Hello with a blush.

[longrainger]

Hi fellow RVers. I just joined this forum both to continue learning about RVs and ask one question accompanied by an embarrassing story. Have owned a couple of class C RVs in the past used for family vacations and as clubhouse for beach outings. Sold my last one 10 years ago when the kids entered those difficult high school years. They lost interest in family trips and wanted to use the RV as a party barge so that was that.

We now have an empty nest and are thinking of getting an RV for me and DW for extended vacations and maybe some full timing. So this week we went to several local dealers looking at a little of everything. The Class C units have evolved quite a bit. We really like the Thor Sprint Citation SR but thought it might be too small for trips over a week. The premium Class A Coaches were very impressive but the size really scares me and DW. I am sure we could get comfortable driving one eventually but it might be overkill for our short term plans. Regardless we got a hard sell from the dealer who insisted we test drive a 40' Pusher which we flatly stated was larger than we would ever consider as we like staying in state and national parks.

Now embarrassment. We yielded to the pressure and did a little test drive on the 40 foot coach. I was the test driver as DW wisely refused. I managed to scratch 2 panels around the rear tires on a concrete pole protector. My bad no question but in hindsight the salesman was very green not having driven a class A himself before. He was unable to optimize adjustment of mirrors etc.. He put me and DW in the front seats and sat on the coach. Now DW will probably never let me look at class A coaches again even though that is probably what would be best for us.

Simple question. Whose insurance covers the damage the dealers or my personal insurance??

[JohnRR]

As in any dealership it's part of their liability of doing business.

[CLIFFTALL]

Welcome to irv2. I knew someone who had that same misfortune and his insurance paid the claim.
Cliff

[ramblinboy]

We all learn the hard way - tenting, trailering, MH'ing. One way or another we all pay our dues. Don't be discouraged by mistakes.

[aschuh53]

welcome to irv2

[RickO]

Welcome to the forum and please do not be embarrassed.

IMHO, this salesman deserves to just have the keys handed back to him with a friendly, "thanks, but no thanks".

HE put you in a situation which you didn't want to be in and if it were me, I think I would just direct all inquiries to the dealership.

Having said that, you may well be legally liable for the damages but I sure wouldn't roll over on this one.

Except for that... how did you like the 40DP? Just kidding. Kind of like asking "other than that, Mrs Lincoln... how was the opera".

Best of luck.

Rick


Rick

[longrainger]

I really love DPs but more like 32 to 34 feet. If that dealer would lend me that 40 foot DP for a few weeks I am sure my driving and parking skills would come up to par. For certain that would require a 100% deposit and that is not happening. Seriously I do feel more than a little bad but life is too short. It is just paint and pride when you get down to it. Thanks for the welcomes.

[Steve N Sal]

Howdy and welcome aboard. Glad you joined us and great story. Heck we all scratch at one time or another. I would think the responsibility falls on their shoulders. Good luck shopping and if you do get one from that dealer make sure there isn't a scratch in it.

[jfran304]

Since it has damaged paint maybe they will make you a real good deal on it.

Jon

[Hudgens]

Welcome aboard. Sorry about the mishap. Don't let it rain on your parade. How to get back to looking at Class A? Maybe what happened with us would offer some options. DW and I stopped at a dealer on a whim to look at a Sprint Class B motorhome with Mercedes engine. While there we looked at Class C models. Afterward we were standing by a shorter 25 ft Thor ACE Class A and decided to peak inside. DW saw several things she liked and I decided to look closer. That was last summer. Now after a lot of research with our friends on irv2 and a number of test drives, we bought a 31 ft Jayco Precept a week ago tomorrow. And...we found a dealer that was patient with our mass of questions, went through multiple test drives with us and beat every price we saw on the Internet (for whatever that's worth). Plus he has a great service reputation. I don't have any regrets not buying the smaller model we first looked at. All that said.....forget the mishap and take the time to enjoy the search.

[Chiefbvfd]

Welcome to the forum sorry for the mishap....

[Medico]

Welcome and glad to meet you!

Once you get past the size, it's actually easier to see from a Class A. The larger the coach the more space it occupies. Plus the overhang in the back swings out as a turn is made. There is also something called "off set" with longer vehicles. What this means is that the rear wheels will turn in a tighter turn than the front wheels, thus turning inside the front wheel turn radius. You therefore have to go somewhat further past the turn point before starting a turn because the rear wheels will cut the corner sharper than the front wheels. It's easier to hit things with the back if you do not remember this rule.

By the way, the dealer's insurance would pay for the repairs. The ride for the DP will be far superior to the Class C coach.

[MSHappyCampers]

Hi folks! Welcome to IRV2! We're glad you joined the bunch!

Boy, that's a real bummer! I would advise you to call your insurance agent about that one! I would think the dealer would have insurance that covers test drives.

Good luck, happy trails, and God bless!

[longrainger]

Thanks for all the support and impressions regarding insurance coverage. A quick web search suggests that the dealer would normally take the insurance hit for this type of mishap. My agent is looking into it for us today. Will update.

Rv education and shopping will recommence shortly.