Since the pandemic, the RV world has seen a significant increase in popularity, a “boom,” if you will, and every boom comes with growing pains. Some RV parks are booked solid for months in advance, and there can be waiting lists for openings. Some higher-end RV resorts have found a different way to manage high demand beyond advanced planning. They implement a version of what is called “The 10-Year Rule.” This Valley RV Supercenter blog post explores what the 10-Year Rule is and what can be done about it.

What Is It?

In brief, the 10-Year Rule is a prohibition against RVs, be they motor homes, large trailers, fifth wheels, or camper vans, over a certain age from staying at the location. These are rarely encountered at state or other public parks. Instead, they are usually private parks, at locations popular enough that they can afford to turn customers away. As private parks, they are free to stipulate their own rules. It is kind of the RV equivalent of a hot nightclub in some trendy part of the city that will let people in if they are rich or attractive enough. At least the RV locations state their requirements in advance.

While 10 years is common enough to give the rule its name, the number can vary to 12, 15, or another number of years. There can also be exceptions, and these vary by location. Some, echoing the nightclub reference, may request photos of your older RV and approve it if they think it is in good enough shape. Some make exceptions for “vintage” units, where “vintage” is, of course, in the eye of the beholder.

This, of course, can be annoying to a great many RVers. Many first enter the RV world with a used RV, which may already be past a park’s restriction at purchase or by the time you want to stay there. Purchasers of new RVs don’t trade them in frequently and can easily keep a beloved unit for 10 years or more. And it isn’t like RVs fall apart after 10 years. Many manufacturers build their reputation on the durability of their products. And you have the restorer, who purchases an old unit and completely refurbishes it to their taste, making their rig truly special. On paper, they would be excluded as well.

Why Do They Have Them?

While some parks may impose the rule out of sheer snootiness, many can cite practical reasons. Indeed, behind many 10-year rules are the stories that led to them. Some units may have leaked oil or other fluids onto the site pads. Others may have had plumbing problems that created a smelly mess affecting nearby customers’ stays. There have been cases where older motorhomes failed to start, and the repair was either slow in coming, disruptive and loud, or required parts that took time to arrive. On this note, 10-year rules are more common in areas with strong tenant rights, which can make evictions for inoperable vehicles costly and time-consuming.

What Can You Do About It?

Fortunately, these rules aren’t so widespread that you are stuck at home with your 13-year-old RV. If you run into the rule, you do have some options.

The first course of action is to simply find a more accommodating location. High-end RV “Resorts” are often located in popular tourist areas that also have other RV parks.

Talk to them. Some parks can be more lenient and keep the rule as a backup if they encounter an issue. Others enforce the rule only for those who stay for a while. If you are just passing through, some may waive the rule.

If you’re asked about your camper’s age during reservations, mention any recent renovations or upgrades, as this can increase your chances of securing a desirable campsite. If your RV looks good in photos, offer to send pictures for approval. Owners of well-restored vintage RVs often use this method to bypass certain rules.

If you really want to stay at the park, consider going in the off-season, when they may be a little less discriminating in an effort to fill empty spaces.

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