I retired on Thursday and our first trip was from Olympia, WA to Eugene, OR. We wanted to get a couple of things done at Guaranty RV where we purchased our 5th wheel. About an hour and a half into the trip we were in fairly heavy traffic in the center lane when we spotted a HUGE chunk of semi truck tire, we call them gaters around here. There was no place to go with cars on both sides so Thumper had no choice but to run over it. The truck is fine but our new RV suffered some pretty good damage. Fortunately nobody was hurt and we were able to go on. The gater struck the lower front passenger corner just near the landing gear. The imprint of the tire tread is clearly visible. Then it skidded about halfway down the side leave some dents and skid marks. A Mr. Clean Magic Eraser removed the black marks so it's less noticable. We had the dealer take picutres and do a write up. The'll have to take the skirt off on that side and do some investigating in the front corner but there is several thousand dollars in damage. It appears to be cosmetic. What a way to start the first trip.
We stayed over night at the dealer and got our other work done and parts ordered. We were on the road again by noon headed for the beach and my family reunion. When we arrived at the campground where we had reservations, we were told that they had us arriving the following day. I explained that I had called and moved it up a day. The woman remembered me and remembered sending me a confirmation but someone had already been placed in our space. They put us in a very small back in space for the night and told us we'd have to move the following day. We were due to leave around 10am for Dallas to the reunion so I went to see if the other RV was gone but it was not. I went to the office to find out what we were supposed to do and they decided to leave us where we were parked. Even though it's small we are there and all set up so we were ok with that. We left town and spent the day with family and when we returned the manager came to tell us we were fine here and could stay. We complete all of our hookups since we were staying and within an hour or two he was back to tell us we had to move tomorrow. They have been very nice and very apologetic but it's really an inconvenience not knowing and having to hang around here to move between 11 and noon tomorrow. The did give us a discount for the first night and this evening he said they were going to compensate us for this but I have no idea how.
Is this a common problem?
The park manager or maintenance person (not sure who he is) also insisted on helping us get parked by directing Thumper very poorly into the way too small space. I know some of you will appreciate how much we enjoyed that.
We have to take the RV to Guaranty on Tuesday and leave it to get the body work done. I'm sure glad we aren't ready to hit the road for about three more weeks. Hopefully we have gotten all or at least some of the bad luck out of the way and are ready for smooth sailing!
Rosie
Workinrvers said
10:01 AM Aug 12, 2012
sorry to hear about your problems. One thing in this lifestyle is you learn to "roll with the punches".
As far as the RV park is concerned, No this is not normal. In fact, in my opinion, they are jerking you around, you had a reserved site and they gave it to someone else, YOU are the one being inconvienced by their mistake. You mention " he said they were going to compensate us for this but I have no idea how". Should not be too hard for them to give you a refund for at least part of your stay, sounds like they don't want to commit to anything hoping you will just "let it slide".
As far as backing into the site, Rudee is the only one that helps me park .... EVER! We can usually hit the spot pretty easy (but not always ) and she understands what I am doing and how to help me do it.
Good luck on your next trip, hope it has less "punches".
Phil
WestWardHo said
03:56 PM Aug 12, 2012
Wow, what a way to start your big adventure! I'm so sorry, but you are rolling with it ver well. However your DH did the right thing and the only thing he could do.
Our first trip in my (then) BF's travel trailer we came over the crest of a 8% grade hill and there was a big loaded duffel bag right in our lane. Swerved to miss it (swerving is a big no no) and the trailer started swinging back and forth and pretty soon it was on its side and dragging us backwards towards a guard rail. Ended up with a blown tire on truck and the back end up over the guard rail. We were extremely fortunate we did not go over the edge. TT was totaled but we were unharmed. We also had forgotten to re-activate insurance when we took it out of storage.
Bummer, but we sold it for parts and appliances and went out a month later and bought another trailer (which we insured before it left the lot :). It took me about a year before I stopped white-knuckling it down hills. Next week we pick up our new 5er as we are clearly hooked.
Hope your insurance covers the repairs and the campground needs to discount your stay, not just part of one day.
bjoyce said
05:15 PM Aug 12, 2012
Campgrounds are notorious for not handling coming in a day early. We have had issues a couple times but normally it has been handled by the time we arrive.
Are you going to the RV-Dreams rally in September since it is just a few miles from Guaranty RV in Harrisburg? You will get a lot of help if you do come.
Right now we are visiting my mother who lives in Tumwater.
