In my search I found a number of discussions where people buy former rental rigs.Cruise America now has a number of used 2008+ 25 and 28 ft RVs that have just a little over 100K on the ODO (not all of them are at 150k+...)They are mostly four winds models.Very spartan inside, tpo roof, etc.No TVs, no awnings, no slide outs, no levels.Selling price range - $19-25K. one year warranty on power train.How much life can I realistically get out of one of this units?Will it last 5 years? Lets assume that they were serviced regularly, but did take some abuse from renters.At that odometer readings, what usually goes bad ?Are those ford transmissions pretty reliable?E350/E450 engines? Getting one of these rigs might save me a lot of money, or it may not...

What would you pay for an equivalent F350/450 truck? Since the rigs are rented without leveling system you might guess that some people parked off level, since it is easier on short stops, this could damage the Norcold or Dometic frig. That's the only RV accessory with a hefty price tag I can think of.

Expensive things I see on these rigs, private or rental: a/c, generator, fridge, roof.IF the roof was not properly looked after, could be problematic.

There have been some very informative posts on here from people who have actually purchased a former rental, not just people who are blow hards about a rental.Having said that, with your due diligence, I think a former rental represents a good value.

No "blow harding" here when we looked at some rentals , they were NOT like a few have said , tires, flooring etc replaced , they were drove hard and put away , well you know the term.A few had less then 100k miles most had anywhere from 140-175K miles on them and looked it. Oh and in the high $30's too ! We just went away shaking our heads bewildered ...

I've repeated this before, it was once posted by a RV.NET member.Question: What's the difference between an ATV and a rental RV?Answer: The rental RV can go anywhere.There are members who bought former rental units with good results.Whatever you are considering buying, check it out very well.This includes former rentals, privately owned or units from a dealer.There are a lot of units available. Do your research before buying.And, don't be in a hurry to buy. Condition is the important thing when buying a used RV.Keep us updated on you decision.

Former Rental RV? What say you.. | Good Sam Community

25 Replies

Veik
Explorer
Apr 10, 2015
Going out tomorrow to check out some local rental rigs.
Potential shortcomings as I see them after speaking to few Cruise America reps.

1. No warranty on roof and no real way to tell if leaking occurred and is now hidden. Moisture meter I have...

2. No service records - too many locations, trucks move around, etc. THIS IS HUGE. Were spark plugs changed? Was 100K service performed? Or did they just flushed oil and moved on?

3. No Awnings, No TVs, no roof ladder = can be installed extra, but this is $$$ Would be nice to have...
JaxDad
Explorer III
Apr 09, 2015
Jim Shoe wrote:
Two things to consider:
1. Almost everyone that rents an RV is a newbie.
2. Why would they sell a rental unless fixing the newbie mistakes cost more than its worth?

2. Because when a renter paying $1,000++ / week breaks down on the highway they a) make ZERO money, b) have to send out a tow truck, replacement m/h and have staff to deal with it, c) need extra 'loaner' units to accommodate for the broken down units, and d) they can only depreciate the book value to a certain point before they're better off financially to buy a new unit.

But other than that? No reason really.
Bordercollie
Explorer
Apr 09, 2015
You can't really use an RV until the "wheels fall off". Any RV will need tire replacement about every 5 years, the fridge and roof AC, etc, etc,, will need replacement when about 10 years old. The awning fabric may last ten years, the furnace, RV generator, converter/charger and batteries may need repair or replacement at around 10 years. The truck part may run well over ten years without major repairs except for brakes and cooling systems. The roof requires inspection and resealing around vents and roof AC.
Veik
Explorer
Apr 09, 2015
Jim Shoe wrote:
Two things to consider:
1. Almost everyone that rents an RV is a newbie.
2. Why would they sell a rental unless fixing the newbie mistakes cost more than its worth?

Because those units paid for themselfs over and over.
Cruise america roughly charges 150 a night.

These are bare bones units, retail on them would be like what? 40-45k?

They get 5 years out of them +++ $20K later.

Why fix? They get another NEW unit in.
Jim_Shoe
Explorer
Apr 09, 2015
Two things to consider:
1. Almost everyone that rents an RV is a newbie.
2. Why would they sell a rental unless fixing the newbie mistakes cost more than its worth?
winnietrey
Explorer
Apr 09, 2015
Drive it till the wheels fall off, and 20 years, was always my plan.
Which is why I was willing to spend more, to get what I thought would work for the long term. And 100K plus miles. That is why I started with a unit that was 4 years old and 5K on it. Just did not want to start with one that already had as many miles on it, as I would put on it in 20 years. And a few years in say gee I wish it had a slide or this or that, and trade or sell it.

Most expensive way to buy anything is twice in my opinion
Veik
Explorer
Apr 09, 2015
winnietrey wrote:
I agree they are cheaper to get into, I am sure @5k a year for 5 years, you will get 5 years out of one.

And if you are fine with no slide, no ladder, no awning, etc. Could be a good choice for you.

One thing I would wonder about is the re-sale, trade in value after say 5 years.
I don't know, but you may save money on the front end but get beat up on the back end.
Would that be more than a non-rental with lower miles, on a percentage basis, don't know. But might be something to consider if you plan on only keeping it 5 years

But if you plan to keep it long term, be it a car, rv or house. it is my belief, it is often better spend a little more and get what really works for you and you are happy with for the long term

Well, after 5 years, these units will be worthless on used market, but if all works - I can just keep it going until the wheels fall off.
winnietrey
Explorer
Apr 09, 2015
I agree they are cheaper to get into, I am sure @5k a year for 5 years, you will get 5 years out of one.

And if you are fine with no slide, no ladder, no awning, etc. Could be a good choice for you.

One thing I would wonder about is the re-sale, trade in value after say 5 years.
I don't know, but you may save money on the front end but get beat up on the back end.
Would that be more than a non-rental with lower miles, on a percentage basis, don't know. But might be something to consider if you plan on only keeping it 5 years

But if you plan to keep it long term, be it a car, rv or house. it is my belief, it is often better spend a little more and get what really works for you and you are happy with for the long term
JaxDad
Explorer III
Apr 09, 2015
A friend of the family had a Class A in the rental program at the dealer where it was purchased by them new. It was rented for it's first 6 or 7 years until they retired and started to travel more.

I've never heard them mention any issues with it and now that it's about 20 years old they're still travelling all over the place in it.
KristinU
Explorer
Apr 09, 2015
Have you read through this thread?

I don't have any insight on your question since our previous rental is a different brand and had only been a rental for a year with a smaller dealership, and then privately owned for 3 years. So our mileage was much lower.

Our age is about the same, though, and you're spot on thinking about stuff that may need repair or replacement. Beyond the regular maintenance stuff, we've replaced the microwave, the hard start capicitor on the A/C, had all of the sealents redone, reinstalled the rear window because of failing butyl tape, and replaced the cyclops. All of that had nothing to do with rental vs. non-rental but age and maintenance.

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Former Rental RV? What say you..

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