Factory Test Drive September 09, 2019, 12:01:23 pm Does the factory still allow test drives to prospective buyers?
Re: Factory Test Drive Reply #1 – September 09, 2019, 01:07:09 pm GregYou missed Ed's driving demonstration. His the 'test' drive was a very scary and eye opening experience.Have no idea if they will let you drive anything, a quick call will let you know the details.Larry 3 Likes
Re: Factory Test Drive Reply #2 – September 09, 2019, 01:32:50 pm It's been a while since we were shopping for our 2016 TK, Greg. But at that time, Todd was eager for us to take a test drive. I remember that day and thinking he'd be intimidated by our Mercedes Sprinter Roadtrek that he saw us drive up in. But he was very confident we would like driving the LD even more than what we arrived in.I wouldn't say we like it more, it felt different - a Cadillac compared to a Camry - something like that. The Mercedes felt sporty, nimble, fast. The LD felt floaty, comfortable, a bit sluggish - but it had ample power and we knew it would feel different since it was so much larger and heavier.We've grown to love the ride. I hope you get to test drive one and let us know how it goes,Best,Jim & DebSanta Cruz, California 1 Likes
Re: Factory Test Drive Reply #3 – September 09, 2019, 02:00:12 pm Thanks Larry and Jim. I will give Todd a call and see if I can set up a test drive when we visit in October.Do they use the floor models when they do test drives?
Re: Factory Test Drive Reply #4 – September 09, 2019, 02:13:03 pm When we took our test drive in 2012, we used a floor model. Todd took it off the lot onto busy Mission Blvd., then at a stop light we switched places. He had me take a few right turns only, to get back to the store. I remember Todd saying you drive it like a car. IMHO, not quite accurate!Bob 1 Likes
Re: Factory Test Drive Reply #5 – September 09, 2019, 03:08:14 pm We may have been among the last to, uh, experience having Ed Newton start us on our test drive. His son and another had to lift the aged Ed into the driver’s seat so that he could take us out of the showroom and on to the street. He went up the main road at an alarming rate and barely braked for a right hand turn onto a secondary street where he stopped to let me take over. My shakes were due less to my first-time effort than to Ed’s enthusiastic demonstration of the LD’s handling. — Jon 2 Likes
Re: Factory Test Drive Reply #6 – September 09, 2019, 04:07:11 pm Quote from: HiLola - September 09, 2019, 02:00:12 pmThanks Larry and Jim. I will give Todd a call and see if I can set up a test drive when we visit in October.Do they use the floor models when they do test drives?Greg, our test drive was in a floor model, too. Hope things are great down in Tehachapi,Jim & DebSanta Cruz, California 1 Likes
Re: Factory Test Drive Reply #7 – September 09, 2019, 04:14:45 pm Quote from: Jon & Loni - September 09, 2019, 03:08:14 pmWe may have been among the last to, uh, experience having Ed Newton start us on our test drive. His son and another had to lift the aged Ed into the driver’s seat so that he could take us out of the showroom and on to the street. He went up the main road at an alarming rate and barely braked for a right hand turn onto a secondary street where he stopped to let me take over. My shakes were due less to my first-time effort than to Ed’s enthusiastic demonstration of the LD’s handling. — JonAmong LD old-timers, Ed's test drives were legendary, a rite of passage for new buyers.Ed's claim that no one had ever died in an LD accident were hardly comforting. There's always the first time.Larry 3 Likes
Re: Factory Test Drive Reply #8 – September 09, 2019, 07:20:19 pm Ed was plenty "aged" when he took me for a test ride three years earlier, but at least he could get into the cab without assistance! I had the same "E ticket" experience as Jon reported; we careened around the neighborhood, whipping from side to side, braking suddenly, and cornering at alarming angles, with Ed praising the ride and handling capabilities of the LD. The ride after I took the wheel was considerably more sedate! AFAIK, test rides now are much less "energetic"! 3 Likes
Re: Factory Test Drive Reply #9 – September 09, 2019, 07:32:09 pm Jim, did you end up purchasing the Bilstien shocks because of the comparatively “floaty” ride?
Re: Factory Test Drive Reply #10 – September 09, 2019, 09:20:38 pm When Marie and I went to the factory in August of 2016, Todd let both of us drive the 27' floor model. I'm sure he would still allow it, but a call first would be smartDavid 1 Likes
Re: Factory Test Drive Reply #11 – September 10, 2019, 11:22:57 am It's really a shame that newer LD owners didn't experience the Ed Newton test drive. Once we left the factory Ed sped down the street whipping the steering wheel left and right while talking about how stable it was. All six wheels were barely on the pavement as we rounded a corner and came to a swift halt. Ed looked over at me and said it's your turn. I was scared to get behind the wheel, but anything was better than riding with Ed driving! The purchase process was interesting as well, but that's for another time.We are in our seventeenth fabulous season with our mid bath having travelled 130,00 miles, camped in all of the lower forty eight states plus five Canadian provinces and spent 714 nights in "Daisy".That experience includes being a member of the Northeast Lazy Daze Caravan Club for sixteen of those years. Lazy Daze owners are a nice bunch of folks and IMHO the NELD group is the best of the best! 4 Likes
Re: Factory Test Drive Reply #12 – September 10, 2019, 11:40:52 am Do you think Todd would mind if someone did an “Ed” test drive? 😉 2 Likes
Re: Factory Test Drive Reply #13 – September 10, 2019, 12:41:18 pm Quote from: HiLola - September 09, 2019, 07:32:09 pmJim, did you end up purchasing the Bilstien shocks because of the comparatively “floaty” ride?No, Greg, we bought ours with whatever it comes standard with. It did take me a few trips before I got used to driving it. At first I felt that it wanted to "wander" all over the road. But, after I'd say about 1,000 miles I realized I needed to completely relax and just let it follow the road and only barely steer it. It's totally different than our Mercedes Sprinter was and our Westy, too. I've gotten used to it now and don't feel like I need to change anything. But, I can understand why people might. Best,Jim & DebSanta Cruz, California 1 Likes
Re: Factory Test Drive Reply #14 – September 10, 2019, 02:08:51 pm "I've gotten used to it now and don't feel like I need to change..."Some would say that familiarity breeds complacency! I would rather have someone familiar with my vehicle tell me what's right and what's wrong.That is exactly what happens when you patronize Hendersen's Lineup in Grants Pass, OR. They want to know what's right or wrong before suggesting any changes. That may be why they've had at least five chances in the past 15 years.
