I have heard of the possibility that one can buy a resale campground memebership into Thoushand Trails and Coast to Coast and others. Has anyone done this? Is there a good benefit to doing this or are there any pitfall$ to be aware of? Are these membership CGs worth the expense?
I've also heard that you can get yourself locked into one of these and the only way to get out of it is to give up your first born child (that would be one way of getting even with all the grief she caused me growing up )?
Best Regards!
-- Edited by Howard at 15:52, 2008-04-24
Tmcblane said
06:13 PM Nov 6, 2006
Paul, some friends of ours (if you remember Ken and Kathy from Quartzsite) bought one with RPI I think it was. They have had great luck with it and only paid a fraction for it. You can find them on ebay all the time. There is also a site where you can purchase a used on www.membershipresale.com and that may be the safest way to get what you want. Otherwise I would find someone who can coach you on what you need. We will probably buy one ourselves when we get back.
mikeway said
09:26 PM Nov 6, 2006
Hey Paul,
We have had 1000 Trails (TT) since 2002. Their site is 1000 Trails. The first trial 6 month membership came with the motor home when we purchased it. We picked up the dues @ about $510 a year after the first 6 months and have used it heavily ever since. Our current level, allows us 3 weeks per park and go to the next. RPI is include for $70 dues per year and ROD @ $100 per year was also offered.
All I can say is TT works well for us. The parks are generally very nice. Most have a cafe or some type of week end meal service. Most parks have some kind of activities director and the standard amenities. About half of the parks have free wifi and more are being added each budget year. The parks are usually within a few miles of a fair sized town. There are about 5 in a 50 mile circle around Los Angeles, 4 on the Oregon coast, 5? in Texas, 2 in Florida. There are 52 in all and the number is increasing. We just finished 8 days in Cottonwood, AZ and it was non stressful and pleasant.
We will have stayed by the end of December, more than 80 days in TT parks this year. Works out to $6.50 a day this year. In 2007, I expect the cost to be about $3.00 per camp day as we are already reserved for more than 30 days in Jan and early Feb. RPI costs $8.00 per night (up to 14) and there are quite few parks. Part of RPI is Enjoy America, a 50% discount plan like Passport America. Resorts of Distinction (ROD) cost per night is already less than $8 this year. We are currently in a ROD park this week, so it works for us.
E-Bay ( search for 1000 trails ) is an okay place to purchase memberships. The best memberships include LT (Leisure Time) and NACO parks. The Gold membership allows you to stay up to 14 days in a park, then out of the system 7 days and up to 14 days in the next park and so on. We stayed RPI for the 7 out. 4 years ago, in southern California, for 6 weeks we spent about $100 for camping costs.
There are levels of memberships. Usually, the member ship number is advertised, as is the TT customer service number. CALL THEM to verify the type of membership offered as some folks really don't know what they have. There is a transfer fee involved and I believe it is 10% of the original cost.
I have only been a little disappointed in 1 TT park and it has been improved since then.
Please remember, your mileage will vary and I am sure someone has had issues with TT, we haven't.
Mike
bjoyce said
08:27 AM Nov 7, 2006
When you buy a Thousand Trails resale membership you need to pay Thousand Trails $750 or so for a transfer fee on top of what you pay the seller. Thousand Trails will rewrite the membership to one of their current offerings based on what you have. Your dues will go up from what the seller paid, you might not have as many nights per stay than the seller, etc. Current plans are standard, Alliance and Platinum and those cover how long you can stay, how long you need to be out of system between stays, and if you ever pay for a night. The next level is what part of the US (and British Columbia) your membership covers. The next part is if you have NACO and/or LTR rights. A full-timer should get NACO and LTR and the whole country. That leaves standard (two weeks in, one week out of system, you do not pay ever except for surcharges), Alliance (two weeks in, but you can go to another park immediately, you pay $5/night after 50 nights), Platinum (three weeks in, you can go to another park immediately). Platinum has to be part of the resale, an old membership with three weeks in will revert to two weeks on resale. Complicated enough for you. It is worse since there are hundreds of variants of Thousand Trails memberships in affect and many selling don't understand them.
jomago said
09:34 AM Nov 7, 2006
Although many of the points mentioned by others may be correct for specific circumstances, they are not applicable to all resales.
Each existing member has a contract that is germane to that member. Being there are so many different contracts out there, it would be impossable to give one explanation.
Applicable costs associated with buying an existing members contract will be as spelled out in that contract, as will be resort utilization.
Remember thing can be changed for future members but once you have a contract, it is germane.
We have had TTN and Deluxe CtoC for going on 20 years, for us, it has been the great. One of the things we have always liked was the comradery with other members. Some of the recent reslae memberships have great built in advantages.
You need to look at each resale and check with TTN office before purchasing.
