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.

[Mocoondo]

Bitcoin wrote:

I was at Safeway today and saw a Cruise America pull up. Totally unlike me I walked up and started chatting with the people. Nice people from Brazil on a two month rental along the Pacific Northwest. They love their RV vacation but mentioned that their Cruise America RV has a bunch of problems. I told them I want to buy one from Cruise America and the lady said she would not .. yikes!! She showed me the door did not close well, there was some foam coming off somewhere else, the thingies on the gas stove one places the pots on to cook were loose and she said mentioned some other issues.

Sounds like they are not well maintained .. or was she just unlucky.

Or that people are such fragile snowflakes these days. Sounds like about 30 cents worth of "problems". Door adjustment is 60 seconds with an allen wrench, loose foam is a few inches of double sided tape, stovetop grommets are a dime a dozen.

[Snowman9000]

Bitcoin, The key to solar is will you be in the sun? If yes, then 100 watts will charge your batteries enough to put back what you use for TV, laptop, and (LED!) lights. You could install 200 watts and call it good. But I agree, let's not turn this into a solar thread. Suffice to say, you can install solar, it will do what you need if you are in the sun, and it will cost probably $2.00 to $2.50 per watt when all is said and done.

And a portable suitcase of two folding 50 watt panels requires much less installation. And you can be in the shade with the panels in the sun. Anyway, don't sweat the solar.

[Deb_and_Ed_M]

Bitcoin: last week, we went to an "RV Show" which was simply La Mesa RV parking their inventory at Daytona Speedway - but I see they have locations in CA, and overall, I was impressed by the quality of their used Class C's (that I'm assuming had been rentals). Our salesman Vincent was pleasant, no-pressure; and when he couldn't answer a question, he found someone who could.

We are just beginning the search, so weren't prepared (mentally) to buy just yet (and if we buy a unit down here in FL - we'll have to drive it AND our truck/pop-up back to Michigan in the Spring)

[swuebbels]

Bitcoin,
I added a 4 X 100 watt solar panel system for under $750 from Renogy. It's not that difficult to do and you will get all the help you need from this forum.
Stan

[Bitcoin]

I'm still here but did not buy anything yet. I tend to over research stuff, especially when I know nothing about it and a lot of money is involved.

The vehicles from Cruise America I'm looking at have a generator. I want to use solar though. I called them back and they told me the model I'm looking at has 4 feet x 5 feet space for panels.
I'd want to run a tv and charge my devices and run a laptop. I honestly don't even know if I could run a coffee maker of the solar.

I was at Safeway today and saw a Cruise America pull up. Totally unlike me I walked up and started chatting with the people. Nice people from Brazil on a two month rental along the Pacific Northwest. They love their RV vacation but mentioned that their Cruise America RV has a bunch of problems. I told them I want to buy one from Cruise America and the lady said she would not .. yikes!! She showed me the door did not close well, there was some foam coming off somewhere else, the thingies on the gas stove one places the pots on to cook were loose and she said mentioned some other issues.

Sounds like they are not well maintained .. or was she just unlucky. The sales guy at the local location has the regular high pressure sales spiel and scarcity for these units at their low prices. It actually turns me off since he actually can not answer most of my technical questions.

I went to El Monte RV and did not like what I saw there. No sales person except for weekends. Their website does not list mileage on the vehicles. I called and left a message and eventually spoke to the sales person. I asked about solar and he said 'it will cost you $10,000 to have solar' and I explained I only want it for tv, lights, laptop.

[Harvey51]

I put a 100 watt solar panel on our 20 footer, noting there was easily room for another. It turned out the single one is perfectly adequate for us - no TV, no mcrowave so just lights, fridge, furnace, phones and iPads. It was a Renogy kit with battery controller and cables, the first I saw for $200 delivered to me in Canada. We have never plugged in to AC power or used a generator; the batteries haven't dropped below 80% since getting the solar panel, according to the battery monitor.

As long time tent and tent trailer campers we never even considered bringing a generator camping.
Love the solar!

[Photomike]

Bitcoin wrote:
Mike and Marty thanks for the input and suggestions.

