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.

[coolmom42]

IAMICHABOD wrote:

coolmom42 wrote:
Financing at El Monte RV--has anyone done it?

Just wondering what type of experience it is. Was the rate competitive? Does ElMonte hold the note, or is it through a bank or finance company?
.

Mike Dwan,the National Sales Mananger at El Monte RV will answer any questions about Financing and rates that you mave.
You Can call him @ 562 483 4949

Thanks!

[IAMICHABOD]

coolmom42 wrote:
Financing at El Monte RV--has anyone done it?

Just wondering what type of experience it is. Was the rate competitive? Does ElMonte hold the note, or is it through a bank or finance company?
.

Mike Dwan,the National Sales Mananger at El Monte RV will answer any questions about Financing and rates that you mave.
You Can call him @ 562 483 4949

[coolmom42]

Financing at El Monte RV--has anyone done it?

Just wondering what type of experience it is. Was the rate competitive? Does ElMonte hold the note, or is it through a bank or finance company?

My budget is $30K for the motor home, plus another $10K for taxes, upgrades, etc. I will have about half of that at the time of purchase, but would like to spread out the second half over a year. This would give me more flexibility in my IRA withdrawals and possibly help me stay in a lower tax bracket.

It would probably be simpler to finance at El Monte than get money wired from a lender. I have top-tier credit and don't anticipate any problems getting a loan, just trying to keep things simple.

I plan to buy in the fall of 2017. Probably will buy from the Orlando or Las Vegas location. I'm looking at the smaller motor homes like the Winnebago 24V.

[coolmom42]

CatchinBluegill wrote:

kirbymurphy wrote:

I had a bad experience with high mileage oil. My van ran very low only two weeks after the oil change. Never lost any oil before while using regular 10W40 and none after. I'd read that it helps improve seals but another article mentioned the problem I had with the oil disappearing. Don't know what to believe. :?

That also happened to me. It took longer than 2 weeks, but was well short of what the oil change interval should have been for a full synthetic, either by time or mileage, and it was on a fairly low mileage (less than 50K) Odyssey. I've had zero problems with oil consumption on this vehicle, so I changed out the synthetic and went back to regular oil. There are many Hondas out there with 200K+ miles on them using regular oil, so I'm going to stick with regular oil from now on. At my 7-year average annual mileage, it'll take me over 20 years to get to 200K and who knows? I could die before then LOL

High mileage oil is not the same as synthetic. High mileage oil is supposed to lubricate seals, etc. that are likely to be problems on older cars. Synthetic oil is suitable for a vehicle of any mileage.

[CatchinBluegill]

kirbymurphy wrote:

I had a bad experience with high mileage oil. My van ran very low only two weeks after the oil change. Never lost any oil before while using regular 10W40 and none after. I'd read that it helps improve seals but another article mentioned the problem I had with the oil disappearing. Don't know what to believe. :?

That also happened to me. It took longer than 2 weeks, but was well short of what the oil change interval should have been for a full synthetic, either by time or mileage, and it was on a fairly low mileage (less than 50K) Odyssey. I've had zero problems with oil consumption on this vehicle, so I changed out the synthetic and went back to regular oil. There are many Hondas out there with 200K+ miles on them using regular oil, so I'm going to stick with regular oil from now on. At my 7-year average annual mileage, it'll take me over 20 years to get to 200K and who knows? I could die before then LOL

[kirbymurphy]

Majestic2010 wrote:
Dear fellow ex-rental RV owners,

Last week I bought a compact 2010 Four Winds 19G (Ford E350 - V8 5.4 Triton). I guess I will be #68 on the list 🙂
It was from a couple that bought the RV from CA about a year ago and for (good) reasons had to sell it.
It looks very well maintained and we are very happy with it. Going to Carpenteria State Beach in 3 weeks for our first maiden trip.

A couple of questions for ex CA rental owners:

Do all ex CA rentals come without a remote entry key? Would it be possible to purchase a remote key control for the Ford?

