Re: [A/S] 1988 too old for their park

["Myrna Warren" <uncleneal@xxxxxxxxxx>]

    There are many reasons for parks to make such rules, and no doubt some
are "elitist snobs" who think their park is too good for "old" trailers.
But the same charge could be made against parks that only allow Airstreams
on their property.  If it's private property, they have the same right to
make such rules as we do. And old trailers (or other brands) are not a
government protected class, so its not illegal.  Of course we have the same
right to not spend our private money where we are not welcomed, and to
inform those who are of like mind.
    One reason a park owner might make such a rule is a concern for
liability issues.  As was noted in one post, many other brands are pretty
ratty after 5 or 6 years use.  An RV owner who does not care for the
appearance of his unit probably does no better in maintaining it.  And if a
unit catches fire in a crowded campground, it's not going to be just one
unit burning.  I've got a lot of money in my rig, not to mention my stuff.
I wouldn't like to be parked next to a piece of junk with a water heater or
furnace sounding like it is about to explode.  Would any of you?  The
campground owner can no doubt just see the owner of a million dollar Prevost
coming to him after the fire with a lawsuit for the quarter-mil that the
insurance didn't cover.   Older rigs have more leaky sewer connections than
newer rigs, and they're more likely to have electrical problems and water
leaks that will affect the whole campground. ( I wouldn't want to park next
to one of them, either)  It's easier for the owner to make a blanket rule of
nothing over 10 years old than it is to inspect each unit for safety and
functionality.  And a lot less hassle, too.  (Did you know that U-Haul has
just told its dealers not to rent any trailers to people who plan to tow
them with Explorers? Simply because of the cost of lawsuits from Explorer
owners. And Explorer was voted "tow vehicle of the year" by Trailer Boats
Mag!  It's legal for them to do, but try to figure the logic of it.)
    Most of us keep our units in good condition, and some restored
Airstreams are in better shape than some new RV's,  but we live in a world
of rules, often set for the lowest common denominator, with no flexibility.
Those of us who came up in the government schools, drive on the public
highways, or fly commercial, ought to be used to it by now.
    I don't own a campground or have any connection with one, but sometimes
it helps to consider the other side when there's a problem like this.  If
the campground's concerns can be addressed, rules can often be changed.
Sometimes understanding and reason can help - sometimes not.

Neal
'89 Squarestream  (over 10 years old)