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.

[IAMICHABOD]

Hello Sullyd61.

Welcome to the Forum,also a future member of the Former Rental Owners Club.

I Know that this thread is long but there is wealth of information contributed by our Forum members,hopefully it has been helpful to you,also maybe answered some of your questions,the other members will help you out with any other questions.

When you pick your unit please come on back and share your experiences on the purchase and your comments on how it went and what you liked or didn't.

[TwistedGray]

Sullyd61 wrote:
Hi
I ordered a 28a2017 through the Manassas va. Location . Anyone have any information about getting an inspection in that area . They say they are refurbished in Mesa Az. And then driven to va. Via .hired driver or 1 way rental. Has anyone purchased extended warranty and attempted to use it . Should I expect or ask for anew set of tires . Should batteries be new ? Do they do a complete trans mission fluid change with a new screen.

So you ordered an RV from them without having them answer any of these questions/concerns? You're far braver than others 🙂

Extended warranty - search the forum. There is already plenty of information on this topic.

Tires - mine came with new or at least newer tires, but you should ask your point of contact at C.A.

Batteries - mine came with a new vehicle battery and not a new coach batter, but you should ask your point of contact at C.A.

Trans fluid change - Mine came serviced, but you should ask your point of contact at C.A.

The common theme is that "your mileage may vary" and you should reach out to the person that you just bought it from rather than the forum. Your experience may vary from my experience which may vary from Bob's experience which may vary...


Edited to add - as you can see from the above reply to your post, your mileage WILL vary!

[eldel]

Sullyd61 wrote:
Hi
I ordered a 28a2017 through the Manassas va. Location . Anyone have any information about getting an inspection in that area . They say they are refurbished in Mesa Az. And then driven to va. Via .hired driver or 1 way rental. Has anyone purchased extended warranty and attempted to use it . Should I expect or ask for anew set of tires . Should batteries be new ? Do they do a complete trans mission fluid change with a new screen.

I skipped the warranty when I looked at the small print. The 30 day one is quite comprehensive though so make sure you take a trip in that time.

They don't change fluids - or test them. I had a complete fluid test and was told "well you can change it if you want". I did.
The battery will be original as long as it holds some charge. The tires will be as is unless illegal.

I did use an outside inspector (in Denver so not a lot of good for you I'm afraid) and I'm glad I did. When they refurbished the roof they didn't finish it correctly.

[roam1]

Floridastorm wrote:
I agree that the 19RD is set up much better than the 19G. Does CA sell the ex rental RD's in the US? And, I wonder if they would have generators as the rental fleet in Canada doesn't have generators.

mine did not come with generator but it did come with generator installation bracket, I installed the superquiet qg2800i inverter generator and love it!

[Sullyd61]

Hi
I ordered a 28a2017 through the Manassas va. Location . Anyone have any information about getting an inspection in that area . They say they are refurbished in Mesa Az. And then driven to va. Via .hired driver or 1 way rental. Has anyone purchased extended warranty and attempted to use it . Should I expect or ask for anew set of tires . Should batteries be new ? Do they do a complete trans mission fluid change with a new screen.

[Floridastorm]

TwistedGray wrote:
I created a Facebook group for 19G owners and/or those interested. If you are a social butterfly and want to join here's the link - https://www.facebook.com/groups/402432987512698.

The only reason for considering the Extended Service Agreements would be for catastrophic things like engine, transmission/drivetrain, and generator failure. It is true, though, that not many people complain about catastrophic failure with CA motor homes. So, an extended agreement may be redundant. I have looked into El Monte. However, I don't think they have this 19G type model or anything comparable. Yes, I'm aware that using our motorhome the way that we want to will cost more than using our SUV and, in fact, will probably cost us more than the average RV owners who stay in RV parks and/or boondock. That's fine as we would only be going on trips 3 or 4 times a year for a week or two at a time. Other times we might go locally for a daytrip or overnight.

[Floridastorm]

I agree that the 19RD is set up much better than the 19G. Does CA sell the ex rental RD's in the US? And, I wonder if they would have generators as the rental fleet in Canada doesn't have generators.

