Warming up the Marathons

[DQDick]

Got passed by another new Monty being pulled by a hauler on I-40 today. We were going 75 in our car and he went right past me. Those tires should be ready for the new owner by the time they get that rig to a dealer.

[Montana3800RE]

Them Marabombs are sure a great tire that let's you travel that fast, ha glad I got rid of them before we had a blow out and damage to the 5ver............Ron

[Rondo]

Hopefully Aram or one of the others at Montana will read your post Dick and check into the Transporter deal and their way of tranporting the new merchandise to a dealer. If you were doing 70 and the transporter and Monte passed you, they had to be going at least 75+ and that is not what a Monte is supposed to be towed at by transporter or the new owners.

[1retired06]

A few years ago, I looked into transporting from the factory as a sideline. We were told we would be expected to clock 800 miles every day as part of the contract. Thats why they run so fast and those speeds have to contribute to the minor repairs left to the dealer, upon delivery.

[DQDick]

Amen to that! This is the fourth time, since the Rally, I've been passed by a hauler towing a new Monty at the 75 mile speed limit or higher. You'd think if Keystone cared as much as they say about how they are built they'd care about how they are delivered. Had two similar experiences coming home from the Rally last year.

[CamillaMichael]

Guess all of us have had the thrill of dodging these delivery drivers...understand what 1retired06 posted, but then I ask myself what is the answer??? If our units are abused before we get them, what are we to do? We bought a TT factory direct and then were faced with the challenge of finding someone local to do warranty work. My understanding is that if tires have been run too fast the damage is done...what about wheel bearings...are they also damaged in this way??? I suppose delivering the units on flatbed trucks is out of the question!

[scattershot]

quote:Originally posted by 1retired06

A few years ago, I looked into transporting from the factory as a sideline. We were told we would be expected to clock 800 miles every day as part of the contract. Thats why they run so fast and those speeds have to contribute to the minor repairs left to the dealer, upon delivery.

800 miles a day is what, 14 hours? More? I'm sure the ICC would frown on that. Since that's a commercial enterprise, doesn't it fall under the same guidelines as truckers?

[Art-n-Marge]

I actually ventured into the RV towing industry for about 2 1/2 months. I would like to say something but I'm sure I'd get sued for libel and slander. I'll leave it at that.

[1retired06]

quote:Originally posted by CamillaMichael

Guess all of us have had the thrill of dodging these delivery drivers...understand what 1retired06 posted, but then I ask myself what is the answer??? If our units are abused before we get them, what are we to do? We bought a TT factory direct and then were faced with the challenge of finding someone local to do warranty work. My understanding is that if tires have been run too fast the damage is done...what about wheel bearings...are they also damaged in this way??? I suppose delivering the units on flatbed trucks is out of the question!

Heavy haulers is a much more expensive option. As to what are you to do, do a very very careful inspection before you buy. After purchase we have always spent the first night or two at the RV dealership, running and testing everything, before it ever leaves the lot. If uncomfortable doing it yourself, get an experienced friend or hire an independant tech to assist. I would not be worried about wheel bearings, but you are correct about the tires, not a concern for us as we always swap out the ST tires immediately, regardless of brand. In general it has been our experience over the years with multiple dealers and purchases, that reliable dealers have corrected all the obvious deficiencies (ie cracked doors, loose molding, etc) and want the product to be right and the customer to be happy.

[MIMF]

scattershot is absolutely correct! Sooner or later, that transport company will get an audit. Those contract drivers have to be keeping 2 sets of logs.......lie sheets as they commonly called. I did do transporting in the mid 90's. When I was pulling out to the dealer, my truck never went over 59 mph. Mainly because, it was a '94 GMC with the GM diesel, it had 4:10 gears, to save fuel and because, I did not have time to keep 2 sets of books. I never got into any trouble because, my log books showed I was exactly where I was suppose to be! Therefore, I was getting runs before I got back and "back hauls" when most other contract drivers were not. Anyway, I did that for 2 years. At the end of those 2 years, all I had was a worn out truck and tired body.