Buying a Former Rental Class C. How many of us out there?

[IAMICHABOD]

While researching these pages for my next Motor Home I saw a few threads discussing Rentals, most were Pros and Cons but very few posts from people who had purchased one.

I thought it may be a good resource and helpful to hear from these people. The good, the bad, what they liked and what they didn’t. Also if they had any problems, things they changed, if they would recommend this to others or do it again.

Here is my story: I am not a novice, having owned a Class A for more than 15 years and doing the camping thing with my wife and two daughters, I can say “been there done that” But life changes, and I sold everything so I have been away from this for several years. Starting over I lurked here for a while and got a lot of good insight then went looking.

My criteria was: A Class C within by budget, less than 30 feet so I can keep it at home, saving storage $, a rear bed, and a lot of storage space.

What fit that was Winnebago, Fleetwood and a few others, what I found mostly was Jamboree / Tioga 26Q. In the year models 2002 thru 2006. I did my home work looking at NADA and other sites to find the fair prices for the models that I was looking for.

After several months of searching the internet, Craigslist, private ads and Dealerships for a Class C that suited my budget and needs, this is what I found. Of the dozen or so I inquired about.Most were upsidedown in their payments, owing more than they were worth. All were on Ford Chassis, 7 needed tires, all had the original 7 to 10 year old tires, and they all needed repair of the awning and most needed some work inside or out and the maintenance records were sketchy, but most had low mileage. The Dealerships offerings were better but they had a profit margin to maintain so I got older models within my budget or huge up sales that didn’t work for me.

My next step was looking at the rental market for sales. In my area there are 2 large companies that have rental sales, Cruise America and El Monte RV,who also sell Class A RVs.

First up was El Monte RV Their units are production RVs that are made by major manufactures, with TV antennas and hookups inside and out, Ducted A/C and heat, 2 house batteries, a rear ladder and parts are readily available from those manufacture’s. I looked at their web site and it detailed their warranty and what was checked and serviced by their factory trained technicians. The unit I looked at was like new inside, the upholstery on all the seats was new as was the floor mat in the driver’s area, it had a new mattress, still in plastic and a new bedspread. All of the curtains were new also. Newer (2010 mfg date) tires with 98% rubber and the mileage was ninety thousand (90,000).

Then there was Cruise America: Their units that I looked at seemed to be Spartan,no TV antenna or hookups for one,non-ducted A/C,small counter space and only one battery, no rear ladder for inspection and maintenance of roof and built just for them, they were all “refreshed” their words not mine. They offered extended warranties at a huge cost. All had high mileage, one hundred and thirty thousand (130,000) or more and the price range seemed a little high. The sales staff had a take it or leave it attitude and were not very forthcoming when asked about maintenance records and service,they claim to have proprietary info in those records,It doesn't seem to be a problem for El Monte RV.

At El Monte RV I took a test ride; This Unit was a 2006 Tioga 26Q on a Chevrolet Chassis it rode
Drove and handled much better than the Fords that I had driven. It also had more leg room and was quieter. We got back and I asked about the service and maintenance on it, the salesman, Joey, handed me a 28 page single spaced document asked if I wanted some coffee or something to drink and said “read this and if you have any questions I will answer them”.

It detailed everything that was done before and after each rental, the mileage, generator hours and hours billed. Each time it was washed and detailed inside and outside, all fluids were checked and replenished if needed, the holding tanks were washed, LP system was checked for leaks, all torque on wheel lugs were checked, brakes front and rear checked for wear and cracks, pressure in tires, all appliances, generator oil, lights inside and outside, the list goes on and on.

It also listed all oil changes,coolant change,trans service,fuel injector service and cleaning,fuel filters,air filter, new brakes, all repairs and replacements all with date, mileage and time spent in complete detail from day one to when it was pulled from the rental fleet and was refurbished. I have a complete service record on this vehicle.Also the service records on the Onan Generator,all oil changes,air filter and spark plug replacement with hours and date. I negotiated a good deal with them and am very happy with my purchase.

It came with a 1 yr. 12000 mile power train warranty and 30 day on all appliances. It also came with a 28 page maintenance record that detailed everything. Also the original sales packet from Fleetwood with the manual and serial numbers on all appliances,refrigerator, microwave,furnace, AC, water heater, etc. and the manual for the Chassis. I have had no problems with it so far.

