Once I had finished my research deep-dives on the world of RVing and actually purchased my first travel trailer in 2017, I learned of the key communities that exist for all different types of RVers. Joining Escapees and participating in their learning sessions and Escapades events in Arizona helped me with the practical skills to operate and maintain my RV. As a music lover, finding the Lit Cactus out in the desert 5 miles from Quartzsite AZ let me rally around huge campfires and play songs with fellow music lovers, many of whom remain friends to this day.
I was lucky that an unplanned stop at an RV dealer in Central California led to me trading in my 5 year old Class A diesel pusher for a used 2019 Plateau XLTD. I learned that my new-to-me Pleasure Way had been traded-in by a person who was purchasing a used 23 PW that had been traded-in by a person taking ownership of a new 2025 PW model. A true domino effect in action! Basically the value, customer satisfaction and desirability of the Pleasure Way brand had been proven even before I even test drove the Plateau.
Now a new PW owner I sought out online communities to help further my knowledge and appreciation of my Plateau. The corporate PW website was filled with videos dating back to my 2019 model (and earlier), and had an owner’s manual available for download (quite important since no paperwork came with my unit). The site also had links to a Pleasure Way User Group dedicated exclusively to people who own these RVs. After completing a thorough registration, I ventured online to see owners with PWs dating back to the ‘90s asking questions, providing real-world experiences and promoting several Regional chapters that held in-person rally events.
As the new year began my travels brought me to San Diego. I learned that there would be a ‘Break on the Bay’ event taking place in Chula Vista, but it had sold out. A few weeks later a post on the User Group site said that there were now spaces available, and I registered at the campground where the rally would take place. I was greeted upon arriving at the event by Rick Nickle, a Pleasure Way manufacturing representative who I would learn in the coming days has been with the company since 1987. Throughout the event I could see that he is truly dedicated to helping owners and would-be owners learn about all the features and benefits of the brand.
Soon the entire campground was filled with row upon row of Pleasure Ways, from a 1997 unit all the way up to glistening new 2025 models shining in the Southern California sun. On my daily walk around the park I would stop to chat with fellow PW owners about their rigs, how they travel and recommendations of places to visit. I met a fellow Grateful Dead fan, and we spent a couple of afternoons in my Plateau playing our guitars. What’s great about being a part of one community is that you meet like-minded people who may share other interests that help solidify new friendships.
Apart from sponsored dinners, there were morning and afternoon learning sessions. A Truma service tech fielded questions about the water heating and air conditioning units we use, and also offered on-site installation of these essential systems. A ‘best of handy devices’ portion covered items an RV owner could buy to help with their travels - the winner being a hidden surveillance camera in a birdhouse! The factory rep fielded any and all questions from the crowd and answered them in a clear, easy-to-understand way. And at an ice cream social, the local dealer allowed us to see the new models and, for some motivated attendees, begin negotiations on trading in their existing PW for the latest model.
Many people go from rally to rally across the U.S. and Canada to share the community experience in new and varied locales. They learn, forge new friendships and confirm the fact that they own an RV of the true quality. I am heading back to Pennsylvania and already plan on attending an East Coast event taking place in Cape May, New Jersey in June. There I look forward to cultivating the Pleasure Way experience even further.
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