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.

[bghouse]

Newbie here and first up - thanks for such an awesome thread. I made sure to read all 75 pages first before posting my question and made so many notes of all the tips.

I know you'll need a little context before I ask my questions. I plan to full time in my RV. I will eventually travel coast to coast, but my heart lies in the Northwest and Southwest - very snowbird like. I don't need TV, but I do need to be able to run my computer gear (web developer and writer) as I'm still working on the road. I prefer the smaller 25' rig, so the 23A from Cruise America or something 25-ish from El Monte. I want to enjoy the driving, so good handling is important (and something I end up paying if wasn't there i guess). Safety also for me is a priority. I will not be towing a car at this point, although possible a scooter or electric bike on the back - or simply driving my rig into town. While I am willing to learn on this new adventure, I currently have limited knowledge and abilities for DIY, so I will need to pay to have upgrades and fixes done.

With that out of the way - here's my questions...

1.) With the CA 23A, am I able to add a backup camera easily? Am I limited to just a wireless one?

2.) Can automatic leveling be adding to a coach that doesn't have them already?

3.) Is there room in the CA 23A to add in an inverter and additional batteries / solar? (please feel free to point me to another thread as I know this isn't about solar - lol)

4.) I understand that the units at El Monte might have more of these features already, as they are more production line models - but there is barely any inventory showing on the site. Is there a certain time of year that I would find more inventory at El Monte?

5.) When buying from CA or El Monte, what are my options for getting service and/or parts upgrades, new things like a backup camera added, etc.? Do I have to go to just their rental facilities?

I don't want to go to long on this post, and thank you in advance for your replies 🙂

[Mocoondo]

510dogmom wrote:
I really don't trust sales people and I wonder if I was ripped off. I have been asking for repairs on specific items since I purchased my CA 23A last month. I had it checked over and found that several maintenance items needed to be done...new brakes, new shocks, steering stabilizer, and other stuff. It totals to around $2000. CA refuses to pay for any of it since it is maintenance. Are they getting away with this? I feel like I've been manipulated and I need a reality check if they are responsible for this or if I am.

When you buy used, everything on the motorhome is used. If you want one with all new components, then you have to buy new. They have a hundred or more 23A's for sale. You could have always picked one with less miles and therefore less wear on the above listed components.

[radiojeffrv]

When we purchased our 28A from CA in Manassas, Va we did get a list of what was done during the referb and we were able to view the maintenance records Granted it took being a PIA to the sales guy...he was a bit of a jerk but We stood our ground and got everything we wanted.

[johnrettie]

I purchased a salvaged 2016 Majestic 23A in January with 58,000 miles on it. It was a crashed Cruise America rental that had the cabover totally smashed from hitting something lower than 12 feet high! There was nothing wrong with the cab/chassis so all I had rebuilt was the cabover coachwork/roof. I plan to finish the interior myself and I've already added a power awning and roof ladder. My wife and I just completed a 4,000 mile road trip and had zero problems. I'm very happy with the way it's worked out for us so far.

[IAMICHABOD]

510dogmom wrote:
I really don't trust sales people and I wonder if I was ripped off. I have been asking for repairs on specific items since I purchased my CA 23A last month. I had it checked over and found that several maintenance items needed to be done...new brakes, new shocks, steering stabilizer, and other stuff. It totals to around $2000. CA refuses to pay for any of it since it is maintenance. Are they getting away with this? I feel like I've been manipulated and I need a reality check if they are responsible for this or if I am.

Sadly yes,they are maintenance items that should have been checked and replaced before it was put up for sale.

That is the reason I liked El Monte better,I got a full record of all maintenance that was done on the unit and one of the things that they do before sale is,and I quote "Pull wheels and inspect brakes (replace 50% or less)" my records show that the all brakes were replaced just 3000 miles before I bought it.I also knew from the records that the shocks were the OEM,never replaced, but I wanted Bilsteins so I replaced them myself.

