What do I do now?

cbg4791

Member
Joined
Mar 27, 2026
Posts
14
A couple years ago I came back to California to deal with a death in the family. Things got tied up in court, and a friend of mine, who is a pastor, I believed I could trust offered to rent a spot to park my trailer on his property until everything was settled.

Right of the bat things started bad for me, my truck threw a rod, then legl issues concerning the family members will. I knew it was going to be here a while. So. I pulled what money I could and gave my friend 13000 to cover being there.

4 months later, he shut the power off saying I ran his bill up 900 a month. my trailer has 1 light that uses 110v the oven, stove, refrigerator, on demand water heater and furnace run off propane. and my AC unit does not work.
A week later he shuts off the water saying his water pressure gets too low when I use the water.
But he says I can hook up to his irrigation water. Which comes from an open ditch.
My truck won't run needs an engine, so I couldn't up and go. Found a cheap car which i needed because i had to find jobs in order to survive. I had a friend bring my utility trailer and tools to me So i could work. Also had my generator brought with it.

Thanksgiving night I came home, my utility trailer, tools, and generator are gone. I made a police report. As of today, nothing has come of it.

Now the best part.3 weeks ago I come home from working 2 days out of town. I pull up to find my travel trailer is gone. Nobody answers the door ar the so called friend/pastor landlords house. Its just after 1am. I decide to drive back down the highway to wake up a new friend of mine. On my way there I find my trailer on the side of the highway, both slides out, steps down, andabright yellow 72 hour tow sticker on the back.

OK. I know im long winded. I apologize. I could write a novel on what's transpired over the past few weeks. But here's a short summary.

the guy who rented me the place to park it. Had someone pull it and leaveit n the highway. he pulled it with the slides out. nothing was secured inside. It was a mess. the slides no longer sit square, don't pull in right, and it takes 2 people to get them in. my load level hitch set was gone, propane tanks gone, front door lock busted but they didn't gain acess, and the storage compartment locks busted out. I still haven't oene them. Too bummed to find out what else is gone.

H the tow sticker on the trailer indicated it was left on the side of the road the day I left for work. I had to ask a stranger to tow me to the local lake campground. my 14 days there ran out. A week and a half ago. It's been anightmare since.

local sheriff says its a civil matter. Wouldnt even take a report. I'm stuck. need advice.

if you managed to read all I wrote. Thank you. And I'll say I left a lot out.
 
If you are looking for a handout then move on. There have been too many panhandlers here before you. Get a job.
Looks like the guy is working.

I'd maybe see if there is someone higher up in his church organisation and see what they say.

Other than that it doesn't sound like you are going to get restitution without getting a lawyer and having an expensive battle.

See if there's anywhere nearby that you can get towed to where you can stay longer - a cheap rv park.

Big lesson for you though. Never part with such a huge amount of money up front and have a contract.

Good luck.
 
OP hasn't been on for a while so he is either tuning in without logging in or just watching.

I'd say that he might have a chance in small claims court but don't know the limits in California. I agree with Jackie Mac, don't ever give that kind of money upfront. Maybe some items disappeared by theft. Tools are too tempting and can be sold for $$.
 
Looks like the guy is working.

I'd maybe see if there is someone higher up in his church organisation and see what they say.

Other than that it doesn't sound like you are going to get restitution without getting a lawyer and having an expensive battle.

See if there's anywhere nearby that you can get towed to where you can stay longer - a cheap rv park.

Big lesson for you though. Never part with such a huge amount of money up front and have a contract.

Good luck.
Than you for replying. I found a spot for the trailer, rent in exchange for work. I couldn't turn that offer down. beats losing my trailer.

Went into town today, found myself the talk if the town. the guys been posting more things online. saying he let me stay there for free, out of the goodnss of his heart, and I stole from him. Glad I kept a signed receipt for the money I gave him and corresponding emails. As for stealing from him.... never.

I'd give about anything to see this guy in court. But finding a lawyer that'll take a case wit no money down... don't think they exsist any more.

About finding a cheap rv park in california. So far 1000 a month utilities seperate.

It sure seems like this guy should have a theft charge just fo towing it without my knowledge.
 
Exactly what are you looking for? And where are you located?
I need advice. I've about given up. I found a place to park the trailer. That gives me time to think

Honestly
I'm sitting here, reading responses, thankful for any advice. Really don't want to be stuck in this state, can't pull my rig. Which has become my full time home. And I know there is no easy way out of this. But there has to be a way.
I'm not asking for money, like someone stated in a post. that never crossed my mind. Just looking for guidance. It's kind of hard to think when everything hits you at once.
 
Here we go again.
Gee thanks. just looking for solid advice.its hard to think when everything goes wrong all at once.

I've never had to deal with anything like this before. Maybe someone out there has.
 
If asking for advice is panhandlng where your from, california doesn't seem all that bad right now. thanks for the laugh.
If you are looking for a handout then move on. There have been too many panhandlers here before you.
 
Some bad luck coupled with some bad decisions that lead to a tale of woe. You need a handout and maybe a lawyer, but we don't do either here. :crying:
Advice shouldn't cost a dime. And I'm not asking for money. Just looking for good advice. I know im in a bad spot. And I'm not afraid of work. But my ability to think and make rational decisions these last few days hasn't been good. I seem to be digging myself into a hole.

If I can give advice to anyone here on things ive learned in life or any knowledge pertaining things I've had to repair or fix. I'm more than willing to sit down and help.
I'm hoping someone here has maybe gone through something similar, and can help guide me through it.
 
Well, I am really sorry that you ended up where you are, now. (Some "Friend" you got there.)
There are Lawyer types around who are motivated by more noble intent that profit. Hope you find one who can help.

As someone wise once said, "When you find yourself in a hole, Stop digging."

I do hope that you find your way out.
 

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