How to find out if a Class A diesel pusher is right for me

i test drove a 37 Gasser 2 weeks ago at a local dealer. They no only did not ask for a deposit or signature on a letter of intent, they never even asked for a drivers license. I simply said I would like to drive it and the dealer said "meet me out front while I pull it around". And off we went.

We went to an FMCA Rally and drove a couple of DPs during the show.At the time we were in a 36 foot gas MH. Never have driven a pickup with a fiver in tow, the thought starts my palms sweating, especially backing into a tight site.

WE were foolish at the start, bought a show mh without a chance to drive. Our only prior experience was a rental C 12 months before and a borrowed 26 footer in 1976 (25 years before we bought). Had sweaty palms and sore fingers getting from the dealer lot to a storage lot 15 miles away.

Oh I didn't mention DW at 5 Foot and < 80 lbs does half of the driving.

Thanks for all the replies. The variety of opinion is interesting. We will look for opportunities to test drive a number of units over the next year I'm sure before making a final decision. But I doubt I will be buying from the local dealer with the large number of large units.

Prior to our first MH I hadn't driven anything larger than a heavy duty pickup. Practice in a large, empty parking lot and on quiet backroads helped a lot with confidence. With the 38'diesel pusher, I wasn't ever buffeted by oncoming semis. Broadside wind gusts over 35 mph started to move it around a bit on the highway. It drove quietly and smoothly. We have moved to a tandem axle, simply because we live on the windy plains and DH doesn't like to worry about me. As far as towing, we don't even notice the car is back there but we are cautious about it tracking on corners.

I personally am more conformable driving a large 34,000 pound motorhome pulling a 3000 pound car than towing a 10,000+ FW with a 5,000 truck. I'm not comfortable with the tail wagging the dog.

Driving our 40ft DP motorhome is a breeze. Getting used to the width was the biggest challenge for me. But the fear disappear quickly. Actually I enjoy driving it.

Really it just is a matter of personally choice.

Honestly, I don't see how the '5th wheel' people manage those huge, tall, long trailers. They don't have back-up camera's and once the truck turns, you have lost your side view of the trailer. Also, I think it would be harder to judge low tree branches sitting in a rather low truck compared to the tall fifth-wheel.

I would RUN if a dealer wanted me to sign a buyer's 'offer' before a test drive.

When we test drove a Marathon and Liberty show coaches, there was no talk at all about our ability to pay.

Good luck,
MM.

BTW, just an opinion, but yes, Lazy Days does have a driving course and if you have the opportunity to take it, do so. However, do not buy from Lazy Days, their after sale service is terrible. A friend bought a 40' DP from them and two years later is still trying to get some of the original problems taken care of! I have heard this from many folks. Once they get your money, you become invisible

On the other hand, I have bought twice from Lazy Days with excellent after sale service. I think it depends on time of year, and on leaving the unit there for the repair.

rgatijnet1 wrote:
Driving any RV EMPTY from a dealers lot will not tell you anything about how the coach rides or handles when fully loaded. As you know, pulling an empty trailer is different than pulling one fully loaded, especially if it is not loaded properly. Driving any coach off of a dealers lot will only tell you if the driver's position is acceptable or if you like the visibility from the driver's seat. From that point on it is only a guess as to how the coach will handle on the open highway with it loaded to capacity with the way that you travel.

From personal experience, I have driven my 40' DP empty and full, and not noticed any difference. On our trip this winter, I also pulled a 28' car hauler trailer with a bunch of stuff in it and also never noticed any significant difference. Air ride suspension makes a big difference.

BTW, just an opinion, but yes, Lazy Days does have a driving course and if you have the opportunity to take it, do so. However, do not buy from Lazy Days, their after sale service is terrible. A friend bought a 40' DP from them and two years later is still trying to get some of the original problems taken care of! I have heard this from many folks. Once they get your money, you become invisible.

Driving any RV EMPTY from a dealers lot will not tell you anything about how the coach rides or handles when fully loaded. As you know, pulling an empty trailer is different than pulling one fully loaded, especially if it is not loaded properly. Driving any coach off of a dealers lot will only tell you if the driver's position is acceptable or if you like the visibility from the driver's seat. From that point on it is only a guess as to how the coach will handle on the open highway with it loaded to capacity with the way that you travel.

A good dealer will let you drive it before you sign any paperwork. A dealer that insists that you sign a purchase agreement first is a shady dealer that is trying to push you into buying something.

A good dealer would insist that you drive it first to see if it is right for you.
when I sold my last MH I had a guy offer to buy it over the phone, sight unseen. I told him no. I would not sell it to him until he came to see it and then determined if it was right for him.


As for driving a class A......... I had never driven one when I bought my first one via a private sale. The ride home was about 50 miles and I think I lost about 25 pounds from sweating. I was so nervous. The road I had to drive on was an undivided highway with bridge construction just a mile or so from where I bought the rig. I about pooped my pants!!

As it turned out it was a lot of worrying for nothing. It is not hard to drive. It is different to drive. Wide corners, long distances to stop and it takes a while to get up to speed (in comparison to a car). All of this "difference" is easy to get use to and is no big deal at all. My last unit was 36 feet long and I got pretty good at backing it into tight spots.

Think of it this way; its no bigger than a school bus yet you see all sorts of people driving school busses. From little old ladies to fat old retirees that are looking to make a few extra bucks to single moms. If they can do it so can you.