I feel for Rog...especially the part about reselling the trailer for a profit. Very seedy IMHO! I do RV inspections and PDI as part of the services that I offer. As this is a part of my business, I charge the customer my usual hourly rate.
I have given a lot of advice on these Forums freely while my customers pay me for these opinions. I have no problem in doing this as I feel a part of this community and this is my 'contribution' to fellow 'Streamers. I am more than willing to look at a trailer or MOHO for a Forum member if it is within ...say, a 20 mile radius of my home base. After that, it not only becomes an expense for me in fuel costs, but more specifically in the time spent doing the inspection. The inspection will be a basic walk thru and look under type.
A properly conducted PDI of a used unit will normally take upwards of 3 hours. This includes all working systems, structural components, brakes, etc. It is very involved and thorough. Plus, I have liability issues to consider as I am considered a 'professional' in this field, especially being a certified tech.
I have never been called to do an inspection yet, but I will, when the ocassion arises, do it on a case by case basis.
What do you say Rog, within 10 miles for a private purchaser only, or drop you from the list altogether?
Terry, I've agreed to do an inspection tomorrow on a trailer 25 miles away. I take these inspections seriously. I check everything from stem to stern and from tires to tv antenna. I crawl underneath to look at the torsion arm angles and I take lots of photos. An average inspection takes about 1 hour plus driving time plus the time to handle the correspondence.
Four of the 6 people who have asked me for inspections joined the forums just to ask for the freebie inspection, then were not heard from again after they got their freebie. They conveniently overlooked the line at the bottom of the list which says "Please offer to reimburse for expenses. Suggested rate is $0.30 per mile". That's just gas money. The inspection is still free, as it should be.
What really bugs me is not the lack of payment, it's the lack of gratitude. Since I'm the only volunteer inspector in my area, I'm willing to continue the inspections but only on a "pay per play" basis for trailers in my immediate area (within 25 miles) and assurance that the requester is serious about finding an Airstream trailer for personal use. No more inspections at any price for anyone looking to profit from my time. Once burned, twice learned!
Nuff said, let's all get out and enjoy our Airstream adventures.
__________________ Rog
May you camp where wind won’t hit you, where snakes won’t bite and bears won’t git you.
I don't blame you there.That would make me mad.Theres not alot around here.I wished i had someone that knew what to look for before we bought ours.If your being ask to look at trailer so they can just resell them.I would want a cut of it too .If i would even go look at it at all.There are some people who try to get something for nothing and am sorry to hear you had some run ins with a few of them...I would never ask someone to do anything for free.Even if they say no just gas i give them some extra anyway...I figure if there nice enough to help me then ill return the fav.
We have tried to ID commercial vendors on this site. And this is one of the reasons. Folks are not required to disclose their commercial interest in Airstreams when they join. But as we find them, we label them. Some dealers want their ID disclosed - and it is in everyones best interest. I'm sorry you had this experience - I have also been contacted by a flipper and as soon as I started asking questions he ran.
We'll figure out a way to get the list updated.
__________________
77 Argosy Minuet, 6 metre
77 Argosy 24, Rear door
AIR 3181, WBCCI/VAC # 5575
A POX on the house of those who abuse inspectors . My Trade Wind really was 3 states away, a good samaritan here made the deal possible by checking it out for me.
A POX on the house of those who abuse inspectors . My Trade Wind really was 3 states away, a good samaritan here made the deal possible by checking it out for me.
And, I might add, both Rod and SafariTim have very kindly thanked me in the forums. That,in my opinion, is a fine way to treat those that inspect them.
The two I have done so far have been positive. But I could tell both people were sincere about wanting to own an Airstream for personal use. I would do like Janet did, watch out for those just out to snatch up a cheap, poor old trailer and sell it for gain and profit on eBay. Nothing wrong with profit, just don't use me for a free inspection, hiding your intentions.
BTW, I have been offered cash compensation, and have turned it down. To misquote an Indiana gun dealer, I just love looking at Airstreams.
And, if all fails, Rog, when we find shady, dishonest people wanting to look at Michigan trailers, we'll suggest they go talk to Lou Patterson, and he'll give them the business they deserve!
And, if all fails, Rog, when we find shady, dishonest people wanting to look at Michigan trailers, we'll suggest they go talk to Lou Patterson, and he'll give them the business they deserve!
Actually I have referred a couple of requests to Lou because he was much closer to the location and because I know he has nothing else to do.
Oh boy, I'm gonna hear from him now. Luv ya Lou you big teddy bear.
We need more Michigan inspectors. Heloooo Michiganders?
__________________ Rog
May you camp where wind won’t hit you, where snakes won’t bite and bears won’t git you.
What really bugs me is not the lack of payment, it's the lack of gratitude.
I could not agree more. The American philosopher William James (1842-1910), said "The deepest principle in human nature is the desire to be appreciated." I believe he was, and is, correct. I first came across this quotation while reading one of the sixteen million copies of Dale Carnegie's "How to win friends and influence people", first published in 1937. www.abebooks has many copies for under four dollars, and I'd like to present a copy to each of the offenders. I view it as one of the most important books I have read.
The karma system on this forum reflects the importance of this principle. A kind word of thanks for a carefully considered post encourages me to continue what, on selfish consideration, could be thought to be a pointless activity.
Rog has my sympathy.
Nick.
__________________
Nick Crowhurst, Excella 25 1988, Dodge Ram 2500 Cummins Diesel. England in summer, USA in winter.
"The price of freedom is eternal maintenance."
Could the moderators link this thread to to the one about inspecting trailers 3 states away? Maybe do it in one of the first posts so folks would read it as well as the other.
Sad but true how many of us need to be reminded that kindness should begat kindness.
Hi Aaron,
Stewart in Greensboro. Where are the best places to find quality units for sale? We have communicated several times and you have given me some good advice. I'm leaning now towards newer, 30'. I have checked the AS classifieds but many are located long distances away.
There is an AS on e-bay that we'd like to have someone take a look at for us -- A '56 Safari that my wife is ready to buy now! I didn't find any active members on the thread so I'm spreading an all points "HELP". Thanks.
Following a thread from awhile ago, I'm wondering if there's anyone willing to check out my 1969 International? I've actually already purchased it, and my main question is about the water system. I'm really not very savvy myself yet, and the previous owner didn't really use the trailer, so didn't know about the water system. If there's anyone around willing to take a quick look, it would be much appreciated!
As I'm in the hunt for one myself right now, I've looked at a half dozen trailers around Atlanta in the last few weeks. By no means a pro, but I'm willing to help check'em out in and around ATL....just keep in mind I'm looking too
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. My Trade Wind really was 3 states away, a good samaritan here made the deal possible by checking it out for me.
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