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.

[Deb_and_Ed_M]

maxheller wrote:
Hi all,

Great information on this thread.

I am now also considering buying a 23A Thor Majestic from CA. I just wonder about how the pricing relates to the JD Power RV values. I understand that in this current market, CA may be able to sell their RVs for much above the average retail JD Power RV value. What I do not understand is why the 23A shows up a much lower lower value compared to a comparable Thor Four Winds unit. I understand that the two are similar. Any thoughts or ideas? Are there other sources for the RV values I should be looking at?

I can't help with finding the value; but after looking at and buying a '23 Chateau 22E, my dealer explained that there are several iterations of the same thing, and in most cases, it just boils down to the options added to the unit by the ordering dealer; or little details that many buyers won't notice at first. The obvious difference between a Majestic and my Chateau (based on photos): I have wall switches for the lights - heck, I have wall switches for a dozen different things....LOL! But not running all that extra wire saves money. In a Majestic, you reach up to the ceiling to turn on lights (or into a cargo bay, assuming there's a light in there at all). I have extra storage "footlockers" and shelves in the cabover bed area. I have USB charge points and a "phone catcher net". Our very first Class C was destined to be a rental - and it served us perfectly for 10 years, so I can assure you that the rental RVs are just fine (but the little creature comforts that come in the higher-priced floorplans ARE nice!)

[maxheller]

Hi all,

Great information on this thread.

I am now also considering buying a 23A Thor Majestic from CA. I just wonder about how the pricing relates to the JD Power RV values. I understand that in this current market, CA may be able to sell their RVs for much above the average retail JD Power RV value. What I do not understand is why the 23A shows up a much lower lower value compared to a comparable Thor Four Winds unit. I understand that the two are similar. Any thoughts or ideas? Are there other sources for the RV values I should be looking at?

[SJ-Chris]

socal77 wrote:
Took a 260 mile drive from our home in SoCal to Pismo Beach today in our 2009 Majestic 28A. Going strong at almost 177k miles.

Typically, my oil pressure gauge is always in the middle. When I was about 15 miles from Pismo, I noticed it was slightly higher. Maybe at 6 out of 10 instead of normal 5 out of 10. Any hints on what can cause a small increase in pressure. This is the first time in the 7 years I've owned it that I've noticed the gauge go slightly higher than the middle.

I use Mobil 1 Synthetic for 5W-20 for high mileage engines. To play it extra safe I change every 3,000 miles. One frustration I have is that I find it almost impossible for to check the oil level. The dipstick always comes out entirely wet in the reading zone, even when I've drained it and added new oil quart by quart. Anyone else deal with this?

At 6 out of 10, I would simply check the oil to make sure it isn't low (as best you can), and/or if it's time to change the oil go ahead and do that. Then I would just keep an eye on it.

Hope it never goes higher than 6 for ya. Good luck!
Chris

[socal77]

Took a 260 mile drive from our home in SoCal to Pismo Beach today in our 2009 Majestic 28A. Going strong at almost 177k miles.

Typically, my oil pressure gauge is always in the middle. When I was about 15 miles from Pismo, I noticed it was slightly higher. Maybe at 6 out of 10 instead of normal 5 out of 10. Any hints on what can cause a small increase in pressure. This is the first time in the 7 years I've owned it that I've noticed the gauge go slightly higher than the middle.

I use Mobil 1 Synthetic for 5W-20 for high mileage engines. To play it extra safe I change every 3,000 miles. One frustration I have is that I find it almost impossible for to check the oil level. The dipstick always comes out entirely wet in the reading zone, even when I've drained it and added new oil quart by quart. Anyone else deal with this?

[IAMICHABOD]

MtnBikeMarty wrote:


We're DOWNSIZING.... After recently trading my SUV for a mid-size truck, we're interested in selling our 2011 Majestic 27G, 29ft-6", V10 E-450 with 148K miles, so we can downsize to a smallish 16-18ft "couples" towable travel trailer.

MtnBikeMarty
PS, big THANKS to IAMICHABOD for starting and running this forum topic.

MtnBikeMarty.
Sad to see you leaving the ranks of Former Rental Owners,you are #75 on the list that now has more than 140 members on this Forum.Your early participation and the many well documented mods with pictures has been greatly appreciated and I am sure that they have helped others.I have most of them archived for future use if others come along that can use them.

Good Luck in your next RV adventures and that towable trailer.

Thanks again for your contributions to this thread, it is members like you that keep this Forum up and running with your knowledge and willingness to share and help others.

I am sure that you will do the same with your new RV.

Again Thanks and have a Happy camping season.

[MtnBikeMarty]

We're DOWNSIZING.... After recently trading my SUV for a mid-size truck, we sold our 2011 Majestic 27G, 29ft-6", V10 E-450, so we can downsize to a smallish 16-18ft "couples" towable travel trailer.

MtnBikeMarty

[MtnBikeMarty]

Finally got around to uploading some pics of the running boards installation: one is the done pic.

