Purchase of a former Rental Unit

BFL13 wrote:
The OP said he is not really a newbie, but did not say if he is a handyman familiar with RV things to fix.

If you can be your own RV Tech for the usual things, then it makes sense to get a used RV. Save huge big bucks.

If you have to pay a tech to do everything, then you might want one with some kind of warranty.

On the difference between "used" and "ex-rental" IMO look at the truck part of any used MH. Even if you are something of a handyman for the RV stuff, are you an auto mechanic? This is where the big bucks can hit you.

I have not read that linked thread on this, but I ASSume an ex-Rental MH would be better looked after on the truck side than a private sale, but there is no way to be sure.

FWIW, we really like our new to us 1991 Class C, and the work it needed to get camping with it cost little compared with the huge cost of a newer one. ( I can do RV stuff but not truck stuff)

So far, for under $10 grand, we are as well off as if we had spent $100 grand. Fact!

BTW, our 28 footer is about as big as I would want for being able to drive it around away from the camp site to get groceries or go to the dog park etc. I think if you go too big in a MH, you will need to tow a car to get around in.

First off a big thanks to all those that have contributed to this, I have really learned a lot and has given me a great deal to think about.

I am mechanically sufficient and don't mind doing some of the general maintenance myself, things like oil changes, fixing cabinets, trim, that sort of thing I would probably just do myself. I am no auto mechanic so would leave that sort of thing to a shop, preferably a good dealer. I know some people say it is a waste of money going to the dealer but if you have a good relationship and they treat you right I have no problem paying for that. A little tip for you all, when I go in to the dealer with my car I always leave something in the trunk, either 2 boxes of chocolates or 4 bottles of micro beer. One set is for the service guy at the desk and one set is for the mechanic. I typically get a free oil change or they magically replace my wiper blades, etc at some point during the year and the investment in the little gifts has more than paid for itself over the years, it doesn't happen every time but a little sign of appreciation will get you good karma down the road. Plus the head mechanic is usually the guy doing the work instead of a new person and that never hurts.

One of the big things I have learned is that the rental units that are built for the big rental companies appear to be stripped down versions, to me that is important as one of the items that I want is an auto leveling system so I doubt they would be on those units. Again, I would have to check the unit. I think that would steer me towards a smaller rental place if I decide to go that route, as they pointed out in the big thread, the mechanical maintenance would be done and there would be records.