Give them somewhat of a break

[samhain7]

I am posting this here because it is one of the few forums I look at.

I see a lot of critical reviews of people and their choice of trailer or TV and the research they do. I only ask that we give them a break.
I did a little experiment and went to two different Dodge dealerships and spoke with a multitude of people. Neither of which gave me the correct information. I positioned myself as a CURRENT truck owner who was curious about it's capabilities, so no one can say they were just trying to make a sale. Either way of all the people I spoke to, I got 90% incorrect information. The last guy even told me that tongue weight does not decrease from the payload. I saw calculators, papers, pamphlets...everything...they all really went out of their way to help, just didn't get much right. I spurned a lot of conversations in offices between sales guys, managers and service dept while I was there. Still, not a lot of correct information.
Even on this forum, there was a recent conversation on the ratings which caused confusion.
So, when people say research things, it isn't always that easy. Some people expect "experts" to be able to give them accurate information.
If I were a consumer, I believe that I did everything right by going to two different dealers, going to the trailer dealer, looking on websites..etc. It still doesn't mean that you will get a proper hook up. Even I was mis-lead somewhat and will be towing a bit over weight this summer, until next year when I can afford a new truck (I ain't made of money).
So for now, I drive careful, kept the trips short this year and will be just fine.
So I guess the point is, we should give those people a bit of a break, after all, we are here to "help" each other right?

[samhain7]

Just want to clarify, anyone who asks for advice and ignores it does NOT deserve a break. 🙂

[APT]

Your experience is exactly why "we" are critical of RV newbies. You are but one example of thousands that buy their first RV armed with "expertise" that even you claim is 90% wrong. RV owners try to help before people spend $40k on a new truck and $25k on an RV only to find out they are 500 pounds overloaded, rear end sags, they can only tow at 50mph, etc. I try not to insult people, but I'm not giving anyone a break.

[BurbMan]

Lantley wrote:
You raise a good point. However the info is there many are just reluctant to accept it. Letting someone know there combo is poorly matched is not intended to be critical but is meant to inform them.
There is a lot of misinformation as well but at some point along the line a newbie will encounter the real truth and become enlightened.
Sometimes the truth hurts,sometimes the info is too late and a mismatched sale has already taken place nevertheless I wouldn't be too critical of the messenger especially if the messenger is attempting to enlighten and newbie with valid towing facts and parameters.

Well said.

Too many find this forum after they are new TT owners, and after reading a few threads on weights, realize that they too may be overweight. Many come to that conclusion on their own and then post here looking for someone or anyone to tell them it's OK. Others post here asking about the "trailer of their dreams" and when 12 out of 12 posters tell them it's too much trailer for their truck, they complain about the "negative" tone here.

I was once a newbie like that too....I bought our first TT based on what the salesman told us and vigorously defended the merits of towing a 6500 lb TT behind a Ford Expedition. It took a whole season of towing before I realized that the guys here on the forum were right and that I was an idiot. Over the years I also came to realize the merits and benefits of the Hensley Arrow, real extendable tow mirrors, 6V batteries, quiet generators, LT tires, TPMS, and a host of other items.

I'm on my 16th season with an RV, and I would say that some of the new guys need to give us a break....

[Heavy_Metal_Doc]

While I understand the OP's point, and agree with it in the sense of dealing with "experts" like the people who sell the stuff should "know the product", I also have to wonder if I own some oddity of the tow vehicles world?.....My owners manual lays out exactly the same towing guidance offered around here on capacity and how to calculate payload / tongue weight and all that right there in the book.....in the glove box....Don't most MFR's do this? If they do, then why do people not read the book? ....maybe it's my service / repair persons mentality - before asking or taking chances on unknowns / uncertain info -- RTFB !!

[fla-gypsy]

Every maker provides extensive information on a vehicles capabilities including the maximum limits that should not be exceeded. I'm sorry but the information is there to make an informed decision and it's not rocket science. Often our discussions are about owners trying to justify their bad decisions.

