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Shacksman · 03-25-2011, 07:04 AM

I've had people ride in their trailer when they aren't sure if they need a new axle. It only takes a mile to convince them. Ride in it before and after, you will really see the differance.

klattu · 03-25-2011, 07:26 AM

He is not going to come out after the ride saying..."Fantastic, I'll buy it"
It is just a way to have a reason to lower your price.

As said before, it is illeagal, unsafe and your to blame for whatever happens too.

RangerJay · 03-25-2011, 11:37 AM

Maybe he was checking for riding comfort .....

A couple of years ago we were getting settled in to the KOA outside Durango and BBQuing our suppoer - across the road a 5th Wheel pulled in - looked like a father and his son got out of the truck - went to the back - opened the trailer door - and out marched mom, a couple more kids, grandpa and grandma .... everyone had a little stretch - then they went about the business of levelling up, unhitching and getting their own supper ready ..... seemed pretty normal for them .....

After we picked our jaws up off the ground we finished our BBQ .....

Jay

SilverHoot · 03-25-2011, 12:21 PM

I wouldn't do it due to previously mentioned liability issues. No way no how!

Michigander · 03-25-2011, 12:46 PM

Sounds like too much liability. I don't think I would do it. On the other hand, we sometimes walk around in the motorhome while we are driving, but keep that down to a bare minimum. It would be very easy to get thrown around if standing up during a lane change or quick deceleration.

hampstead38 · 03-25-2011, 01:10 PM

Many years ago, my brothers and I traveled many, many miles in a truck camper while our folks drove (and towed a horse trailer). I suspect that would be a felony today.

As for "smooth ride" I had to take the Overlander about 20 miles for an inspection. I buttoned everything up and drove it. When I arrived at the RV place, I had to open up the coach. I had left a bottle of water sitting on the furnace before I pulled out. It was sitting exactly where I left it. Got to love that smooth AS ride.

Personally, I wouldn't let anyone ride in the trailer. To me, the risk is entirely too great.

3 Dog Nite · 03-25-2011, 10:22 PM

Have the buyer do it at their own risk. Make them bring their own TV & driver so nothing can come back on you. Just follow them in your car to insure the AS comes home again.
Ricky

cutterbug · 03-26-2011, 01:11 PM

Turns out that these were VERY nice people....just a little nervous about their first tow and wanted to cover all bases. They felt that the ride wasn't necessary. They requested us to tow it to them. Sale pending delivery/with deposit secured and all is well!

B4WEDI · 03-26-2011, 08:44 PM

Hey ! Congrats to Buyer & Seller !

Phoenix · 03-27-2011, 03:14 AM

I rode in our 19-foot Bambi after installing 16-inch wheels, Michelin XPS Ribs and Centramatics, to check out the ride. It was about the same as riding in our newer model Tundra CrewMax. While I didn't notice anything unusual in my 5 minute ride, I suspect that bad brakes, worn-out brake shoes, bad wheel bearings, bad axle or bad shocks might be detectable during a test ride. Also, poorly hung cabinets, defective door latches and loose things like the air conditioner would probably be pretty obvious.

While I definitely wouldn't ride back there for more than a couple of miles, I wouldn't hesitate to ask for a test ride when buying a used trailer. After all, would you buy a used car without taking a ride in it?

By the way, my wife and I picked a familiar, straight stretch of country road with almost no traffic, and known pullouts where we started and stopped. And, we were in constant contact with each other via cell phone.