junk, I have to search like a vagabond to find a park in communities I want to be in who will allow me. We used to cringe and cower with shame each time we pulled into a park, 'how will they treat us, will we be told to leave?'

After 20-years of owning this beautiful well-built treasure, I have changed, I refuse to 'send a picture forward' to parks for approval. Now, I pull in, I let them see it 'upfront' and if they don't want me I move on. I respect the right for parks to allow only newer trailers, but unfortunately they are catering to a bunch of new snobby trailerites who have forgotten the fun of traveling and that their grandparents never cared about the newest and best rig, just the experience.

What a tragedy. By the way, my trailer is up to code, and does not leak sewage! It is, however, a stellar testament to American RVing, and I am proud to own it. I'm going to keep traveling and I will keep finding parks that are reasonable in rules and thought.

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Sad camper :(
by: Julie

i'm glad I ran into all of your comments. We have been having a terrible time finding a campground that allows older RV's into their grounds. We did not realize this would be a problem...Yes my husband and I could get an RV that is less than 10yrs old, but we choose not to take out loans and choose not to drain our savings...it's sad bc our RV is very nice and clean inside and out...what happened to camping being a cheaper way a family can go on vacation...it sucks can understand where they don't want junky falling apart or really dirty units coming in, but not all are junk....what happened to turning something old into new Everyone is about new new new :(

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Avoidance is the key
by: Anonymous

With new apps available like RVParky you can post comments and reviews of each park you go to, and can let others know if they have an age refusal policy. Better to avoid them completely than to be refused entry at the gate.

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Old RV
by: Tess

I have a fully restored 1960 Scotty 15 foot. We are a member of the Scotty club and we love camping or glamping as it is called now. I have not run into any of these places and hope I don't. Find a group and camp at friendly camp grounds with your group. We get special discounts because our group has 10 member trailers that camp together. Call ahead for reservations and rules if it is a new camp grounds. Have fun and enjoy your camping. you do not need to camp where you are not welcome.

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not right
by: smart cake

all of the camp grounds in columbia, south carolina will not let old campers in, my old camper is better than all of the new ones, I can not find any where to go for long term stay, there should be a camp ground for just old campers that way it will be a place of good, nice, and friendly people, the people that have those newer campers are rude, and trashy

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yes
by: Anonymous

Yes I found one in Ontario that won't let anything older than 2000's in their seasonal. I don't know about overnight camping.

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Older RV bans
by: Anonymous

I have seen this rule as well, though it has always applied to seasonal campers. It was meant to discourage dilapidated units from being an eyesore in a nicely kept park. If I ever thought a park was discriminating against older trailer for 'snobbery' reasons, I'd never give them my business. My trailer is only 3 years old, but I hope it'll be vintage one day!

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Older RV
by: K Austin

We are FT RVers, 5 years now. Travel in a restored vintage 1973 35 ft Holiday Rambler TT.

We have never been unwelcome in any place. If anything we give viewings . A lot of it comes down to how you look .

I suggest keep clean, polished and looking good. Vintage is in a class of their own.

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older rvs
by: Anonymous

maybe I'll open a vintage only RV park!

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Just what we need... legal action?
by: SouthbySoutheast

I'm saddened to see the many threats and suggestions to "litigate" the owners of RV parks with age restrictions for coaches. I'm sure many of the same people in favor of legal action are the same citizens advocating an "owners right" to run their business as they deem acceptable, whether it be a restaurant, dry cleaners, night club, or RV Park or Hobby Lobby.

It's the owners prerogative to allow or not. If you have an older model (I do, an 87 Chieftain)and enjoy it this is just another hurdle to overcome. And as owners of older RVs that we enjoy, its not the first time for that, right?

Lighten up and don't seem so shocked that someone doesn't want a repeat of the last time Cousin Eddie stopped in their establishment. Unfortunately, many of us just happen to follow Eddie through the gate and get lumped in with him by virtue of having a similar MH. Even one that is in tip top condition for its age. That's life.

Simply avoid these places and identify them whenever possible so others can avoid them as well.

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Lots of self selection.
by: Anonymous

The RV world is like any collection. There is lots of self selection and self sorting. I wanted to belong to a specific ethnically based organization that had lots of specific activities I would have loved to participate in but I have a travel trailer and they only permit members in Class A motorhomes. The answer it to just move along. There's a nicer place at the next exit anyway. The places with that kind of restriction are generally more expensive anyway.

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older rv
by: Anonymous

Refusing entry to older RVs is economic discrimination at its best and, as such, should and may be illegal. Cleanliness and avoidance of tarps and other unsightly items on the RV is understandable, however, many people cannot afford to run out and replace an RV every year.

We own a 1981 fully restored Silver Eagle bus RV conversion which is flat gorgeous. Frankly, I won't even try to stay in any park which has a 10 year criterion as I feel it is discriminatory.

I wish I know how to fight this under the law, as I believe it should be fought.

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don't have a choice
by: Anonymous

Due to a long string of bad choices, we are in a forty year old rv. The previous owner(s) didn't take that good care of it. We have been turned down from most parks we've tried to go to. Some have been sight unseen, some only after seeing our rig.

