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

["overlander_64" <overlander64@xxxxxxxxx>]

I have encountered the 10-year rule in a number of parks.  When I am 
traveling "sans-reservations", I generally try to park my rig where 
it will likely be visible from the registration desk.  Then unless I 
am asked about its vintage I don't mention that it is a 1964 (in the 
case that it's my Overlander) or a 1978 (in the event that I am 
towing my Minuet).  If I am asked, I volunteer the correct year and 
offer to allow the rig to be inspected/toured.  So far, of at least 
ten such encounters, I have only been refused a site once (local 
ordinance was given as the reason).

My strangest experience in this regard was when staying at a 
campground that had such a rule.  My Overlander was in full view of 
the manager when my site was assigned, and no questions were asked.  
Later that evening, the manager was making her circuit of the park 
and stopped by to inquire about my Airstream.  After touring my 
Overlander, she commented that she didn't know that Airstreams were 
still being made.  My response was yes, Airstreams are still being 
manufactured in Ohio, but my rig is a 1964 model.  Her jaw dropped, 
then she said - - "we have a no-coach over 10 years old rule" - -
 "please don't tell anyone else how old your coach is".  I was parked 
at a full-hookup site so there wasn't anything obvious (such as a 
blue tank) to give away the coach's age, unless, of course someone 
would have picked up on the unusual place for the sewer hose 
connections.

My experience has been much the same as Tricia and Conrad when it 
comes to making reservations with campgrounds having such rules.  On 
the few ocassions when I have pursued a reservation from a campground 
with such a rule, I have had mixed results speaking with the owner or 
manager.  Three times when I have actually taken the time to try, 
once it became obvious that the rule was inflexible, a second time 
the reservation was made contingent upon a visual inspection upon 
arrival, and the third time when I was able to give the owner my web 
address where photos of my rig could be found he checked the site and 
approved my coach based upon its photos.

I am just waiting to see what kind of reaction that I get this summer 
when I am traveling to the International Rally in Lansing, Michigan.  
My '75 Cadillac Eldorado Convertible will be making its first 
extended trip towing my '78 Argosy Minuet - - with both the Argosy 
and Cadillac being more than 25 years old I am suspcious that more 
than a few eyebrows may be raised.

Kevin D. Allen
WBCCI/VAC #6359
1964 Overlander International/1999 GMC K2500 Suburban
1978 Argosy Minuet 6.0 Metre/1975 Cadillac Eldorado Convertible