WHAT!!!!!!!!! - Montana Owners Club

swanny · 05-08-2009, 10:40 AM

Heading in the wrong direction. Don't let this happen without a fight (email). http://rvtravel.com/mainervban.shtml

swanny

Waynem · 05-08-2009, 12:43 PM

And if enacted, what state would be next?

Some one is really not think this one through. The safety factor alone should be enough keep this from passing. I'll be some one in the legislature has a brother, cousin, uncle, etc., in the CG business and is pushing this. You never know though. Most like not an RV'er also.

adelmoll · 05-08-2009, 12:46 PM

Guess they don't want our money anymore. I am going to miss that wonderful lobster though. Although we do not boondock ourselves, we would never stay in a State that restricts those that need a place to stay. I am sure that most of the people that stay in those lots are there because they don't fit into the campgrounds anyway unless they are in a pop-up or tent.

Helen

CasaDelSol · 05-08-2009, 07:45 PM

Too many black flies and too damn cold anyway!!

Glenn and Lorraine · 05-08-2009, 11:53 PM

OK, I gotta tell it like I see it and this is going to P*&& some people off.
I may disagree with this possible new law but I feel that many an RVer brought this on themselves. Way too many times I have pulled into a Wal*Mart, Sams Club, Flying J, you name it and there sits an RV fully set up for what appears to be a week or longer stay. And some actually do stay for more than 1 night. Way too many RVers have taken advantage of a good thing and are hurting the rest of us in the process. Quite often they have their slides out, jacks down, awning down with there furniture under it. I feel it's these type RVers that the states are targeting.
The excuse that they couldn't find a place or it was late was poor planning on the part of the RVer. Every state has a listing of 90% of the RV parks available to Joe public at the states welcome center. All these listings carry the name of the park, address and phone number. Many can also be found on the Internet so there is also E-Mail.
The excuse, well we had a breakdown or were held up in traffic, only applies to maybe 1% or 2%. The rest are looking at that Free night.
Yes, too many look at these locations as a free nighter. There are RVers that actually plan their entire route to and from their destination by using FREEBIES everynight they are on the road. In my opinion, If you can afford to own an RV you can afford to pay for a campground. If not stay home.

Sorry if I offended anyone but what's right is right.

Emmel · 05-09-2009, 03:08 AM

Not p*&*&* off Glenn, I do agree with you,somewhat. However, I do stay for one night during my travels to Florida and have stayed for one night in other places. That is one night at any given trip! I do look at it as a free night, but I would never even think of staying for two or more nights.
Like you said, the people that set up for a week or so are the ones that hurt it for everyone else. Look at Pigeon Forge, city ordinance from overnight parking of a semi or rv.
I have seen people actually go to a motel because they couldn't get reservations at nearby cg's that was full instaed of boondocking at a local Wal-mart. I personally would rather spend that night in my Montana that I bought for that purpose.
Again, that is MHO!

SlickWillie · 05-09-2009, 03:47 AM

I've seen a couple RVs wearing out their welcome on a parking lot, but it is few and far between. A simple ordinance for one night only,and strictly enforced would take care of that. So, I don't think that is where it is coming from. States are out to pick up all the revenue they can, anyway they can.

adelmoll · 05-09-2009, 04:14 AM

I don't look at it as the State trying to get their money. After all, most of us that stay overnight in a truck stop, Walmart, Casino or whatever, usually leave a lot of $ in that area. We eat in their restaurants, buy fuel and shop in their stores. I think this is all started by the campground owners that think it is perfectly alright to charge $40 or more to pull into their place and sleep for a few hours. Most of us that travel a lot just need a safe place to stop until we get to our destination where we stay for longer periods. If these same parks would just have a few no frills place we could pull into for short term and charged us $5 or $10.00 I think we would all be willing to pay for it but they charge the same for us as a family that is using the pool, playgrounds, spas, game rooms etc. That has always been a sore spot with me. We travel during the off season a lot and nothing is open in the campgrounds; many times not even the office and you have to self register but the cost of the overnight stay is the same as the middle of the season with all the amenities. I think the Camp Ground owners are the ones behind this and they are cutting off their noses when they mess with Rv'ers. Look what happened in Billings a few years back.

Helen

stiles watson · 05-09-2009, 05:44 AM

Throwing a blanket over a problem with a one-size-fits-all solution is a typical governmental solution. Abuse has always been a detriment to something good. Does that mean the the "something good" should cease. I think not. The abuse of the privilege of public parking leads to attitudes that proffers this kind of legislation. Remember legislation almost always takes away privilege and everybody loses.

By-the-way, carping on the MOC is impotent. If you are really concerned, email the people listed in the Escapees article.

