Has Anyone's Skoolie Ever Been Turned Away From An RV Park?

[josetann]

Sort of. The Golden Nugget RV Park in Anchorage, AK said that they'd need to know the length of the RV and see a picture of it since I was looking to stay 3+ months. Sent a follow-up email with a picture, then another email, never heard back. I guess they must be doing so much business they can pick and choose who they want (that's a bit sarcastic, I'm told that there's not as many RVs here this year).

It all worked out in the end though, found another place to stay that doesn't care what the RV looks like (they asked for a picture, but said it wasn't a problem).

Edit: Should mention that I don't have an actual skoolie, but it is an ex-bookmobile (same chassis, nose looks the same, but has a taller flat roof).

 

[campsalot-SKO]

We did. Lynnville RV Park in Lynnville, Indiana. We nicely told them - Not a problem, state parks love skoolies and everyone wants to see/comment on it. Everywhere we go, someone looks it over inside and out, and says they have always wanted to do this and now they will, etc. We camp so much, it is their loss, not ours!

 

[Sojakai]

...It just depends on if you want to hear birds and leaves, or everyone parked around you, in the morning.

 

[Sojakai]

Might I suggest a set of "Full Ear" headphones... There are wireless headphones that you can get that should hook in really quick and easy. Cheapest pair that I have seen run on two AAA batteries for the headphones, and two AA for the transmitter, and cost less than $20. Plus, if they have a cord, the bigger they are, the harder to forget that your wearing them... The little "In the Ear" headphones really hurt when they get yanked from your ears the third time...

There are some cheap Noise-Canceling headphones, but they break pretty quickly. I have a great pair, but have to figure out some way to repair the clip on one side. They still work great, just one ear hangs from its wires.

 

[Seeria]

I'm a bit worried about this myself, although we nearly always stay with state and national campgrounds. Can't stand those dang private ones, but now and then we have to stay at one for a few weeks or a month. Generally due to illness or repairs.

 

[Duckf00t]

Strange about being refused there pjespers, we've stayed at many private parks. Our bus is far from your typical RV. Big Black with skulls, and skeletons hanging in the windows. Plus the tattoo business painted on the side, I love parking next to the 300k rigs. Met some real nice folks, never had a problem...yet.

This is us at one of those parks- Heh heh fun.

Even my swing out sign reads "bus stops for heavy metal" I changed the red flashers with purple LEDs.

 

[lornaschinske]

I got this thru the FL Sate Park website (I asked, they answered). I've been told by GA State Park rangers that it will work in most state parks. We've stayed in a GA state park for 3 months during the off season and never moved an inch. All told we were in the same state park for almost 5 months and only moved over Labor Day weekend. Park was booked solid and we simply visited another nearby state park. Off-season and Low-key is the way to go. Our RV is pretty nondescript and easily forgettable. We keep our stuff close to us and mostly hidden. At that time we were in construction and not traveling with a food cart painted to attract attention http://s570.photobucket.com/albums/ss150/lornaschinske/?start=20

FL State Park
Maximum stay is 14 days. This may be repeated up to 3 times, for a total of 42 days, within a 6 month period of time at any one Florida State Park. One could stay 14 days, but must leave the park for a 24 hour period, and then return for another 2 week stay, This can only be done by reserving a site prior to arrival through Reserve America 1-800-326-3521 or www.ReserveAmerica.com

 

[browncrown]

Two RV parks that I was thinking about required the vehicle to be RVIA (Recreational Vehicle Industry Assn.) approved. Has anyone had this problem and does anyone know how we skoolies can get this certification?

 

[browncrown]

I couldn't agree with you more Smitty and you are probablly right on in the "certification process" I'll just camp the Brown Crown somewhere else

 

[Sojakai]

Taken from their site:

http://www.rvia.org/Content/NavigationMenu/AboutRVIA/RVIAGovernance/default.htm

What is a Recreation Vehicle (RV)?

