CaptJD wrote:
We came across ex-rental 2017 THOR MOTOR COACH MAJESTIC 19G built on Ford E350 chassis...
But our worry is mostly about the engine and transmission....
Do these type of RVs prone to engine/transmission problems? Does 150,000 miles mean that 5.4L V8 already waiting to die in the hands of its next owner within a few thousand miles or do they generally go much further in odometer without significant problems?
For starters, your 2017 Majestic 19G is made up of a 2015 Ford E-350 and a 2015 Thor coach. Together they had a baby which is the 2017 Majestic 19G.
Your question is not about the coach but about the Ford E-350 reliability. I would suggest start your internet search there "Ford E-350" reliability with the understanding that most Ford E-350 probably are not hauling around 10,000lbs and have been driven by hundreds of "strangers."
Will have you catastrophic failures in the coming weeks after purchase? HIGHLY unlikely! Months? Also highly unlikely. **** happens though...
You'll find that a lot of Majestic 19G owners flip theirs within about a year or so as these folks buy them at the 130,000 mark and then sell them after they tour our country for a few years, save to buy a house, or any number of things. Most of those that I have seen sold after they bought from Cruise America (CA) hover around 150,000+ miles or more. I have NOT seen any with 200,000 or more; however, they're still running fine when they're sold in the 150,000k+ range.
Because CA needs to keep these on the road, they fix what's broken and follow the strict model "if it ain't broke, don't fit ix." Once you get into one and start pulling stuff apart to refurbish, paint, replace, etc this will become apparent VERY quickly as you will find mix-matched screws, bolts where screws should be, two or more holes where one would've sufficed, etc. They're built cheap and maintained at that same level; HOWEVER, we're talking two different things (chassis vs home part).
The chassis seems pretty straightforward, like any commercial Ford vehicle. Things will certainly break...in fact, within 200 miles of the CA location, my 19G went KAPUT! It's a long story, but regardless CA has fixed that issue among a myraid of issues that they should have fixed before I bought it from them. Fortunately that is what the 3 month warranty is for...use it and abuse it during that time, break what you can...basically. I am happy to discuss this privately as they are still working to rectify issues, and I'll continue to give them the benefit of the doubt...they've honored every issue I have brought up, and I assure you it's a long list.
Regarding the folks who will persuade you not to buy from CA...they clearly have not bought from CA so take their advice as you wish. Do read that other thread that has been linked multiple times from actual owners though...lots of helpful information there! Also, if you have not, get on Yelp and look up the location (Newark, Vegas, and/or Mesa) you plan to buy from and sift through the review looking for those who bought a unit. You'll find so many negative reviews from renters, and that's because of what I said before ("if it ain't broke, don't fit ix").
ps: I live in Salinas (about 30min from SJB) with a 19G that is undergoing renovations. It spent the first two weeks of ownership at the Salinas Ford Truck Center being worked on (ignition switch and someone at CA neglected to connect the an o2 sensor hose). I've spent $0 out of pocket...YOU WILL NOT get that with a private party purchase.
pps: If you want, shoot me a private message with your contact number, and I'll reach out.
