Things RV travelers still do even though they’re no longer legal
Since 2001, RV ownership has risen 62%. Based on a Consumer Affairs report, roughly 11.2 million U.S. households own an RV, making it one of the most popular forms of recreational travel.
I’ll admit it—I’ve seen it firsthand on countless road trips, that little thrill when someone in an RV bends the rules just enough to get ahead. There’s a nostalgia to the old ways of RV life that makes people cling to habits even when the laws have changed.
These moves are more about tradition than rebellion. Let’s peek into the quirky habits RVers still can’t quite let go of, even though the law says otherwise.
Dumping Gray Water in Unofficial Spots
Many RV travelers still sneak gray water disposal in places that aren’t designated, despite strict EPA regulations. Gray water may seem less harmful but still contains organic and inorganic pollutants.
This includes heavy metals, endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), microplastics, nanoparticles, and microbial agents (bacteria, fungi, viruses, protozoa). Gray water, which comes from sinks and showers, must be properly disposed of at approved facilities.
Have you ever seen someone tip a bucket discreetly behind a tree? The temptation is understandable, especially in remote areas without official hookups. However, safe handling and treatment are essential before disposal to protect both human health and the environment.
Parking Overnight in Illegal Zones
Some travelers still get adventurous with overnight parking in spots where it’s technically off-limits. There’s a little rush in pulling up under a streetlamp or in a quiet lot, testing the rules while the world sleeps. Even with the risk, the mix of convenience and spontaneity keeps them coming back for more.
Bypassing Speed Limits in Scenic Stretches
Open roads invite freedom, and even though speed limits exist for safety, a few RV drivers still push the envelope. RV accidents make up roughly 20% of all recreational vehicle-related incidents each year. Most of these crashes are caused by driver mistakes, which account for more than 80% of them.
Yet the temptation of a scenic stretch with no one in sight can be irresistible. Have you ever felt that pulse of excitement when the engine hums just a bit louder? It’s a risky habit, but for many, it’s one of those small joys of the road.
Using Makeshift Propane and Fire Setups
Cooking over a fire or using non-standard propane setups was part of the classic RV experience. Though modern regulations restrict certain open flames and DIY propane rigs for safety, some travelers still sneak them in for camping nostalgia.
Have you ever grilled over a little improvised setup while telling stories under the stars? That blend of caution and adventure keeps some of these traditions alive, even with rules in place.
Boondocking in Restricted Areas
Boondocking, or camping without hookups, is a favorite adventure, but many legal restrictions now limit where it can happen. As of early 2025, 11 states have laws that either ban or heavily restrict RV living/parking, yet some travelers still skirt them. The allure of a quiet, isolated spot makes it hard to resist.
Key Takeaways
RV travelers have a way of blending caution with a love for adventure, often holding on to old habits despite the law. Practices such as gray water disposal and boondocking reveal a mix of nostalgia and thrill-seeking.
Safety and legality have improved, but the charm of the open road still inspires creative workarounds. Understanding these habits offers a glimpse into the culture of RV life, where rules meet the irresistible pull of freedom.
Read the original article on Crafting Your Home