We're not bad people we just made bad choices. The discrimination we are facing is unbelievably degrading and disheartening.

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Older RVS
by: Anonymous

Most of the time these parks have an age restriction for long term stays, not overnight stays.

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Older RV's?
by: MrTommy

If you really want to stay in some of these places, and your RV is in good shape, simply lie to them about the age. Are they going to make a VIN check? All that yellow plastic vent stuff on even new RV's? Simply paint it white (like the manufacturer SHOULD have done in the first place).

I can see parks not wanting junker RV's coming in (and we all know what I'm talking about here), but well kept, looks like new older models should have NO problem sliding in.

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Embarrass them!
by: Anonymous

It is NOT just fancy RV resorts that make these rules. I have run into this a number of times, most recently at "Atlanta Marietta RV Resort" which is by no means a resort, but an ordinary RV park near Atlanta.

They insisted that I could not stay there in my 1993 Prevost Royale (which most people think is NEW). They claimed it was because older RVs tend to leak sewage. Right! I later sent them a photo of my coach and they then said I would be welcome. I avoid this place and any others like it.

How would you like a restaurant who judged your car and if they didn't like the looks of it, refused to let you park or eat there? Or a store, drive-in theater, or car wash that had such "age rules". I object to the "we are going to judge you" attitude. What they SHOULD do is have appearance standards, like "no visible rust" and "no peeling paint" etc. if that, which would be similar to homeowner association covenants.

Arbitrary age rules are NOT the way to go. And RV parks continue to complain about Walmart offering free overnight parking!

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Older RV and "discrimination"
by: RV Rick

Let's see, a private campground that has a 10 year rule, they should be sued by an "intelligent" person? What intelligent person would waste a penny on suing a private entity for discriminating against an object?

If that campground said no Black people, go at it, but they can set their own rules, it is private property. As long as they are not doing anything illegal, whichever 10 year rule is certainly not, why would anyone have a problem with that.

There are car shows that only allow cars older than 1972, should they be sued? Some parks have noise ordinance rules, do you have the legal right to blast your music all night long? As far as the posters saying their RV even though it is over 10 years, who is to say that just because you think it is wonderful, others may not. Simply go to a park that allows what you have. All private entities should be able to make their own rules as long as they are not immoral or illegal.

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Old RV? No problem!
by: Judy Bryson

I LOVE parks that turn away old RVs. That just means more wonderful people coming to my park! ;)

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Fifth Wheels Not Welcome
by: Anonymous

I know from experience that there are also campgrounds that do not allow fifth wheels - no matter how new, large or well-kept they are.

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state park
by: Jackie

Our trailer is 3 years old and my husband take fantastic care of it but my daughter's family camp in a Scottie that is probably over 30 years old. My son-in-law has fixed it up and it works great for them and that is what they can afford.

I would be furious if we went to a campground and they let us in and turned my daughter away!! Outrageous! We have camped in a few private campgrounds and enjoy full hookup but my favorite parks are still state or county parks!! You camp for 18 to 30 a night, the sheriffs patrol and they always have super nice people working there and never turn any one away because their trailer is not "nice" enough!

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Class C's not allowed
by: Anonymous

We owned an older Class C for a while and one nice campground in Colorado would not allow Class C's. Only Class A's.

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Older doesn't mean bad
by: Anonymous

Too bad not all of us can afford brand new RV's. Some of us have nice "older" RV's that are affordable for our families. Sorry I don't want to spend tens of thousands of dollars on a brand new RV that I have no business owning.....

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Would not want to camp there on principal anyway.
by: Anonymous

I can understand a rule like RVs must be in good shape but not an arbitrary age limit. Therefore I am of the opinion that if some campground wants to discriminate against me, I don't want to camp there anyway. I will take my business elsewhere. That being said, there is a crappy old run down bus that has not moved in 20 years in one corner lot of the place I am in now. The owner is a "seasonal" and the bus is falling apart and looks just awful. It gives that whole corner of an otherwise nice place a junkyard look. I can understand not wanting old ugly junk in your campground.

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Old RV's
by: Anonymous

I would like to see one intelligent and gutsy person sue these resorts under "discrimination." The rule should not discriminate against the vehicle's year but on what condition it is in, another words, how it looks. For example, I own a 1990 Toyota motorhome with a V6 engine. I plan on remodeling the exterior along with the interior soon. The exterior will have a smooth finish with no cracks around the windows or the bumper. Anything dented or messed up will be replaced. Should I still not be allowed into the facility? That would be preposterous not to let me in after I spent all that money making it look like new. Don't you think?

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bakersfield old rv unfriendly
by: ceantanni

I have found that rv parks in bakersfield do not allow older rv's i found 1 that did only to find out (i have a double no no, old rv AND media unfriendly dog breed) that the 1 that WOULD allow my old rv would'nt allow me because i have a pitbull.

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old rv's not allowed
by: Debra

There are many rv parks my husband and i checked out because of just this problem and not only will they not let you have anything older than 10 years some of the parks don't like children . Thank goodness we found a few that does . They should never discriminate but as always it happens .

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