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rec · 06-19-2008, 04:02 PM

I was trying to get a 2-month reservation at an RV park in Portland Oregon, and all was fine until the woman asked the age of my RV -- I told her it was a 1989 Airstream Excella, and she informed me that she couldn't give me a slot for 2 months. I asked why, she said 1993 rigs or newer. I asked why, she said because of appearance. Now I'm an anal-retentive full-time RVer, and I take great pride in the appearance of my RV -- and I've seen 1993 or newer rigs that look like crap -- so I was highly offended at this. She said she could put me up for a week, but not 2 months. I then argued with her and got her to concede that I could send a photo of my RV and she would decide if it were "acceptable" for their park. I'm still waiting to hear from her.

My question is, how is this legal??? If I wanted a hotel room, behaved properly, and paid for it, they couldn't turn me away because I was wearing outdated fashions or my car or suitcase looked too old. If I wanted to buy a house or rent an apartment, I can't be discriminated against because of my age or gender or race -- so how can a policy like this stand up in court? Has anyone else had an experience where they've fought this -- or does anyone know of a legal precedent? Calling all attorneys! Thanks!

TBRich · 06-19-2008, 04:11 PM

Here are a few related threads you might find interesting...sometimes Airstreams are the exception to this sort of rule if it's handled well by the park owners...

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f42/...ion-36272.html

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f160...igs-37407.html

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f48/...tion-8713.html

Good luck!

overlander63 · 06-19-2008, 04:14 PM

"We reserve the right to refuse service to anyone, at any time, for any reason".
If the above is posted at their place of business, it's pretty hard to get a private park owner to do something he doesn't want to.
The RV park we full-time in has a "ten year old" rule, obviously a 1974 is slightly older than ten years, but usually when you tell them it's an Airstream, they make an exception for you. Generally, Airstreams look newer, longer, than SOBs. We are parked next to a 2004 travel trailer that looks like crap, but falls within the "10 year" policy. They won't be forced to move it out until 2014. Usually when they ask me what year my trailer is, I tell them "It's an Airstream". They know 1- most Airstream owners are slightly anal about their trailers' appearance, and 2- the trailer looks better than most things on the property, no matter what year.

wkerfoot · 06-19-2008, 04:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rec

I was trying to get a 2-month reservation at an RV park in Portland Oregon, and all was fine until the woman asked the age of my RV -- I told her it was a 1989 Airstream Excella, and she informed me that she couldn't give me a slot for 2 months. I asked why, she said 1993 rigs or newer. I asked why, she said because of appearance. Now I'm an anal-retentive full-time RVer, and I take great pride in the appearance of my RV -- and I've seen 1993 or newer rigs that look like crap -- so I was highly offended at this. She said she could put me up for a week, but not 2 months. I then argued with her and got her to concede that I could send a photo of my RV and she would decide if it were "acceptable" for their park. I'm still waiting to hear from her.

My question is, how is this legal??? If I wanted a hotel room, behaved properly, and paid for it, they couldn't turn me away because I was wearing outdated fashions or my car or suitcase looked too old. If I wanted to buy a house or rent an apartment, I can't be discriminated against because of my age or gender or race -- so how can a policy like this stand up in court? Has anyone else had an experience where they've fought this -- or does anyone know of a legal precedent? Calling all attorneys! Thanks!

rec,

Don't forget, they are not discriminating against you they are discriminating against your Airstream. Non discrimination statutes are for the protection of people and not possessions. Things, such as your Airstream, are not covered by non discrimination statutes, only people.

Bill

SteSpot · 06-19-2008, 04:31 PM

Has anyone actually asked for the vehicle registration to determine the year when checking into an RV park?

RedSHED · 06-19-2008, 04:35 PM

Join the movement: boycot 'em if they don't take tents

lewster · 06-19-2008, 06:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rec

I was trying to get a 2-month reservation at an RV park in Portland Oregon, and all was fine until the woman asked the age of my RV -- I told her it was a 1989 Airstream Excella, and she informed me that she couldn't give me a slot for 2 months. I asked why, she said 1993 rigs or newer. I asked why, she said because of appearance. Now I'm an anal-retentive full-time RVer, and I take great pride in the appearance of my RV -- and I've seen 1993 or newer rigs that look like crap -- so I was highly offended at this. She said she could put me up for a week, but not 2 months. I then argued with her and got her to concede that I could send a photo of my RV and she would decide if it were "acceptable" for their park. I'm still waiting to hear from her.

My question is, how is this legal??? If I wanted a hotel room, behaved properly, and paid for it, they couldn't turn me away because I was wearing outdated fashions or my car or suitcase looked too old. If I wanted to buy a house or rent an apartment, I can't be discriminated against because of my age or gender or race -- so how can a policy like this stand up in court? Has anyone else had an experience where they've fought this -- or does anyone know of a legal precedent? Calling all attorneys! Thanks!

There's a nice little RV park right in Hood River that would be glad to have you!!! It's only an hour to Portland, and the scenery here just can't be beat!!!!

elbundi · 06-19-2008, 07:30 PM

i have the 2007 airstream upgrade kit too.

it always amuses me when you have to ring a buzzer into building you've never been in before and they ask 'who is it', you say 'it's me' and they let you in

davidz71 · 06-19-2008, 08:23 PM

I'd start telling any place who asked, "It's a '96 model." They couldn't tell the difference and I don't think it's any of their business.