It is like being a member of this forum. DO YOU GET A WARM FEELING HERE ? I do.
Old Snipe said
04:49 PM Nov 7, 2006
jomago wrote:
It is like being a member of this forum. DO YOU GET A WARM FEELING HERE ? I do.
John,
I do too, in fact, I'm downright TOASTY!!!
Best Regards!
Luvglass said
10:23 PM Nov 7, 2006
Hi,
We're really new at this and need to ask a question.
Are these private campgrounds, not open to the public? and who are they aimed at? Are the ammenities so great that they out weigh the "shady" reputation they have? Every discussion we've seen on them always come up with warnings.
With that said, what is the lure? Who wants to do business in this trusting lifestyle with someone who you have to carefully read all 9 pages of the contract carefully.
Pardon the babble, I'm watching the election as I type this.
Fred
jwillie44 said
03:36 PM Jan 6, 2008
Like everything else, membership parks are a good deal if you use them. A bad deal if you don't. We figure that we will have to stay at TT parks 90 times a year for 10 years to get the price per night down to $10.00. You would think for a full-timer that it would be easy to do that. So far, in four years, we are averaging about 40 nights a year.
We like the "feel" of the TT parks but they are not located where we go. Also, the electricity grid in many of the parks is really old, and not so good.
brucedelta said
02:13 PM Feb 16, 2008
I posted in a thread on the campgrouds section earlier, but now realize I should have posted here, so the following is still my question.
We have a relative interested in selling a Outdoor World/Thousand Trails membership. They have only used it for cabin rentals and have owned it for about many years (20 I think). Here are the features they know about: 1) 2 weeks in/ 1 out 2) PA based home park 3) $720 Xfer fee 4) Anual Dues for them =$260, but when transferred they go to $502
They think they have no max number of nights per a year. I am going to call and get the exact details. I figured I would ask here and get some advice to make sure I ask all the right questions. I do have the membership number.
So folks, what should I ask?
I also need to determine fair compensation to pay them for this membership. Any advice from those who bought used. -- Bruce
Judy said
03:01 PM Feb 16, 2008
Bruce I think you need to pick the one that best suits your needs. We purchased TT and plan to just do most of the Western states plus some others. We are full timing and feel this may help us in traveling. By all means study the whole program first. We did buy a resale which is cheaper and the plan we wanted to use the most. southwestjudy & Bob & 2blackdogs
bjoyce said
05:53 PM Feb 16, 2008
Thousand Trails recently bought Outdoor World and the members make the reservations using the Thousand Trails website and office but cannot reserve at Thousand Trails, NACO or LTR campgrounds unless they spent $4000 (that was the number I was told). You need to get the membership number and ask Thousand Trails exactly what you are getting.
brucedelta said
12:29 PM Feb 17, 2008
I have the membership number and will call. I am told they spent over 10K total after a upgrade. I was just wondering what questions to ask really. The ones I know are as follows: 1) verify 2 weeks in/1 out. 2) max nights per year. 3) verify annual dues and xfer fee. 4) How far in advance can I reserver 5) where can I stay, whole country, NACO, LTR etc 6) Does it have rod, ctc, rti etc. 7) what upgrade options are there
Any other questions I should ask?
-- Edited by brucedelta at 12:39, 2008-02-17
-- Edited by brucedelta at 17:57, 2008-02-17
brucedelta said
10:47 AM Mar 9, 2008
Well it turns out Bill was right on the money (as usual) and that this is a outdoor world only membership. I would need to spend $4000 to get into the TT system, which makes no sense since resales are cheaper. I do not think outdoor world has enough variety for us as most of their parks are on the east coast. If I was given the membership then I woulod probably pay the xfer fee and yearly dues, but they think this membership is work over $1K, and I would rather spend it on a TT membership when ready. Unless someone thinks I am passing up a good deal and points out why I am going to skip this offer. -- Bruce
bjoyce said
01:49 PM Mar 9, 2008
Bruce: I didn't know if I was right, but it sounded like an Outdoor World only membership. There has been a lot of confusion since they all share the same website for reservations.
We are at TT Orlando in Clermont, FL now and had a visit with some friends who are staying here. I said, "I didn't know you had a Thousand Trails Membership". They said, "we bought it off Ebay but it turned out to be Thousand Trails only and we want Outdoor World, NACO and LTR so we are buying the upgrade to have it all and three week stays". My view is they didn't save much buying the membership except they do want Outdoor World and the upgrade is cheaper than buying a whole new membership.
Judy said
03:31 PM Mar 9, 2008
Well we just bought a used membership Platinum Plus and are using our first site here in Ca. I think this particular campground needs to be up-dated and I would not return here...we are moving on in a wk or so not staying the full 3 wks. I do hope we have better luck as so to speak at the next one!! Go to campground reviews as some TT campgrounds on on it. southwestjudy
bjoyce said
04:45 PM Mar 9, 2008
Judy: It sounds like you did not find what you expected? What were you expecting and which campground are you talking about?
