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.

[wanderlust1966]

Wow! Read through all 73 pages! Lots of great information. I am very interested in a shorter rental RV but the 19' ones seem very rare. I contacted A and they said the soonest they will be selling any will be Fall of 2018 😕 There's one on El Monte and I emailed them but they never got back to me. Any suggestions?

[kirbymurphy]

Maybe check and see if the cover is insulated and the insulation hasn't fallen off, deteriorated, or been removed?

[STEVE-OTR]

Hi, 510dogmom:
Hot Floor? Check out this Video from RVing with Tito. In this video he addresses the "Hot Floor" issue and gives tips on what can be done. Hopefully it will help you with your situation.
https://youtu.be/Tzt87gYtMDY

[Mocoondo]

510dogmom wrote:


Thanks for the feedback. It was quite a surprise and concern as it was hot to the touch. Historically, my dogs would sit in that area. I would not want them there now. I'm not familiar with Ford trucks at all.

If not the tranni, then what?

It is most likely the exhaust. You can open up the doghouse and see how it is routed.

I think some people have talked about placing additional insulation or heat blankets in the area, but it doesn't really bother most people. When the vehicle was new, there are several heat shields on the top of the exhaust. No telling whether those are still in place or not. A lot of times the shields fall off and nobody knows about it.

[510dogmom]

Mocoondo wrote:

510dogmom wrote:
New question. I was driving my 2012 CA 23A yesterday and the space between the chairs in the Cab became quite hot. I understand the transmission is directly under. It's still within the 30 days of purchase. CA wants to put in new fluids. Can I push for a new Tranni? If so, how. Does it need a new tranni?

It probably does not need a new transmission. It is not at all unusual for the doghouse and the area between the seats to get quite warm as that is right where the exhaust is.

If you are worried about the trans, you would probably be better served taking a sample of trans fluid and sending it off to Blackstone Labs or similar for an analysis.

I can tell you based upon my experience, it is almost never the trans in the E350 chassis.

Thanks for the feedback. It was quite a surprise and concern as it was hot to the touch. Historically, my dogs would sit in that area. I would not want them there now. I'm not familiar with Ford trucks at all.

If not the tranni, then what?

[Mocoondo]

510dogmom wrote:
New question. I was driving my 2012 CA 23A yesterday and the space between the chairs in the Cab became quite hot. I understand the transmission is directly under. It's still within the 30 days of purchase. CA wants to put in new fluids. Can I push for a new Tranni? If so, how. Does it need a new tranni?

It probably does not need a new transmission. It is not at all unusual for the doghouse and the area between the seats to get quite warm as that is right where the exhaust is.

If you are worried about the trans, you would probably be better served taking a sample of trans fluid and sending it off to Blackstone Labs or similar for an analysis.

I can tell you based upon my experience, it is almost never the trans in the E350 chassis.

[510dogmom]

New question. I was driving my 2012 CA 23A yesterday and the space between the chairs in the Cab became quite hot. I understand the transmission is directly under. It's still within the 30 days of purchase. CA wants to put in new fluids. Can I push for a new Tranni? If so, how. Does it need a new tranni?

[FunTwoDrv]

Kirby,
A friend went from a 38' pusher to a 25.1 and has been very happy with the move. As I recall, he bought a new 2016 late last year at about the same price you mentioned.

Gary

[radiojeffrv]

Well bought our CA 28A this weekend from the Manassas, Va CA location. Thanks to everyone on this forum who helped with some great advice. We did find a number of issues. Leaking shower head, broken folding table, ripped and stained cushions and a bad light bulb in the fridge. All these issues were fixed before we left.

The salesman who we dealt with, was a bit of a jerk and we really had to push for some repairs. That's were I had to let my Jersey Attitude shine lol.

There are still some little issues that need to be taken care of at CA's expense.

All in All we are very happy with our new to us Majestic 28A!!

[kirbymurphy]

A local RV dealer is selling their 2016 rentals: Thor Motor Coach Vegas Series M-25.1 on the Ford F-53 Super Duty chassis. They have about 50,000 miles and priced at $68,000. Any opinions on that coach as far as price and drivability?

