What do I do now?

[cbg4791]

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.

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.

 

[uchu]

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.

I can tell you this, from a point of past experience with mental health struggles: one can't get ahead of tough situations in life without caring for ourselves first.

There are resources and groups that can help you with this. Look around and reach out. It's the first step to dig yourself out of the proverbial hole.

 

[oldwildman]

You can try LawHelpCalifornia.org. Hopefully they have an office somewhere close to you.

 

[Gary RV_Wizard]

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.

Oh they exist and are quite plentiful, but they are gambling on winning a good-sized settlement so only take personal injury cases they have a good shot at that. Typically suing an insurance company. Your case probably doesn't meet their criteria. See if that area has a Legal Aid Society or if the local Bar Association has a contact point for "pro bono" assistance. You might be able to get some free advice, even if they don't actually represent you.

 

[bigbAZ]

At this point I see no value in looking in the rear view mirror, I would be looking at working toward obtaining a vehicle that can tow your trailer, meanwhile fixing anything it needs to be road worthy then when the time comes move on to a more affordable area. Either that or find a small apartment or mobile home rental and start over.

 

[Derby6]

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.

Got it. but this is an RV site. General RV discussions section.
Your not asking for advice about repairing, replacing, or parking trailer. Your ranting about how bad everything is.
The fact is you told a long sad story. Never directly asked a question. Just hoping someone will give you sympathies and/or a handout.

 

[cbg4791]

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.

Thank you

 

[cbg4791]

At this point I see no value in looking in the rear view mirror, I would be looking at working toward obtaining a vehicle that can tow your trailer, meanwhile fixing anything it needs to be road worthy then when the time comes move on to a more affordable area. Either that or find a small apartment or mobile home rental and start over.

 

[cbg4791]

One thing I'm learning, California sure isn't what it once was. 5.60 a gallon for gas, 5.00 for a gallon of propane. And the people smile and talk nice while they basically rob a person blind.

Any ideas how to assess the cost of repairs concerning the damaged slide outs? I had just rebuilt he tops of them, did the work myself. Also put in new floors and insulation in the walls floor and ceiling. Material cost was half what it is here. So having receipts only shows what I paid. And idk if I can remove them and maybe reset them.
When I pull the biggest slide in the inner edge of the floor starts to lift, gets about 5 inches off the floor, the top hits the ceiling, and then the dinette seat against the wall sepates from the wall. One outer corner connects first the other before it pulls itelf tight. Well, not sealed tight but closed
The rear slide starts to come in, but in doing so the base of the bed lifted off the floor and folded under.
I bought this trailer from a couple in Quartzsite. Had a Camplite 11fk I sold to get it. Big difference in size, and weight. Which I'm sure attributed to my truck throwing a rod.

 

[Kirk]

It might help some if we knew where in California you are located. Based on post #15, I would guess that you are in one of the smaller communities and there may be some advantage to that. If the guy can run you down so easily, it should also be fairly easy for you to disprove what he has posted by your actions now. If you develop a rapport with the park management where you are, that should help get things started. Is the friend that you came to help anywhere nearby? He may be able to help or at least get you pointed in the right direction. It sounds to me like the slides need to be adjusted in alignment, or something is sprung in the drive. If you said what make the trailer is, I missed it. Also, the make of the slide mechanism would help us to advise on it. The more that we know about the RV the better our chances of having good advice for you.

You mentioned that the former landlord was a pastor, so that makes me wonder if you are a church attending person. If you are, a church might be a good place to start meeting people who are willing to help and advise you. I think that you need to get some local connections as quickly as reasonably possible.

 

[SMR]

If you know who towed your camper to the street go after their insurance, I was told by my agent if I were to tow a camper and something happened I would be liable. Worth a try. They never should of moved it with the slides out. JMHO

 

[Jackiemac]

Google "slide adjustment" and the model of your rig.. you should get some YouTube videos.

 

[cbg4791]

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.

Thank you

If you are looking for a handout then move on. There have been too many panhandlers here before you. Get a job.

Just sounds like a load of BS on somebody's' first post.

If that's what you get out of it sorry. Really I'm venting, looking for someone that's been there to help. didn't come here looking for criticism I get enough of that from myself. Did I ask for anything but advice? I've worked my whole life, struggled as much as anyone. We all were hit hard when COVID struck. most of us are still struggling still today. I've learned to value what I have, help people when I can, and listen to advice when it's given. I don't go out of my way to kick someone when they are down. I've got enough Karma to deal with without adding more to it.
And yeah this is an RVForum. Which means what? If you live the rv lifestyle you fit in, but if something goes wrong don't come to us? I guess there are Karen's here also.

To the couple people that responded with some positive words of advice. Thank you. I needed to someshing to keep me from giving up.

I'm going to attach a couple pics to show what work ive done to this trailer just to show the haters.

Rebuilt the slides, added hot water on demand, new sub floor, carpet and vinyl flooring, installed new tanks, black, gray, galley, and fresh, along with all the plumbing, replaced and rewired the converter, added a 600 watt solar panel with charge controler, and inverter. I can go on by including pulling the original shower/bathtub out, took the support wall out, widened the area and installed a walk in shower. did every bit of this using my experience with construction, and from the experience of being a retired cabinet shop owner.
What I didn't say, because I don't want pity, is anything about the loss of my wife recently, and due to COVID my only family left are my 2 kids. and believe me, I wake up every morning telling myself it's got to get better.

To everyone that's posted with advice, thank you. You've shown me some ideas that hadn't cross my mind. Really needed that.

 

[cbg4791]

Found out the guy had his lawn care guy tow it. I spoke with the guy, he's now scared he's going to get in trouble over it.
As I mentiond, I spoke with the local sheriff, he says its a civil matter and won't take a report. I find this rather odd. Especially since damage occurred to the trailer and it was moved without consent. Going to head to the nearest "city"and look for a lawyer today.
I'm dreading the slide issues. After the work i had already done on them in the past, I'm not looking forward to starting over. Was hoping they would outlast my ownership of the trailer.
Was considering selling it, cutting my losses and heading back to AZ. But since it's my full time home, selling it as is, won't bring enough in to buy another trailer. So, I'm gonna stick with it and hope for the best.

Hopefully all goes well. I appreciate everyones advice. And though the couple haters won't like it I'll drop a post to let anyone interested know how its going.

 

[Larry N.]

o any of you people who actually believe this

Lay off, will you? It's getting tiresome...

 

[cbg4791]

You can try LawHelpCalifornia.org. Hopefully they have an office somewhere close to you.

The link goes to a page under construction.

 

[Tom]

If you call your local Bar Association, they'll set you up with an "appropriate" lawyer for 30 or 60 mins of free advice. You pay the Bar Association a nominal fee for the service. When you're done with the pro bono lawyer time, you can decide if you need to talk further, but it will be at his/her normal $$$rate. I've used this service in different counties here in California and in different states. I always received good legal advice, and only once did I need to pay for time beyond the pro bono time.

 

[oldwildman]

The link goes to a page under construction.

Sorry, didn't check it first. There are usually Legal Aid Societies around somewhere. They might not be very close, though. I'd start with a call to the closest one and see if they can give a lead on someone that can help. Just keep calling the next number and eventually, you might find someone who can help.

 

[Oldgator73]

If you go the small claims route you will not need an attorney. The max you can sue for is $12,500. Here is a guide to the process:

Small claims forms | California Courts | Self Help Guide

Looking for copies of an order from your case? Contact the court where you filed the case.

selfhelp.courts.ca.gov