WE park your trailer...

[brunoffrance]

My response is No , of course...
In french campgrounds, it's the first time they see an Airstream, the first time they see a Ford F150 and the don't know to drive an automatic gear.... and they don't know they cannot touch the aluminium body to place the trailer.
Sure it's not a pleasure to park so there are always guys to help you in guiding... after that you can drink someting to thank them and Airstream discussions begin; that 's the camping life;

[68 Overlander]

I hear you Terry and agree. More and more parks are starting to escort their guests to the site and at first I used to feel like they thought I was stupid and couldn't follow a strip map to my site. I know they are trying to provide a service and remind us what 5 MPH feels like since we just came off the highway. I'm OK with that.

[Minnie's Mate]

I'm still iffy on this one. I'm not a real experienced backer, but I'm getting better every time we go camping. I get pull-throughs every chance I can. I know that doesn't improve my backing skills, but I get practice when I get home. There are situations that I have been in I would have liked for someone else to back for me, but I got through it. But I admit, turning over my beloved Airstream to a complete stranger and saying "have at it" isn't in my comfort zone.

[Mikethefixit]

Overlander
Here's my 2 cents. NO THANKS! I'll park my own. Thank YOU! We dont have an AS Yet, but when I get to old to park my own rig, I have no business pulling it. I retired 3 yrs ago after 45 yrs over the road. We go tomorrow to AS/Jackson Center and then to look and inspect a 30ft Limited . Wish Us Luck.
Roger

[Foiled Again]

Originally Posted by mudwerks

I have to admit... I have been "lurking" for a year or more and learning lots... but this... i have to chime in an say.... PLEASE... back it in for me!! I CAN do it... but not while everyone's watching with a "patron"! Am female and travel alone alot... please park it for me... I've had a long day of "babying" my baby down the road!

Glad to see you posting - Where's Monroe VA? Mid-state?

I've gotten "delusions of adequacy" about backing, and all I can say is find a big vacant parking lot (industrial site on a sunday/grocery store at 4 AM, etc) and practice, practice, practice.

Remember three simple concepts:

• hands on bottom of wheel, move hands in direction you want the rear end of the trailer to go
• less is more, just move 1/4 turn, nothing radical
• release the wheel before the unit jacknifes - follow your trailer into the space, don't force it.

Paula

[ROBERTSUNRUS]

Hi, you better tell me up front about "you parking my trailer" and "No Refunds" and don't surprize me with a sign after I drove three days to get there. Other wise I'm parking my own trailer, or by God you're going to give me my money back. Your policies better be on your web site or be explained to me in great detail when I call for reservations. And if I just drive up, then I should have no problem finding the sign and being able to read it.

[68 Overlander]

Originally Posted by ROBERTSUNRUS

Hi, you better tell me up front about "you parking my trailer" and "No Refunds" and don't surprize me with a sign after I drove three days to get there. Other wise I'm parking my own trailer, or by God you're going to give me my money back. Your policies better be on your web site or be explained to me in great detail when I call for reservations. And if I just drive up, then I should have no problem finding the sign and being able to read it.

Looking at your avatar... you got the right stuff. Carry that photo with you in case you get in a pinch.

[mandolindave]

I camp about 15 times a year. I only go to one campground a year, the same one by the river where we have our annual Grillbillie River Float. Yes, of course we have a floating grill. A new employee offered to escort me to my site. I responded that I knew where I was going and I moved on. The guy drives up along my passenger side up in a golf cart, and starts to bang on my rig. I calmly asked him if he banged on my trailer or my tow vehicle. Then I politely let him know that I don't appreciate people banging on my vehicles. He gave me some lip, and I kept quiet. Then he gave the little lady lip. I let him know that there would be no more communication between us. I let it go, not wanting him to lose his job. Five minutes later, the campground owner drove up to hug and kiss me, and asked if they were going to be babysitting my dog while I was on the river. She said that she heard I had a problem, that I would never have again. BTW, the owners husband is on the short list of people that I would not hesitate, letting drive my rig. Again with the BTW, the owners enjoyed being serenaded while they were served dinner and drinks. Then I watched a 5th wheeler ignore a no turns sign , only to take out the sign and a flower bed, and tear up his rig on a big rock.
There are reasons for rules and it seems that karma is alive and well.

