Walmart has Prevost towed

[Route 66]

Accustomed to parking this $1.2 million RV for free overnight at Walmarts, the owner said he was “stunned” when he discovered his luxury vehicle had been towed from a Glen Ellyn Walmart parking lot where he slept the night before.

More here.

[ZMasterFish]

I do not wish to subscribe to the Daily Herald. Can't read the article.

[Fred and Bonnie]

I seriously doubt a 2000 Prevost Marathon is a $1.2 mil coach, you can buy a 2012 for that $$$.

Here is another source. http://www.rvbusiness.com/2012/06/wa...RV+Business%29

fred

[NLOVNIT]

If I interpret the article correctly, he didn't bother to ask the store manager (or said representative) if it was ok to park. Isn't that supposed to be the 1st rule of courtesy in WM parking?? At least that's what I've pretty much gathered from the 4400+ post/221,000+views Walmart's Parking noveletta we've got going.

If he didn't ask, oh well, C'est la vie.

Lori-

[wa8yxm]

The article has appeared elsewhere.. The manager made several attempts to see if anyone was home,, They had gone drive about in their towed, and when he found it there for a considerable amount of time (I think it was a couple of days) with no evidence of occupancy. He called ye-old-hook.

[baraff]

The Glen Ellyn Walmart is our local Walmart. The village recently passed (or started enforcing) no overnight parking.
The problem wasn't RVers, it was trucks. There were times when the parking lot looked like a Flying J, I kid you not. I very seldom saw any RVs in that lot.

[Scarab0088]

This is the kinda' thing that is gonna ruin it for everyone...overnight parking, not 2 day storage.

From the Walmart website: Walmartstores.com: RV Parking

"Many of our locations allow overnight RV parking. This decision is left primarily in the discretion of store management. Also, some communities have local ordinances, which prohibit overnight parking. We value each of our customers and allowing overnight parking can enhance the one-stop shopping convenience for RV'ers, where permissible. "

And from the Walmart FAQ: Walmartstores.com: Most Frequently Asked Questions

"Q Can I park my RV at a Walmart store?"
"A While we do not offer electrical service or accommodations typically necessary for RV customers, Walmart values RV travelers and considers them among our best customers. Consequently, we do permit RV parking on our store lots as we are able. Permission to park is extended by individual store managers, based on availability of parking space and local laws. Please contact management in each store to ensure accommodations before parking your RV."

I would have enjoyed watching the towtruck hook-up...don't cha' need a special air line from the TowTruck to release the brakes on a big Bus RV like that?

[BudtheDiplomat]

I understand the Prevost owner, kinda. If he didn't say anything to the Walmart managers, he screwed up. If the town posted a "No overnight" rule and he didn't notice, he screwed up. If he parked there 5 days last year and then parked there again this year for several days before he got towed, he screwed up.

Here's what I sympathize with: He says the closest RV park is a two hour round trip. I face the same situation when I visit my inlaws. There's a Walmart 5 minutes away, and the closest park to their house is well over an hour away.

Thank goodness that their driveway is about 140 feet long and generally I'm able to park at their house without being too much in the way.

I hope his personal items and motorhome were safe.

[RickO]

Originally Posted by Fred and Bonnie

I seriously doubt a 2000 Prevost Marathon is a $1.2 mil coach, you can buy a 2012 for that $$$.

fred

Yeah, I thought the same thing. I'm guessing some reporter with a little bit of knowledge about RVs took a stab at what it cost new.

Rick

[jablair]

Originally Posted by BudtheDiplomat

I understand the Prevost owner, kinda. If he didn't say anything to the Walmart managers, he screwed up. If the town posted a "No overnight" rule and he didn't notice, he screwed up. If he parked there 5 days last year and then parked there again this year for several days before he got towed, he screwed up.

Here's what I sympathize with: He says the closest RV park is a two hour round trip. I face the same situation when I visit my inlaws. There's a Walmart 5 minutes away, and the closest park to their house is well over an hour away.

Thank goodness that their driveway is about 140 feet long and generally I'm able to park at their house without being too much in the way.

I hope his personal items and motorhome were safe.

I have no sympathy! If the closed RV Park is two hours away, then it is a two hour drive one way. One can't handle or justify the drive then don't go. The drive time in no way justifies abusing the Walmart parking courtesy or taking up parking space throughout the entire day. Glad the owner was towed as he well deserved to be towed.

[TdogKing]

As we traveling all over the good Ol' USA different situations and problems arise daily and its up to us to act wisely, think wisely and use some common sense.I won't say if what he did was right wrong or otherwise as most of the time we don't know the whole story from both sides.

[Hipshot]

I wonder if posting a cell number on the door would have prevented this, since the manager did knock on the door. I have mine on the MH door because Idiot Dog is usually inside and if there is a problem I hope someone will call me.

[grafxman]

Originally Posted by Hipshot

I wonder if posting a cell number on the door would have prevented this, since the manager did knock on the door. I have mine on the MH door because Idiot Dog is usually inside and if there is a problem I hope someone will call me.

Now that's an excellent idea.

[Steve N Sal]

Sucks to be him if he didn't ask. It may not even be Walmarts rule in that particular city it possibly could have a city ordinance but should at least have been posted. I would never park without permission first.