K & E said
06:17 PM Aug 12, 2012
So sorry to hear about your troubles on your first time out. Especially since none of it was your fault. We crested a hill on the interstate in Colorado a few years ago to find a step ladder in the middle of our lane. Trucks on both sides of us so Kevin had no choice but to try and straddle it. He did great until the rear tire hit it. It jumped up and caused damage to the underside of our 5er, but no damage to the truck. We had no choice but to keep going until we could pull over safely. We never did find out if anyone behind us got hit. I sure hope not. As far as the campground goes, it is not something that we've encountered. Mistakes do happen, but they need to be doing a better job of compensating you for their mistake. I would ask for a least one night free. Hopefully, this was the bad dress rehearsal before the main show and all of the bad luck is out of the way. Good luck!
rclvnv said
10:07 PM Aug 12, 2012
Lets hope you got the unpleasant aspects out of the way early. We full time and drive about 7000 mi or so each year. This time was the only coast to coast trip in which we didn't have impact with a "gator", as you call it. Years ago we had very extensive damage to a TT ,twice on the same journey, via gators. First trip with the 5er, we had a tire from a semi blow up right in front of us on I-40.Couldn't dodge the bullet. Luckily damage limited to rubber marks on our rig, this time. My best advice to anyone about to full-time is to get everything you possibly can repaired,installed or adjusted, before you F/T. The only downside of F/T, IMHO is that when the rig needs to be in the shop, you are "homeless". Having just spent five days in a nice hotel, I know this.Glad to have our home back.
The campground issue we've not had yet, so again I'll hope you got it out of the way. We stay at our base park in Las Vegas at least four months but on average stay at 20 or so different parks each yr. I always try to have a fall back place just in case, Haven't needed it so far,
Travel well, it will only get better.
Richard
Rosie RV Thumper and Dog Dog said
11:09 PM Aug 12, 2012
Update This morning I went to talk to the manager at the RV park and couldn't find him. He didn't answer the phone that was posted on the door either. We had not paid for our final two nights so we decided to move to another park. I have family in town and they had seen a nice RV park just across from their condo rental. My daughter called them and they had space for us so we are now in Premier RV Park. They are wonderful. Very kindly and without being condescending, the manager helped direct my husband in while I checked in. They are very pet friendly and even have an off leash spot that is fenced. I'm very happy we moved even if it's only for two more nights. Thanks for all of your comments and suggestions. Each time we move it gets easier. Rosie
Ranger guy said
12:27 AM Aug 13, 2012
well with booking sites in canada were I`m from I found that campgrounds that are privately owned will move you when you show up because the people wanted to stay longer even knowing you booked that site but in canada were alot of parks are owned by the goverment this is not a problem if you wan t to stay and the site you are in is booked they will make you move and thats why we book at our local campground so we can get the sites we want.Last year a group of us all booked at a private campground all 4 sites were together but when we showed up we were all over the park so we asked why we booked 4 sites together they said the people in 2 of the sites wanted to stay so they had to move us but then they said ok you are hear now so we will just make the next people that show up park in a different spot and gave us there spots so we could be together.LOL
PIEERE said
01:39 AM Aug 13, 2012
It is so nice when a plan comes together! That should help ease the burdens that came with that dilemma! No matter what happens; enjoy the good times which will ease the pains of the not so good times. I learned from a friend who is no longer with us; When everything else you tried fails: "Trust in God to get you through". I have to remember that and posting it keeps it fresh in my mind.
Rosie RV Thumper and Dog Dog said
02:17 AM Aug 16, 2012
We're home from our trip. We left the 5th wheel in Oregon to be repaired. While it is there they will be adding a fantastic vent with remote so we can turn the fan on and off without climbing. YAY! We are also having them add a couple of small shelves over the bed for our c-pap machines and such. Once I get into my little corner in bed there is nowhere to even put a drink. That small comfort will make a difference for me. We noticed one window has lost its seal so they are going to replace that.
We're down to about three weeks to finish up things here at the house and head out. I feel like a 5 year old on Christmas Eve. What is all of this waiting about?
Hi All,
I retired on Thursday and our first trip was from Olympia, WA to Eugene, OR. We wanted to get a couple of things done at Guaranty RV where we purchased our 5th wheel. About an hour and a half into the trip we were in fairly heavy traffic in the center lane when we spotted a HUGE chunk of semi truck tire, we call them gaters around here. There was no place to go with cars on both sides so Thumper had no choice but to run over it. The truck is fine but our new RV suffered some pretty good damage. Fortunately nobody was hurt and we were able to go on. The gater struck the lower front passenger corner just near the landing gear. The imprint of the tire tread is clearly visible. Then it skidded about halfway down the side leave some dents and skid marks. A Mr. Clean Magic Eraser removed the black marks so it's less noticable. We had the dealer take picutres and do a write up. The'll have to take the skirt off on that side and do some investigating in the front corner but there is several thousand dollars in damage. It appears to be cosmetic. What a way to start the first trip.