[dbaur]

We stayed at the Red Coconut in Ft. Myers last February. They may qualify for an exception in this case considering the very tight quarters and limited access roads feeding onto a very high traffic Estero Blvd. I found the folks there to be very courteous and helpful. Without this rule, I can imagine frequent congestion problems. Their tractors and drivers appeared to be careful and efficient in moving our trailer into very tight quarters.

I certainly agree, however, that as a general rule we should be allowed to park our own units.

[Airperson]

I would trust my ability over a strangers. I would not be comfortable allowing this person to use my property in this way. What about insurance...

[68 Overlander]

Insurance is a good point however mine (and probably most) are insured for any driver. I would think the RV park also has insurance if they demand to tow it.

[SilverToy]

Hello all -

Saw this thread and read the postings with interest.....

And for me ..... there is me .... myself ..... and I ! (and the wife)

And THAT'S JUST FOR THE TOW VEHICLE.

The wife exception is ONLY invoked in the case of "designated driver" situations.

There is NO EXCEPTION on the AirStream. PERIOD. Ever. Full stop. period.

NO WAY can anyone handle MY AirStream better than ME ...

even if I TOTALLY bugger it.

Then I have NO ONE to blame (or need INS. info for) other than myself.

Sorry, but if the "we park it or else...." is invoked, then there is a reason that I don't need to camp there..... That reason is that I am not parking MY RIG.

Heck, I just towed it for 6+ hours.... and I can't park the son-of-a-gun?!

OK, I'm done. Count me as a dedicated "park it myself'er".... call me goofy!

Axel
SilverToy

[Jaxon]

If a place was that crowded where they needed to park a rig, I'd be out of there in a flash... not my idea of camping much less enjoying a park. Heck, I'd have more space around me in a Wal-Mart parking lot!

Bottom line, if "valet" parking was a requirement, I'd go elsewhere. Guess it's the principle of it - if I need assistance, I'll ask. Got too much invested.

[SteveH]

Originally Posted by Jaxon

If a place was that crowded where they needed to park a rig, I'd be out of there in a flash... not my idea of camping much less enjoying a park. Heck, I'd have more space around me in a Wal-Mart parking lot!

Bottom line, if "valet" parking was a requirement, I'd go elsewhere. Guess it's the principle of it - if I need assistance, I'll ask. Got too much invested.

Bill, you hit the nail on the head...that's exactly the way I feel about it.

Steve

[Bowmans]

Reiterating the above but... If it is that crowded, it is not camping. also if I ding my camper, that's a campfire story, if they ding it, it's a lawsuit.

[Redcobra]

I don't even let anyone park my car, let alone my Airstream. If valet is required, I go elsewhere thank you.

[HiHoAgRV]

Finally the perfect solution. Take one (1) highly equipped BMW with features as advertised, add a hitch from Cam-Am and BINGO! The ultimate 'We'll Park It 4 U" Solution. Now I can get that Big-O-34'er into ANY spot!

TechEBlog » BMW's "Auto Park" System

What? did I miss something?

[overlander63]

Originally Posted by HiHoAgRV

Finally the perfect solution. Take one (1) highly equipped BMW with features as advertised, add a hitch from Cam-Am and BINGO! The ultimate 'We'll Park It 4 U" Solution. Now I can get that Big-O-34'er into ANY spot!

TechEBlog » BMW's "Auto Park" System

What? did I miss something?

I think Lexus (or Infinity) has something similar. It would be very interesting if it worked for parking with trailers.

[2airishuman]

Originally Posted by HiHoAgRV

Finally the perfect solution...

i'd be more impressed IF the vehicle paid the parking meter...

or filled out the rv/camp site registration.
___________

as 2 sum1 else parking the 'stream...

if the owner/driver is wearing quadrafocals, has a pacemaker, hip replacement, tremor and peg leg...

and his wife is 'waving' the walkie talkie, while talking INTO the beer can she's holding...

and they're trying to park NEXT 2 me,

valet parking would be great.

and i'd let porky' park my stream any time!

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f42/...fit-17405.html

2 of my all time favorite a/s photos are in that thread.

cheers
2air'

[Inland RV Center, In]

Parking your Airstream by others, is great for Airstream body shops.

Andy