Recently put my van up for sale and had first couple to view it yesterday. Showed them all over it and they were quite impressed. They were obviously total novices and turned up in a 1600 Megane. When I enquired, they told me they intended to tow with the Megane. I told them it wasn't suitable and they should go away, log on to this site, have a jolly good browse then buy a damp meter and go and have another look around bearing in mind the relevant weights and the power/weight of the car. I think I lost a sale but at least my consience is clear.
It amazes me how many people are completely ignorant of, or oblivious to the towing weight guides, and how they think the power of the car is the only important factor.
My dad's still the same...i have sat and explained the 85% guide etc, yet he still talks about towing any caravan fine with his 'big powerful car' .
I think you should leave them to their own devices Mickey if/when you get more potential buyers, I understand your feelings and moral obligations to point out various safety guidelines, but as you say it may well lose you sales.
Most 'newbies' learn all about the towing guides, weight's, loading, and all of the things that us UCKS addicts read up on daily, sooner or later, but for many the main objective is just to get the caravan home for the first time.
I must say that we bought and towed our first caravan a few times without knowing anything about towing guides, nose weights etc, and i'm sure a lot of members can admit to doing the same.
Let them get on with it mate!
I did'nt mean to come across to mean that you should'nt help any novice buyers in the basics of car-caravan towing ratio's etc, and point them in the right direction, just not send them home telling them to look elsewhere for something more suitable.
Maybe for interested buyers with unsuitable cars you could arrange to tow the van to their required destination (for an agreed fee of course), that could increase the chances of a sale and it's then down to the buyer if he wants to take your advice to see about getting a new/different car.!?
You then have the sale you want and a clear conscience.
I think you did the right thing, you are a very genuine person. You lost the sale but maybe you saved a life or two by doing so. If they really want a van they will do the homework and then make sure they have the right outfit.
Honesty and helpfulness is priceless. No amount of money can buy a clear conscience and the good feeling of knowing that you have prevented and helped somebody from buying a van which could have put them into a lot of trouble and expense.
You have lost this sale but there will be plenty of other buyers, and who knows, the prospective buyers may buy a bigger car and return. Either way, they will no doubt think very highly of you and the caravanning fraternity as a whole.
You did the right thing - once they tell you something you dont think is right its hard not to say anything...if they still insisted on buying the van then I'm afraid its the old 'buyer beware'...
You did the right thing 101% and don't let anyone tell you otherwise...you can just imagine the senario person buys van with underpowered car..packs it up for their first exciting weekend away, kids , toys, food etc etc trundling down the motorway up hills and down dales...caravan overloaded raining, heavy goods vehicles, suddenly having to slap brakes on due to others............need i say more?? and you DID! point them in right direction bye sending them in here!!
may you sleep soundly in your bed!
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Topic: Did I do the right thing
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