We tell people to expect weak 30AMP water and electric and a narrow site at a membership campground. Some sites at some parks will be full hookup, some will be large, some will have strong 30AMP or even 50AMP. We are at Thousand Trails Orlando where all sites are full-hookup, the vast majority can handle a big rig and they have a large number of 50AMP sites. They sell a lot of Thousand Trails memberships here to people who think the whole system is so nice.
Edit: We have stayed at LOTS, Wilderness Lakes, and Morgan Hill in California and looked at Palm Springs. All of them have many people who love them, many who hate them, and we find them all OK places but nothing exceptional. We think Wilderness Lakes is quite nice, but there are those who hate the place for flies or all manner of reasons. Morgan Hill is close to San Jose, that is reason enough for us to like it.
-- Edited by bjoyce at 17:52, 2008-03-09
-- Edited by bjoyce at 17:55, 2008-03-09
Judy said
11:29 AM Mar 10, 2008
I am talking about Pio Pico....it needs to be up-dated and they have just lost theyre current manager. You have to go across the main road to the adult club house for wi-fi, building is falling apart, grass is high up to your you know what. Sites are not good very hilly behind your rig in most of the sites. I do know they had a bad fire in 2007. Blacktop road is falling apart with pot holes. Litter in some areas. One pool is not working burned out heater. Wilderness Lakes has a feed lot for lots of smells according to internet. I sure hope we find Palm Springs TT nicer! southwestjudy
LakeConroePenny said
11:54 AM Mar 10, 2008
I belonged to Coast-To-Coast for many years, but they were never where I wanted to be.
It worked out better for me to pay $50 a year for Passport America, and/or Happy Camper, and get 50% off camping fees, and have a lot more CG to go to.
I would rather be in a COE, National or State Park anyway. Happy Trails, Penny, TX
bjoyce said
04:29 PM Mar 10, 2008
We will have our own experience with Pio Pico in December when we get back to the San Diego area. Unless we change our plans.
hogans1947 said
09:21 PM Mar 11, 2008
We joined WHR (Western Horizons Resorts)with affiliates AOR (Adventure Outdoor Resorts)and ROD(Resorts of Distinction) and Condominium Tavel Club about a year ago. We have always been VERY impressed with WHR and 98% happy with AOR and ROD. Haven't used the Condo thing. We really liked the 5 year commitment part. Thought at the time that might be about how long we would be full-timing........now the idea of living in a sticks'n bricks makes me shudder !!!
Brenda
mikeway said
10:51 AM Mar 12, 2008
Pio Pico may be one of the worst TT camp grounds we have stayed in. It is divided into 2 section; the full hookup side and the 1 or 2 hookup side (wrecked side and over booked side).
I have experienced low power, but at Pio Pico it became necessary to run the generator just to keep the batteries up. 91 volts is not low, it is dangerous. We have availed ourself of the website "contact us" to register complaints. We were very unhappy with the volunteer staff attitude and management there.
No serious complaints with the other parks, except one in Tennessee which needed a little TLC.
We are currently in the San Benito preserve and it is quiet, with ample power and large sites. We have stayed a Wilderness Lakes, Soledad Canyon, and Morgan Hill and enjoyed all of them. We stayed in Yosemite Lakes in the snow last year and will return there. We move to the Russian River preserve next.
Mike
LifeisGood said
09:19 AM Mar 18, 2008
Does anyone have experience with the TT at Verde Valley, Az? Going next week and would like to know what to expect. Thank you for your input. Sue, Life is still really good!
DaveSam said
09:25 AM Mar 18, 2008
We haven't been there yet. We will be there in May however, the park has received good reviews on rvparkreviews.com
Judy said
10:51 AM Mar 18, 2008
In talking with some people here at TT Pic Pico we hear Verde Valley is nice. We are heading to Palm Springs next wk. Hope it is better than PP TTrails. Also ck into when buying a used membership the contract you will get if at all possible as we found out some of the amendities are not there anymore as when you buy the original NEW membership. southwestjudy
-- Edited by Judy at 11:52, 2008-03-18
mikeway said
09:08 AM Mar 20, 2008
Verde Valley is exceptional. Great location, beautiful sunsets and a nice cafe. We will be there in late April.
