franklarry Report post Posted July 13, 2015 In my latest FMCA mag, a reader was advised by the staff to ask questions here about memberships. He raised several questions. I too am interested in acquiring such a membership as I place the Motor Home back on the road since I've retired. What might be available? What are the pitfalls? I notice a bunch of online ads concerning Thousand Trails/NACO, what has been the experience with this outfit? How are they to work with? My interest would be in acquiring a membership for long term use, not as an "investment". If you would prefer, and if permitted, please feel free to e-mail to me at Larry_too@yahoo .com NO Spaces (moderator, if not permitted, please delete the e-mail addy only.) Larry Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
franklarry Report post Posted July 13, 2015 PS: As an Electrical Engineer and backyard mechanic, I expect to be able to answer a few questions on these lists. I've acquired a 27' Airex from early 90. A bit rough, with about 126 thousand miles. Plan on hitting the road this fall. Dad has over 400,000 miles driving his five motor homes (this is his latest). Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rossboyer Report post Posted July 13, 2015 There are campgrounds that offer a 10-15% discount for FMCA and Good Sam members. Also, Passport America membership will give you a 50% discount. Many of the Passport campgrounds have days or periods in the year where they will not give a discount or they may limit the number of days. Many of the Passport campgrounds, but definitely not all, are older and off the beaten track; but we have always been satisfied if the campground was near our route. We have always been able to save more that the membership fee for all memberships each year. There are smart phone apps for FMCA, Good Sam and Passport America to help you find and get the latest information about an area you are considering for an overnight stop. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
franklarry Report post Posted July 14, 2015 Thanks, I have been offered a Thousand Trails / NACO membership and was wondering about them. Any FMCA members have experience with these people. Said to be a 23 camp membership but hard to find information other than their Ads. Larry Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wildebill308 Report post Posted July 26, 2015 We did a Thousand Trails / NACO membership last year. I would have to get a really amazing deal to get me to think about doing it again. There are a lot of rules they don't talk about up front. How long you can stay in any one camp ground, up charges for 50 amp power, availability of spaces. They tend to be a ways off the beaten path most are older small narrow hard to get into spaces. In most of the ones we stayed in they didn't know what spaces were open so you had to go find a spot then go tell them where you were. I use FMCA and Good Sam's discount. Passport America membership will probably pay for itself in one use. I really can't recommend Thousand Trails. Bill Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
desertdeals69 Report post Posted July 26, 2015 We have Thousand Trails Elite and it has been great for us. About 80 campgrounds and we can stay up to 3 weeks and then go to another one. Last year we stayed 142 nights with an annual fee of $585. If you buy a used membership check with TT and they will tell you all the rules for that particular contract. 100's of different contracts. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites