Is there a Stereotype of Full-time RVer's?

We never expected to find prejudice and discrimination, social stereotypes, group bias, or discrimination against the community of full-time RVers, but we soon realized that there is a very common negative traditional stereotype of the fulltime RV lifestyle.

Here's our story. Because of Don's job we found ourselves moving every 8 to 12 months. His job would relocate and we'd have to pack everything, sell the house and move in a hurry. We couldn't afford to have a house in every state we moved to, so buying and selling seemed our only choice.

In the summer of 2007 we were told another relocation move was coming by year end. The real estate market had started to fall and we were franticly trying to sell our house in preparation for the next move.

We were able to sell it, but with the market down and the stress of buying and selling over and over we were wore to a frazzle. We had always intended to become full-time Rver's when we retired and thought "why wait?" It will make our relocations so much simpler!

The decision was made, we purchased our new fifth-wheel and for the first time in years the pressure was off. If the company asked us to move all we needed to do was hook-up the truck and take off! Could it get any better than this? I am sure you've heard this before, but we would live where-ever we were parked. Our home would always be with us.

We were giddy and excited to tell others about our decision. Although, the social biased reactions were something we hadn't expected! We soon discovered a general stereotype of fulltime Rver's which assumed they are poor, can't afford a traditional home, were in financial crisis, and were possibly one short step away from homeless!

We were encountering this basic biased negative generalization everywhere we went, and we found ourselves no longer willing to tell others about our living arrangements. There was envy and resentment among family members who relentlessly assumed we were in crisis. If we met new people when we were out in social situations we danced around the "where do you live" question with the finesse of a performance artist! Not wanting to constantly defend our lifestyle choice we avoided conversations where it would likely come up.

Why were we being made to feel so ashamed of our lifestyle choice? Living in our fifth-wheel made us happy and was a positive choice in our lives. It has lead to a great deal less stress in our lives and we are enjoying our new easy lifestyle. Why were we feeling pressured to conform to what others deemed normal? Full-time Rving was our lifestyle choice not a financial decision based on crisis.

We decided to become advocates of the full-time RV lifestyle, and to encourage others who share this common bond. We are redefining what it means to be a full-timer, and changing the common stereotype one story at a time. Full-timers are happy and adventurous, stable and content. This lifestyle isn't for everyone, but for those who choose it despite any negative feedback remember "where you live does not define who you are." Live life as an adventure; young, old, full-time, or part-time, it's always a good-time for RVers.

No More Stereotypes - Tell Us Why You Love the RV Lifestyle!