RV Life: Then and Now…
I’ve been “on the road” full timing since 2011. When I first set out, a full timer was someone who lived “on the road” and spent time in one location and then at some point moved on. Some full timers traveled every few days, others stayed in one place for a period of weeks or months, but at some point most moved on.
Some full timers were retired, some worked from home (their camper), others were seasonal workers – linemen, oil field workers, ski area employees, and others. All had one thing in common. They arrived and stayed for a season (until the snow melts, until the contract or project ends, etc. At some point however, they moved on – either to return to a more permanent home or onto the next assignment.
As a ski instructor myself, this is how I’ve lived my “on the road” life almost since the beginning of this journey. I am stationary for about half a year at a time in ski country, then I travel on. This year, I’m about to arrive in the Silver Valley of North Idaho and that’s where I’ll be until sometime in April.
Our Nations Economy is Changing US. This includes RV Parks and what it means to be a “full time RV’er”
In my own Concierge RV Buying (and Selling) Service, I now have seen clients looking for an RV Camper (usually a 5th wheel) that they can live in and remain stationary for the foreseeable future. In a few cases, they had no intention of buying a truck and required the camper they purchased to be delivered to the site in the RV park they’re living in.
Why the move towards permanent “RV Life” in ONE location?
Traditional housing (rentals and mortgages) have become unaffordable and unattainable for an increasing number of us. This has led many Americans to secure a camper (and we will talk shortly about some devastating financial decisions these folks are making) and live in it full time in an RV park.
Hoovervilles
I’m a student of history. I taught high school Science for 20+ years, but when I speak with people I meet, they often ask if I was a history teacher. I find history fascinating and I know that while history does not necessarily repeat, it rhymes.
Shortly after the Stock Market Crash in October 1929 and the ensuing economic crisis nationwide, many Americans lost their homes. Using scrap materials, shanty towns referred to as Hoovervilles began to popup in the early 1930’s. The term was a slam on President Hoover who was in office at the time the crash happened and the Great Depression began.
I believe the modern equivalent of Hoovervilles is what I see building across many RV Parks and Campgrounds across our nation.The simple reality is many Americans have more “month than money.” The only way they can remain solvent is to reduce costs. One of the greatest costs is housing – both rentals and mortgages.
I must note, there ARE still “traditional full time RV’ers” traveling about. For me, even in my “travel season”, I tend to stay longer at any given RV park or campground as I know monthly rates are FAR more affordable than daily or weekly rates.
Now, understand I don’t care where people live. If you choose to live in an RV Park (effectively) permanently, thats YOUR choice. BUT… as an RV Concierge, one who has his finger on the pulse of the RV Industry and RV manufacturers, I see “machine” guiding them towards making financially devastating decisions.
IF you ARE still traveling and wish to save on camping costs…
As RV travel costs increase, a reasonable way to offset those expenses is the REDUCE your RV camping costs. Here are two programs that WILL help you to do that…
Passport America – I just saved about $135. on a 3 night stay in Anaconda, Mt. One of OVER 1100 campgrounds that now participate in this 50% discount program (read the terms for each campground to know how many nights and which months this deep discount is available.)
RV Overnights – Similar to the “other guys” program, but WITHOUT the cost OR attitude! These guys now have THOUSANDS of hosts across the nation. AND… since you’re a reader of mine, use RVACROSSAMERICA when checking out for a 20% discount on your first year!
The “New” RV Buyer – one who is planning to LIVE in an RV Park
In my interactions with random buyers in Facebook groups, I think I’ve identified something. And I’m talking about the buyer who is NOT in good financial shape and NOT buying an RV to enjoy the RV Lifestyle. They want the lower costs of living in an RV park in contrast to more traditional housing.
These folks do not have lots of discretionary income, their credit is often marginal – especially in the world of RV (recreational) loans. A recreational loan to a sub-prime borrower can carry VERY high interest rates. In a recent transaction for one of my Concierge RV Buying Clients, I became very aware that with an 800 credit score, the offer would be about 8.5% (for a 15 year loan.) With a credit score of 720 (again RECREATIONAL loan), the interest rate would be 15% and the term cut to 12 years. And that was on a NEW camper; on a used camper, the rates are higher.