The previous owner recommended to always drive it in 'Tow/Haul' mode to increase fuel economy. Is it okay to drive in this mode even when not driving in the mountains or not towing?

Lastly, the previous owner bought the extended power/drive train warranty for $1,650. Is this warranty transferable to the new owner? No detailed warranty contract available other than the flyer you can download from the CA website. I noticed the warranty for the bix itself is transferable but it does not mention this for the extended power/drive train warranty.

Thanks for all the great info you continue to post on this forum. It helped me to get over my 'high mileage' fear.

I had a bad experience with high mileage oil. My van ran very low only two weeks after the oil change. Never lost any oil before while using regular 10W40 and none after. I'd read that it helps improve seals but another article mentioned the problem I had with the oil disappearing. Don't know what to believe. :?

[CatchinBluegill]

I find that tow/haul does a better job of maintaining speed on steep downgrades. Seems to hunt for gears less and, like you said, downshift sooner on upgrades. On flat ground, I don't use it. However, I plan to tow my minivan this summer, so will experiment with which works best with 4500 pounds hanging on the back of my MH.

[Jarlaxle]

socal77 wrote:
Hey guys,

I just emailed Travis, CA's National Part Manager down in Mesa, AZ. Really nice guy. I've gotten to know him quite well over the last 6 weeks since I purchased my rig. Extremely helpful.

He says they use a synthetic recycled oil called EcoPower in all their rental RV's. It's not too easy to get it yet. Closest place to me is 30 miles away at a Meineke Auto Care Center. It seems like Meineke is the main retail distributor right now. You can go on their website to check it out and see where it's available near you.

http://www.ecopoweroil.com/

I think just going with Mobil 1 or another synthetic is the best way to go.

Use whatever 5W-20 you can get the cheapest and the engine will outlast the motorhome. Oil is oil.

[Ponderosa]

Majestic2010 wrote:
Dear fellow ex-rental RV owners,

Last week I bought a compact 2010 Four Winds 19G (Ford E350 - V8 5.4 Triton). I guess I will be #68 on the list 🙂
It was from a couple that bought the RV from CA about a year ago and for (good) reasons had to sell it.
It looks very well maintained and we are very happy with it. Going to Carpenteria State Beach in 3 weeks for our first maiden trip.

A couple of questions for ex CA rental owners:

Do all ex CA rentals come without a remote entry key? Would it be possible to purchase a remote key control for the Ford?

The previous owner recommended to always drive it in 'Tow/Haul' mode to increase fuel economy. Is it okay to drive in this mode even when not driving in the mountains or not towing?

Lastly, the previous owner bought the extended power/drive train warranty for $1,650. Is this warranty transferable to the new owner? No detailed warranty contract available other than the flyer you can download from the CA website. I noticed the warranty for the bix itself is transferable but it does not mention this for the extended power/drive train warranty.

Thanks for all the great info you continue to post on this forum. It helped me to get over my 'high mileage' fear.

Tow haul would be more likely to waste than save gas. You drive around in a lower gear than is necessary for the most part. I rarely use tow/haul even when tow hauling. The tranny is geared and programmed adequately for proper performance. IMO, the advantage to tow haul is when you are towing, it will downshift much sooner than normal making it easier to come to a stop/go down a hill etc.

[Majestic2010]

SoCal77 thank you for the welcome. Yes, this couple put 2,000 miles on it after purchasing the 19G from CA. It also came with an awning and TV plus antenna installed.

Mocoondo, thank you for your feedback. Keyless entry is no big deal for me. I used to drive a Russian made SUV (LADA Niva) in my past life as a student. It's my spouse that was surprised not to find a remote. Thanks again for your prompt response.

[samven1]

If you have a late model RV I would at least run a semi synth. Chevy has been specing 5w30 Dexos for a few years now and only a semi or above will meet those specs. Ford has been recommending 5w20 Semi for at least 5 years now. I am sure that a dino oil will work but the oil reminders have been programmed with the factory fills in mind.