[kirbymurphy]

I've always felt the Ford chassis was very spongy, but never noticed a sag problem. We had several years of 350 vans for ENG trucks and they were all sloppy and annoying to drive.

[STEVE-OTR]

Hi, Socal77:

When I first looked at the leaf springs on my unit (also a 28A former CA rental) I noticed that Leaf Springs sagged down or bowed down especially at the ends that point towards the engine. I thought this was unusual until I did further research. It turns out that this is normal for most RV's. Ford basically makes the chassis and then they basically don't care whats done afterwords by the Thor Motor Home company. The Ford OEM chassis can only handle so much of a load in the rear so when a huge box gets built on top of it, the springs will bow down. If both Sides of the Leaf Springs bow down evenly, then you will not notice a lean towards one side or another. But you will notice a harsher ride at the rear. As the OEM Leaf Springs just will not lift the Box enough to be able to provide for a more comfortable ride. When there is more weight on one side than the other then, over time, one set of springs will start to sag or bow-down more than the other and there, RV looks like its leaning.

What most have done is Not to replace the OEM leaf springs (Huge Job) but to add a "Lift-Support" system that will assist the Existing Leaf-Springs. This is what I am planning to do with mine. For now I have upgraded shocks (Bilsteins on all 4 sides and added Hellwig sway bars on front and back) to improve the ride. Here's a few pics of what I'm talking about. These items are on the SDTrucksprings website. Hopefully this helps. The pics are 2 options, one is adding an additional Lift Spring and the second option is to add an Air-Lift system. I prefer 2nd option (easier to do).

[510dogmom]

I really don't trust sales people and I wonder if I was ripped off. I have been asking for repairs on specific items since I purchased my CA 23A last month. I had it checked over and found that several maintenance items needed to be done...new brakes, new shocks, steering stabilizer, and other stuff. It totals to around $2000. CA refuses to pay for any of it since it is maintenance. Are they getting away with this? I feel like I've been manipulated and I need a reality check if they are responsible for this or if I am.

[Snowman9000]

New leaf springs have always been very affordable in my experience. Look for a spring or truck spring shop.

[socal77]

After our most recent trip last month, my 2009 former CA Majestic developed a noticeable lean to the driver's side when you stand behind it. I could also feel it when driving down the road and especially turning to the right as it would lean more.

Today I took it in to get the tires rotated and balanced and asked them to check the leaning issue. They told me it's the leaf springs. So now I need to shop around for best price. There's two local shops here that are both telling me to come in and they'll check it out and give me an estimate.

I'd like to have a sense of what the cost would be before taking it in. Any advice appreciated. It's 29 footer on Ford E450 chassis.

[flavtfan]

Few pics of my El Monte purchased RV. I dig it, overall very good experience with them and they even hooked me up on some stuff I found after I purchased it that wasn't covered under warranty...for FREE. I'm surprised the Cali El Monte missed it on their pre sale inspection but the Las Vegas store hooked me up. As with all Ford Triton engines, I suggest looking at the exhaust manifolds before you buy and have them repaired if you see any broken stud bolts or evidence of leaking manifold gaskets (black carbon stains on the heads) or ticking noises when cold then going away when warm. I was just so anxious to get it I overlooked it, knowing full well after dealing with my 08 F150 that those engines have some manifold issues(replaced driver side at 60k and pass side around 85k)and when bolts break it's usually the rear ones. Other than that the rig has A LOT of new parts on it. Driveline was almost new, trans was replaced and only has about 30K miles on it, and several other new items on the engine such as oil pump, hoses, etc. The service records were very thorough and it was nice to see that not all the major parts had the miles on them that the odo said....same for the generator. The black tank was even fairly new...new tires as well. I've done some other minor cosmetic OCD things such as purchase new OEM 12v covers for the dash, assist handle bolt covers for the A-Frame assist handles among other small things. I still want to change out the hub caps to the wheel simulator style and I need to put some arm rests on the driver and pass seats. Anyway, here she is...hopefully the trailer isn't too much, that is the only thing I am a little concerned about but I see rigs like mine towing 16ft enclosed trailers all the time. The good thing is, it's a 450 chassis with the 4.56 gears and it doesn't have as large of a rear overhang due to being a 25 footer. The rear end was also already braced up from the hitch to the main frame. I also cut the old 4 pin connector and located the factory brake controller harness (found above the gas tank) and wired in a 7 pin with brake controller. The size on the inside of this thing with the slide out is pretty amazing in my opinion too and I specifically like the open look of the floorplan since the fridge is on the opposite side vs being at the foot of the bed. Geez...just found out, this site needs to upgrade the picture loading capability.


