TZScales
Maryland
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Joined: 02/10/2008
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I am submitting an inquiry about the Escapees RV Club, and would like to know if anyone would be willing to share your experiences with this organization, if a member of course, as to what your impressions are and if it is worth the annual fee. Thanks in advance and GODSPEED! 
TZS 
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2oldman
WA
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Joined: 04/15/2001
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I get a good discount on camping fees at their many parks. I don't use their parks very much, but it's nice to know it's a good Plan B. I don't think I'm old enough to enjoy the park activities.. just yet.
$5 a month is pretty cheap. I guess their mail service is one of the best, and for fulltimers they can't be beat.
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wgtex
Victoria,Texas
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Joined: 02/12/2001
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Right now I have mixed feelings about Escapees. A couple of weeks ago, the wife and I went to Livingston. We made a trip over to escapees. Not a bad looking park, not great either.
We stopped and went into the main office(I guess that is what it is) and asked the Lady if their is someone we could talk to about Escapees. She asked "Are you planning on joining today?". We replied no, was handed a package and told that the info we wanted was in the envelope.
Maybe I am over-sensitive, but I was somewhat offended by the brush off. I have not decided about Escapees but am going to give one long thought. I am not against Escapees but it take a while untangle the backlash I feel.
Y'all have fun now!!
Wendell
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RRUGG
Newaygo, MI,USA
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Joined: 08/08/2003
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We belonged for one year back in 1994-95. It was not our style. Seems like every time we went in to get a site, the people in the office wanted to hug us, know us or not. I don't appreciate that. Others seem to like the outfit and/or do not object to the hugging. Maybe they don't do that anymore. My hugs are reserved for people special to me. We're happier with Good Sam.
RRUGG
2008 Dodge 2500 QC 4x4 SB Cummins 6 speed auto 3.73
1997 Holiday Rambler 29FK travel trailer
2006 Summit 22RB travel trailer
2003 Dodge Grand Caravan Sport
Bob & Grace professional retirees
Good Sam life members
Camped in 49 states. Missing Hawaii.
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kakampers
Fulltimer
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Joined: 04/02/2004
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Trust me...they still hug!!
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fchammer1
AR, FL, PA & points in between
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Joined: 08/19/2003
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The Escapee rallies (Escapades) are some of the best around with many seminars and speakers on worthwhile subjects. They always have many things to keep you busy throughout your time there. The entertainment, while not the caliber of that at FMCA rallies, is good; and many people enjoy their 45 minutes giveaways at the start of each evening. The Escapee Magazine is also top rate and a must read cover to cover (well, almost). Their BOF groups (Birds of a Feather -- people with shared interests) are another benefit.
The SKP discount parks have expanded quite a bit in the past few years, and might be of benefit for those seeking a 15% or 25% discount. They often overlap with Passport America.
My only real complaint with Escapees occurred a few years back when I was badly treated by a major national company that deals with RVers. In addition to mistreating me, one of their representatives had damaged my motorhome while transporting it from FL to PA after my heart attack. I wrote Escapees for help. The Escapee reply was a shocker. They told me that they were so big now that they didn't have the time or resources to assist individual members.
FMCA, however, was a different story. The president of THAT organization called the president of the offending company and basically asked, "What are you doing to one of our members?" and read him the letter that I had written to all parties concerned. That same day, the president of the offending company called me to tell me that arrangements were being made immediately to repair the damage one of their representatives had done to my motorhome. And we were treated royally from that point on -- an executive apartment while the rig was being fixed (at three different repair facilities), all meals while there, and a year's additional membership added free to our five-year contract.
FMCA 1 Escapees 0
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WTTCS
freedom , U.S.A.
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Joined: 07/28/2003
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My personal opinion, and I am a member, is that if you are not a fulltimer, on a limited budget, you will not enjoy the club.
1997 chev crew cab 454, 5 sp. 4.10
2000 Fleetwood Caribou 11.5
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revump
Las Vegas
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Joined: 07/02/2005
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If they are too big for their members, they will go down hill in a hurry. Right now, with limited resources, the way that you handle people becomes very important. It is disappointing to hear that they may have forgotten who made them big - regular RV people.
Bob
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DarkRubiTJ
Livingston, Tx.
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Joined: 04/04/2006
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My Lady and I are members and have been for a couple of years. FIrst of all Escapees is a great organization, in our opinion. If you are looking for discounts on parks and other things like that Escapees is probably not your cup of tea.
Wgtex- unless you drove into the park and stopped at the National Headquarters on Escapees Dr. you probably stopped at the campground office right when you entered the park. Depending on the time of day you stopped, there could have been a volunteer talking to you and most of them aren't equipped with a knowledge base on helping you become a member.
Escapees is so much more than discounts and mail service. Escapees is things like the CARE Center. An ambulatory care center where you can come and stay in your rig and have a place to recover with qualified help during the day and friends around you.
Escapees is being broke down and putting the word out and have a few dozen people respond in any way they are needed no matter where you are.
Escapees is being able to park and leave your compartments unlocked and not having to worry that some low life will steal you blind.
Escapees is being on the road in the outer limits and having your wife diagnosed with cancer and with in hours have half a dozen members there to help and support you in anyway they can.
Escapees is hugs for the ladies and handshakes for the men. Club rules by the way.
Escapees is most of all a feeling that is hard to find anymore no matter where you look.
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2Rovers
On The Road
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Joined: 11/09/2004
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DarkRubiTJ.... you have it so right! We're lifetime members and have been for 14 years. It is an organization that will be there for you. Of course, we look for more than just discounts. I wouldn't be too quick to make the judgement they are too big for their members. They have been an advocate for many RVer's situations and they have a C.A.R.E operation that is second to none for members in need.
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