RVs?

I used to deliver RV's and they weren't set up for occuppancy(ie toliets didn't have the necassary chemicals to be used) .The dealership I drove for didn't let us drivers park at RV parks unless there was a show or were delivering to the park. Also some of the older RV parks can't take RV's over a certain length. Also with some of the newer RV's one cannot move around in them unless one opens the slide-outs. I always tried to park in the back row on the corner so I could this. The average price of the RV's I delivered was 500k.

 

I have seen alot of converted bobtails in campgrounds and they are nothing more than a bobtail with a trailer welded on the frame. I have also seen bobtails in a couple of campgrounds but in all my time, I dont think I actually remember seeing more that a couple. I dont think weight would be an issue.

 

The weight of a bobtail is significantly less than the large RVs. A bobtail with a super sleeper on it is probably close to the same weight.

 

I think there are weight limits at many of these camp grounds but perhaps one of our other members can chime in with "actual first hand knowledge" as to what guidelines KOA and others have in regard to size and weights.

jlkklj777,

I'm a member of KOA and Good Sam. In all my CG directories, I never see anything about weight limits. CG's are likely to advertise they are big rig friendly and offer pull thru sites. That is an important matter to a lot of RV'rs moving 42' diesel pushers with a toad attached, and a big selling point for the CG. There are lots of RV'rs that struggle with backing up, and pull thru's are always taken first.

 

That's why I'm in favor of a special class for anyone looking to purchase one of those 40'+ RVs. Maybe even a class B license. One should definitely know to maneuver those things.

Of course this is a pipe dream of mine. Just like not having them park in the big truck parking spots at the truck stops.

 

I have seen alot of converted bobtails in campgrounds and they are nothing more than a bobtail with a trailer welded on the frame.

Rockee, A lot of full timers use medium duty trucks, and some even use CMV tractors to haul rather heavy fifth wheels. 'Teton' and "King of the Road" are a few mfrs. that make fivers weighing in near 10 ton M-T on tri axles. Even before allowances for weight;personal belongings, propane, water, food and etc., a larger MDT, such as an F-650 toils. It only stands to reason that some opt for a CMV for towing.

When I attended a 'Life on Wheels' seminar in Bowling Green, KY a few years ago, I learned that over 1 million people live full-time in RV's and on boats.

I don't think I'd be looking to overnight with a T/T in a CG anytime soon.
Idle-Aire is a bargain comparitively speaking. I have showered at CG's near truckstops though.

 

Of course this is a pipe dream of mine. Just like not having them park in the big truck parking spots at the truck stops.


Scarecrow, Requirements for driving big RV's are lax, no doubt about it.

You will be comforted to know that travel trailers, and fifth wheels require no annual or bi-annual inspection, nor once a decade for that matter. Were I to push for anything in the RV restriction world, I'd tackle that one before license to drive.

As I live in both worlds by choice, I never take a parking space of a tractor/trailer in my RV. AND, I have spread that word as gospel...

 

I see both as a problem, Miles.

The mechanical safety of the RVs is certainly no less and possibly no more important than the safety of the driver of said RVs. As I'm sure you're well aware, so many people buy these tour bus sized RVs having never driven anything larger than an SUV or a pick-up truck. Those chassis are equipped with large horse powered diesels with jake brakes, air brakes and air ride suspension. Reckon any of the average purchasers of said RV have any idea what a 7 step brake test is? Do you suppose they even know what the air pressure gauge is telling them?

I applaud your advocation on the issues of parking.

 

I agree with the couple hands above me here. RV's belong in the campgrounds and such, not in the truckstops.
There are designated pumps out front for RV's so there is NO reason for them to be "camping" in a truckstop. As stated above spaces are limited and we are required to stop for 10 hours while we are WORKING out here.
Have your vacation at a campground!

 

I understand converted semis into rv's. The question then would be where is their trailer while they are parked in the campground?

I know from personal experience companies do not like drivers to drop a loaded (or empty) trailer anywhere except at a terminal, shop for repairs, or a customer. It could be towed or have the cargo stolen while the driver is "absent."

The point I was trying to make is service plazas and truck stops have limited parking for the big trucks that are on the highways working. Campers and rvers have alternate parking choices that we do not. I suspect we would not be permitted to pull a fully loaded tractor trailer into a campground and park over night but rvers routinely pull into truck stop parking areas and camp out there instead. On the east coast this is a big problem and with truckstops and rest areas closing each year it makes a bad problem even worse.

Separate but equal anyone??? (Hmmmm now where have I heard that before??? lol)

Seriously though its about taking into consideration the needs of your fellow man rather than just thinking of yourself. I know when I am bobtailing I always park away from the full length tractor trailer slots. I do not own an rv but I believe if I did I would park it at a camp ground rather than in the middle of a truckstop.

For the condos on wheels I guess they park wherever they can fit. I see many actually detaching and parking beside their trailer because they are so long and are afraid to get run into.