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Buying a Former Rental Class C. How many of us out there?

IAMICHABOD
Explorer II
Explorer II
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.
2006 TIOGA 26Q CHEVY 6.0 WORKHORSE VORTEC
Former El Monte RV Rental
Retired Teamster Local 692
Buying A Rental Class C
1,715 REPLIES 1,715

eldel
Explorer
Explorer

Hah - tracked this conversation down at last. Clearly I need to pay more attention,
OK - so I'm looking for some advice. I have a 2016 CA 31 (Thor Majestic) which we've done a lot of work on to make it more accessible. Power lift, folding table & swivel chair instead of the couch etc etc. Also the standard steering and suspension as well as solar power. Probably spent the best part of $50K on it. Unfortunately my wife has got to the point where she really needs to be in the wheelchair all the time and the rig simply isn't big enough to deal with that.
I realise that I'm not going to get back much, if any, of the money I spent on upgrades but given that it cost me about $34K in 2020 is there any guidance on what a good starting price for a sale would be?
Also - any recommendations on where to advertise it? I know about rvproperty.com where they have an accessible section and obviously RVTrader. Any others?

Thanks
Derek

Is it still for sale I would love to chat how many miles email me at margoalenewagner@gmail.com 

Thanks, Margo

socal77
Explorer II
Explorer II

Hi IAMICHABOD and the rest of the Former Rental Class C gang.  I hadn't realized that Good Sam had taken over the RV.net forums.  Glad I was able to find our group again.

My 2009 Majestic 28A with 178k miles has developed a transmission leak.  My regular (non-RV specialist) mechanic looked at it and made these comments:  "Kinda seems like the bulkhead harness over the transmission is leaking.  But also seems like the vent tube is leaking...".  He talked to a transmission shop next door and without looking at it, they said their guess is that possibly something going on internally was increasing pressure and creating the leak.

I'm hoping someone on here has experience with transmission leaks and a guess on what it could be.  I know very little about transmissions.  Not excited about having to potentially replace it.  Hoping it could be something relatively easy to fix.

 

BlindBadger
Explorer II
Explorer II

Another update…the table leg always bound up when trying to convert the dinette to a bed as the leg would get stuck in one hole or another.  I finally got sick of it and fixed it.

 Cut off a bit of the tube

IMG_6199.jpeg

 

and used a hole saw to put some wood spacing in the hole (2.5” hole saw was perfect)

IMG_6198.jpeg

Table holds strong still while assembled but the leg easily comes out when I want it to now.

 

BlindBadger
Explorer II
Explorer II

Figured I'd document how easy it was to upgrade the AC Unit from the old Coleman Mach to one of the Houghton units from Recpro (a worthwhile upgrade IMO since it is both more efficient/less power hungry and quieter).  The instructions are...mostly good.  Maybe some of my experience on this will help someone in the places it isn't.

As a note, the hardest part was getting it up onto the roof.  If you can do basic household wiring (light switches or replacing a light fixture), you can do this yourself (though extra hands for lifting and holding things is always helpful).

Onto the process:

Taking off the old AC unit required taking off the air filters to access 4 screws and then popping the press-fit knobs off.  You can see where the screw holes are on the backside with this picture.

image.jpeg

I put the knobs back on the unit afterward to prevent myself from losing them and the screws in a ziplock bag.  This is the view once it's off and you can see 4 more screws...

IMG_5861.jpeg

...but don't be fooled, once those are off, you have three more in the output tube

IMG_5863.jpeg

It was at this point, I remembered (seeing the wires there) that I should turn off the breaker to make sure I don't electrocute myself.  On the breaker panel, mine says it was the second breaker down.

IMG_5864.jpeg

Once you have the unit down, I noticed two things.  First, there's a TON of excess wire between the lights fore and aft (toward the front and rear of the unit around the AC unit).  It's enough wire to get in your way so be mindful as you move around not to get tangled up in it.

Second, that everything goes through the control unit in the box...the yellow romex caries the power from the RV (just like a house) so loosen those screws holding it in but don't pull it out yet.  Just disconnect the control wiring (in the netting on the left of the picture).

IMG_5865.jpeg

At this point, you'll need to move to the underside of the dangling control plate and open up the triangle side of the box (the rectangular side side doesn't need to be opened, thankfully).

IMG_5867.jpeg

From there, you'll see the wago clips holding the wires (does the same job as wire nuts but more compact and easier to work with)...there's three (white = hot, black = neutral, green/bare copper = ground).  Undo the wago clips and set them aside, you'll use them again when you reinstall the new one.  Straighten out the wires that go to the romex and pull it out (you did loosen the clamp up top, right?).

