Don’t buy here
Review of North Trail RV Center - Buyer Beware! I recently had an unfortunate experience purchasing an RV from North Trail RV Center, and I feel compelled to share my thoughts to help others avoid the same pitfalls. Initially, I was excited about finding the perfect RV and thought I was getting a great deal. However, things took a turn for the worse during the paperwork process. The staff had me sign a waiver that, unbeknownst to me at the time, could lead to serious legal implications, including the potential suspension of my driver’s license. They assured me that it was standard procedure for RVs to be registered under the serial number instead of the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number), which seemed plausible and common for RVs. However, what they didn’t clarify was that registering a vehicle using the serial number instead of the VIN can create significant legal issues. The VIN is a unique identifier assigned to every vehicle, providing essential information regarding its history, ownership, and legal status. When an RV is registered with only the serial number, it complicates matters like insurance coverage, theft recovery, and even resale value. Additionally, many states require the VIN for proper registration, and failing to adhere to these regulations could lead to fines, penalties, or even the suspension of your driver’s license if you’re found to be operating a vehicle that isn’t registered correctly. After signing the waiver, I was left feeling confused and uneasy. It became apparent that this practice could put a burden on the buyer, leading to complications down the road. Now, not only do we have to spend more money on layers of legal protection and repairs, but we also have to miss work to resolve these issues. If you’re considering purchasing an RV from North Trail RV Center, I strongly advise you to do your due diligence. Read every document carefully, and don’t hesitate to ask for clarifications, especially regarding waivers and the registration process. It’s crucial to understand what you’re signing and the potential consequences that could follow. In summary, while I was initially drawn in by their offerings, the lack of transparency and the implications of the paperwork left me feeling misled and frustrated. We felt taken advantage of, especially since, even knowing we couldn't secure the RV properly, they were still asking us where we were planning to go sightseeing next. Protect yourself and think twice before making a purchase here!
Mice in RV living quarters
We have a 26' Sunseeker RV. When winterizing it last Fall I removed all food, paper products and extra clothing. This past spring I discovered evidence of mice, including an area they chewed in the mattress cover I had left on the bed (the only piece of cloth that remained over winter to protect the mattress). We had put dryer sheets everywhere and a couple of pouches of something that was supposed to repel mice, to no avail. I cleaned out the living area thoroughly then we discovered that they had nested in the "garage" area - the big storage area at the back of the RV under the bed. That area was full of mice droppings. I did a search for "mice" here and only found advice for how to keep them out of the engine compartment - AFAIK they don't go there, just the living area. What can I use this year to keep the little buggers out? I don't like using poisons as that often adversely affects wildlife. TIA!
Progressive RV Insurance Scam
I was speaking to an agent from Progressive on why my RV policy jumped another 20% this year. We went through each of the items and the agent made an offhanded comment regarding personal items coverage. The agent said the max Progressive will pay on any personal item is $500. I confirmed what the agent told me in their "California Motor Home Policy" page 35, Limits of Liability Section 2. a under Replacement Cost Personal Effects Coverage, section e. $500 per item. So the $2,000 notebook I travel with, iPad, or digital camera, if any these of these items are stolen, I am only partially covered. Up until recently, I used to believe Progressive would pay me replacement cost, it sure sounds like it my declaration page where it says "Replacement Cost Personal Effects Coverage." But the scam is found page page 36, section 2. subsection e: max $500 per item. I personally find this intentionally misleading and an outright scam. I dropped this coverage, immediately and I am shopping for better coverage. If there was a theft, I would end up going with my homeowners for personal items anyway. Why pay for this coverage? Progressive says in their advertising, "Its not a car, don't insure it like one." RIP OFF ALERT.New Tires On The RV
Well after several tread loss and one blowout I finally decided the GY G114 "H" 17.5 tires could not handle running within a few hundred pounds of their Max Carrying Capacity. I rarely towed at 70 and mostly 60. Outside temps were never HOT. GY gave me a whole new set of tires with me paying for tread use that was minimal but one year later I had a blowout and decided that was enough. I still believe they are one of the best tires out there but not for me any longer. GY did buy me a new tire and paid for repairs totaling around $5,200. I bought a set of GY K Max J rated tires being told they were US Made. I sent them back as they were Made in Slovenia and they had no user ratings plus they were dated 4020. So I caved and bought Continental HTL2 ECO Plus 235/75 R17.5 18 ply "J" from Americas tire. I ordered them 12/27 and just had them installed on new Alcoa rims. These tires are very popular with the heavier DRV/Mobile Suites crowd with no reported issues. These are made in Czech Republic (a free Country) and were dated all around 5021 so they are VERY fresh. These tires are HEAVY!!! They look almost like drag slicks. I got a smoking price as I really doubt you can get them for less, looks like $500 each online. Rims are rated 6,050#, I will probably be running 100psi. I wanted to buy US Made but not a single tire made here with those ratings.Camco water filter
We usually drink bottled water and reserve the campground water for cooking, showering, etc. Now, bottled water is getting close to impossible to find. For that reason, I picked up a Camco Water Filter. The package says last up to six months. I'm not sure exactly what that means. Six months of continuous use, or six months of using while camping every few weeks. How often do you change your Camco filter? The cg water is regular city water so I'm not too concerned with bacteria. More a taste issue with us.Immediate trip home (Salt Lake) from Chicago
Hey all! My son and his dad needed to go to Chicago to say goodbye to someone very close. Well, plans changed and instead of flying, they are now driving. I'm looking for places where they can rest and eat some good things along the way to help strengthen their bond. Any suggestions would be incredibly helpful, thank you!Optimum RV, Ocala, Florida
I recently went full time Rving, May 8th. My wife and I have been camping for over 42 years in about every type camper. We purchased a 2006 Itaska Motorhome this time and had the worst experience ever, It ended up costing us several thousand dollars extra to get things fixed that they promised would be taken care of. After two months of their failure to fix everything I took the motorhome from them to fix elsewhere. I won't go into any great details unless someone is reallyinterested but I wanted to let members here know where I purchased it so they can be aware of this dealer. It's about the only thing we, as customers can do. They, at Optimum RV in Ocala, Florida contacted me two weeks ago to take a survey of my experience there. I went over all the deals with them and a few days later the owner of Optimum RV called me and said he was concerned that I was upset with them. I again went over the details of everything but regardless of their apologies the bottom line is, they can't be to concern or they would have made some kind of adjustment for my outrageous expenses. My wife and I are enjoying our motorhome and trying to forget this bad experience. I hope people will post their experiences for others to see, both good but especially the bad dealers they run into. That's the only recourse we have as customers because they truly don't care anything about being fair or living up to their agreement. They said everything would be fixed before we left there. They didn't!!
