Test Driving a Coach
How do you do it? What types of driving should you include? What should you look and listen for.
Forum Discussion
With luck it drives well and you do not over steer it... coming from a PU/5er short wheelbase TV this is easy to do. Since you are looking at 40' DPs it not being loaded for travel will not be as big an issue as a small gasser that handles well empty... BUT.....
Besides over steering, it's easy to start your turns too soon because you are in front of the steering axle. On a flat road and no wind you want to be able to turn the steering wheel loose and it goes straight on it's own for 10-15 seconds. If not, is it because the tires are not properly/evenly inflated or an alignment will solve the problem. Does the wind blow it around? If so, is it a 10 mph or a 25 mph wind? Does it handle curvy roads without leaning too much? Is the inside quite on rough roads? In a panic stop does it stay straight and stop in a reasonable distance? What's a reasonable distance? Does the exhaust brake work? Cruise control, wipers, AC, radio,.................
My point is there are a lot of variables and no offence... YOU to where I'm not sure a test drive will tell you much unless everything goes well... it goes straight and stays between the lines with very little effort, stops well, and handles curvy roads are my biggies. Are you going to be comfortable in the seat and can you see well, front and sides?
Having someone who owns the same or close to it do the test drive might be a better test.
Besides over steering, it's easy to start your turns too soon because you are in front of the steering axle. On a flat road and no wind you want to be able to turn the steering wheel loose and it goes straight on it's own for 10-15 seconds. If not, is it because the tires are not properly/evenly inflated or an alignment will solve the problem. Does the wind blow it around? If so, is it a 10 mph or a 25 mph wind? Does it handle curvy roads without leaning too much? Is the inside quite on rough roads? In a panic stop does it stay straight and stop in a reasonable distance? What's a reasonable distance? Does the exhaust brake work? Cruise control, wipers, AC, radio,.................
My point is there are a lot of variables and no offence... YOU to where I'm not sure a test drive will tell you much unless everything goes well... it goes straight and stays between the lines with very little effort, stops well, and handles curvy roads are my biggies. Are you going to be comfortable in the seat and can you see well, front and sides?
Having someone who owns the same or close to it do the test drive might be a better test.