Next is the brackets before the board put on, yes the one on the left is tilted and lower, that's cause where the other end of the bracket met the frame, the frame starts to turn downward, where I needed to mount it.

and the last one is underneath, where the bracket is bolted on to the frame where I drilled. You can see the frame bends downward on the left.

I did a lot of 3-D dry fitting, marking and measuring, then rechecking again before drilling, especially the driver's side cause the brake-line runs along that side of the frame. Plus, you have to go where that frame cross-member isn't as it comes across the frame, see the left side of the last picture.

So, you may not get the brackets exactly where the instructions say to do, but I spaced them out best I could, where I could get them to fit.
enjoy!
MtnBikeMarty

[MtnBikeMarty]

IAMICHABOD wrote:

MtnBikeMarty wrote:

IAMICHABOD wrote:
Marty Great Job!!

Thanks for sharing your latest Mod,and the pictures of your handy work.
I am sure that others here on the Forum that want to do the same will be helped by your informative post.

Are These the ones that you installed? If so I will archive it all and keep it for future use in case others come along and want to do the same thing.

No, I didn't see that model when I searched for what would fit a 2011 E-350/450. The model I ordered was the DeeZEE DZ2045 which lists the dimensions as 40x11x8. The one you found is the DZ1034 with dimensions 40x17x8... so a little taller mud flap??? and a little more $. Other than that I'm not sure the differences.

When I get some time, I'll post some pics of the brackets, I didn't take any during the install cause I didn't want to get my phone dirty cause I had lock-tite all over my hands...lol
Marty

OK thanks for coming back with that,I see the one that I referenced, the DZ1034,looks like it would be wider, length 40'' x width 17''x 8''height.

I am looking forward to the pictures of the brackets and your great write up and handy work.

I looked back at my Amazon order, I got the Dee Zee DZ2045 that are 40"L x 8"W (step) x 11"H (mudflap) per the Amazon description, but I just rechecked mine and the mudflap is ~15"H. The critical measurement I believe is the length so it doesn't run past the cab and into the coach. I guess the step too, so it doesn't stick out to far, the 8" deep step is perfect.

MtnBikeMarty

[MtnBikeMarty]

Majestic31 wrote:
Has anyone installed Running boards on a Majestic 28A . What part # Where did you order from . I have a 2011 RV

Hey Majestic31,
I was looking back through this site and saw your question about running boards, yes I did, see ~page 160 of this thread, posted on 1/20/22, for my post.

I ordered from amazon the Dee Zee DZ2045 Brite-Tread Aluminum running boards, about $250... they are 40" long, so it fit the cab of my E450 easily. I did go through some drill bits drilling into the frame, and I swapped the provided screws with bolts, washers, nuts through the frame holes and used some lock-tite on the nuts.

I really enjoy them, and wish I'd had done that upgrade sooner.

MtnBikeMarty

[Racerboy76]

Hello Marshal,

If your RV is a THOR there is a owner portal on their website where you can order parts specific to your RV. I was able to order a OEM range vent for my THOR Majestic directly from them. Once you get setup on their site and supply the vin to your RV they can provide you spec sheets, manuals and parts for your RV.

Here is the link I used.
https://www.thormotorcoach.com/owners/need-parts-help/

They were very friendly and reached out to me directly that the part they had was the exact part I needed. May be worth a shot for the part you are looking for.


Hope this helps!

[marronnin]

Has anyone had to replace this piece?



My Google Fu is not working today, cannot find it anywhere, I even have the numbers from the backside.



Thanks
-Marshall

[Deb_and_Ed_M]

A friend of ours has something like this to left his chair up and into the truck bed chair hoist Not sure if you have enough clearance in the storage bay?

My sis is law had a hitch-mounted carrier with a ramp for her husband's power chair - Amazon carries those

[eldel]

Interesting. I haven't seen that exact one but I've seen similar (in concept anyway) scissor jack type things. There's a couple of issues though - you still have to lift the folded chair onto the device and you have to lift it in and out of the storage area. So it would be somewhat better - but not really that much.

[SJ-Chris]

eldel wrote:
This is a somewhat off the wall request but ...
Does anyone know of an extending lift/hoist that would fit in the rear storage compartment of a 28a? I need to lift a 75lb folding power chair in and out of the RV and I'm reaching the age where a dead lift of that size (especially given the less than optimal shape) is getting to be problematic.
I was envisioning something like an extending arm with a hoist so that I could pull it out, hook up the chair, lift it and push it into the storage bay and lower it onto the floor.

Thanks
Derek

Would something like this be helpful?
https://discovermymobility.com/store/scooter-lifts/planet/vulcan/index.html

-Chris

[eldel]

This is a somewhat off the wall request but ...
Does anyone know of an extending lift/hoist that would fit in the rear storage compartment of a 28a? I need to lift a 75lb folding power chair in and out of the RV and I'm reaching the age where a dead lift of that size (especially given the less than optimal shape) is getting to be problematic.
I was envisioning something like an extending arm with a hoist so that I could pull it out, hook up the chair, lift it and push it into the storage bay and lower it onto the floor.

Thanks
Derek