Community Forums

Dutch Star Don · 07-02-2017, 08:08 PM

This post kind of bugs me.....everyone is politely dancing around the issue, but this is what's wrong with this Country.....lack of personal responsibility. Let's see.....you do something stupid because YOU weren't paying attention.....it obviously has to be the fault of someone else....so let's find someone to pay or sue.

I think the one poster is way off base.....someone directing you to your site has limited responsibility....if a kid runs out, do you run them over because the guy directing you to your site didn't say stop.....again....personal responsibility.

Dtwallace · 07-02-2017, 08:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by airman1

In the process of parking my Thor Tuscany XTE at the KOA in Dewittville, NY, the guy who is directing me takes me down a street that is extremely narrow and then directs me into a site that is at a 120 degree angle (my toad is still attached), I turn (because I'm thinking that this guy knows what he's doing) and scrape the rear passenger corner of my RV on a tree. In a discussion with the park owner, he's saying that he'll pay "half the deductible" for the damage caused. I don't see this as my fault. When I'm parking my RV at a KOA campground, I expect KOA personnel to know the limits of maneuverability for my RV and I also expect KOA personnel to know their campground property characteristics (where trees along the road are located, etc.). I'm ticked...This RV is a 2016. The damage is "scrapes" along my rear passenger side. What do I do? The lady working at the counter assured my wife when we checked in that we would be able to park the RV without disconnecting our toad. The owner has admitted that the guy who directed me to this spot wasn't familiar with the characteristics of 40 foot class A motor homes...I would welcome any suggestions...

Steve West
Fort Wayne, IN

I'm sorry you've had this accident, but I can't agree that it was the fault of the ground guide entirely.

Even though this guy is guiding you through the area, it's still your responsibility to know your coaches dimensions and not let anyone else get you into a bind.

The fact the campground is willing to pay half the deductible in my opinion would be all you can expect.

This is a harsh learning experience and something that will never happen to you again.

I'm saying these things from my own experiences and costly mistakes I have made in the past.

Lets be glad it was only minor property damage and not something that was life threatening.

Again, I am truly sorry you had this happen, but it's time to turn the page.

DTW

Dtwallace · 07-02-2017, 08:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by firedoc

Waiting for OP response!

Probably busy putting out the fire

KCFDCapt · 07-02-2017, 09:15 PM

How fast was that tree going when it hit you?

You had all the time you needed to walk around to look for problems.

Your honor, the defense rests.

anaro · 07-02-2017, 09:34 PM

Just like everyone else, I agree you are at fault. I have had many escorts try to guide me to a site and tell me how to park. Some have been great but a few have been incorrect in their "help". I usually thank an escort for showing me to my site and tell them I have it from here, DH and I have a system and other voices will confuse it.

I'm sorry you have damage but nobody is expected to know the characteristics of how every RV maneuvers. I'm surprised the Kia is offering to help with your deductible at all. Graciously accept there offer, learn from this mistake and camp on. We have all learned from the school of hard knocks, let this be a campfire story in your future.

chuckster52 · 07-03-2017, 05:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kotz

Wrong answers to the OP.

When the owner or employee of a Rv park/campground directs you to a spot, they're taking care, custody, and control of your vehicle.

They lead you, and you hit something it's on their dime.

Their general liability policy covers this type of exposure.

Damage to ones camper/coach is one of the more common claims for a park.

wow, I hope I never meet you in a campground and try to help or even answer a question you may have and it goes wrong because you didn't listen or do as it was explained ....I would see you would hold me responsible and expect me to pay for your mistakes.....Good Grief...Chuck

airman1 · 07-03-2017, 07:05 AM

I guess that I've been extremely fortunate in my KOA patronage. I've never had a situation like this before. Next time I will certainly be more mindful of surrounding obstacles as I attempt to park my RV. I'm getting a strong "you're responsible" vibe here and that's understandable. I am responsible.

My plan of action at this point is to take my RV back to the Wakarusa, IN shop and have them make the needed repairs. By the way I have had some experience with the Thor folks at Wakarusa and it's important for me to depart from my carping and mention their outstanding customer service! We were out there in February and they were extremely courteous, customer focused, and detail oriented. It made me wonder if they'd been studying an Alabama based RV manufacturer example?

Thanks for all the replies. I appreciate all positive (obviously) and constructive comments. Diplomacy is a good thing. I found that out with 25 years of community college teaching! Best wishes and a kind thought for all!

Steve West
Fort Wayne, IN

bokobird · 07-03-2017, 07:14 AM

Thanks for circling back around Steve. Your update is appreciated!

airman1 · 07-03-2017, 07:58 AM

Thanks for the kind response. I appreciate it! Lesson learned, no doubt!

airman1 · 07-03-2017, 08:00 AM

Thanks, Mike and Betty...you're good eggs...I appreciate it.

airman1 · 07-03-2017, 08:10 AM

Good advice...Thanks!

dennis45 · 07-03-2017, 08:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Smitty77

Feel for you!!

Captain of the ship is responsible, and whoever is in the driver's seat is the Captain.

For you in the future, and others:
-Always know where you are being taken in a park
-Ask upfront about access and clearances vs size of your rig
-Even after asking. When in doubt stop and validate before proceeding
-Though a PITA, if the idea is for an overnight stop and paying for pull thru. Don't hesitate to unhook and take the toad in to check out an approach and a site. Especially if the do say it is 'tight'.
-My wife and I are the only ones that help the others portion ourselves on a site. Sure many parks, especially those with private lots being used in a pool, do insist on escorting you. And I understand that. But when we get to the site, whomever is the copilot gets out, and is the only one the driver follows directions from. (This has ticked a few escorts off over the years. But so be it!).

OP, IMO, if the park offered to pay for half of your deductible - I'd take it and move on... If I damage my coach, I fell it is on me to be responsible for repairs.

Now, if I'm parked and something happens to our coach due to a maintenance related item in the park. I will, and have, have a conversation with the park about restitution.

Again, sorry this happened. But get it fixed, and go have some fun

!
Best,
Smitty

spsm · 07-03-2017, 10:49 AM

I like your ATTUIDE airman1, all that criticism, and I believe you took it as constructive. We all go through this process and like me sometimes twice. You should hear some of my stories around the campfire. NOT very pretty. Hey, enjoy your camping days, and see you down the road.

MSHappyCampers · 07-03-2017, 10:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by airman1

I guess that I've been extremely fortunate in my KOA patronage. I've never had a situation like this before. Next time I will certainly be more mindful of surrounding obstacles as I attempt to park my RV. I'm getting a strong "you're responsible" vibe here and that's understandable. I am responsible.

My plan of action at this point is to take my RV back to the Wakarusa, IN shop and have them make the needed repairs. By the way I have had some experience with the Thor folks at Wakarusa and it's important for me to depart from my carping and mention their outstanding customer service! We were out there in February and they were extremely courteous, customer focused, and detail oriented. It made me wonder if they'd been studying an Alabama based RV manufacturer example?

Thanks for all the replies. I appreciate all positive (obviously) and constructive comments. Diplomacy is a good thing. I found that out with 25 years of community college teaching! Best wishes and a kind thought for all!

Steve West
Fort Wayne, IN

Steve, it shows your true character to admit your mistake and take responsibility! A lot of folks would have come back in full defensive mode after all the constructive criticism!