With the romex pulled out, the control box is unplugged and you should be able to lower down and set aside this piece of interior equipment for the old AC unit, leaving you with a hole and dangling wires.  You can also see the last 4 bolts that hold your rooftop AC unit to your roof.

IMG_5868.jpeg

In case you're wondering what size you'll want for these...it's 5/16ths.  They are long bolts and it took a bit to get them fully undone, even with a cordless screwdriver.  I definitely recommend one for this task rather than doing it by hand.  Save your wrists!

IMG_5869.jpeg

If you want to split this whole task into two phases, this is the last stopping point before you have an open hole in your roof.  With the bolts undone and the inner clamp dropped out, the only thing holding your AC to your roof is it's weight and a tiny bit of stickyness from the foam gasket on the unit on top.  I was able to push it up from inside a little and it popped right loose.

If you haven't lifted your new AC unit (in the box) to the top of the RV before now, this is the time you have to have it done by.  I used the packaging of the new unit to set the old unit into and lined up the 4. holes underneath to  center it as best as I could (make sure all four holes are visible and easy to line up the included bolts to from underneath...it helps to have two people here, one inside to check the holes and one up top to adjust the unit's positioning).  My houghton 15k unit came with the gasket pre-applied to the rooftop AC unit (my parents low profile unit has it separate).

Install the expandable cool air ducting according to the instructions (don't worry, it only fits on one way and has guide plugs).  I got excited and forgot to take pictures here but it's really straight forward, I promise.  You'll want the shorter screws...the longer screws in the package are for a later step).

Once you have it lined up, you can put the wago clips on the wires and connect up the romex, tying up any excess to keep it out of the way.  

IMG_5877.jpeg

Unlike the old unit, all the wiring will just be hanging out in the intake side of the ducting, so just tuck it up out of the way as best as you can.  Speaking of tying wires up out of the way...

IMG_5878.jpeg

Get the excess lighting wires out of the way too.

There's one more black plastic piece I forgot to take a picture of, but it connects to the flexible ducting you see in the pictures above and is the interior piece to clamp your roof between it and the 4 bolts to attach it to the rooftop AC unit.  The specs for tightening the bolts to are pretty light...I admit I went a little beyond it but the roof did not show any signs of stress or collapse or anything and I've had no leaks after some wet driving and winter camping.

From there, it's just a matter of plugging in the 4 pin connector, snapping the cover in place and screwing the white cover both into the black plastic piece with the longer screws (the visible holes below) and into the roof itself with self tapping screws (those holes are under the intake vents/air filters).

IMG_5879.jpeg

Flip on the breaker and it should power up.  Get some batteries into the remote though as that's the only way to adjust it.  The touch interface is set to some kindof wonky (in my opinion) settings so I'll never use it.

For comparison, the old unit on the roof (an earlier picture):

IMG_5289.jpeg

And the new unit (snapped before we finished adjustments).

IMG_5880.jpeg

Definitely a recommended upgrade...the old Coleman mach unit was noisy and made it hard to have conversations at the dinette.  The new unit is a heat pump so it also provides heat more quietly than the propane furnace.  The last benefit is one I've measured over the last few days and it uses half the power of the space heater we were using to keep the inside warm, despite outside temperatures being colder.  This is a 20A house plug circuit that only has the RV on it, marked when I installed the unit.

IMG_5925.jpeg

Assuming the cooling mode uses around the same amount of power as the heating mode (since it's just running the compressor in reverse), the power usage is about 1200w when running, down from the 1500-1600w usage I measured on the old coleman during the summer.

IMG_4820.PNG

jwcolby54
Explorer
Explorer
jedavisss8 wrote:
A correction. I have found that there are convection microwaves that will fit in the space of the existing microwave. So, that may not be as much of a deal breaker as I thought it would be. Now the question is, can I make my chocolate chip brown sugar brownies in a convection oven? That would be a deal breaker! LOL!!


OK, two things. What convection microwave did you find?. And where is the recipe for the brownies?:D
JWColby54

jwcolby54
Explorer
Explorer
jedavisss8 wrote:
Hi All,
New here on the forum. We are considering a former rental rv to replace our 26ft trailer. What I have found so far is that the units from El Monte RV are newer, with presumably fewer miles, and a little more upgraded than those from Cruise America. The other thing I have noticed about the Cruise America rigs is that none of them have ovens installed. I doubt that a convection microwave will fit in the small space RVs have. For me, no oven is almost a deal breaker.
So, here's my question: Have any of you installed an oven in the space below the cooktop? Did you have to replace the cooktop as well if was a single unit?
Thanks for your responses.
Jim