Mike
LifeisGood said
06:40 AM Mar 21, 2008
Thank you all for the info on Verde Valley. We are headed there today. Looking forward to it now. Was beginning to get a little discouraged with our TT membership. Medina was okay....thankful for own washer/dryer because laundry room had some broken machines. Workout room looked like a storage shed with some inside walls missing. All employees were very nice and it had well run activities and many to choose from. Nice sunsets on the lake too. MANY deer around RV Park which was fun. Wouldn't go back due to it being far out of town. But a good place to get away from it all if that's your goal. Thanks again,
Judy said
09:10 AM Mar 21, 2008
We have heard from other members that some of the parks need to be updated. Since ownership has changed we are wondering if they will put money into some of them only time will tell. We are planning on going to Palm Springs TT this coming wk. Also we are planning on staying at most of them going up the coast. Hope we arent discouraged in our membership either and would not put down the new cost of a membership. southwestjudy
LifeisGood said
04:26 PM Mar 21, 2008
Thanks for the input Judy. We just arrived at Verde Valley TT. Very full campground and it looks good so far. In all fairness, I tend to compare TT to some of the very nice private RV parks we've been too recently and maybe that's not a good measure. I did however, believe the salesman when he said they were all 5 * RV Parks. Now I've been camping for some 35 years and I've seen 5* parks. So far the TT's aren't. I don't think I am particularily hard to please either. We will get our money's worth this yr. but will not renew as far as i can see thus far. Weather is great and the view is incredible. I'm off to find some internet service. Spotty even with the aircard. HAve a good evening.
Luvglass said
08:13 PM Mar 21, 2008
I'll go back to my original question posted Nov 7, 2006 - people buy these things why?????
Fred
DaveSam said
02:40 PM Mar 22, 2008
With the high fuel prices , it is now nice to see a return on my investment, where I can go from park to park and not worry about paying any site fees. It does help the pocketbook now from an investment 6 years ago.
Judy said
02:57 PM Mar 22, 2008
Ditto, we feel the same way. Also many families cannot afford a expensive vacation . Even though there is only the 2 of us along with 2blackdogs, it is perfect if you are full timing and want to spend some time in Ca. and along the coastl route areas. I do hear there are some very nice TT campgrounds. southwestjudy & Bob
LifeisGood said
03:32 PM Mar 22, 2008
We figure if we use TT for about 100 nights we break even. THat's not too bad now that we are full-timing. We were given the membership and just upgraded to include all TT's, RPI, NACO, EA. EA and PA have too many restrictions for us and TT kinda gives us some idea of where to go because we are just wandering around taking it all in and having fun wherever we go.
I did go for an awesome run this am that was picturesque and on a well maintained road, so from a runners point of view this park does make the grade in that regard. It's one of the first things I assess as driving in, "where can I run safely". It's a nice park for families as it does include children in the activities and has a play area by the pool and in pool lodge.
Is there anyone else who has TT membership and have been to some very nice parks? And which ones? Thanks,
DaveSam said
03:56 PM Mar 22, 2008
Lake Texoma, Hershey, Lake Medina and Colorado River are our favorites. We love Lake Medina because we ride a motorcycle trike and the Texas Hill Country is ideal for riding. Lake Texoma and Colorado River are probably the best kept TT parks we have been to. Its Spring Break and Texoma is loaded with families enjoying all of the Easter festivities. We also like Carolina Landing as it is near our sons but their sites are not level.
-- Edited by DaveSam at 16:57, 2008-03-22
mikeway said
09:41 AM Mar 23, 2008
Hershey is a great park; Colorado River (in Texas) is super also. We just left San Benito and it is in a beautiful are of grapes and rolling hills. Most of the California parks are nice; Pio Pico is the exception. The parks along the Oregon coast are hard to beat. In Washington state, satellite spots are a little hard too find, but available.
We are currently at the Russian River preserve in grape country, surrounded by trees in a very well kept park.
Since our Florida house has not sold, and the attendant expenses have not gone away, TT makes it easier to full time and we already have 60 days in TT this year. I know someone will diss us, but we decided not to wait but go. I can not imagine being trapped in a stick house, in crowded and hot Florida.
Mike
Judy said
03:58 PM Mar 23, 2008
Yes, Pio Pico we shall never return here. New manger here is just plain rude to some new members here yesterday. southwestjudy
LifeisGood said
07:13 PM Mar 23, 2008
A HEARTY DITTO MIKE. 39 yrs in florida and if we never feel humidity again it'll be too soon. Sold house, thankfully, in December on the SE Coast of Fla. Was for sale for 9 months. At this point, we can't imagine going back into a stick house anytime soon. Love the freedom. As long as we see our kids every few months we're okay. But no grandkids yet, that'll change everything, I'd think.
Verde Valley is turning out to be quite peaceful and enjoyable. The hot tub is out of service and we do enjoy using them when available. And the LP gas (for refill) is not operating either. Two things we would've used. Otherwise I'd give it a 3-4 star for upkeep. 30 amp is a little difficult when it's in the 30's, but we are certainly not suffering. Have had mostly 50 amp so far, so we are learning how much to use at one time.
Thanks for input.