From what I remember the 23a has a generator and I don't know about the roof space for solar panels, I'll have to ask them and do some research.

Backup camera and monitor sounds good. I am definitely going to rent a unit for a week and see how I like it. I was considering the Good Sams roadside assistance so I'll go ahead with that too.

Getting excited about this and I am trying to learn as much as possible on the forums and YouTube.

With a generator then make sure that you have a good group 31 battery and maybe see if you can find space for a second battery and you are good to go even if you cannot get solar on it. I HATE generators but if it is in the off season or you are out in the bush then may as well. I did decide that if mine came with a generator that I would not repair it if it died as a portable makes so much more sense for me.

[Bitcoin]

Mike and Marty thanks for the input and suggestions.

From what I remember the 23a has a generator and I don't know about the roof space for solar panels, I'll have to ask them and do some research.

Backup camera and monitor sounds good. I am definitely going to rent a unit for a week and see how I like it. I was considering the Good Sams roadside assistance so I'll go ahead with that too.

Getting excited about this and I am trying to learn as much as possible on the forums and YouTube.

[MtnBikeMarty]

I'd say, skip the CA extended warranty, just put that money aside for a future repair fund, go with the included 12mo/12K mile chassis warranty, test everything out the first month (CA has an unwritten 30 day warranty on coach things: I had them fix/replace the refrigerator light and the dash board hi/low fan switch, I discovered the first week).

I did find a local mobile RV service tech (shout out for www.rveagle.com), that for about $250 spent 3.5 hours going through everything on my final walk thru day; he found dying (engine and coach) batteries, almost broken off oil dip stick, 6" roof crack needing repair, broken window latch, all were fixed/replaced by the next day to sign the final papers.. He checked all the systems: A/C, heater, refrig/freezer operating temperatures, water pump, generator, roof, etc... all the stuff that he sees day in/day out breaking on "houses driving down the road" at 55 mph. IMO, worth every dollar since I too am a RV beginner.

IMO, the best upgrade... a back-up camera and monitor on full-time (not just when in reverse), I even removed the rear-view mirror to mount the monitor there, which is a natural spot to look when backing up. It also basically picks up cars from behind that I just lost in my side mirrors (blind spot).

Oh and lastly, I upgraded to Good Sam's full road side assistance package, I haven't used it yet (knock on wood) but gives me greater peace of mind if I have trouble out on adventures.

Marty

PS, bonus.... CA refunded my rental fees (less taxes) from when I rented a unit in May (as long as within 6 months of purchase)...that was almost $900. 🙂

[Snowman9000]

Mike, have you looked at 50 watt panels? I bought four of these once, to make two 100 watt portable kits. In the end, I made one kit and installed the other two on top of my C, along with two 100 watt ones. They are 26x21 inches. Even if you only install 50 or 100 watts, IMO it would be worthwhile. Even if one of them is too close to the AC or whatever.

ML Solar 50 watt panel

[Photomike]

Bitcoin wrote:
I stumbled across this thread through a link from another website. Many thanks to IAMICHABOD for the thread and to all the good people who have posted so much info.

I live in the San Francisco Bay Area and am considering an RV for full time living and travel for the next six months and perhaps more. I moved to the USA twenty years ago and worked mostly in software until I became too old for this industry and I want to see the country before I'm too old for that.

The area has changed and IMO not for the better. My girl friend wants to move back to her home state of MN which she says is a gentler, calmer way of life. I'm okay with that but not to move now, so I want to be touring in the RV, maybe head south. I don't know how I'll deal with the winter in MN since I have SAD and don't mind joining her in the spring.

I'm thinking of buying an rv from cruise America. I checked El Monte today but I don't see the mileage for each RV on their website. The RV is for me and my girl friend when she'll want to join me.

I have a small online business I should be able to run from the RV with a decent internet connection.

I think a 23a would be good though I am open to the bigger ones, the 27g looks really nice but I'm concerned about the size and gas consumption and they seem to have higher mileage.

I'd probably buy both extended warranties, for the house and vehicle. If I do so does it make any sense to pay about $6,000 for a vehicle with lower mileage ... 80,000 instead of 130,000? On the other hand I read that some people say the extended warranties are not worth much, is that true of cruise America warranties as well?