[IAMICHABOD]

roam1 wrote:
don’t overlook the 19RD from Canadian Rental Company in Kelona!

If you could find one like this it would be a lot more comfortable with the rear Dinette that makes into a bed.

Adventurer 19RD

Also a Short Video

[roam1]

don’t overlook the 19RD from Canadian Rental Company in Kelona!

[TwistedGray]

I created a Facebook group for 19G owners and/or those interested. If you are a social butterfly and want to join here's the link - https://www.facebook.com/groups/402432987512698.

[TwistedGray]

Floridastorm wrote:
Let me explain a little more in detail. We are both Senior Citizens, 80 and 72. For the last few years we've been driving our SUV to various destinations and en-route staying in Hampton Inns. At our destinations we usually stay in AIRbnb properties for up to a week. As we get older it becomes more difficult to drive long distances in a car(SUV)having to stop every so often for bathroom breaks, food, and resting. The same difficulties entail when we get to our destination and having to use our car to get around. With a small motor home we can drive to our destinations and explore at our destinations in comfort. Still staying overnight at Hampton Inns and AIRbnb's will maximize our comfort over staying in an RV Park at night. No hooking up, unhooking, leveling, dumping the black tank a lot, lack of Wi Fi and TV, and putting up with typical noise to include rug rats and animals in RV Parks. If we did stay in RV Parks it would have to be in the higher end parks or adult only parks where the price would approach that of Hampton Inn and AIRbnb properties. I don't mean to sound officious. When you get to be my age you are not much interested in going along to get along. Only what's best for yourself and your partner.

No one will ever complain about more detailed information especially when you're asking for recommendations. You've helped to confirm my suspicions : )

Yes, I think the 19G would be just fine for your use. It has everything you need and more should you ever need it. Just remember that you are also going to be doubling your gas expenses compared to your SUV.

Small size, very maneuverable through cities, plenty of headroom, all bathroom amenities, small fridge/freezer (aka cooler), a dinette area to have lunches/dinners, a small two-burner stove top, and turning the dinette into a bed would provide a temporary napping area. I know you old folks love your naps (completely kidding here), lol.

Floridastorm wrote:
Have conversed in person and via email with the Cruise America Sales Manager and he emailed me both of the Extended Service Agreements for powertrain and coach. The Cornerstone Service Agreement seems to cover everything, powertrain and coach. The United Service Protection covers only the powertrain. CA told me that the Cornerstone Agreement covers only the coach even though it shows the coverage for both. If the Cornerstone Agreement did cover both then I would not need the United Service Agreement for an extra $1,800. Can anyone clarify this for me? You can see by the agreement itself that it does cover both.

My only comment here is that most people do not buy extended warranties as they're rarely used (you can search this and any RV forum and find the same). You will also find that Cruise America is a pushy when it comes to extended warranties; whereas, other companies don't. There is a reason...

My two cents is to save the money you'll spend on the warranties and have it on standby should you need it, and in the interim either go through it yourself with a fine tooth comb or pay the $ for an inspection. If you are missing a screw, a tab is broken somewhere, something is lose, etc make sure to note that with your C.A. contact.

From everything I have read online and experienced myself, they are good when it comes to meeting the buyer's expectations.

Last thought - If you are going to buy it, buy it when you are ready to go on a trip to maximize the likelihood of breaking anything on the verge of breaking.

Okay, really the final thought ... a lot of people might recommend that you look into El Monte RV's used fleet as well. While they are more expensive, they are usually a better quality, and they have complete maintenance history as compared to C.A. which provides you with nothing.

[Floridastorm]

Have conversed in person and via email with the Cruise America Sales Manager and he emailed me both of the Extended Service Agreements for powertrain and coach. The Cornerstone Service Agreement seems to cover everything, powertrain and coach. The United Service Protection covers only the powertrain. CA told me that the Cornerstone Agreement covers only the coach even though it shows the coverage for both. If the Cornerstone Agreement did cover both then I would not need the United Service Agreement for an extra $1,800. Can anyone clarify this for me? You can see by the agreement itself that it does cover both.

https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/#inbox/KtbxLrjNXkMvcXRxNqFvwvxtvKkwbLwxjB?projector=1&messagePartId=0.3

[Floridastorm]

Floridastorm wrote:

TwistedGray wrote:

Floridastorm wrote:
For those folks that have bought a 19G unit from Cruise America how do you like it? Does it afford enough room for two senior citizen adults. Most of the time I don't believe we would be using RV Parks as we normally like AIRbnb properties. Just interested in using the 19G traveling to and from and exploring wherever we land in comfort.