Glenn and Lorraine · 05-09-2009, 06:56 AM

Back on my

Having been in the accommodations business for nearly 10 years. I can say that blaming the CG owners is for the most part bogus. Granted there are a few that may pursue such legislation but these individuals are few. We owned a motel and fishing camp and although we did not have a campground many of the other 25 or so camps did. Including my next door neighbor. Not once in 10 years did this kind of talk ever come up and yes we did have a truck stop and a Wal Mart in close proximity. We even had an empty K-Mart parking lot and many times you would see RVs parked in them. Some just overnight others longer.
Lets talk safety, I'll be da**ed if you will ever convince me it is safer overnighting in some truck stop or WalMart. Some of the people frequenting these places are what I would call "less than savory". While pumping fuel I was approached by what appeared to be a homeless man pandering for money. This was at a Petro and I watched as he made the rounds of all the fuel pumps. Last I saw of him was when he went over to the truck area. Maybe to pander off the truckers and than again who knows. Have you ever taken a close look at some, NOT ALL, truckers? BTW-I am not knocking truckers as years ago I was a trucker and a member of the Teamsters local 429 Reading, PA
There are way to many people coming and going in these FREEBIE campgrounds (re; truck stop, WallyWorld) for my liking. Not so much in a pay as you go campground. When was the last time you were approached by these unsavorys in a campground? Me? Never!

You want to save a couple $$$ more power to you. I just hope we never see a post on here where MOCer so and so was robbed at gun point or he/she was killed while overnighting at the local Flying J.

OK, Nuff said, I am stepping down from my soap box.

D and M On The Road · 05-09-2009, 07:25 AM

This should be practiced anywhere an RV stops, not just WalMart.

Unofficial Guide to Overnight RV Parking at WalMart:

1. Don't stay if "No overnight parking" signs are posted. If you do, be prepared to be asked to leave during the night if you don't have prior permission. You might also be issued a citation by the local law.

2. If you arrive during store hours, always go in and ask for permission to park overnight. Get the name of the person who grants the permission.

3. If you arrive after the store is closed, park in the furthermost corner away from the store. If you'll be arriving after hours and already know that you'll be staying at the store, call the store ahead of time for permission. Always get the name of the person you talked with.

4. Don't unhook your tow vehicle or towed-vehicle and leave the RV. This is not a campgound. It is okay to unhook however, (only with prior permission from the store management) if you have repairs that need to be made to the tow vehicle and you are taking it to a local shop for the repairs. Never do any repair work in the lot yourself. Put something under your supports so they don't damage the parking lot surface. Store management may be able to direct you to a local reputable repair shop or a place more appropriate to leave your RV.

5. It's okay to open the slide-outs, but do not put down stabilizer legs, supports or jacks. It's understandable that you might need to open the slides to have access to areas inside your RV. Close the slides as soon as you are done needing the access.

6. Never put outside any chairs, or other personal belongings. Do not open your awning. In otherwords, the only thing you own that should be visible is the RV and the tow vehicle.

7. Never cook outside of your rig.

8. No loud music or tv. Try to be as quiet as possible.

9. It's okay to use your generator in very short intervals. Never run it for more than absolutely necessary, and never after 10pm at night or before 7am in the morning.

10. If traveling with children, do not let them run around and play in the parking lot.

11. The dumping of ANY tanks in the parking lot is NOT okay. Report anyone who does to the store management right away.

12.. Be good neighbors to the store. Purchase something during your time there.

13. Never stay more than one night. Period. RV parking at Walmart is only a place to get some sleep when you are so tired that it would be dangerous to keep driving. If you have a reason that it's absolutely necessary, discuss it with the store manager. They may be able to direct you to somewhere local that is more appropriate.

14. Leave the area cleaner than you found it. Don't ever leave any trash.

15. Carry a pack of post cards with you. After you leave the store after staying the night, send one to the manager thanking him/her and noting that you purchased something while there (if you, in fact, did).

It all makes very good sense, doesn't it? We the RVers, should do everything possible so that WalMart continues this gracious policy in towns where there aren't ordinances prohibiting it.

KathyandDave · 05-09-2009, 11:10 AM

I seem to be missing the problem that the Maine bill is trying to fix. Obviously, somebody feels strongly enough about the issue and has substantial support in Maine. How can such a bill govern the private property of casinos or WalMarts? Maybe there's no way for a private property owner to kick people off the property without some form of legislation? There's a lot of "entitled" people out there who take advantage of every loophole to accommodate themselves.

Art-n-Marge · 05-09-2009, 11:48 AM

Like most bills that state what not to do, they miss what we should be doing. Like many have already said, I'll go ahead and put in my thoughts which will probably be just like you others.