Would I be able to put solar panels on them, they don't come with ladders? Do they have enough batteries for that. I like the idea of being in nature, not necessarily with a hookup somewhere.

Hpw do I make sure I'm getting a good vehicle? Should I look for an RV tech and hire them to check out the vehicle? Since I am a complete newbie and it is a serious chunk of change it is somewhat daunting. Are these companies thrustworthy?

Myself I say forget the extra warranty, especially the coach if you are handy with minor repairs, put some money aside and use the one year engine that comes with it to get past any major issues then do your own repairs on the coach.

The smaller ones have no space on the roof for solar so check before you buy if you want solar (I was hoping for enough space int eh 19G but no). A 23 you should have some empty space but don't know if it will be enough for a panel. The larger ones should be fine but check the roof layout for vents, etc to make sure.

If you get a generator then make sure that you have a good group 31 battery and you should be fine for most camping with the exception of cold nights running the furnace. I added more batteries and went without the generator although I have one that I can take if needed.



All companies are questionable, read some of the posts on new units and some expensive units at that! A RV tech can help but even problems can escape them. Remember you are taking a house and putting it through a major earthquake everyday that you are driving it so one day things are great and the next you may have a leak that was not there the day before - it may check out 10 out of 10 one day and the next you are mopping up a water leak. At least a extra set of eyes never hurts!!

[Bitcoin]

I stumbled across this thread through a link from another website. Many thanks to IAMICHABOD for the thread and to all the good people who have posted so much info.

I live in the San Francisco Bay Area and am considering an RV for full time living and travel for the next six months and perhaps more. I moved to the USA twenty years ago and worked mostly in software until I became too old for this industry and I want to see the country before I'm too old for that.

The area has changed and IMO not for the better. My girl friend wants to move back to her home state of MN which she says is a gentler, calmer way of life. I'm okay with that but not to move now, so I want to be touring in the RV, maybe head south. I don't know how I'll deal with the winter in MN since I have SAD and don't mind joining her in the spring.

I'm thinking of buying an rv from cruise America. I checked El Monte today but I don't see the mileage for each RV on their website. The RV is for me and my girl friend when she'll want to join me.

I have a small online business I should be able to run from the RV with a decent internet connection.

I think a 23a would be good though I am open to the bigger ones, the 27g looks really nice but I'm concerned about the size and gas consumption and they seem to have higher mileage.

I'd probably buy both extended warranties, for the house and vehicle. If I do so does it make any sense to pay about $6,000 for a vehicle with lower mileage ... 80,000 instead of 130,000? On the other hand I read that some people say the extended warranties are not worth much, is that true of cruise America warranties as well?

Would I be able to put solar panels on them, they don't come with ladders? Do they have enough batteries for that. I like the idea of being in nature, not necessarily with a hookup somewhere.

Hpw do I make sure I'm getting a good vehicle? Should I look for an RV tech and hire them to check out the vehicle? Since I am a complete newbie and it is a serious chunk of change it is somewhat daunting. Are these companies thrustworthy?

[IAMICHABOD]

Mike Dwan,the National Sales Manager 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

They also have a program that will take the cost of airfare off the sale price for one person if you buy.

[MilesandSmiles]

My wife and I recently found an El Monte Thor Hurricane that we're quite impressed with. The major problem is that it's in Orlando and we are in New Jersey! Does anyone know if El Monte would welcome an independent RV inspector to look at it before we fly to buy? It's a big investment of airfare, plus an investment of limited vacation time, pending my retirement in seven months!

Jeff

[Photomike]

raydf wrote:
Cruise America vs. El Monte RV

In general, would you say there is an essential difference between buying a used rental RV from Cruise America or buying it from El Monte? Cruise America offers more information about their products and the refurbishing process that they apply to each rental unit destined for sale and it looks good but would it be similar to El Monte's?

Thanks!

I bought from Cruise Canada (same as CA) and I have to say I love the RV but honestly the refurbishment was non existent. I was prepared for that and I think if you go in with "I am getting what I am getting with a used RV" you will be okay. It really is a roll of the dice, but then it is that anytime you buy anything!