Judy said
10:08 PM Apr 23, 2008
Well since buying a resale we are now on our 4th TT campground. Here are our results...Pio Pico we didnt like. Desert Palms near Palm Springs we liked even though the sites were close. Soledad Canyon in Acton, Ca. needs lots of work done on it and smell of sewer on the top campground was terrible, seems as though the system isnt big enough. We are now at Rancho Oso, near Santa Barabra, it was a heart attack coming in on the road off the main one, even a stop lite and VERY narrow road. However, beautiful area lots of horses. We shall continue up the Ca. coast stopping at more of them. southwestjudy & Bob & 2blackdogs
Tylersamma said
09:57 AM Apr 24, 2008
We have only stayed at two so far. Pio Pico is heaven, compared to Lake Tawakoni (TX). We arrived after a major storm and half of the park was flooded. The hot tub was closed due to the cost of propane, and there were very few activities. This is probably a good location during the peak season.
wmalefyt said
02:14 PM Apr 24, 2008
mikeway wrote:
Since our Florida house has not sold, and the attendant expenses have not gone away, TT makes it easier to full time and we already have 60 days in TT this year. I know someone will diss us, but we decided not to wait but go. I can not imagine being trapped in a stick house, in crowded and hot Florida.
Mike
Mike, it's not my intention to "diss" you.
I don't know what part of Florida you are talking about, but SW Florida around Naples is only crowded in the winter when it's not hot and only hot in the summer when it's not crowded! We rarely run the AC from November through March and so far just a few times in April this year. Right now it's 83 degrees, but very comfortable with the AC off and the windows open!
I just can't quite understand buying into a CG membership, but that's just me!
Bill
-- Edited by wmalefyt at 15:17, 2008-04-24
retread said
08:57 AM May 18, 2009
We were reviewing this topic as we are doing our homework re: TT memberships. A couple at the resort with us mentioned friends that are looking to sell their membership. Before communicating with them, we want to know a bit more so we can do a decent cost comparison for our needs. We found this list on the thread and want to know from those with more experience if this is a good place to start with questions for the seller/TT folks.
I have the membership number and will call. I am told they spent over 10K total after a upgrade. I was just wondering what questions to ask really. The ones I know are as follows: 1) verify 2 weeks in/1 out. 2) max nights per year. 3) verify annual dues and xfer fee. 4) How far in advance can I reserver 5) where can I stay, whole country, NACO, LTR etc 6) Does it have rod, ctc, rti etc. 7) what upgrade options are there
A seperate concern for us is that we have a 40' fifth wheel with a 4 bike carrier and a long bed crew cab truck. It's hard to tell from the websites we've seen so far if enough of the TT campgrounds can comfortably accomodate us. We are travelling full time and are currently headed north through California, followed by Oregon and Washington. We've had help from this site that suggests TT might be a good consideration for us, but if too few of the campgrounds have large spaces (especially with the summer season?) we would not be able to get our money's worth?
Thanks in advance for the valuable insights you all provide! Linda
bjoyce said
10:38 AM May 18, 2009
Many of the campgrounds have spaces large enough for you, especially the LTR ones like Seaside (OR) and Thunderbird (WA close to Seattle). We have a 40' diesel pusher motorhome and the only one we have been told to avoid is Oakzanita in southern California.
Edit: In CA we have stayed at Pio Pico, Rancho Oso (the entrance road is a bear), Morgan Hill and Lake of the Springs. In Oregon we have stayed at Bend/Sunriver and Seaside. In Washington we have stayed at Thunderbird, Long Beach, La Conner, Mount Vernon and Birch Bay. In other states we have stayed at Verde Valley (AZ) and Orlando (FL). You would fit in all of them.
Edit again: I forgot NACO Wilderness Lakes close to Temecula, CA, which is a large campground with many large sites and TT Las Vegas in Las Vegas, NV where the sites are narrow but they assign the sites based on size and have many for 40' and some for 45' RVs.
-- Edited by bjoyce on Monday 18th of May 2009 10:48:45 AM
-- Edited by bjoyce on Monday 18th of May 2009 07:54:41 PM
travelinbob said
04:08 PM May 18, 2009
We joined TT a little over a year ago and have used their preserves over 200 nights in the past year. During the winter months we bounced back and forth from Orlando and Peace River for months. How much would the winter in Florida cost ???? It cost us zero except the $48 monthly dues.
After all that being said if you use the system it's worth it, if you don't it's a waste of money.
Most of their parks remind me of the spacious sites of state parks and COE parks. All that we have been to have swimming pools, at least one, some two or three. I don't regret buying our re-sale membership yet, maybe in the future but so far, so good.