This link should work: https://www.byerlyrv.com/product/used-2016-thor-vegas-25-dot-1-582539-9

Thanks!

[IAMICHABOD]

radiojeffrv welcome to the Forum and the Former Rental Club!
You are #89 on the list and it seems that you have already have had some help from another member,that is what this is all about,having info on a Former Rental and being able to pass it along to help others. ------------------------------------------------------------------------
A special shout out to STEVE-OTR,(#78) It seems that you have helped out 2 members lately with information on a Former Rental like yours and passed along a lot of good tips when taking delivery of their unit.
GREAT JOB
It's great when Forum members can help others out.

[IAMICHABOD]

disc01971 wrote:
Ive been lurker for a while, read entire thread before purchasing CA 24a rental 2 months ago. I also got ours in Washington from same place as rice classic above. We also replaced shocks at our cost, but with Koni shocks. Front ball joints, Rear axle bearing, Exhaust manifold, front and rear brakes all replaced by Cruise America @ Ford fleet center in Tacoma. Before we picked up they replaced, toilet gasket, new kitchen faucet, replaced windshield, new hinges on all cabinet doors, New rear bumper, re-caulked entire RV, and put in new battery.
My advice for anybody looking @ CA is to not be in a hurry. Dont leave the lot until everything you see is fixed. We saw ours and created a list and came back a week later once was fixed. I saw another couple that came in to take theirs the same day site unseen from other side of state. We walked through other Rvs just to be nosy and saw issues with each one. I believe people just leave with them as is and either are happy because of price savings or find out later they arent perfect then complain..

dosc01971 Welcome to the Forum and the Former Rental Club!
You will be #88 on the list.
Your advice is outstanding for anyone that is buying a Former Rental,I am sure that it will help others,the whole idea of this thread.
Thank You.

[radiojeffrv]

Steve....Thank you very much! Great info!

Jeff

[STEVE-OTR]

radiojeffrv wrote:
Hi all...1st time posting here 🙂 Thanks for a ton of info about CA RVs. We are going to the Manassas Va CA this weekend to pick up a 2012 28A! Very excited!! I have a list of what to look for thanks to all of you. One question is...Does the 28A have and prewiring for a TV? Is a TV easy to add to the unit?
Jeff

Hi, radiojeffry:
Yes, the 28A is pre-wired for a TV. That's one thing they don't tell you on their website on the list of options. The input for a cable-line is located in the same compartment as where the shore-line powercord is stored (driver's side). There is a small white plastic box above the inside of the shoreline storage compartment. Flip the latch open and tara!!! Cable line input. Now, inside the RV, look for the only power outlet in the cab-over (bed) area (it's above the driver). There you will see the cable-line input for the TV. This is also the ideal location for an LCD TV bracket which you will have to install.

Remember, when you arrive to pick up your unit, take your time going through it. Some of those sales guys want to rush you out of there asap but try to resist. Take a tarp with you and go under the unit, look at the drive shaft and check for engine or tranny leaks. Open and close all cabinets and storage doors. I found several things that they fixed immediately on the spot before I drove off. Things like loose cabinet doors, bad smoke detector, stained furniture cushions, leaky faucets (especially in shower), blown out clearance lights (exterior) and blown out reverse light. They fixed all of these things before I signed papers. Finally, if you have the time, stay at a nearby camp ground so that you may test everything thoroughly before you leave out of state. This way you can drive back to the dealer and ask them to fix additional issues that you found. I know from experience that it wasn't until I started to fully use everything that I discovered more issues that they had to fix. Rest assured they will address anything that you find within 30 days even if you didn't buy the (extended, don't waste your money, warranty).

Hopefully this helps and welcome to the CLUB!!! Must say I am happy with my 28A from CA.

BTW....here's a few Pics

[radiojeffrv]

Hi all...1st time posting here 🙂 Thanks for a ton of info about CA RVs. We are going to the Manassas Va CA this weekend to pick up a 2012 28A! Very excited!! I have a list of what to look for thanks to all of you. One question is...Does the 28A have and prewiring for a TV? Is a TV easy to add to the unit?
Jeff