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Melody Ranch · 08-27-2010, 07:04 PM

We are all on the look out. If we catch him.....it is Texas after all....

stephenh2 · 08-27-2010, 08:08 PM

Another awful break, Dave! We're heading for east Texas tomorrow to visit the family. We'll keep an eye out for it. Get those pictures posted! What year is the trailer?

Stephen

shermybaby · 08-27-2010, 08:45 PM

Sorry for your loss....what a dirtbag of a guy to do that. You might also keep an eye out for parts showing up on eBay and Craigslist. My '56 was stolen and gutted. I then got the trailer back and had pretty much all the info I needed to prove who did it and the police did nothing. I looked into the homeowners possibly covering it and they said no. I to had dropped coverage because the trailer was in a secured storage.

Best of luck.

Distantdrummer · 08-27-2010, 09:22 PM

If he was a "friend" for a couple of years, surely you know of someone, a girlfriend or someone in his circle.
I guess he plans on converting it into quick cash, not camping in it.
I'd call a private detective asap. No idea how to find a good and reputable private detective though.
Just not sure the police would get excited enough about this. Just another stolen vehicle to those guys.
if you find the bast@rd castrate him.

Obviously we're all behind you on recovery.

Ganaraska · 08-27-2010, 09:46 PM

If the trailer ever turns up you can get it back. It's still yours. Don't be afraid to report him to the police and take every step to get the crook and get your trailer back. If it turns out to be a mistake you can always back off. The longer it is missing the less likely you will get it back.

The good side is in this day of internet equipped cop cars they do a LOT of license plate checks. Phonies turn up very easily. If it is on the road or in a camp ground there is an excellent chance of getting it back.

Of course if he has sold it, he did not tell the buyer it was stolen and when he goes to register it there you are.

**moosetags** · 08-27-2010, 10:10 PM

Itb really saddens me to hear this story. To do that to a friend is just inexcusable. Weren't there any strangers for him to scam? Dope dealers are higher in the food chain than this guy.

Brian

RichHog · 08-27-2010, 10:16 PM

What year is your Tradewind? Since I own one in the same configuration here in Houston (mine 72) will keep an eye out for it if it comes south. It amazes me how clever people can be at ripping honest people off. Sounds like a pro on the check fraud so I would imagine he will be clever in his moves. Airstreams going down the road get noticed. Hopefully he'll screw up and you'll get your baby back.

richinny · 08-28-2010, 04:43 AM

i would notify those 'title clearing' services in case he tries to get a new title for it.

flyfshr · 08-28-2010, 08:24 AM

This is terrible news Dave. Hope your trailer is recovered and the guy pays for his deed in the most excruciating way possible. Slime balls like that need to be held accountable.

Get to finding that CD so we can assist in looking for it.

Brad
FF

Chief · 08-28-2010, 09:11 AM

Dave,

Bad news....hope you find it soon!

If you do find him camping in it, wait until he is asleep, park your TV against the door so it can't be opened, and then run a hose from your exhaust pipe. If he tries to get out through a window....hit him with a baseball bat until he stops. On second thought, maybe you should just call the cops......of course, a rumor that he is using it to deal drugs out of will get them there much quicker, but does run the risk of bullet holes in the aluminum.

Obviously, I HATE thieves! Best of luck on your recovery.

Ron

Ganaraska · 08-28-2010, 11:59 AM

Years ago I read an account of the trial of a swindler who cheated a friend out of thousands of dollars. The judge asked "How could you cheat this man after he trusted you?"

The crook replied, "You can't cheat someone who doesn't trust you".

Something to keep in mind.

KL's 77 · 08-28-2010, 03:51 PM

Can you post the name? Race track barn hands (likely buyer) most all travel around to the in season race tracks via travel trailer. I'd check were the ponies are running.

Dave Park · 08-28-2010, 04:29 PM

I have a sighting in Fort Stockton (West Texas) on Wednesday, so he's almost certainly in New Mexico. Thanks to an eagle eyed local PD officer for recognizing a "dark green 90's explorer with black tinted windows, towing a 25 ft airstream with a silver WD hitch" even though it was before I filed the report.

Would the NM Airforums folks keep their eyes open?

Also learned: he took about $1500 in "loan" money with him, small amounts from several people, and some property, including a 50" LCD TV from the house he was staying in - and which I saw in his car. We're all communicating with each other. His ex-gf reports he wasn't planning to blow town, but something changed just a few days before. He doesn't have a criminal history and everyone was taken in.

I've been looking for my photos CD but haven't found it yet.

Coastalview · 08-28-2010, 06:01 PM

Dave, looks like he maybe heading back to Ruidoso.

Coastalview · 08-28-2010, 06:06 PM

Dave, not knowing what email server you have, but one of mine is on yahoo and keeps a sub folder for all attachments including photos that I've sent. Possibly you have sent photos of your trailer in the past to someone? Worth searching too.

Ag&Au · 08-28-2010, 06:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Melody Ranch

We are all on the look out. If we catch him.....it is Texas after all....

That's a really sad picture..............

Poor tree........

I hope they didn't cut all the branches off it just to hang that guy.

Regards,

Ken

Distantdrummer · 08-29-2010, 09:32 AM

Dave I'm a little confused. How come you have not posted his name, his description, his license plate number (or did he steal the Explorer too), and at least the year of the Airstream.
Posting his name will not be slander, do you think he would actually file on you...?
Good move on getting ahold of the "girl friend". I will bet she knows more than she is letting on.
Did he ever say he had any other family? What kind of work did he do?
Do you suspect he is an illegal alien? (sure hope not as that will prob guarantee him federal protection).
Were the tires roadworthy? Might have had to stop and buy or repair one.
If the Ft.Stockton tip was accurate you are gaining ground.
Again look into a Private Eye. Not sure New Mexico will be very interested, but I hope so.
Give this sob no quarter if he is caught. You don't need friends that much.
You have just taught me something. Never again will I take a cashier's check (certified check) without hammering it at the bank and having them call the originating bank. Thanks for the lesson. Sorry it was hard learned for you.

Ganaraska · 08-29-2010, 10:06 AM

They can run but they can't hide. The forum Airstream watchers are everywhere.

SteSpot · 08-29-2010, 10:39 AM

Cashiers checks can be fraudulent......you can go online to research how to tell if they are fake or not... eBay Guides - How to tell if a CASHIER'S CHECK IS FAKE in 30 seconds....but just because you deposited them in your account is no guarantee they are good. You have to wait until they "settle" for you to really have the money--a matter that can take several days and by that time the buyer can be long gone.

Also, making a fake cashiers check must take some real effort.....not something that you can do easily I would think............sounds like this guy went to a lot of trouble to get what he wanted. pj

goransons · 08-29-2010, 10:52 AM

When selling anything that I would consider a large dollar item, I require it to either be via an ebay auction with paypal, or if a local sale the only option for me is to meet at the bank, go to the teller window, and have them count the money out to me from the buyer's bank account (no checks to me etc). Too many crooks these days.