http://s126.photobucket.com/user/oldman27/media/17968419_10208073202018383_898045551_o_1.jpg.html?sort=3&o=1

[qcstang]

STEVE-OTR wrote:

qcstang wrote:
Hi All, first post in here.

I will be able to retire at the the end of the month without penalty.

So we are looking at buying a CA (CDN version) 2011 Majestic 28A. I have most of the information I need, but can someone please inform me as to what the Carrying capacity of a 28A is? Can't seem to find that info anywhere.

Thanks for any help!

Daniel.

Hi, qcstang:
Open the passenger door, and look right under the inside door handle. There you will see a Yellow label which indicates the Cargo Carrying capacity. I have a 28a and it states something around 3,144 lbs if my memory serves correct. With the door closed, the passenger seat kinda blocks this label and so it cannot be seen easily when the door is closed (see pic). Total that the motor home is designed to carry is 14500 lbs. With the motor home completely empty (empty tanks, only the driver, and empty storage) it should weigh in at about 10,500-11,000 lbs.

If you have all tanks topped off: 9 gals propane, 6 gals water for water heater, 48 gals of city water and 55 gals of fuel, together all of this weighs about 830 lbs which would have to be subtracted from the 3,144. So real CCC is 2314 lbs. If you have 7 passengers and each one weighs an average of 154 lbs then take away another 1078 lbs. Which would finally leave you with 1236 lbs that can be a mixture of food, the dogs or pets, clothing or bikes and any camping equipment.

Sorry I made the reply so long. I hope it helps. Also keep-in-mind that you can have the RV weighed on the CAT scales, Empty or Full, at a Loves, Flying-J or at the Pilot Travel centers.

Thank you for your absolutely outstanding reply! Thank you for being so thorough, you have answered every question I had in my head!

Dan

[paullac]

wanderlust1966 wrote:
Another question---since buying a rental is so much cheaper than a comparable RV in the private sector---when financing, is it possible to get underwater on the loan? I guess my inclination is to finance for as long as possible (144 mo? And I'm looking at a 2013 Class C at El Monte). TIA for any input on this topic!

Absolutely. It's loan to value. In theory, your purchase price is what the unit is worth (accounting for having been a rental, higher mileage, etc). If you finance for a longer period of time, there is less principle being applied each month. So, as the unit continues to depreciate, the question is does the principle portion of your monthly payment cover the depreciation and ultimately the continually updating value.

[wanderlust1966]

Another question---since buying a rental is so much cheaper than a comparable RV in the private sector---when financing, is it possible to get underwater on the loan? I guess my inclination is to finance for as long as possible (144 mo? And I'm looking at a 2013 Class C at El Monte). TIA for any input on this topic!

[IAMICHABOD]

Give Mike Dwan a call,he is the National Sales Manager he will happily answer any and all questions that you may have on a purchase from El Monte RV. He can be reached @ 562-483-4949 or at mikedwan@elmonterv.com

Nice guy,I have talked to him a few times to get answers for this thread.

That is how I found out about the fly to buy program,where you get air fare off the sale price,remember to ask about it.