Borrowing our hybrid !!

Our old camping buddies started loaning their HTT to their dau and SIL. Every time, repeat EVERY time, it came back with something broken, missing, whatever. Either the dau didn't realize or just didn't say anything and the SIL is Mr. Irresponsible, they usually didn't find these things until they opened up to clean and get ready for their own trip. Not happy. But also ones to never learn or just never deny, they continued this until they got into boating. Repeat all of the above with the boat. They finally told these "kids" that they could have either the trailer or the boat. They chose the boat. Personally, DH and I would have addressed this the first time and given them clear reasons for why they couldn't borrow it again...."don't ask". Yes, the dau did have camping experience and they walked them through everything before the first loaning.

This is a new trailer. I would nicely explain that this is just something you don't do. Depending on the plans, we MIGHT offer to pay the rental for one trip to see if they might be interested in buying their own trailer.

I am lucky enough to have a very responsible family. We all cross borrow cars, trucks, tools and two campers. The rule is simple, you break or damage it, you make it as good or better than it was.

It depends on the individual kid.

It does sound from your wording that she is your step-daughter - if so, that could make things a bit more awkward for you to be saying no and your wife saying yes. Best to find a way for your wife and you to be on the same side.

Maybe suggest a "breaking in period" of X number of years before it goes out on loan. You and your wife put all that money into a new RV and it doesn't make sense for others to enjoy that newness instead.

Maybe blame the husband/boyfriend's carelessness, etc. That takes the daughter out of the argument - it's not her, it's HIM. And wife will be more likely to accept a derogatory comment about him than her own daughter.

Maybe suggest a few family trips with all of you instead. Then you can see first hand how they behave around the RV, as well as how well they take care of their own gear and yours. Show them all the work that has to be done before leaving, while you're there, and when you get home (really, think of all those things you can point out MUST be done - inspecting all the canvas before and after each trip, checking all seams, and so on - things that will make the idea of borrowing it less appealing to them).

I would be just as inclined to give it to them and get myself something new. ;)

NO NO NO.NAC

blangen wrote:
My simple rule on loaning: While it is in your possession, you break it, you replace it with new. Simple. We know there are lots of systems (with a learning curve) and this simple rule applies to every nut and bolt. This rule also extends to all risks, even what is entirely out of their control. Whatever is loaned is returned whole or the borrower makes right. If they are in a financial position to replace any/all, proceed to point #2.

+1 to this

drenjoey wrote:
Hi Folks,

Simple question:
Would you let your children borrow your camper for week ends !

We have a new 2016 Roo 23ws and I personally don't agree. My wife on the other hand doesn't mind letting her daughter and her family use it .

What do you think !

For me, it would all come down to their experience with RVs. There really is a steep learning curve with all of the systems. If they grew up with you and an RV, I could see it not being a big deal. My 9 year old helps me with everything so I wouldn't have a problem in 20 years if he wants to borrow my trailer.

Before we got our 5th wheel, my sister offered to let us borrow their new toy hauler and I never took her up on it. Back then, I knew nothing and wasn't comfortable with that idea. Today, I would be comfortable doing that.

My simple rule on loaning: While it is in your possession, you break it, you replace it with new. Simple. We know there are lots of systems (with a learning curve) and this simple rule applies to every nut and bolt. This rule also extends to all risks, even what is entirely out of their control. Whatever is loaned is returned whole or the borrower makes right. If they are in a financial position to replace any/all, proceed to point #2.

2). Do they have their own truck properly equipped to tow your rig? If so, do they have towing experience? If they are expecting to borrow your truck as well, they likely do not have towing experience and, by agreeing, you are putting all of them at risk of great peril. Keep in mind, all of the above has you (and your wife) on the insurance hook for anything they might do... to equipment as well as liability to others.

If they are financially capable and have at least some towing experience, you're probably going to give in and let the wife loan the rig. Happy wife, happy life.

Would depend on how responsible they were an how well I knew they would take care of it. We have 3 children an would only let the one son borrow it. So far tho he an his wife usually go with us. The other two we would not let use it but have invited them to go along with us. Mostly it's because our daughters husband is very very unresponsible and our other sons five kids tho adorable are a wrecking crew.

Yes I do, they know to respect my stuff or it won't happen again.