These RV Buyers are being driven into purchasing NEW campers
And… new campers depreciate. Rapidly. Massively. It becomes a devastating loss to the buyer when they find out how poorly the camper they purchased was built. Yes, in many cases, I’m talking about Forest River and Thor campers. Remember, each of these two giants owns numerous companies that operate according to the wishes of the “mother ship.”
IF I could counsel each one of these buyers…
I would advise them to go for a well built used camper instead of poorly built new (junk.) Yes, its more effort. Yes, it may take more time than a casual afternoon visit to the local criminal… errr… RV superstore – but in the end, you get something well constructed.
Stay within your financial means – and DON’T go into DEBT
Instead of taking out a loan on a $30000 – 50000 camper that will start falling apart within DAYS of your moving in, if you were working with me via my Concierge RV Buying Service, my advice would be simple: Lets focus on what cash you can come up with – even if its only $5000. or perhaps $10,000. and let’s find a well built, good (great) condition camper with NO WATER DAMAGE.
I can recall one day, back when I was working for an RV dealer in Casper, we took in a 2001 Jayco Designer fifth wheel on trade. It was 15 years old at that time. I walked around it and walked in it and was immediately struck by the condition it was in – AND – by how well it was built. Today, that camper if its been maintained would likely sell for well under $10,000. and can easily serve its new owners for years to come.
Jayco (of that era) is not the only brand I’d be looking for. Just to drop two more names – Arctic Fox (NOT arctic wolf) and Carriage are two more iconic manufacturers where IF the camper has been maintained, it is a VERY worthwhile purchase.
One of the services I perform for my RV Clients is to interview (more likely interrogate!) the seller. I want to know how they’ve used it and any history I can garner. I want to know what condition it is REALLY in. If “we” get serious about purchasing it (at the right price), I secure a local inspector to thoroughly check it out. Just as with home inspections, we don’t do this for every camper we look at. We only arrange an inspection for one that we decided to negotiate on (I do the negotiating.) I ensure the seller will allow an inspection before any monies are finalized. We do this AFTER price has been negotiated and the deal is contracted.
Please be the buyer who does this RIGHT and not make the mistakes being made EVERY DAY by most!
Just look around most RV parks to see what most are buying and head in another direction! Be aware, you may hear about the fabled “10 year rule.” This rule is NOT widely applied in my experience. In my 15 years of travels, I have YET to find an RV park that holds to that rule!
Most RV parks do NOT want to look like “trailer parks” (you know the difference!) That said, if you own an older camper, often the rv park manager will request photos to ensure its not a complete wreck. Assuming its not, you’re likely to be welcomed. IF not, there’s another RV park down the road that will welcome your monthly rent!
Are there SOME RV Parks that really DO have a 10 year rule?
Yes. These are largely parks in highly desirable (and crowded) areas – parts of Florida, Texas and Arizona. IF that is where you plan to live, check with them first. Ask each park, “if mine is older, will you consider on a “case by case” basis based upon the condition of the camper?”
Most of my experience is in the intermountain west – Utah, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming and South Dakota. I tend to avoid tourist areas (traps!) So, when I think about campgrounds, I think about those in and around Idaho Falls, Id., Anaconda and Butte, Mt., Salt Lake City and Cedar City, Ut. etc. ALL of whom welcome campers built as long as 30 – 40 years ago.
I finished this and shot video while staying for FREE at the 50000 Silver $ RV Park – Gift Shop – Cafe – Bar (and gas station) – see video below!
In Closing…
“The times they are a changin'” – from the 60’s song… We’re seeing changes across our nation. I’ve tried to details what’s happening in “full service” RV Parks and why (as I see it.) Of course, RV’ers who are traveling have other options – the programs above that I shared; state and National Parks; and off-grid (dry) camping. Dry camping continues to be a favorite of mine – LOW cost and NOT crowded!
As I close, if you’re looking for a “guide by your side, who also has your back”, I work with my clients to help them purchase (or sell) an RV camper – and I will even negotiate for you! For a complete description of my Concierge RV Buying and Selling Services – along with my fee schedule, please see my post HERE.
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