The lost art of PDI and test drives...
I've read several threads lately on this and other RV Forums where {usually} new owners are bemoaning various issues with their RV. Certain manufacturers get routinely trashed because the new rig was...
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No reason just about anyone can't do a decent PDI that will catch most obvious issues if you are systematic about it.
But a 1 hour test drive isn't going to happen for most sales...particularly trailers where they are likely to balk at any test drive. A 15 minute test drive of a motorhome where you take it to the nearby freeway interchange, get up to speed, then turn around at the next interchange is about the best you can reasonably expect...maybe if you are looking at a high end diesel pusher and you put down a deposit contingent upon a defined successful test drive but a basic small Class C...I wouldn't expect then to be OK with you leaving for an hour or more or taking it at high speed down a rough dirt road. Not saying it can't happen but expect a lot of push back.
99% of the bad ride/towing stuff doesn't require a test drive. When you hook up a 12k trailer to a truck rated for 7k, it doesn't take a test drive to predict potential problems.
But a 1 hour test drive isn't going to happen for most sales...particularly trailers where they are likely to balk at any test drive. A 15 minute test drive of a motorhome where you take it to the nearby freeway interchange, get up to speed, then turn around at the next interchange is about the best you can reasonably expect...maybe if you are looking at a high end diesel pusher and you put down a deposit contingent upon a defined successful test drive but a basic small Class C...I wouldn't expect then to be OK with you leaving for an hour or more or taking it at high speed down a rough dirt road. Not saying it can't happen but expect a lot of push back.
99% of the bad ride/towing stuff doesn't require a test drive. When you hook up a 12k trailer to a truck rated for 7k, it doesn't take a test drive to predict potential problems.