There is a Cruise America 2018 in Mesa AZ with only 75k miles on it.
JWColby54

jedavisss8
Explorer
Explorer
A correction. I have found that there are convection microwaves that will fit in the space of the existing microwave. So, that may not be as much of a deal breaker as I thought it would be. Now the question is, can I make my chocolate chip brown sugar brownies in a convection oven? That would be a deal breaker! LOL!!

jedavisss8
Explorer
Explorer
Hi All,
New here on the forum. We are considering a former rental rv to replace our 26ft trailer. What I have found so far is that the units from El Monte RV are newer, with presumably fewer miles, and a little more upgraded than those from Cruise America. The other thing I have noticed about the Cruise America rigs is that none of them have ovens installed. I doubt that a convection microwave will fit in the small space RVs have. For me, no oven is almost a deal breaker.
So, here's my question: Have any of you installed an oven in the space below the cooktop? Did you have to replace the cooktop as well if was a single unit?
Thanks for your responses.
Jim

SJ-Chris
Explorer II
Explorer II
Have any of you noticed on your Majestics from Cruise America that the external running lights and the tail lights don't have any rubber gaskets/seals?

I have two 2015 Majestic 28a Class C RVs. I have had to replace a couple of the running lights and just recently I had to replace the tail lights. In each instance I noticed (and was a bit surprised) that there is no rubber gasket/seal between the plastic item (running light, or tail light) and the side of the RV. The plastic running light housing is screwed into the RV siding and that's it. Seems like water will certainly get in over time.

Just yesterday I replaced the tail lights because some of the moulding around one of the tail lights deteriorated. Here are some photos of the existing tail light without any gasket, and the new ones I installed. You can also see the wood has some rot, obviously because there is/was no gasket/seal.





It has been on my to-do list to add gaskets behind all my running lights (and now tail lights), but I've been a bit lazy because I'm not looking forward to the task...You might want to look at yours as over time the wood underneath will rot.

For my running lights, I bought this to make gaskets/seals...was inexpensive. Now, just need to get motivated 🙂

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08B3ZS1CS

Anyone else observe this on Majestics and/or other RVs?

-Chris
San Jose, CA
Own two 2015 Thor Majestic 28a Class C RVs

SJ-Chris
Explorer II
Explorer II
Thanks for the pictures Marty! I have considered painting the cabinets white. I'd like to see some in person to help me decide first. Perhaps someday...

-Chris
San Jose, CA
Own two 2015 Thor Majestic 28a Class C RVs

MtnBikeMarty
Explorer II
Explorer II
Here's the before and after of our (former Majestic 27G), remodel done by the lady who bought it.
Dinning before:

Dining after:


bedroom before:

after:


kitchen before (notice the window I installed in the door):

after:


Hope this gives some of you all some ideas on updating and brightening you Majestics.
Marty

MtnBikeMarty
Explorer II
Explorer II
jwcolby54 wrote:
SJ-Chris wrote:
(On Majestic RVs from Cruise America....,but I suppose could apply to any former rental Class C or any Class C in general...)

...

When I look underneath my RV, I see that there is a steering stabilizer already on the RV. I assume this is "from the factory". Here is a picture...



Does anyone know how good, or how NOT good, this steering stabilizer is (especially in the event of a front tire blowout)?

I have heard that the factory installed is pretty much worn out and needs to be replaced


Do ALL Class C RVs come with this type of steering stabilizer? Does this factory stabilizer significantly protect against vehicle pulling during a front tire blowout??

This is less a 'RV specific' thing. It is something that folks do on the E/F 450 whether RV, VAN etc.


...

Let me know your thoughts. Thanks!

Thanks!
Chris


I don't have mine yet. I am going to buy one around June of 24 according to my planning spreadsheet. I'm semi-retiring and going to live in mine. I drive tractor trailer now and will continue to do so for several more years.


Hey former rental owners! It's MtnBikeMarty.

I haven't been on here for some time, since we downsized to a 22' travel trailer. But those of you inquiring about steering stabilizers and/sway bars, look up my posts around pages 110-117 of this. I loved those upgrades I did on my Majestic 27G and wish I 'd done them sooner, cause I didn't feel so "beat up" after driving 4 or more hours. The other $100 I'm glad I did, was installing that window on the coach door, you can search in here for it, somewhere before page 110.

I will be posting some pictures from the person that bought our rig, she did the interior remodeling ideas we were going to do before we decided to sell it. I'll post them when I get them uploaded from my phone to my pc.

We still visit with Majestic owners when we camp and see them.
Marty

jwcolby54
Explorer
Explorer
IAMICHABOD wrote:
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.


6 months to position myself to buy mine. I intend to live in it full time. Semi-retired, will pay it off in about two years and be debt free... and rent free...
JWColby54