[Mocoondo]

Majestic2010 wrote:
Dear fellow ex-rental RV owners,

Last week I bought a compact 2010 Four Winds 19G (Ford E350 - V8 5.4 Triton). I guess I will be #68 on the list 🙂
It was from a couple that bought the RV from CA about a year ago and for (good) reasons had to sell it.
It looks very well maintained and we are very happy with it. Going to Carpenteria State Beach in 3 weeks for our first maiden trip.

A couple of questions for ex CA rental owners:

Do all ex CA rentals come without a remote entry key? Would it be possible to purchase a remote key control for the Ford?

The previous owner recommended to always drive it in 'Tow/Haul' mode to increase fuel economy. Is it okay to drive in this mode even when not driving in the mountains or not towing?

Lastly, the previous owner bought the extended power/drive train warranty for $1,650. Is this warranty transferable to the new owner? No detailed warranty contract available other than the flyer you can download from the CA website. I noticed the warranty for the bix itself is transferable but it does not mention this for the extended power/drive train warranty.

Thanks for all the great info you continue to post on this forum. It helped me to get over my 'high mileage' fear.

No, the chassis were not ordered with keyless entry.

Tow/haul on is the normal mode of operation. See decal on your shifter.

Unable to opine on the warranty as that is not my area of expertise.

[Mocoondo]

adlereins wrote:
Is there any advantage to using dino oil as opposed to synthetic other than price in these high milage rigs?

I don't feel there is any advantage or disadvantage to running either. I'm not a huge fan of switching from Dino to syn in the middle of an engines life. If it always ran on Dino, keep it on Dino.

[socal77]

Majestic2010 wrote:
Dear fellow ex-rental RV owners,

Last week I bought a compact 2010 Four Winds 19G (Ford E350 - V8 5.4 Triton). I guess I will be #68 on the list 🙂
It was from a couple that bought the RV from CA about a year ago and for (good) reasons had to sell it.
It looks very well maintained and we are very happy with it. Going to Carpenteria State Beach in 3 weeks for our first maiden trip.

A couple of questions for ex CA rental owners:

Do all ex CA rentals come without a remote entry key? Would it be possible to purchase a remote key control for the Ford?

The previous owner recommended to always drive it in 'Tow/Haul' mode to increase fuel economy. Is it okay to drive in this mode even when not driving in the mountains or not towing?

Lastly, the previous owner bought the extended power/drive train warranty for $1,650. Is this warranty transferable to the new owner? No detailed warranty contract available other than the flyer you can download from the CA website. I noticed the warranty for the bix itself is transferable but it does not mention this for the extended power/drive train warranty.

Thanks for all the great info you continue to post on this forum. It helped me to get over my 'high mileage' fear.

Welcome to the club! Glad to have you.

I bought my 2009 29 footer under similar circumstance. Seller had bought from CA, put 9,000 miles on it doing a cross-country corporate promotional tour and then didn't need it anymore. I was at the right place at the right time.

[Majestic2010]

Dear fellow ex-rental RV owners,

Last week I bought a compact 2010 Four Winds 19G (Ford E350 - V8 5.4 Triton). I guess I will be #68 on the list 🙂
It was from a couple that bought the RV from CA about a year ago and for (good) reasons had to sell it.
It looks very well maintained and we are very happy with it. Going to Carpenteria State Beach in 3 weeks for our first maiden trip.

A couple of questions for ex CA rental owners:

Do all ex CA rentals come without a remote entry key? Would it be possible to purchase a remote key control for the Ford?

The previous owner recommended to always drive it in 'Tow/Haul' mode to increase fuel economy. Is it okay to drive in this mode even when not driving in the mountains or not towing?

Lastly, the previous owner bought the extended power/drive train warranty for $1,650. Is this warranty transferable to the new owner? No detailed warranty contract available other than the flyer you can download from the CA website. I noticed the warranty for the bix itself is transferable but it does not mention this for the extended power/drive train warranty.

Thanks for all the great info you continue to post on this forum. It helped me to get over my 'high mileage' fear.