Bob
Luvglass said
06:37 PM May 18, 2009
Bob,
What was the initial cost of the membership?
bjoyce said
06:53 PM May 18, 2009
We paid $700 for the Thousand Trails membership plus a $750 transfer fee in 2005. We got a national membership that includes Thousand Trails, NACO and Leisure Time Resorts (LTR) and have two weeks in and then one week out of system. Our dues include high sales taxes for Washington State and were $732 this year. Our dues includes mandatory assessments older memberships can opt out of.
We cannot go park to park unless we buy a $4,000 Platinum Plus upgrade that won't transfer on resale (the old $3,000 Platinum did transfer, but they fixed that clause.) We do not pay anything per night except in some places 50AMP is extra. Many memberships do not include LTR (very nice campgrounds in Washington and Oregon) and many full-timers get Alliance memberships which allow park to park, but pay $5/night after 50 nights per year. Alliance dues are about $50 less than ours and having LTR does add to the dues. Ignore the amount of dues the selling member paid, Thousand Trails rewrites the membership to current dues and to match a current member.
We stayed 83 nights in the system last year. We don't let the system control where we travel, if they are convenient we use them.
Right now we are in LTR Thunderbird in Monroe, WA. It is a nice place but a bit too far out. But the nice campground in Bothell, WA is $35/night and going up to $44/night on June 1st and has only daily rates in summer.
travelinbob said
07:27 AM May 19, 2009
Fred,
We paid $2900 for our Platinum Plus and can stay 3 weeks in most parks with no time out and move on to next park if we want. I believe the contract was for 3 years at which time we can sell. I do not think we can sell it as a Platinum Plus when we want to sell. I think it becomes a regular membership and won't be worth much.
We really liked some of their parks. Most have activities but I think most of the kitchens have been closed, at least that's what I heard.
Bob
Judy said
09:20 AM May 19, 2009
I might add as dh said the total included our transfer membership and it was a used membership. If you go on line you can find many for sale. Be sure to investigate just what you are buying. Also be sure to ck on the TT campground reviews. The TT website will give you a list of campgrounds in the states. I must say all in all we found some beautiful, and the most popular is the one in Orlando. We stayed our full 2 wks then went to TT Peace River in Fl. and stayed there 2 wks then went back to Orlando for 2 more wks loved it so ended up staying a month for a fee. It is close to everything, quiet, walking distance to a brand new grocery, if you so wish to walk, many hiking areas and best of all dogs are most welcome! The company in Feb. of 2009, 2 million was put into these pks. Southwestjudy -- Edited by Judy on Tuesday 19th of May 2009 09:21:24 AM
-- Edited by Judy on Tuesday 19th of May 2009 09:33:38 AM
I have heard of the possibility that one can buy a resale campground memebership into Thoushand Trails and Coast to Coast and others. Has anyone done this? Is there a good benefit to doing this or are there any pitfall$ to be aware of? Are these membership CGs worth the expense?
I've also heard that you can get yourself locked into one of these and the only way to get out of it is to give up your first born child (that would be one way of getting even with all the grief she caused me growing up
)?
Best Regards!
-- Edited by Howard at 15:52, 2008-04-24
We have had 1000 Trails (TT) since 2002. Their site is 1000 Trails. The first trial 6 month membership came with the motor home when we purchased it. We picked up the dues @ about $510 a year after the first 6 months and have used it heavily ever since. Our current level, allows us 3 weeks per park and go to the next. RPI is include for $70 dues per year and ROD @ $100 per year was also offered.
All I can say is TT works well for us. The parks are generally very nice. Most have a cafe or some type of week end meal service. Most parks have some kind of activities director and the standard amenities. About half of the parks have free wifi and more are being added each budget year. The parks are usually within a few miles of a fair sized town. There are about 5 in a 50 mile circle around Los Angeles, 4 on the Oregon coast, 5? in Texas, 2 in Florida. There are 52 in all and the number is increasing. We just finished 8 days in Cottonwood, AZ and it was non stressful and pleasant.
We will have stayed by the end of December, more than 80 days in TT parks this year. Works out to $6.50 a day this year. In 2007, I expect the cost to be about $3.00 per camp day as we are already reserved for more than 30 days in Jan and early Feb. RPI costs $8.00 per night (up to 14) and there are quite few parks. Part of RPI is Enjoy America, a 50% discount plan like Passport America. Resorts of Distinction (ROD) cost per night is already less than $8 this year. We are currently in a ROD park this week, so it works for us.
E-Bay ( search for 1000 trails ) is an okay place to purchase memberships. The best memberships include LT (Leisure Time) and NACO parks. The Gold membership allows you to stay up to 14 days in a park, then out of the system 7 days and up to 14 days in the next park and so on. We stayed RPI for the 7 out. 4 years ago, in southern California, for 6 weeks we spent about $100 for camping costs.
There are levels of memberships. Usually, the member ship number is advertised, as is the TT customer service number. CALL THEM to verify the type of membership offered as some folks really don't know what they have. There is a transfer fee involved and I believe it is 10% of the original cost.