A vehicle designed as temporary living quarters for recreational camping, travel or seasonal use. RVs may have their own motor power (as in the case of motorhomes); may be mounted (as are truck campers); or towed by another vehicle (as are travel trailers and folding camping trailers). Not included in the RV definition are conversion vehicles, off-road vehicles and manufactured housing for long-term residence (park trailers and mobile homes).

RV Types (sold by recreation vehicle dealers):
* Motorhomes
* Travel Trailers
* Folding Camping Trailers
* Truck Campers

 

[Redbear]

Taken from their site:

http://www.rvia.org/Content/NavigationMenu/AboutRVIA/RVIAGovernance/default.htm

What is a Recreation Vehicle (RV)?

"Not included in the RV definition are conversion vehicles"

So when you see a Prevost highway coach converted into a $750,000+ living space get in, point out to the park owners that it doesn't meet RVIA standards.

 

[browncrown]

I looked at the RVIA site and the paragraph above their "definition" of a RV tells it all...

"RVIA is the national trade association representing more than 550 manufactures and component suppliers producing approximately 98 percent of all RV's manufactured in the United States"

98 percent is a huge market share that they want to protect and continue with their building of RV's of planned obselescence...for them it is all about the money and a 10 year disposal plan, not to placate the snobs, but to sell more RV's.

As a Skoolie, I am proud to be in the 2 percent club as I bet all of you are too. My Skoolie just had it's 33rd bitrthday and is still going strong. It is built with pride and love without the help of RVIA.

 

[lornaschinske]

...So when you see a Prevost highway coach converted into a $750,000+ living space get in, point out to the park owners that it doesn't meet RVIA standards.

But it may! Many professional (and some home built) coach converters go by the NFPA 1192 Standard on Recreational Vehicles. If you want a copy you can get one here
http://www.techstreet.com/standards/NFP ... id=1534845

They are put out every few years. I had a 1999 issue. Most of it is okay. Some is downright dangerous or stupid. Most can also be done cheaper and achieve the same results. There was a disclaimer in the front of my book saying that the ANSI and NFPA was not responsible for the content of the book nor if any problems resulted from the rules being followed. Also the "rules" were dreamed up by the RV manufacturers and were simply "accepted practices". But it's how the manufactures get that niffy little emblem "approved by RVIA" which basically means " we built this and we approve it".

 

[mcfay]

I'm new to the group. In fact this is my first post. We don't have a bus yet but in a couple years will be buying one.

I just want to say, we don't stay in private parks. Even when we had our 5th wheel back in the '90s. We like the state parks, national forest and corp of engineers. If we have to stop overnight before we get to our destination we will overnight in a walmart lot or a truck stop. Most of the Flying J truck stops have RV parking in their front lot.

 

[lornaschinske]

But it's difficult to stay long term in a public campground. Although we have (3 months no moving) while in GA.

 

[Abbott-SKO]

I had an RV salesman ask me about my bus. He said "Do RV Parks let you in with that bus?" I replied "I don't go to places like that". He looked confused by my answer and went on to something else.

 

[busdriver_phil]

I got one of those nifty little RVIA emblems. It will be prominently displayed somewhere on my bus as a tribute to the trailer that is donating many parts for the project. Think it'll work?

 

[lornaschinske]

Maybe we need a list of campgrounds that we know will allow skoolies in (other than public campgrounds). List by state, then by town then by name? I have seen other forums that just list then "nilly-willy" and it's difficult to find a campground based on location. It's hard to find a campground near XYZville when the campground is in a thread titled "This is a great place!!!"

 

[lornaschinske]

But it does help find a campground to stay at rather than just have a list of ones that don't want us. In the meanwhile I will start with my "free & cheap" campground directory first and then work my way thru all the RV park listing sites I have bookmarked on my computer.

 

[The_Stuff]

lol does walmart count as a rv park?