(ON EDIT) 5 Years and close to 14000 miles.Just Scheduled Maintenance and new tires,old ones were at the 5 year mark and I wanted new Michelin LTX M/S2s.

There were a few things that it didn’t have as it was a rental and the ones from private parties did have.
• Power steps, outside Stereo/CD don’t need or want them.
• An Awning, this I wanted and had installed. A Swivel Seat and a new Window in The Door that I installed.
• Wheel Simulators, I like the looks so I had them installed and at the same time had Tire Man valve stem kit put on.
• Replaced the Chinese WFCO with a US Made converter/charger
• It came with mini blinds and not the day/night that most have, these are more practical and have a lot less failure.

• It also came with Stainless Steel sinks,easier to maintain than the cheap plastic ones that come in the noncommercial units.
  

I am very happy with my Rig, it suites my needs and it was in my Budget range, I think I got a good deal.

So if you bought a rental please share your experience here for others to use as a resource.
Or if there are any other questions that have not been covered in these pages, just ask, there are many helpful people on this thread.

[gotsmart]

donrebyct wrote:
After buying a retired rental, say a 2008 Cruise America with 150K miles, would it be wise to replace all of the rubber like would be needed on a vehicle from the 90s? I'm thinking break lines, fuel lines, vacuum lines, etc.

Check out my links in this post.
This one will be of particular interest.

[donrebyct]

After buying a retired rental, say a 2008 Cruise America with 150K miles, would it be wise to replace all of the rubber like would be needed on a vehicle from the 90s? I'm thinking break lines, fuel lines, vacuum lines, etc.

[jetmechtm]

Thank you IMICHABOD. I have been following your posts since you first posted this thread. I will continue to do so. I bought a 2007 Jamboree 24D. At first I was going to go with the 26Q but it just seemed too big for me and the hound. I had rented a 24D before and liked it. It fits me and my lifestyle. The 26Q is a good buy though. Bottom line is I am pleased. I will definitely refer back to your posts as I have found them to be excellent and very helpful. Thanks.

[John___Angela]

Super. Time to customize it a bit and then hit the road. Happy trails.

[IAMICHABOD]

That is good to hear and that your patience payed off and you got what you wanted. And on a Chevy Chassis to boot. Which year and model did you get?

Now the fun begins. With the money you saved you can do all the mods that you want and make it your very own, the way you want.

I have done a lot of mods on mine and if you want any tips I would be happy to help. Just come back here or send me a PM.

[jetmechtm]

Finally found my Class C on a Chevy chassis. Got it from El Monte and am very pleased. The vehicle is spartan but in excellent shape. I didn't want an awning or slide. I can do my own personalizing and look forward to it and spring.

[Lynn0527]

Hi Snowman - yes, definitely, I was looking at new for 2014 last year and they were 50% more - so going with the drive off the lot decrease of 30% and and an additional 10% for each year, I thought it was a good price. Honestly, I couldn't find a used one in Canada anywhere and I looked for a long time. I am sure a used B would be easier to find I the States.

Lynn

[Snowman9000]

Good story, Lynn. I did not know there were rental B's. Maybe only in Canada. It sounds better than a dealer unit would be. Do you feel you got a lower price than you would have at a dealer?

[Lynn0527]

Hi All - I was asked to share my experience of purchasing an ex-rental unit with Canadream. I was going into this purchase with very little knowledge being a non-mechanically inclined female so I went to RV school in Kelowna for 3 days for a quick class on all the systems of an RV. Armed with this knowledge I looked for over 2 years for the right RV for me and my furry companion. I didn't want anything too big and after looking until my eyes rolled backwards in my head, I had my heart set on a Roadtrek or Pleasureway. Even though they are Canadian made they are impossible to find up here.

Dealer pricing on used units is absurd and private sales were equally ridiculous. Neither one which would provide any history of the unit. I wasn't comfortable with that.

Last year I wanted to rent a unit from Canadream and it was so expensive that I knew no kids could afford to rent the units. They rent mostly to Europeans who do the Calgary-Vancouver-Jasper circuit. The units are cleaned before every new rental and the damage deposit is high so people are going to be careful.