I have only been a little disappointed in 1 TT park and it has been improved since then.
Please remember, your mileage will vary and I am sure someone has had issues with TT, we haven't.
Mike
Although many of the points mentioned by others may be correct for specific circumstances, they are not applicable to all resales.
Each existing member has a contract that is germane to that member. Being there are so many different contracts out there, it would be impossable to give one explanation.
Applicable costs associated with buying an existing members contract will be as spelled out in that contract, as will be resort utilization.
Remember thing can be changed for future members but once you have a contract, it is germane.
We have had TTN and Deluxe CtoC for going on 20 years, for us, it has been the great. One of the things we have always liked was the comradery with other members. Some of the recent reslae memberships have great built in advantages.
You need to look at each resale and check with TTN office before purchasing.
It is like being a member of this forum. DO YOU GET A WARM FEELING HERE ? I do.
John,
I do too, in fact, I'm downright TOASTY!!!
Best Regards!
We're really new at this and need to ask a question.
Are these private campgrounds, not open to the public? and who are they aimed at? Are the ammenities so great that they out weigh the "shady" reputation they have? Every discussion we've seen on them always come up with warnings.
With that said, what is the lure? Who wants to do business in this trusting lifestyle with someone who you have to carefully read all 9 pages of the contract carefully.
Pardon the babble, I'm watching the election as I type this.
Fred
We have a relative interested in selling a Outdoor World/Thousand Trails membership. They have only used it for cabin rentals and have owned it for about many years (20 I think).
Here are the features they know about:
1) 2 weeks in/ 1 out
2) PA based home park
3) $720 Xfer fee
4) Anual Dues for them =$260, but when transferred they go to $502
They think they have no max number of nights per a year.
I am going to call and get the exact details. I figured I would ask here and get some advice to make sure I ask all the right questions. I do have the membership number.
So folks, what should I ask?
I also need to determine fair compensation to pay them for this membership. Any advice from those who bought used.
-- Bruce
southwestjudy & Bob & 2blackdogs
I have the membership number and will call. I am told they spent over 10K total after a upgrade.
I was just wondering what questions to ask really.
The ones I know are as follows:
1) verify 2 weeks in/1 out.
2) max nights per year.
3) verify annual dues and xfer fee.
4) How far in advance can I reserver
5) where can I stay, whole country, NACO, LTR etc
6) Does it have rod, ctc, rti etc.
7) what upgrade options are there
Any other questions I should ask?
-- Edited by brucedelta at 12:39, 2008-02-17
-- Edited by brucedelta at 17:57, 2008-02-17
If I was given the membership then I woulod probably pay the xfer fee and yearly dues, but they think this membership is work over $1K, and I would rather spend it on a TT membership when ready.
Unless someone thinks I am passing up a good deal and points out why I am going to skip this offer.
-- Bruce
We are at TT Orlando in Clermont, FL now and had a visit with some friends who are staying here. I said, "I didn't know you had a Thousand Trails Membership". They said, "we bought it off Ebay but it turned out to be Thousand Trails only and we want Outdoor World, NACO and LTR so we are buying the upgrade to have it all and three week stays". My view is they didn't save much buying the membership except they do want Outdoor World and the upgrade is cheaper than buying a whole new membership.
southwestjudy
We tell people to expect weak 30AMP water and electric and a narrow site at a membership campground. Some sites at some parks will be full hookup, some will be large, some will have strong 30AMP or even 50AMP. We are at Thousand Trails Orlando where all sites are full-hookup, the vast majority can handle a big rig and they have a large number of 50AMP sites. They sell a lot of Thousand Trails memberships here to people who think the whole system is so nice.
Edit: We have stayed at LOTS, Wilderness Lakes, and Morgan Hill in California and looked at Palm Springs. All of them have many people who love them, many who hate them, and we find them all OK places but nothing exceptional. We think Wilderness Lakes is quite nice, but there are those who hate the place for flies or all manner of reasons. Morgan Hill is close to San Jose, that is reason enough for us to like it.
-- Edited by bjoyce at 17:52, 2008-03-09
-- Edited by bjoyce at 17:55, 2008-03-09
southwestjudy
I have experienced low power, but at Pio Pico it became necessary to run the generator just to keep the batteries up. 91 volts is not low, it is dangerous. We have availed ourself of the website "contact us" to register complaints. We were very unhappy with the volunteer staff attitude and management there.
No serious complaints with the other parks, except one in Tennessee which needed a little TLC.
We are currently in the San Benito preserve and it is quiet, with ample power and large sites. We have stayed a Wilderness Lakes, Soledad Canyon, and Morgan Hill and enjoyed all of them. We stayed in Yosemite Lakes in the snow last year and will return there. We move to the Russian River preserve next.
