Recently, I was asked about purchasing an older RV that was built in the early 1990′s. Yes, they can be quite nice and very inexpensive compared to a new RV, but there are a few “regulations” that RV parks have that could affect your decision, and they don’t always disclose them until you get there. We call these the “10-year, 25-foot, and 2-week rules”.

1. The 10-Year Rule

   Being that it is 2012, I would really think twice about purchasing an RV older than 2002, given that some places won’t let you in if your rig is older. Personally, I think that this rule is ridiculous if your older RV is kept looking nice.

   We were once even “kicked out” because some other Beaver Patriot (300K Motorhome) owner didn’t want our “trashy” 35ft camping trailer next to his expensive rig. This is what I commonly term as RWS (Rich Witch Syndrome) — a terrible disease for which there’s no cure.There is one other way to get around this, but it will only work if your vehicle is in great shape.

   In this case, I would tell them that you havea 2002 model RV.We were traveling in 2006 with a 1995 RV, and we would tell them that it was a 1996 model if they asked. We were never once were questioned further about the year of the trailer and no one ever asked to see the trailer title, but there is always the possibility that they could ask you for it. Oh yeah, and make sure that the “1995″ sticker isn’t still on the front of the rig!

2. The 25-Foot Rule

   This rule states that the RV must be at least 25ft in length. This is more of a “prestige” rule. They want the RV park to look like it’s a subdivision with a homeowners association attached to it,instead of being a redneck trailer park. I even found one park in Florida that only allows motorcoaches or large 5^th wheelers.

3. The 2-4-Week Rule

   The 2-4-week rule is mainly found at state parks. This rule is in place to keep people from using the place as a summer home instead of giving others a chance to use the state parks.

   I have had to deal with this once in California where there were no other RV parks near the hospital.Every 30 days, we had to be out of the park for at least a day. Therefore, every 4 weeks on my four days off, we would take the trailer and go to the beach or the lake.

When looking for your next RV park, be sure to look at the rules and regulations. You just might see, “The resort is designated for Recreational Vehicles only.

Motorcoaches, travel trailers, 5th wheels and park homes are subject to approval by the architectural review committee prior to occupying your lot. RVs must be a minimum of 25′ in length and must be 10 years or newer and in ‘like-new’ condition.”

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