[A/S] Faulty Tow Vehicle Recommendation (was: Older tow vehicles

[Jim Redelfs <jim.redelfs@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

> before everyone jumps on the "Let's barr Andy" wagon

Your's is the first mention of "bar" anyone.

> I think it is only fair to remind the list that Andy and his father
> before him have been in the Airstream business for decades.

To me, that implies that they are successful businessmen, selling trailers,
parts and repair services.  That is certainly an enviable reputation.

However, longevity in a particular business or trade does not - and SHOULD
not - imply expertise in a PERIPHERAL aspect to that business.

> They are by no means neophytes and they are highly respected
> in the RV community, both here and in the Lower 48.

Which is all the MORE reason they would (or at least SHOULD) prefer to
MAINTAIN that reputation.  It is not consistent to that goal to publicly
suggest that one violate common sense, not to mention a manufacturer's
maximum tow rating - by a LOT.

> When Andy says something, it is after much research, hands on
> experimentation and listening to feed-back from Customers. It is
> not just theorizing, it is based on experience.

That may well be.  However, Andy's message was based FIRMLY on the principle
that, if one makes it back alive, it MUST be OK.

If you don't know by know, you should:  There's a BELIEVER in every crowd,
particularly on the internet.  "I read it on the internet so it MUST be
true!" will get a good laugh out of any internet-savvy crowd.

> Any legal action or police investigation that involves trailers in Ontario,
> is just liable to have Andy called as an expert witness. What he says will
> stand up in court and in cross-examination. He is not to be taken lightly.

In THIS particular case, his "expertise" wouldn't even make it to the
witness box.  Perhaps you missed it:  His words demonstrated a rather
obvious disregard for common sense not to mention documented tow ratings.

> I think this list is dominated by a "bigger is better" syndrome.

Uh, unless my knowledge of physics (not to mention tow ratings) is faulty,
bigger IS better in the trailer-towing world.

With a trial lawyer on virtually EVERY street corner, Hunter's disclaimer is
understandable.  However, if Big Brother ever successfully prosecutes a
CARRIER (Yahoo, MSN, AOL, Verison, etc) for they CONTENT they simply PASS
ALONG, it will be time to head for the hills or underground.

             :\
JR