The RV Wave

The RV Wave

Do you get waved at by other RVers when you’re out on the road? If you’ve noticed other RV owners waving at you and being extra-friendly while driving, welcome to the club. You’re now a part of a lifestyle that most sticks and bricks owners will never understand. The RV wave is a time-honored courtesy that will hopefully be around for generations to come.

History of the RV Wave

RV owners have been giving each other “the wave” for many years. They are joined by the common bond of shared experience and dedication to the lifestyle. Mind you, this bond is made up of an estimated 11 million RVers as of 2018. Unfortunately, the exact origins of the wave itself are unknown. One thing is for sure though, it’s here to stay.

How Does The RV Wave Work?

The RV wave is more than just a simple “hello” with your hand. There are rules and responsibilities when it comes to the wave, and most RV owners take it seriously.

Think your fancy new RV excludes you from having to wave back to an older RV? Think again! Whether you have a Class A, Class C, Airstream, 5th Wheeler or Bumper Pull doesn’t matter. Remember, this is a lifestyle, not a beauty pageant. No matter the year or manufacturer of your RV, if someone waves at you then you should wave back.  And if you’re a passenger in a RV you’re also expected to wave back whenever waved to. You have plenty of time to relax while riding shotgun so take a moment to enjoy this RVing tradition. You don’t even have to put your Smart Phone or navigation tools down.

The RV  wave should also be a proactive not reactive gesture. The best way to keep the RV wave alive is to strive to be the one who initiates the wave. There are plenty of other common courtesies falling out of fashion. Don’t make this another one.

Additionally, waving to the other RV’ers can mean more than just a simple acknowledgment. Consider it more like a code among RVers: “We’re in this together. I see you and I got you.”  Knowing that someone’s acknowledged your presence can mean peace of mind in the unfortunate instance that something happens while out on the road. Yes, emergency vehicles can be quick to the scene but probably not as quick as the RVers that just passed you.  So, the next time you are out on the highway and a fellow RVer shoots you a wave, be courteous and wave back. 

As said before, we are all in this together. The type of RV or who does the waving shouldn’t matter. Life is too good out on the highway to not be a Waving RVer. 

The Waving Okies

(Revised from The Captains BLOG)