[rbpru]

Where did we get the idea that a car/truck dealer should know about hauling a TT.

Yes you can get a F-150 equipped to tow 11,000 lbs. but with that tongue weight you can haul little more than the driver and keep within the max cargo limit.

The dealer sees a 500 lb. tongue weight and thinks your TTs 450 lbs. is fine. He does not know about your kids, bikes, camp gear and other stuff or that you need a WD hitch to make it ride level.

Yes it is true that sometimes folk tend to be a little critical, but that is because they have been at it so long they forget it is not so obvious to others.

[westend]

I don't see where there are any breaks to give with this. Maybe I'm missing the point but everyone that moves on the roadway is responsible for their rolling stock. I don't see members that ask for advice on towing being abused or disrespected. Mostly, new folks to towing don't know what's involved with the weight and forces involved. That information is shared readily and usually in a pleasant manner.

I do see a lot of small truck, van, and SUV owners that are trying to pull the latest, greatest, full slides 30' bunkhouse that they saw at the dealer's lot or at an RV show. Maybe that's an exaggeration but there are many that ask for advice and when cautioned, proceed along with their ill-informed intention.

[samhain7]

rockhillmanor wrote:
They would be better off and the roads a lot safer to drive on if they gave NO information if the customer's tow vehicle was capable of towing a proposed purchase. W

That would be a great solution!

[Ron3rd]

The last "expert" I would listen too is a salesperson at a dealership. He/she was probably selling washing machines a week earlier. Dealerships are generally clueless.

BTW, I've never met one that did any towing.

[rockhillmanor]

They would be better off and the roads a lot safer to drive on if they gave NO information if the customer's tow vehicle was capable of towing a proposed purchase. Customers need to do their own homework just like purchasing any other item you are not familiar with. Just saying.

Interestingly if you go to buy a horse trailer which go from a 2 place up to giant 6 place LQ fifth wheels, where you know that each and every item you are going to put in it will weigh 1,200 lbs each added weight to the trailer........salesman rarely say and/or ask squat about the tow vehicle.

Maybe because horse people know what they can or can not tow and always err on the side that a bigger over the top truck is 'always' better! :W

[GaryWT]

I just said this on another post but Ford salesman and business manager tried to sell me a 150 ecoboost when I was looking as 350's stating the 150 could tow almost as much at 11,300 pounds. When I asked about the payload they had no idea so I explained it to them. I hate weight police but will suggest people look up their numbers at times.

[downtheroad]

Lantley wrote:
You raise a good point. However the info is there many are just reluctant to accept it. Letting someone know there combo is poorly matched is not intended to be critical but is meant to inform them.
There is a lot of misinformation as well but at some point along the line a newbie will encounter the real truth and become enlightened.
Sometimes the truth hurts,sometimes the info is too late and a mismatched sale has already taken place nevertheless I wouldn't be too critical of the messenger especially if the messenger is attempting to enlighten and newbie with valid towing facts and parameters.

My feelings about this also.
Good post.

[Lantley]

You raise a good point. However the info is there many are just reluctant to accept it. Letting someone know there combo is poorly matched is not intended to be critical but is meant to inform them.
There is a lot of misinformation as well but at some point along the line a newbie will encounter the real truth and become enlightened.
Sometimes the truth hurts,sometimes the info is too late and a mismatched sale has already taken place nevertheless I wouldn't be too critical of the messenger especially if the messenger is attempting to enlighten and newbie with valid towing facts and parameters.

[RinconVTR]

I don't know why people believe they can trust salesman. Its VERY rare you find a good one with real knowledge and facts that cover most peoples needs. They are typically not technical either.

Car dealerships are the WORST. Don't EVER trust those guys. Most cant even remember what the dang brochure says sitting on their desks.

Look up the definition of "Salesman". How do you know what their background really is? How do you know you can trust a single word out of their mouth? They are only there to SELL YOU PRODUCT!

And the internet is full of everything.

Do your own research.

Take personal responsibility and accountability.

[ScottG]

Very true - good post.