1. A few inconsiderates can cause this consternation. But there are laws and rules for this already. Go after the infractors.
2. CGs could make more money be setting aside a parking area for "just passing through" types. So we are not hooking up but will be willing to pay half or less just to PARK. Then pay these patrons for use of facilities like dumping, showers, etc.
3. I imagine the same ignoramuses who drew up Association by-laws who hate the site of rigs came up with this law. They don't RV so can't relate to the perfectly sane, considerate, revenue-generating lifestyle. A perfect example of a law that says DO NOT do something so some other carpet-bagger can gouge a law-abiding citizen who wants to do what's right, but not get taken advantage of.
4. RVers who have decided to make a CG out of a parking lot don't help the majority who aren't like that.
5. Don't go after the RVer trying to behave properly and considerately. Go after the seedy types who should be put away for their foolishness.
6. RVers are tax paying, revenue generating, product-buying citizens who deserve their pleasures and have achieved the luxury of doing it across the United States (and elsewhere) to drop dollars EVERYWHERE. Don't kill any more jobs and pleasures just because you aren't capable of solving the problem. How's the phrase go? "Cutting off your nose to spite your face"?
7. Somehow calling a commercial parking lot a public place where that a business pays taxes for and owns does not make sense to legislate what they want to do with their property as long as it maintains safety, stays clean, and the visitor respects the rules (like at Walmart and Camping World)
8. Everyone here deserves to be Pi**ed and should not feel bad for it and I for one have no intention of apologizing for it. I, like you, get angry over ignorance. Stupidity can't be helped but ignorance needs to be slapped hard, often and by many.

RV on, my friends!

Glenn and Lorraine · 05-09-2009, 12:42 PM

Quote:

quote:Originally posted by KathyandDave

I seem to be missing the problem that the Maine bill is trying to fix. Obviously, somebody feels strongly enough about the issue and has substantial support in Maine. How can such a bill govern the private property of casinos or WalMarts? The same way any governing body can pass an ordinance barring you from keeping your RV in your own yard. These governing bodies can be state, county or your own municipality Maybe there's no way for a private property owner to kick people off the property without some form of legislation? Yes they can. It's called trespassing. There's a lot of "entitled" people out there who take advantage of every loophole to accommodate themselves. Yes there are.

CmdrDewey · 05-10-2009, 11:03 AM

Well I live in Maine and I have checked into the bill. It was sponsored on behalf of campground owners and it was referred to the Health and Human Services Committee. It was sold as public health issue. I have written to my senator and representative. I suggest that those opposed write to those names in the Escapees list. I haven't seen that list so don't know who is on it

KathyandDave · 05-10-2009, 11:14 AM

I'm starting to understand better. Thanks for the educational comments. I like the idea of "express lane" camping for overnighting. Personally, I dislike having to pull this long rig through crowded CG's just to stay for one night. I'd pay for the privilege of a quick in-and-out. Maybe if the CG owners thought a bit outside the box, they'd make some dough!

Art-n-Marge · 05-10-2009, 07:20 PM

CmdrDewey - Thanks for looking into it!

Let's tell 'em Dave... One big problem with most new laws is they don't offer up solutions especially from the whiners that caused it, so I say, check the bill once again for this corrollary to the problem:

If the CG owners wanna complain about RVers who avoid their facilities legally and NOW want to make it illegal, then the CG owners should be legislated to come up with a viable alternative above overpriced sites for folks who just want a quick overnight park. Shouldn't there be a law against gouging? Some of these campgrounds are so far off the beaten path that one wastes gas to get there - isn't that a public safety issue? I wish that could stop their whining. I can think of a few campgrounds who should be penalized for the condition of their facilities (or lack there of) that they provide that are safety or public issues. What about that?

CmdrDewey · 05-11-2009, 03:31 AM

I hope I am not beating a dead horse but here are a few of the commercial establishments in Maine that allow free overnight parking.
Cabelas
LL Bean (the town of Freeport is considering banning that)
Freeport Information Center (see above)
Freeport is an outlet town and if it wasn't for LL Bean and
the outlets it would be nothing more than a bedroom community.
Gus's Grill Skowhegan
Hannafords supermarket Millinocket
Kittery Trading Post
Melby's Market Waterford (FYI they sell buffalo meat among the usual)
Ramada Inn Lewiston Its free and they have 30 amp electric

I just stayed at Ramada so I know that is current. The rest are subject to change.

So as in so many other things, one man's meat is another's poison

Art-n-Marge · 05-11-2009, 12:06 PM

All those places fall into commercial establishments where the public can park. Sounds like all those places you list become illegal if the new law passes. THEN the horse will be dead. Until then, walk the poor horse so it lasts longer.

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