RV Parking Restrictions Hurt Your Business; Hows And Whys Of RV Owner Behavior And Accommodations

by Lyn Lomasi; Co-Owner of Intent-sive Nature & the Brand Shamans network

If you own a business with a parking lot, you may get annoyed when a large rig, like a truck or RV uses your lot. But think twice before calling a tow company on an RV or trucker. RV parking restrictions hurt your business big time!

​Why RVers May Be Parked A Couple Hours

If a family's only vehicle is a motorhome or they are traveling, they may only get to the store once in a while. Therefore, they could be making a huge purchase at your store. By sending out a tow truck or placing a tow sticker or sign on their vehicle, you just ensured they won't make a purchase with you again. Does this actually happen when people are parked legitimately? Yes. It has happened to our family during routine grocery trips and travel stops. Please ensure that you know for sure how long someone has been in a spot before you wrongly accuse them of overnight parking or camping in your lot.

RVers Usually Have A Large Network

Mistreat one RVer and you are likely to lose a lot of business. You can bet they will tell their friends not to shop there and word will spread like wildfire. Remember that RVers know more than just other RVers and people don't like unfair treatment of any group of people. It can easily be considered discrimination.

Parking A Few Hours Is NOT Overnight Parking

RVers are used to overnight parking restrictions and most are glad to follow them. But please don't accuse us of parking overnight when we are just getting massive groceries and supplies in your store for a few hours. When you only shop every so often, it may take a while to gather everything you need in the store. This does not indicate intent to stay overnight . It is especially unfair when "regular" (non-camper-type) vehicles have been there longer and don't have the same warnings. Many people in RVs are not in your lot to camp. We are there to spend money with you.

Mistreating Customers Is Immoral And Sometimes Illegal

Selectively targeting specific customers to warn about extended parking could be seen as discrimination or even harassment. In these cases, not only will your company be seen in a bad light, but you could land in court and be out large sums of money. It's always safer (and more courteous) to take the high road and give the same treatment to everyone.

How Can I Safely Fit RVs Without Disrupting Business?

If you want to safely accommodate customers with RVs and other big rigs, consider a designated section for the bigger vehicles, with appropriate signage. Also, clearly post your expected time limits on parking so that we don't accidentally exceed them. This keeps big rigs out of the path of the smaller vehicles and quicker shoppers. Most RV owners consider this a kind gesture. We know we are huge and we are grateful you welcome us, despite that. Without designated parking, most of us try to park in the most courteous spot. But it's not always possible.

Most People In RVs Are Not Homeless

It is sad that this has to be said. But it is necessary. We have often noticed that people in RVs are treated as miscreants, nuisances, or considered to be homeless. Not all RVers live in their rigs and many are very far from being homeless. Some are camping or traveling. Most of those who do live in them have a place to be and are not trying to live in your lot. They just want to buy groceries and other necessities, just like everyone else.

Post Your Rules Clearly

Unless you have clearly posted rules that an RVer clearly violates, it can be considered discrimination to give out tow warnings or call a tow truck (or even worse, call the police). This is a massive insult and rights violation to someone who is just doing what everyone else does and abiding by normal parking rules. Again, if you have special rules, please post them so people know what to expect. Most RV owners are very happy to abide by those rules. We are happy to respect you. Please give us the same treatment.