What NOT to do

Here's a suggestion: Don't pay for a site until you have thoroughly checked it out. Electricity volts/amps, water pressure/quality, etc. Level sites. Don't be fooled by an ad on any camping website claiming the place is "awesome". BUYER BEWARE.

I generally work out of my RV as an insurance adjuster nationwide, travelling to and from disaster areas helping people to settle their catastrophe insurance claims. I have stayed in some really nice campgrounds and I have stayed in some real dogs. I don't mind either, when I know up-front what I am getting into. In my travels, it sometimes becomes necessary to change locations with little or no notice, so it is always nice to find a campground that understands and accommodates you with a partial refund for leaving a monthly site early.

On my latest deployment, I was advised to take up residence in Hastings, Nebraska. I went to the Hastings RV Park (a Woodalls preferred location), and paid for a monthly site, in full... in advance, plus a $150.00 electrical deposit. After only one day, I was told that my job would be about two hours away, so I asked the park's attendant about a refund on the unused portion of the month. Remember, I only stayed ONE night. She asked the manager, while trying to cover the phone, and I heard the manager say, "I ain't giving him back $#I+." I asked to speak with the manager, who gave me some BS story about she cannot legally rent out this site for the entire month, and I am not getting a refund... I said, "So if I come back by next week, that site will be empty? Right?" She said she cannot rent it out because I have already paid for the month.

I am completely dissatisfied with the campground... the supposed "level gravel sites" were completely overgrown with grass/mud, and the electrical service off the panel was less than 104 volts.

I left the next day, wondering if I will at LEAST get back the unused portion of my electricity.

I have since disputed the charges on my credit card, but will be willing to pay for the portion of my stay that I DID use... ONE NIGHT.

She threatened legal action against me and my family if I disputed the charges.

DO NOT GO TO THE HASTINGS, NEBRASKA RV PARK. WOODALLS should review this location and drop their rating to a flat ZERO.

Hasbro
Explorer
Jul 31, 2014
Don't give up too easily. The campgrounds seem to think they can set the rules/laws regarding services. If you were not told up front that the fees were non-refundable, the fees can't magically "become" non-refundable. Even if they say their website has the information or it's in their brochure, if you don't have that information, they can't assume you knew. As a tip to the campground owners, you should TELL the campers when you accept the money that it's not refundable. In the case of a month long rental, they simply have a duty to inform you that it's not refundable. It can be done with a sign in the office that says "no refunds" but you can't claim it's not refundable without making sure the consumer knows it's not refundable. You can't assume everyone has been looking at your website or read your brochure either. Be fair to campers and they will be fair to you.

As a consumer you have the option of disputing the charge and dealing through the charge card company. You shouldn't have to pay for unused services. You may have to fight for it, but if you end up in a courtroom, the first question that will be asked is whether you knew and were TOLD in advance that the charge was non-refundable. If the answer is "no", you will most likely have the court on your side.
mgirardo
Explorer
Jun 22, 2014
pioneerclaims wrote:
On my latest deployment, I was advised to take up residence in Hastings, Nebraska. I went to the Hastings RV Park (a Woodalls preferred location), and paid for a monthly site, in full... in advance, plus a $150.00 electrical deposit. After only one day, I was told that my job would be about two hours away,

I think your beef should be with your employer, not the RV Park. You were told where to take up residence, then they changed the locale to two hours away. That's not the Campground Owner/Manager's fault. That's the fault of your employer. They should be responsible for that.

-Michael
Camreal
Explorer
Jun 22, 2014
The bad advertisement this is giving this park will last a lot longer than its worth. A partial refund would be the right thing to do.
Alfred622
Explorer
Jun 22, 2014
we would all be appreciative if you'd post your comments about this park on www.rvparkreviews.com. Before we stay anyplace we usually check on the ratings - ignoring rants and raves, but looking for the general consensus. Here is a clicky to go there if you're willing to setup an account and voice your opinion. Clicky
liveneasy
Explorer
Jun 22, 2014
Sounds like your either relatively new working disasters or have had a good run of luck. I was a contract inspector for FEMA for more years then I care to remember and the first question when scouting campground/parking locations was about their refund policy. The majority of the places I've stayed have been willing to work with me even if they had a no refund policy after I explained the nature of my work. It's in your best interest to be completely upfront with the check-in people... even taking the extra time to contact the manager or owner to insure everyone is on the same page about your rate and situation. When I did encounter a park that wouldn't budge on the no refund policy I'd usually, depending on the size of the disaster, rent initially for a couple of days... or a week at the most until I got a handle on how much work was actually in the area as things have a habit of changing, especially during the first week of deployment. Of course if there was another park/CG in the area I'd contact them, explain the situation... emphasizing that I was contacting them because of the inflexibility of the prior parks refund policy.

Unfortunately trying to fight with a campground owner/manager over their no refund policy after you have checked in and paid will probably be a loosing battle.... so chalk it up to a lesson learned and get on with your work.

I don't know if the insurance guys have the same type of 'grapevine' that the FEMA inspectors do... but I'd certainly put it out there that you have paid for a months stay at the Campground... might be another insurance guy looking for a place close to his work area that could use it. I know that a lot of the FEMA guys were always trading/sub-letting extended stay hotel rooms as they moved around.
Moderator
Moderator
Jun 21, 2014
Moved from ATC
Mr__Camper
Explorer
Jun 21, 2014
Isn't your company picking up the tab? If they want to fight it let them. If they aren't picking up the tab I'd strongly think about a daily or weekly rate.
fj12ryder
Explorer III
Jun 21, 2014
You made a mistake, and it's their fault for not covering for your mistake?

IMO they should refund your money, but if they don't and they have a policy of no refunds, then I'd say that sucks, but caveat emptor.

If they're just being stupid about it, then you're pretty much still out of luck, but you can create a stink like you're doing. Short of taking them to small claims court you're pretty much up the creek without the proverbial paddle.
wa8yxm
Explorer III
Jun 21, 2014
Some good advice.. I was expecting like "Do not drive a 12 foot tall RV under an 11 foot high bridge"

Many campgrounds you pay on the way in.. While I might not have an issue with that, I do want to check out power and such BEFORE I plug in. Few times I've had to have 'em replace breakers and outlets.
Dog_Folks
Explorer
Jun 21, 2014
No disrespect intended.

You know, before you check in, that you may have to leave without notice. It is a condition of your job.

Would that not be the best time to discuss/negotiate this possibility with the office?

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What NOT to do

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