Comment from Dealer about Rental

[David Pendleton]

I called an RV dealer to inquire about renting a pop-up camper for a week. They have 2008 Palomino Yearling Y-4100's.



I tell him it's for a week, and I'm heading to the east coast.



He says I'll never make it at 55 MPH; a week isn't long enough. To which I replied that I wouldn't be travelling 55 MPH, but rather the posted speed limits which are nearly always higher on the interstate.



He went on to inform me that I was responsible for all damage to the bearings by exceeding the speed limit they mandate for rentals. I was under the impression that I was responsible for all damage, so that didn't really surprise me.



For the record, I do a lot of towing and a lot of driving. I don't have an RV, but I do have a large tandem axle boat trailer and boat that I pull everywhere. I take care of my bearings, and have never had a problem.



Are bearings on a popup trailer that delicate that I risk destroying them if I tow at say, 70MPH, or are they just trying to scare folks into slowing down?

 

[Jefff929]

IDK about your specific situation.



Uhauls have speed limits on their trailers. Next time you pass someone with a Uhaul trailer, check out how fast they are moving.

 

[TBurow]

i think they put the limit on the trailer/camper just for the genius who would pull it with an escort or grand am. if it starts swaying its gonna be dangerous with one of those lil cars. i have seen all sorts of small cars pulling popups swaying all over the highway lately. i have gone 70+ for thousands of miles with no ill effects. proper maintenance on the bearings and they will last just short of forever.

 

[GAmes]

Does that pop-up have those little 10 or 12 inch wheels on it? If so consider the rpms they would be making a 70, compared to the wheels on your boat trailer.

I'd be worried about the bearings failing too.

 

[David Pendleton]

Yes, I'm pretty sure it has the smaller wheels. I've only seen a picture, but they look like 12".

 

[B.G. Smith]

If the bearings are properly lubed and set up correctly you won't have to worry about them. Now depending on what brand/age tire is on the trailer, that might be another cat, just be sure they are aired up to the pressure recommended on the tire for maximum load. . bg

 

[wcoomes]

I echo what Mr Smith said, especially about the tires. As a kid we had a "homemade" pop-up and my brother & I vividly recall a vacation looking for a replacement since my dad didn't carry a spare. Another time we left the camper in someone's yard along US 27 and came back a few days later, obviously my dad didn't learn his lesson about carrying a spare. I think your "dealer" is just trying to get an extra week's rental out of you.