I believe that the dealer has a big liability issue in not clarifying the tow vehicle capacity. They should in all cases sit down with the customer and ask questions of what type and year is the tow vehicle. That information should be looked up in the latest stat book that lists all tow vehicles and their capacity to confirm the trailer will be a safe match.
I believe that the dealer should be responsible and liable for any accidents that should occur due to a mismatch of weight. There are too many liars out there who will say “Oh yeah, this will work for your truck. No problem.” I know from attending these Mega RV shows that misinformation happens all the time. I have had so many sales people tell me that the trailer I was looking at would be perfect for me. I know that was wrong information and told them so, but they just shook their head and walked over to another sucker who would believe what ever they say. That, to me, is serious liability!
Yes, there are many ignorant buyers out there. Protection for both the buyer and the seller is needed for a safe sale. Many buyers buy from the heart and not from their intellect. Sales people sell for the numbers and not for the safety. There should be a mandatory document signed by both buyer and seller stating that both buyer and seller have agreed that by the tow information provided for the tow vehicle to be used it is suitable for towing the specific trailer for purchase.
In this case, obviously, the buyers were not thinking and were overwhelmed with the features of the trailer completely forgetting the primary details of what they can safely tow. The salesman should have guided them through the safety questions and confirmed this trailer and truck would be a good marriage.
As far as I am concerned the laws are not strict enough. So many innocent people have been directed wrongly just for a sale. Many have been hurt if not killed by incompatible towing abilities.
Oh yeah, another thorn to my article I’d like to mention. I can't believe that anyone can buy and drive off with one of those mega thousand Class A motorhomes without having a commercial drivers license. There is not even a mini course needed in how to drive those motorhomes. I am sure that the dealers would love to have me beheaded for that statement. But, after what I see here in Miami, Florida in the boating industry I am a firm believer that any boat over 14 feet needs a license and a Coast Guard course in safety on how to operate a boat. I am confirmed that any Class A motorhomes drivers needs a license to say they are educated in how to drive those rigs,
That’s my story and I’m sticking to it.
Sharon Baron
A daily reader of RVTravel.com
