You might look at it from their point of view. Someone walks up wanting to look around their $350,000 rig, without having one of their own. I am sure friendliness has its limits, and you really can't be too careful these days.
We totally agree, that's why we never asked to go inside or look around, we stated very clearly from the beginning that we were Total Noobs and wanted to learn and if they had some time, would they just mind telling about RV'ing. Very low key and very un-pushy.
But I get what you are saying. Makes me sad in a way, but it is what it is I suppose
We totally agree, that's why we never asked to go inside or look around, we stated very clearly from the beginning that we were Total Noobs and wanted to learn and if they had some time, would they just mind telling about RV'ing. Very low key and very un-pushy.
But I get what you are saying. Makes me sad in a way, but it is what it is I suppose
Unfortunately!
Judging by your Atari and Walkmen comment earlier we are probably about the same age. From what I have seen so far on this board and others, we might be on the young side compared to other RVers. So it might be a little harder to break in to the club... so to speak.
I think I would agree. You know, here's a funny and interesting analogy...
The local Performing Arts Center started having blue jean night at the symphony. Then they started to have more younger conductors. Then they started having beer and brat nights at the opera. Why? Seems weird for a symphony and opera to be having blue jeans night and beer and brats, right? Well they quickly realized that their core audience was approaching the age of 100 and needing oxygen tanks, so they had to start appealing to a younger audience.
I had a salesman tell me the average age of a Class A owner was 72. That was the average! You would think they would start catering to a younger crowd. Not that I think of us in the total younger crowd, but still. I am sure its a fine line of age versus disposable income for a luxury purchase like an RV. But anyway, I am done ranting. We were just very disappointed in today's adventure.
NoMoreLurking: Those people you attempted to speak to are an embarrassment to the rest of us RV'ers that want to convey the friendly, laid-back kind of people we think we are. Still, some people go camping to "get away" from people. Some campers are loners and prefer to keep to themselves. Some might just be so "friendly" and you can't get them to go back home. You never know what's bound to happen when you randomly throw a bunch of people from God knows where together in a fairly confined space for 24 hours to a week or more.
On the other hand, there are some real fun types out there. It's kinda like your typical neighborhood where some households are extremely private and nonsocialable while others are at each other's door all the time or hanging out in the backyard. You're going to find all types while camping.
You sound like nice people with a great sense of humor. If you came up to me while I was sitting outside my camper and asked me the types of questions you asked some of those snooty campers I would more than likely talk your arm off. My wife, on the other hand, is more more reserved, but friendly. I enjoy helping others or just talking about general topics, but sometimes I'm looking for quiet time so I can sit and read.
Please don't draw a negative impression about RV'ers from those unfriendly people.
I hope that you are successful in obtaining the information you need so that you can find the RV lifestyle of your dreams. My wife and I often go camping by ourselves, but also go camping with several of our RVing friends. We like to go to music festivals, Nascar races, travel to Kentucky to attend horse races, camp at a state park on Lake Michigan so we can have some beach time. We've taken a few several thousand mile trips to New England and to the Rocky Mountains.
I'm sure you'll develop that personal RV lifestyle that your are envisioning. Like several others have said, get out there, learn, make mistakes, laugh, and enjoy whatever it is that turns you on. Happy trails!
PS: We loved the keys when we were down there about 10 years ago. Stayed in KW and got to see and speak with Captain Tony himself at the bar with his name on it. Maybe we'll get our RV down there sometime in the next couple of years. You're lucky you get to live in what many believe to be paradise. But then again, I'm a parrothead.
* This post was
edited 05/01/12 09:40pm by Parrothead Mike *
As to catering to a younger crowd, crossroads really stepped out of the box, they have Travis Pastrana from Nitro Circus for a spokesman. I am part of the younger crowd. I see both families and older couples at the campgrounds and RV parks we frequent. Some are friendlier than others, some are more isolated then others. We go and have a good time. We often do a lot of our talking with people at the playground while DD plays. I am a bit of an introvert in person and so I don't tend to venture into others campsites to chat but if they come to me, I am more than happy to chat. DH on the other hand, is very social and is never uneasy around people he doesn't know. We go some weekends and don't meet a lot of new people and we go others and make great friends. I have noticed camping groups and rallies are a great way to get social. I organized an RV.net get together (or rally) for my area last summer and made some new friends. I attended a crossroads get together (or rally) last fall and made some new friends. I have now joined a local camping group through meetup.com and am making more friends. They are there. As others have suggested join a camping group, it helps. this link is to the acronyms. Hope that helps some but TV= tow vehicle, DW= dear wife, DH= dear husband, DD= dear daughter, TT= travel trailer, and WDH = weight distribution hitch
I didn't mean to sound harsh. Over the years we have really enjoyed camping with friends but they always had their own gear. heck the other half doesn't even want to take the MIL along and she would have her own bed not the table or couch.
That said, we have had people come up and want to check out each rig we have camped in since the 80's. They thought our 62 Cree was cool, ( 30 yrs old when we had it). I don't know what they would see inside of a tent but several asked to see in our 10x20 3 room tent we have.
It seemed like the new temp tag on the trailer we bought last year drew a lot of attention as we had people stopping by to see it and offer advice. The campground host stopped every day on their rounds to check up or let us know a storm was coming and don't leave the awning out.
Like you we have met jerks over the years but the vast majority have been extremely friendly and helpful. Then again we use state or county parks and NFS campgrounds when we are not boondocking by ourselves. Maybe people are different in private GS's where the big rigs hang out.
If you are still not sure you might rent a few more times, maybe attend a rally where you can find people to talk to.
2011 GulfStream Amerilite 25BH
2007/2003 Ford Expedition
Nights camped in 2011 21
Nights camped in 2012 16
Since you are relatively new to the forums and to RV'ing perhaps you aren't aware of the old descriptive phrase about RV's. This applies to any RV of any type and any size: Drinks for 8, Dinner for 4, sleeps 2! This is why you might have a problem finding that "hands on mentoring" you are seeking, but I wish you luck and welcome you to the lifestyle.
Both retired. Travel with Nicky the Schnoodle. Son graduated and is teaching high school math. We still love our 2006 34' Allegro Bay XB and have 40,000+ miles on her.
Sorry about your experince! Maybe as other posters have suggested, try to go to RV shows. I did and found a few people that were willing to talk to us and give us some advice. Just random people.
I think if you approach someone out of the blue without an RV (like theirs), they might get a bit overprotective? Maybe? I don't know but they did sound pretty rude from your description.
I have been on the Heartland Owners Forum and everyone there has been extremely nice! Maybe there is a manufacturer forum (of one of the types of RV that you like) that you can ask questions there an maybe go to one of their rallies -- or meet them at an RV show as well.
Good luck with your endeavors and maybe to start, try to rent a small one and go to a campsite with it. Then you can meet your neighbors and ask questions that way.
2012 GMC 3500HD, Diesel, Crew Cab Standard Bed, SRW
2013 Cyclone 3010 (to be picked up)
I'm going to suggest a totally different approach. Asking at a RV park obviously didn't get the desired reaction and asking on the forums doesn't really get the in-depth information that you are seeking. How about reading some blogs and asking questions? Bloggers love to talk about their RVs and are usually willing to help with any questions.
HitchItch is a good place to start. Most of the bloggers are fulltimers so they know all the little idiosyncrasies of their RVs and all of the in and outs of camping and traveling with their particular RV. Look through the blogs and you'll probably find people with RVs similar to the ones that you are considering buying.
Offline
