Letting people test drive a RV that is for sale. What is etiquette?

[Mlong]

After having a guy almost crash my B1-90 that I have for sale, I am wondering what are the rules for that? I have never sold a RV before and after that I was wondering if I can get away with taking people on a test ride. If someone was to crash an RV and it was their fault, how would that all work out. I am still frazzled and the guy was very sorry, but it got me thinking about that situation. Any input would be appreciated.
Thank you.
Michael

[skater]

After having a guy almost crash my B1-90 that I have for sale, I am wondering what are the rules for that? I have never sold a RV before and after that I was wondering if I can get away with taking people on a test ride. If someone was to crash an RV and it was their fault, how would that all work out. I am still frazzled and the guy was very sorry, but it got me thinking about that situation. Any input would be appreciated.

First, your insurance should cover such a situation, then their insurance would kick in if yours isn't sufficient. Of course that does leave you liable - a friend of mine lent her car to a friend of hers, who was involved in a crash. My friend got sued over it, because her insurance is primary. Of course, my friend's insurance handled it, but it still required time and energy from my friend (she is one of the few people I've lent a car to, because I know she knows the risks). Plus it goes on my friends' insurance policy as a crash - well, I assume it did; this was 20+ years ago so it's long gone now.

But, few people are going to be interested in buying a car without a test drive. At the height of COVID-19, people were buying them sight unseen, but those days are gone. So you're kind of stuck hoping for the best.

And people new to RVs in general don't quite understand what "top heavy" means. My Ram 2500 with the diesel, crew cab, and 8' bed feels like a race car, compared to the B190. It's a lot like people who usually drive small cars going and renting a giant U-Haul. There's a reason U-Haul offers that extra insurance and gets plenty of claims on it.

I think it's best to get a feel for what experience the person has driving larger vehicles and make sure they understand it's a heavier vehicle that doesn't slow down as quickly and is very top heavy. I can't imagine getting in an RV and driving it like it's a Honda Civic, but people do it. You have to make sure they understand that they have to really take it easy while they get comfortable driving it. Sightlines are NOT the same, some views just aren't as good and you have to learn how to use the mirrors.

[Mlong]

That is some good advice. I appreciate the input and info. I have had two people leave a deposit only to call me a week later and tell me they could not get a loan on an older vehicle. Probably not the best time to sell one either.