I went to Canadream to look at a used Pleasureway and felt very comfortable dealing with them. The unit I looked at had 48,000 miles which to me was nicely broken in. I got all the service records which included trips made, to and from, mileage for each trip and what servicing was done after the trip. I really felt that I had a good picture of what my unit had been through. Plus I wanted a unit I didn't have to pay storage for and this unit sits on my driveway during the winter.

When I picked the unit up it was in perfect condition, road ready with all tanks full of propane and gas, clean and shiny. As agreed upon, new tires were placed on the unit and all Canadream labeling taken off. There is no ghosting at all.

All buyers become members of the Canadream club which includes 20% of parts and labor when anything is done at their shop. All their RV techs are certified though one of the national schools so they know what they are doing. I wanted to do my own winterizing and they walked me through it over the phone and have given me a good price to get a solar panel put on.

When I purchased, this time last year, I walked in before they purchased their sales ad and they gave me the extra $3,000 off without my asking. They have a rule that their units are sold with 80% tread so my are in good shape. My brother has a trucking company and he said they are good tires.

I did purchase the extended warranty as the RV portion warranty had run out.

I have had the unit for a year now and am very satisfied with both Canadream and my purchase.

Lynn

[Jbrowland]

coolmom42 wrote:

path1 wrote:

coolmom42 wrote:
One question---Do the rental companies remove their company decals before selling the units? I'm not crazy about the idea of driving around with "El Monte RV" in giant red letters front and rear.

Leave them on. You can do most anything and everybody will think your a rookie. People will help you level your rig, help you back in and at dump site just stand by your hose and somebody will come running.

Just a thought.

OK serious now...I've never seen any rental sold with the company name still on it. Doesn't mean it doesn't happen though.

LOL it's a thought!

I can only speak for mine from Cruise America. Cruise America completely repaints their rental sales units top to bottom and adds new graphics that read "Majestic." Any time you see an RV that says Majestic on it it is a former CA rental. I see several Majestics At every poluar California RV destination we have been to so far.

When I went to El Monte to look around at their used units, I noticed they had done a nice job removing all signs of rental letterring so to speak.

I also went to Road Bear RV and looked at their rental sales units. The appeared to do a good job removing the "Road Bear" words.

[Jbrowland]

I recently purchased a used 2008 from Cruise America and had a wonderful experience. I went in expecting it to be horrible but shockingly I am very happy. I will add a detailed review here when I have more time. In fact, this very thread helped me after doing a random internet search for the option to buy a rental unit. There isn't much info/feedback from people who have actually done it out there on the internet despite the fact that placs like El Monte and Cruise America sell hundreds of units nationally every year. It is IMHO, a perfect option for a minority of RV'ers that works very well if you fall into a specific category of buyer. More later as I have to go to work....:)

[donrebyct]

Thanks for the reply.

I was afraid that might be the case. It sounds even smaller than I thought. Oh well, back to the drawing board.

What I really want probably doesn't exist, though some so-called B+ motorhomes come fairly close. I don't like the 8+ foot wide class C, nor do I like the overhead bed.

Don

[IAMICHABOD]

OP here,if you are talking about the Four Winds 19G that they have for sale I have not rented or bought one.

This past summer I had one park next to me. A young couple from France were renting it to tour the US. I had not seen one this small,so I asked about it. They said that they were use to small RVs like they have in Europe.

He said that he slept in the upper bunk while his wife slept on the folded down dinette, she was about 5'2'' so it fit her and he said that it was to crowded up top for them both, he was about 5'8''.

I asked about any draw backs and they didn't like the small holding tanks, both 17 gallons,so the had to dump often and it only carried 22 gallons of fresh water and it had a small fuel tank, I think he said about 30 gallons or so.

They were use to the WET Bath so that was not a problem.

If you are looking to buy a Ex Rental I might suggest one like This one, It is the same price range and about the same size and it has a bed in the rear that will fit 2 and has larger holding tanks and fuel tank, and it doesn't have a WET bath but a separate shower which is much nicer.

[donrebyct]

I have a question for this old topic.

Has anyone bought, or even rented, the compact class C from Cruise America? There are a bunch of 2010s on CA's web site right now.

It's probably too small for most people, but it looks to be a nice easy size for my wife and me. That is, if the dinette can be made into a decent size bed.

Thanks for any thoughts or comments.

Don

[coolmom42]

I like your solution!