Re: Factory Test Drive Reply #15 – September 10, 2019, 03:59:42 pm Quote from: Lazy Bones - September 10, 2019, 02:08:51 pm"I've gotten used to it now and don't feel like I need to change..."Some would say that familiarity breeds complacency! Oh, we're anything but complacent, Lazy Bones. But, we err on the side of trusting that Lazy Daze/Ford knows what they're doing in designing RVs/trucks, that's all. At 30K now with our TK, we both love driving it.I don't know what Henderson's in Grants Pass is - a RV repair place? Should we avoid it?Thanks,Jim & DebSanta Cruz, California
Re: Factory Test Drive Reply #16 – September 10, 2019, 04:00:41 pm Just called and spoke with Todd and confirmed that they still do test drives and use the floor models for that purpose. Currently on the showroom floor: a 24’ TK and 27’ MB. No mention of Ed and his hot rodding skills. 2 Likes
Re: Factory Test Drive Reply #17 – September 10, 2019, 06:23:20 pm Quote from: Jim Langley - September 10, 2019, 03:59:42 pmI don't know what Henderson's in Grants Pass is - a RV repair place? Should we avoid it?Thanks,Jim & DebSanta Cruz, CaliforniaI am the exception. Henderson's has nothing that I want. I met the guy some years back. I asked a basic question about the caster setting as the rig comes from Ford. He refused to answer my question. Snake oil in my opinion.Now read all the wonderful reports from people that spent $2,000+ trying to improve on Ford. 2 Likes
Re: Factory Test Drive Reply #18 – September 10, 2019, 08:03:43 pm I didnt want to chime in on Hendersons as I know they are held in high regards by many. Because i travel to Oregon and go right by their place I tried more than once to get estimates on tow packages. They tried to sell me things i didnt ask for like suspension work but never would return my calls on a tow package installation. Just one opinion and one person that is going elsewhere.
Re: Factory Test Drive Reply #19 – September 10, 2019, 08:09:23 pm Since this thread is about factory test drives, perhaps someone could start a new thread on Henderson’s/ suspension upgrades? 🤔
Re: Factory Test Drive Reply #20 – September 10, 2019, 08:19:52 pm "I tried more than once to get estimates on tow packages."RandyWould you go to a Soda Fountain expecting to get a beer?Henderson's forte is NOT tow packages! 1 Likes
Re: Factory Test Drive Reply #21 – September 10, 2019, 08:23:12 pm "I don't know what Henderson's in Grants Pass is - a RV repair place?"In this case Google is your friend... but maybe I can save you the trouble.Grants Pass RV and Auto Repair - Henderson's Line-Up Brake & RV Inc. 1 Likes
Re: Factory Test Drive Reply #22 – September 10, 2019, 08:35:46 pm Hendersons does sell tow packages, well at least Roadmaster tow bars and 5th wheel hitches. "w bars, anti-sway bars and other products; Koni shock absorbers, SuperSprings, Pacbrake exhaust brakes and air suspension, Banks, Safe-T-Plus, MOR/ryde, 5th Airborne 5th wheel hitches, Trailair suspension and more......." RonB
Re: Factory Test Drive Reply #23 – September 10, 2019, 08:44:08 pm Well since this soda shop offered to "Sell me a beer" after inquiring since I passed the place on several occasions. I wont mention a specific persons name but he said yes we install tow packages. But we also do suspension work which you may need on your brand new motor home. i explained i wasnt interested in suspension work and am in need of a tow package. He said he would get back to me (more than once) and never did. But i will say if they sell beer, i might put more confidence in them. Until then "Snake Oil" sounds more appropriate to me. However i do appreciate the analogy With that being said and us being likely neighbors on the Morro Bay GTG which i am looking very forward to being there with all you who have been the influence for me to buy a LD. I will offer to bring beer. I will be passing Hendersons possibly several times between now and then. I may call them about beer, but I doubt they will return my call . BUT there is Firestone and Barrel House Breweries right down the road from Morro Bay and I will gladly volunteer to bring some of the local offerings. There is also a great amount of awesome restaurants too in the area. As someone ( a very knowledgeable person to the Morro Bay GTG's, I dont like to mention names unless given permission) mentioned last year the Bay Cafe and many others in the Morro area are awesome.
Re: Factory Test Drive Reply #24 – September 10, 2019, 11:15:36 pm Since the thread is wandering from test drives to Henderson's and snake oil, I just thought I'd toss in a good word for the original Snake OilJoel 1 Likes
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