Q. How do you like it?
A. First thing you oughta do is go back and read through some pages in this thread (if you haven't)...nothing but happy campers, I'd say. I don't recall seeing a post from someone who regrets their purchase of a 19G from Cruise America.

Q. Enough room for two?
A. Short answer - yes. Have you been in a 19G? If not, go inside one with your spouse and see how easily you two can get into and out of the over the cab bed. Don't they have a location local to you?

Q. (not a question) Just interested in using the 19G traveling to and from and exploring wherever we land in comfort.
A. Here's where you lost me. If you are just going to stay in an AirBnb and not a campground then what's the point? Or are you saying that your AirBnb locations would be so far apart that you need something to sleep in in the interim as you drive between separated AirBnbs?

Thanks for the response. Yes, I have read over this thread a couple of times. However, just wanted more assurance from folks that may have bought the 19G specifically and what their pros and cons were for that unit. Just this week we stopped in at the CA Orlando facility, looked through the 19G, 23A, and 28A, and spoke at length with Jason who is the sales manager. We are most interested in the 19G due to its small size and subsequent maneuverability and also it seems to fit us quite well. Being very senior citizens I want to be able to park and travis areas where a larger unit would be a difficulty. We are not like most RV people. Really not into the RV lifestyle such as boon docking, RV parks, rallies, etc. Our purpose for a motor home is to get us from point A to point B comfortably and to be able to explore comfortably when we get to point B. For the last few years we have stayed in AIRbnb's and will continue to do so even with a motor home. The difference in expense is not really that great with decent RV parks now approaching the price of some hotels. I guess just different strokes for different folks.

Appreciate the response and information Twisted Gray

Let me explain a little more in detail. We are both Senior Citizens, 80 and 72. For the last few years we've been driving our SUV to various destinations and en-route staying in Hampton Inns. At our destinations we usually stay in AIRbnb properties for up to a week. As we get older it becomes more difficult to drive long distances in a car(SUV)having to stop every so often for bathroom breaks, food, and resting. The same difficulties entail when we get to our destination and having to use our car to get around. With a small motor home we can drive to our destinations and explore at our destinations in comfort. Still staying overnight at Hampton Inns and AIRbnb's will maximize our comfort over staying in an RV Park at night. No hooking up, unhooking, leveling, dumping the black tank a lot, lack of Wi Fi and TV, and putting up with typical noise to include rug rats and animals in RV Parks. If we did stay in RV Parks it would have to be in the higher end parks or adult only parks where the price would approach that of Hampton Inn and AIRbnb properties. I don't mean to sound officious. When you get to be my age you are not much interested in going along to get along. Only what's best for yourself and your partner.

[TwistedGray]

One of the pet peeves that I have with the 19G bathroom sink is that it leaves very little room to get under the faucet with your hands.

It would be nice if the spout sat further out and/or higher up or the basin was deeper and had a similar shape to the kitchen sink. I assume it'll be easier to replace the faucet, but considering that the shower head is mounted to the faucet system, I am not sure.

That is going to annoy me though, so something has to change there.

[TwistedGray]

SkiMore wrote:

We had a quick look at the 19G a few years ago and thought the loft bed area was pretty small. Are you sleeping up there or in the dinette?

The loft bed is a queen size bed, so plenty of space.

We slept in the loft bed area just fine with a 4 inch mattress topper. There is plenty of room to get comfortable without feeling tooooooooo claustrophobic even with removing four inches of height in lieu of comfort. We are only up there to sleep...if we just want to lay and lounge, the dinette serves that purpose.

In the summer we'll probably split it (wife up top and me on the dinette) just to stretch out more and to not get too hot.