We stayed over night at the dealer and got our other work done and parts ordered. We were on the road again by noon headed for the beach and my family reunion. When we arrived at the campground where we had reservations, we were told that they had us arriving the following day. I explained that I had called and moved it up a day. The woman remembered me and remembered sending me a confirmation but someone had already been placed in our space. They put us in a very small back in space for the night and told us we'd have to move the following day. We were due to leave around 10am for Dallas to the reunion so I went to see if the other RV was gone but it was not. I went to the office to find out what we were supposed to do and they decided to leave us where we were parked. Even though it's small we are there and all set up so we were ok with that. We left town and spent the day with family and when we returned the manager came to tell us we were fine here and could stay. We complete all of our hookups since we were staying and within an hour or two he was back to tell us we had to move tomorrow. They have been very nice and very apologetic but it's really an inconvenience not knowing and having to hang around here to move between 11 and noon tomorrow. The did give us a discount for the first night and this evening he said they were going to compensate us for this but I have no idea how.
Is this a common problem?
The park manager or maintenance person (not sure who he is) also insisted on helping us get parked by directing Thumper very poorly into the way too small space. I know some of you will appreciate how much we enjoyed that.
We have to take the RV to Guaranty on Tuesday and leave it to get the body work done. I'm sure glad we aren't ready to hit the road for about three more weeks. Hopefully we have gotten all or at least some of the bad luck out of the way and are ready for smooth sailing!
Rosie
sorry to hear about your problems. One thing in this lifestyle is you learn to "roll with the punches".
As far as the RV park is concerned, No this is not normal. In fact, in my opinion, they are jerking you around, you had a reserved site and they gave it to someone else, YOU are the one being inconvienced by their mistake. You mention " he said they were going to compensate us for this but I have no idea how". Should not be too hard for them to give you a refund for at least part of your stay, sounds like they don't want to commit to anything hoping you will just "let it slide".
As far as backing into the site, Rudee is the only one that helps me park .... EVER! We can usually hit the spot pretty easy (but not always
) and she understands what I am doing and how to help me do it.
Good luck on your next trip, hope it has less "punches".
Phil
Our first trip in my (then) BF's travel trailer we came over the crest of a 8% grade hill and there was a big loaded duffel bag right in our lane. Swerved to miss it (swerving is a big no no) and the trailer started swinging back and forth and pretty soon it was on its side and dragging us backwards towards a guard rail. Ended up with a blown tire on truck and the back end up over the guard rail. We were extremely fortunate we did not go over the edge. TT was totaled but we were unharmed. We also had forgotten to re-activate insurance when we took it out of storage.
Bummer, but we sold it for parts and appliances and went out a month later and bought another trailer (which we insured before it left the lot :). It took me about a year before I stopped white-knuckling it down hills. Next week we pick up our new 5er as we are clearly hooked.
Hope your insurance covers the repairs and the campground needs to discount your stay, not just part of one day.
Are you going to the RV-Dreams rally in September since it is just a few miles from Guaranty RV in Harrisburg? You will get a lot of help if you do come.
Right now we are visiting my mother who lives in Tumwater.
Lets hope you got the unpleasant aspects out of the way early. We full time and drive about 7000 mi or so each year. This time was the only coast to coast trip in which we didn't have impact with a "gator", as you call it. Years ago we had very extensive damage to a TT ,twice on the same journey, via gators. First trip with the 5er, we had a tire from a semi blow up right in front of us on I-40.Couldn't dodge the bullet. Luckily damage limited to rubber marks on our rig, this time. My best advice to anyone about to full-time is to get everything you possibly can repaired,installed or adjusted, before you F/T. The only downside of F/T, IMHO is that when the rig needs to be in the shop, you are "homeless". Having just spent five days in a nice hotel, I know this.Glad to have our home back.
The campground issue we've not had yet, so again I'll hope you got it out of the way. We stay at our base park in Las Vegas at least four months but on average stay at 20 or so different parks each yr. I always try to have a fall back place just in case, Haven't needed it so far,
Travel well, it will only get better.
Richard
Update
This morning I went to talk to the manager at the RV park and couldn't find him. He didn't answer the phone that was posted on the door either. We had not paid for our final two nights so we decided to move to another park. I have family in town and they had seen a nice RV park just across from their condo rental. My daughter called them and they had space for us so we are now in Premier RV Park. They are wonderful. Very kindly and without being condescending, the manager helped direct my husband in while I checked in. They are very pet friendly and even have an off leash spot that is fenced. I'm very happy we moved even if it's only for two more nights.
Thanks for all of your comments and suggestions. Each time we move it gets easier.
Rosie
t to stay and the site you are in is booked they will make you move and thats why we book at our local campground so we can get the sites we want.Last year a group of us all booked at a private campground all 4 sites were together but when we showed up we were all over the park so we asked why we booked 4 sites together they said the people in 2 of the sites wanted to stay so they had to move us but then they said ok you are hear now so we will just make the next people that show up park in a different spot and gave us there spots so we could be together.LOL
We're down to about three weeks to finish up things here at the house and head out. I feel like a 5 year old on Christmas Eve. What is all of this waiting about?
Rosie