Mike
Sue, Life is still really good!
In talking with some people here at TT Pic Pico we hear Verde Valley is nice. We are heading to Palm Springs next wk. Hope it is better than PP TTrails. Also ck into when buying a used membership the contract you will get if at all possible as we found out some of the amendities are not there anymore as when you buy the original NEW membership.
southwestjudy
-- Edited by Judy at 11:52, 2008-03-18
Mike
Thanks again,
southwestjudy
Weather is great and the view is incredible. I'm off to find some internet service. Spotty even with the aircard. HAve a good evening.
southwestjudy & Bob
I did go for an awesome run this am that was picturesque and on a well maintained road, so from a runners point of view this park does make the grade in that regard. It's one of the first things I assess as driving in, "where can I run safely". It's a nice park for families as it does include children in the activities and has a play area by the pool and in pool lodge.
Is there anyone else who has TT membership and have been to some very nice parks? And which ones? Thanks,
-- Edited by DaveSam at 16:57, 2008-03-22
We are currently at the Russian River preserve in grape country, surrounded by trees in a very well kept park.
Since our Florida house has not sold, and the attendant expenses have not gone away, TT makes it easier to full time and we already have 60 days in TT this year. I know someone will diss us, but we decided not to wait but go. I can not imagine being trapped in a stick house, in crowded and hot Florida.
Mike
Yes, Pio Pico we shall never return here. New manger here is just plain rude to some new members here yesterday.
southwestjudy
Verde Valley is turning out to be quite peaceful and enjoyable. The hot tub is out of service and we do enjoy using them when available. And the LP gas (for refill) is not operating either. Two things we would've used. Otherwise I'd give it a 3-4 star for upkeep. 30 amp is a little difficult when it's in the 30's, but we are certainly not suffering. Have had mostly 50 amp so far, so we are learning how much to use at one time.
Thanks for input.
southwestjudy & Bob & 2blackdogs
I don't know what part of Florida you are talking about, but SW Florida around Naples is only crowded in the winter when it's not hot and only hot in the summer when it's not crowded!
I just can't quite understand buying into a CG membership, but that's just me!
Bill
-- Edited by wmalefyt at 15:17, 2008-04-24
I have the membership number and will call. I am told they spent over 10K total after a upgrade.
I was just wondering what questions to ask really.
The ones I know are as follows:
1) verify 2 weeks in/1 out.
2) max nights per year.
3) verify annual dues and xfer fee.
4) How far in advance can I reserver
5) where can I stay, whole country, NACO, LTR etc
6) Does it have rod, ctc, rti etc.
7) what upgrade options are there
A seperate concern for us is that we have a 40' fifth wheel with a 4 bike carrier and a long bed crew cab truck. It's hard to tell from the websites we've seen so far if enough of the TT campgrounds can comfortably accomodate us. We are travelling full time and are currently headed north through California, followed by Oregon and Washington. We've had help from this site that suggests TT might be a good consideration for us, but if too few of the campgrounds have large spaces (especially with the summer season?) we would not be able to get our money's worth?
Thanks in advance for the valuable insights you all provide! Linda
Edit: In CA we have stayed at Pio Pico, Rancho Oso (the entrance road is a bear), Morgan Hill and Lake of the Springs. In Oregon we have stayed at Bend/Sunriver and Seaside. In Washington we have stayed at Thunderbird, Long Beach, La Conner, Mount Vernon and Birch Bay. In other states we have stayed at Verde Valley (AZ) and Orlando (FL). You would fit in all of them.
Edit again: I forgot NACO Wilderness Lakes close to Temecula, CA, which is a large campground with many large sites and TT Las Vegas in Las Vegas, NV where the sites are narrow but they assign the sites based on size and have many for 40' and some for 45' RVs.
-- Edited by bjoyce on Monday 18th of May 2009 10:48:45 AM
-- Edited by bjoyce on Monday 18th of May 2009 07:54:41 PM
I might add as dh said the total included our transfer membership and it was a used membership. If you go on line you can find many for sale. Be sure to investigate just what you are buying. Also be sure to ck on the TT campground reviews. The TT website will give you a list of campgrounds in the states. I must say all in all we found some beautiful, and the most popular is the one in Orlando. We stayed our full 2 wks then went to TT Peace River in Fl. and stayed there 2 wks then went back to Orlando for 2 more wks loved it so ended up staying a month for a fee. It is close to everything, quiet, walking distance to a brand new grocery, if you so wish to walk, many hiking areas and best of all dogs are most welcome!
The company in Feb. of 2009, 2 million was put into these pks.
Southwestjudy
-- Edited by Judy on Tuesday 19th of May 2009 09:21:24 AM
-- Edited by Judy on Tuesday 19th of May 2009 09:33:38 AM