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.

[cencerrita]

quasimatter wrote:
One more question on my 28A - I am trying to load up a scooter (350LB) on the hitch - while RV data indicates much higher towing capacity, the hitch showed two different numbers (see pictures below).

First the data from Ford - Max GWVR for E450 is 22,000 LB
As per labels on 28A - GWVR for unloaded 28A is 14,500 LB
Max Cargo Capacity - 3,127LB Lets say liquids are 342LB (as per label) and passengers and other being 1000LB - that leaves almost 1800LB tongue weight remaining (not to mention additional (3000LB+ remaining to get to E450 stated GWVR of 22,000LB).

And then the following:
First I noticed the stock hitch provided by Cruise America was rated only 200LB tongue weight (see picture below) (Sorry - can't attach picture - will add picture later).

However, this picture seems like a sticker stuck by Cruise America on top of official sticker underneath. So I peeled it off and found a 500LB/5000LB hitch manufacturer sticker (see picture below) (Sorry - can't attach picture - will add later).


Has anyone else noticed this? Which number should I go by? What is the weight others have towed with stock Cruise America hitch?

Just remember how far back you scooter will be from the axle and the lever effect it has increasing the axle weight. You should have no problem as long as you load properly and get weight foreward - we always carried heavy stuff under the table, front bench seats etc and my tools under the front seats etc. No problems with our scooter of 300 lb with out 27G although if left on for overnight stops I did put a 4 x 4 piece of wood extra support under the scooter rack. Weight of 2 people sleeping in the rear at night is extra.

[socal77]

Booner wrote:

quasimatter wrote:

Majestic31 wrote:
All new Bilstein HD shocks, Front steering stabilizer, Front and rear Anti sway bars, Front and rear Sumo springs airless air bags,

Hi Majestic31 (or Booner or anyone else) - could you link the Bilstein Shock and steering stabilizer you purchased? I could not find E450 Shock/stabilizers (for CA 28A Majestic) on Amazon.

Thanks in advance.


Edit: Answering my own question for others in future:

Steering Stabilizer on Amazon $115

Rear Shocks part number 33-176840 as per Bilstein (08-16 E450 motorhomes)

Front shocks - Part number 33-187563 as per Bilsteing (08-16 E450 Motorhomes)

I have linked to Amazon but can be bought cheaper elsewhere.

Hey Quasimatter,
To figure out what shocks fit my rv, I first went to the Bilstein website and looked up what shock they recommend for my unit, then looked that model up on Amazon. Since my unit is a 23A, and an E350, my rv may or may not use the same shocks as yours.
But it looks like you found what you need. I hope you're very satisfied with the shocks.

-Booner

I purchased the recommended Bilstein shocks and stabilizer that were recommended and had them installed yesterday. I felt a difference one the 3 mile drive home. The true test will be getting out on the higheay for our next trip in 2 weeks. Thanks for posting this info! It was definitely time to replace these parts as my 2009 29A is up to 174,000 miles.

[IAMICHABOD]

This was discussed back on page 120 it may be helpful,just scroll thru the next few pages after this post
Click here to start

[quasimatter]

One more question on my 28A - I am trying to load up a scooter (350LB) on the hitch - while RV data indicates much higher towing capacity, the hitch showed two different numbers (see pictures below).

First the data from Ford - Max GWVR for E450 is 22,000 LB
As per labels on 28A - GWVR for unloaded 28A is 14,500 LB
Max Cargo Capacity - 3,127LB Lets say liquids are 342LB (as per label) and passengers and other being 1000LB - that leaves almost 1800LB tongue weight remaining (not to mention additional (3000LB+ remaining to get to E450 stated GWVR of 22,000LB).

And then the following:
First I noticed the stock hitch provided by Cruise America was rated only 200LB tongue weight (see picture below) (Sorry - can't attach picture - will add picture later).