Darol Ingalls · 06-19-2008, 08:47 PM

REC, I'm just 15 miles north of Portland. You can park in my yard if you'll mow for me! Power & grey water not a problem - may have to get creative for black, though. I've never owned a trailer newer than '80 so I'm not as persnickity as Portland. After all, their motto is "Keep Portland Weird," and it's working. Darol

TBRich · 06-19-2008, 09:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Darol Ingalls

REC, I'm just 15 miles north of Portland. You can park in my yard if you'll mow for me! Power & grey water not a problem - may have to get creative for black, though. I've never owned a trailer newer than '80 so I'm not as persnickity as Portland. After all, their motto is "Keep Portland Weird," and it's working. Darol

Well there ya go, Rec...can't beat that offer! Love the "motto" Darol...

CaddyGrn · 06-19-2008, 09:41 PM

Personally, I wouldn't give my business to any RV place (or any other thing for that matter...) that wouldn't let me stay because of the "age" of my trailer! If they are that weird it certainly isn't the kind of folks I want to be around! Just my two cents... Lots of other choices, I am sure!

Mrs. NorCal Bambi traveling in S Tardis ~ from the Great State of Jefferson
My new blog: Yreka History

TBRich · 06-19-2008, 09:47 PM

It would make more sense if they didn't hang the "admission criteria" on age...it would be better and more accurate if their rule was "No RVs That Look Like a Piece of Crap"...that's really what they want to avoid. (And we've all seen them.)

centennialman · 06-20-2008, 05:37 AM

I just had a similar experience.....called an RV Park here in Colorado in my hometown. Wanted to go over the 4th of July weekend. When they heard what I have, the were suddenly full.....sigh

gypsygirl1 · 06-20-2008, 05:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TBRich

It would make more sense if they didn't hang the "admission criteria" on age...it would be better and more accurate if their rule was "No RVs That Look Like a Piece of Crap"...that's really what they want to avoid. (And we've all seen them.)

That is sooo funny, yet sooo true! ! We are embarking on our first journey this winter with our 59 Tradewind, and so we'll see how many parks have THAT sign ! !

rec · 06-20-2008, 07:22 AM

Thanks for the info -- I think I'm going to have my husband call them back and lie and tell them it's a 96 to make the reservation

cameront120 · 06-20-2008, 07:53 AM

Tell them it's a 2006...they won't even be able to tell the difference.

ALANSD · 06-20-2008, 08:02 AM

Reminds me of an experience recently- went into a small country store, asked to use the rest room, but noticed a sign on the door said " out of order" .
The person behind the counter saw me looking and said to go ahead - "it's only out of order for some people" ..
As for the last comment above- very true, most people think my 1980 is a " new one".

Lumatic · 06-20-2008, 10:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wkerfoot

rec,

Don't forget, they are not discriminating against you they are discriminating against your Airstream. Non discrimination statutes are for the protection of people and not possessions. Things, such as your Airstream, are not covered by non discrimination statutes, only people.

Bill

Some would argue Airstreams are people too

There was a similar bruhaha with Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs. Streamers complained and they are now singing a different tune. Post their email address and in my hippy sense of righteous indignation I will send them my $.02.

76sovereign · 06-20-2008, 11:12 AM

After reading your predicament my 1st thought was,"PHILLIPS SCREW THEM!"
I don't think I would want to give my money to a park that is run by people that don't have a clue about RVs makes and models especially AIRSTREAMs ! What planet have you been living on for the past 6 decades that you don't know about Airstreams! I'll just take my money down the road!"

Then. . .I sit back, take a breath and say. . what would make this Airstreamer want to go to all the trouble of sending them a picture and try to convence them that they are good enough for this PARK?

The answer. . .It's people like you that change prospective of the closed minded.
It's people like you that pave the way so that others my not have to endure the ridacule you have been through and for this I thank you. I learned a valuable lesson today.

Kani

Quote:

Originally Posted by rec

I was trying to get a 2-month reservation at an RV park in Portland Oregon, and all was fine until the woman asked the age of my RV -- I told her it was a 1989 Airstream Excella, and she informed me that she couldn't give me a slot for 2 months. I asked why, she said 1993 rigs or newer. I asked why, she said because of appearance. Now I'm an anal-retentive full-time RVer, and I take great pride in the appearance of my RV -- and I've seen 1993 or newer rigs that look like crap -- so I was highly offended at this. She said she could put me up for a week, but not 2 months. I then argued with her and got her to concede that I could send a photo of my RV and she would decide if it were "acceptable" for their park. I'm still waiting to hear from her.

My question is, how is this legal??? If I wanted a hotel room, behaved properly, and paid for it, they couldn't turn me away because I was wearing outdated fashions or my car or suitcase looked too old. If I wanted to buy a house or rent an apartment, I can't be discriminated against because of my age or gender or race -- so how can a policy like this stand up in court? Has anyone else had an experience where they've fought this -- or does anyone know of a legal precedent? Calling all attorneys! Thanks!