However, this picture seems like a sticker stuck by Cruise America on top of official sticker underneath. So I peeled it off and found a 500LB/5000LB hitch manufacturer sticker (see picture below) (Sorry - can't attach picture - will add later).


Has anyone else noticed this? Which number should I go by? What is the weight others have towed with stock Cruise America hitch?

[quasimatter]

Thanks IAMICHABOD.

@booner - thanks for the followup - I have not yet bought/installed them; one of the upcoming project. Between shocks/dampener and Hellwig front/rear stabilizers - this looks to be a big ticket project in parts alone!

@gotsmart - thanks for suggestion. $399 price for Safe-T-Plus (vs. $115 for Bilstein dampener) feels scary but from reviews seems worth it.

[gotsmart]

quasimatter wrote:
Hi Majestic31 (or Booner or anyone else) - could you link the Bilstein Shock and steering stabilizer you purchased? I could not find E450 Shock/stabilizers (for CA 28A Majestic) on Amazon.

Thanks in advance.


Edit: Answering my own question for others in future:

Steering Stabilizer on Amazon $115

Rear Shocks part number 33-176840 as per Bilstein (08-16 E450 motorhomes)

Front shocks - Part number 33-187563 as per Bilsteing (08-16 E450 Motorhomes)

I have linked to Amazon but can be bought cheaper elsewhere.

I would recommend a Safe-t-Plus over the dampener that you listed. It is a dampener AND a centering device.

[Booner]

quasimatter wrote:

Majestic31 wrote:
All new Bilstein HD shocks, Front steering stabilizer, Front and rear Anti sway bars, Front and rear Sumo springs airless air bags,

Hi Majestic31 (or Booner or anyone else) - could you link the Bilstein Shock and steering stabilizer you purchased? I could not find E450 Shock/stabilizers (for CA 28A Majestic) on Amazon.

Thanks in advance.


Edit: Answering my own question for others in future:

Steering Stabilizer on Amazon $115

Rear Shocks part number 33-176840 as per Bilstein (08-16 E450 motorhomes)

Front shocks - Part number 33-187563 as per Bilsteing (08-16 E450 Motorhomes)

I have linked to Amazon but can be bought cheaper elsewhere.

Hey Quasimatter,
To figure out what shocks fit my rv, I first went to the Bilstein website and looked up what shock they recommend for my unit, then looked that model up on Amazon. Since my unit is a 23A, and an E350, my rv may or may not use the same shocks as yours.
But it looks like you found what you need. I hope you're very satisfied with the shocks.

-Booner

[IAMICHABOD]

quisimatter,You might try this place for Bilstein shocks,I have used them and found that their prices are about the best around and they have FREE SHIPPING.

Shock Warehouse

[quasimatter]

Majestic31 wrote:
All new Bilstein HD shocks, Front steering stabilizer, Front and rear Anti sway bars, Front and rear Sumo springs airless air bags,

Hi Majestic31 (or Booner or anyone else) - could you link the Bilstein Shock and steering stabilizer you purchased? I could not find E450 Shock/stabilizers (for CA 28A Majestic) on Amazon.

Thanks in advance.


Edit: Answering my own question for others in future:

Steering Stabilizer on Amazon $115

Rear Shocks part number 33-176840 as per Bilstein (08-16 E450 motorhomes)

Front shocks - Part number 33-187563 as per Bilsteing (08-16 E450 Motorhomes)

I have linked to Amazon but can be bought cheaper elsewhere.

[SJ-Chris]

Gray/Black waste tank upgrade???

I have two 2015 Thor Majestic 28a units purchased from Cruise America.
I've made many upgrades and find them to be well built/maintained.

One thing I wish was different is the waste water storage tank capacities. I believe they are about 25 gallons each (black/gray). With just a few people camping they fill up pretty quick. Has anyone upgraded these to larger capacities? Just curious if that is something easily doable and if anyone had any experience to share on the subject.

Thanks!

-Chris

[TwistedGray]

MtnBikeMarty wrote:
Thought about a rear bedroom window but wife has plans for us (me) to redo the whole interior...paint walls, paint cabinets, new flooring, new window blinds, re-upholster the cushions (her job). But luckily I'm too busy at work to start this remodel. 😉
MtnBikeMarty

Pay some neighborhood kids to paint it, lol. It's exhaustive!

[quasimatter]

Thanks both IAMICHABOD and MtnBikeMarty - That door window is definitely on my upgrade list now. Gotta figure out something about that rear-window!

Also, thanks for the info on door locks - I did follow up with couple of companies selling keyless lock on Amazon (for coach) - they confirmed that they do NOT make replacement lock for 28A Majestic. Turns out 28A has odd size door lock opening - 7"h 4.25" w.

If anyone has found a solution (or a manufacturer who makes keyless lock for 28A ) let me know!

[MtnBikeMarty]

IAMICHABOD wrote:

quasimatter wrote:

Hi IAMICHABOD - thanks for link to this from 2018..

This looks different than 28A that I have - mine does not have a rear-window. Indeed - I was wondering if it is possible to add a rear window just above the bed! Is this a different version of 28A or did someone add a window! 🙂

Hi quasimatter,Cruise America deleted the rear window about 10 years ago,the one pictured is that old.I have not seen anyone that has put a window back in. They then deleted the window in the door a few years later.

If you are interested in putting a window back in the door like MtnBikeMarty did, Here is a link to the great job he did.

As for the lock question,I have not seen anyone post about it but this company RV Locks and More seems to be coming out with a remote one for the coach,they do have a keyless one. I used them to replace all of my outside locks and they are all keyed the same.

The remote on the chassis doors may be dooable if it was configured from the factory.I recall someone going to a company that installs auto alarms and they managed to install a remote lock and alarm,you might ask around in your area.

With my neighbor's help (he wires police cars' lights, siren,s radios, etc for his day job), we installed an alarm/doorlock wireless remote, he built a custom wiring fused harness to connect to the battery. So, I'm sure any car stereo/alarm company, Best Buy included, could install one for you. It does not do the coach door, not sure if they offer anything for those doors. We also hard wired in a CB radio, which I barely use, cause cellphone coverage is so good along the highways anyway.

I love the window installed in my coach door, well worth the ~$100 and less than an hour install. I want to do a ladder at some point too. Thought about a rear bedroom window but wife has plans for us (me) to redo the whole interior...paint walls, paint cabinets, new flooring, new window blinds, re-upholster the cushions (her job). But luckily I'm too busy at work to start this remodel. 😉
MtnBikeMarty

[IAMICHABOD]

EDM360,thanks for the update on your trip.Wow sounds like you really put it thru its paces with the long hours and weather....Being a retired OTR driver I am glad I don't have to do that anymore,but as they say been there done that :B

Have fun with the rest of the trip and have a safe return trip.

[IAMICHABOD]

quasimatter wrote:

Hi IAMICHABOD - thanks for link to this from 2018..

This looks different than 28A that I have - mine does not have a rear-window. Indeed - I was wondering if it is possible to add a rear window just above the bed! Is this a different version of 28A or did someone add a window! 🙂

Hi quasimatter,Cruise America deleted the rear window about 10 years ago,the one pictured is that old.I have not seen anyone that has put a window back in. They then deleted the window in the door a few years later.

If you are interested in putting a window back in the door like MtnBikeMarty did, Here is a link to the great job he did.

As for the lock question,I have not seen anyone post about it but this company RV Locks and More seems to be coming out with a remote one for the coach,they do have a keyless one. I used them to replace all of my outside locks and they are all keyed the same.

The remote on the chassis doors may be dooable if it was configured from the factory.I recall someone going to a company that installs auto alarms and they managed to install a remote lock and alarm,you might ask around in your area.