Life expectancy of a small C class.... Ex Rental

[CaptJD]

My wife and I as two seniors who can't afford a nice B class without robbing a bank first and since we do not want to spend our golden years in a prison we gave up that dream and rather looking into C class RVs.

But also we would like a C class almost at the size of a B class. It is just 2 of us and a 7lb maltipoo will be traveling short distances and mostly weekender kind of 2-3 day long RVing adventures to chase our kids and grandkids in their own RV.

We came across ex-rental 2017 THOR MOTOR COACH MAJESTIC 19G built on Ford E350 chassis. I think they do have 5.4 V8 engine on them. Generally these units for sale do have over 100,000 miles. Mostly between 120,000-150,000 miles. They have very clean good looking interior which looks like nicely taken care of...
But our worry is mostly about the engine and transmission....

Do these type of RVs prone to engine/transmission problems? Does 150,000 miles mean that 5.4L V8 already waiting to die in the hands of its next owner within a few thousand miles or do they generally go much further in odometer without significant problems?

I understand we are not looking into an RV from it's first and original owner but how much damage could've been done to an engine in 3 years is my main question I guess...

Any ideas, experiences and advice appreciated...

Stay safe everyone,

[carringb]

If its a 2017 chassis, it should have the V10. That was a gap year where the V10 only was offered. But it may have been built on a 2016 chassis, which should have the 5.4L. Starting in 2018 the 6.2L V8 became the base engine.

Anyways, I wouldn't hesitate to buy one, provided the coach is in good condition. Those miles are nothing for the chassis. The 19G especially seems well-liked by people who buy them.

FWIW - I bought my van from Enterprise with 105,500 miles and I have 495,000 now.

[Lwiddis]

Since you are planning on traveling short distances, I wouldn't have an issue with buying a rental.

[midnightsadie]

just my .02cts anything with a hundred K on it is do for normal wear an tear.

[Sandia_Man]

We know several people who have purchased rental RVs in the past, like anything some had good experiences while a few had more issues than they bargained for. Those units you mentioned have very high mileage and should be thoroughly inspected by your mechanic. For us purchasing a rental RV would not be high on our list, we would rather purchase a used unit directly from the owner.

Like many RVs, some owners don't use them nearly enough, some great deals out there for lightly used RVs in every class. Takes a bit of work to keep constantly perusing RVs online, with due diligence, we found our current rig in a neighboring state. Just over 20K miles, interior is in mint condition and full body paint is in great shape, drove nearly 1K miles through 110 degree Texas heat to get home.

[MDKMDK]

CaptJD wrote:
My wife and I as two seniors who can't afford a nice B class without robbing a bank first and since we do not want to spend our golden years in a prison we gave up that dream and rather looking into C class RVs.

But also we would like a C class almost at the size of a B class. It is just 2 of us and a 7lb maltipoo will be traveling short distances and mostly weekender kind of 2-3 day long RVing adventures to chase our kids and grandkids in their own RV.

We came across ex-rental 2017 THOR MOTOR COACH MAJESTIC 19G built on Ford E350 chassis. I think they do have 5.4 V8 engine on them. Generally these units for sale do have over 100,000 miles. Mostly between 120,000-150,000 miles. They have very clean good looking interior which looks like nicely taken care of...
But our worry is mostly about the engine and transmission....

Do these type of RVs prone to engine/transmission problems? Does 150,000 miles mean that 5.4L V8 already waiting to die in the hands of its next owner within a few thousand miles or do they generally go much further in odometer without significant problems?

I understand we are not looking into an RV from it's first and original owner but how much damage could've been done to an engine in 3 years is my main question I guess...

Any ideas, experiences and advice appreciated...

Stay safe everyone,

The 5.4L V8 is a great engine, and in a smaller coach would probably be sufficent. The GVWR on that model was 10,050lbs, so you'll likely be closer in loaded weight to the average GVWR of some of the larger class B vans out there. You could inquire from the rental company if they would be willing to give you a drive train warranty on it for 90 days, or more. Their response might be a clue?
You could also check with Ford and see what a refurbed engine and transmission replacement would cost, all in, if that's your main worry. Maybe it's less than you think, and that way, you could move forward knowing what to expect financially, if the engine or transmission were to fail somewhere down the road.

[DrewE]

The engine and transmission are unlikely to fail for a very long time, especially given most motorhomes in personal use gain comparatively little mileage. The Ford drivetrain generally could be expected to go at least a quarter million miles with reasonable maintenance and without major problems, and indeed does so frequently in work vans, shuttle busses, etc. That's not to say that there aren't parts that wear out or comparatively minor problems that may need taking care of. In general, the house part of an RV will wear out well before the chassis.

Most everything I've seen from people who have ex-rental units from Cruise America has been positive, and most negative comments I see come from people who would, by their own admission, never consider purchasing one. I certainly would be willing to buy one (and particularly the 19G, which doesn't have many or any comparable models available elsewhere) if the layout met my needs and I could afford it at the time.

[Desert_Captain]

I make it a point to chat with RV renters we encounter when out traveling. I've spoken with dozens over the years and not one was ever told about the use of Tow haul. When I explain how it works they are usually dumbfounded. The point being that motorhomes that never use TH slowly but surely cook their transmissions.

Every Class C that has blasted past me out on the highway doing 75+, and there have been a lot of them, has been a rental. Folks that can afford to rent can afford to pay for the gas burned with their foot to the floor. As noted the people who rent could not care less about not abusing their rented coaches. It is a tribute to the relatively bullet proof nature of the venerable Ford V-10 that these rentals survive 100,000+ miles of a base. IMHO a class C, regardless of size, that has a 5.4L V-8 will be hopelessly underpowered. For the record I loved my 5.4 that was in my F-150 SCab but I was only towing a 5,600#, 22' TT.

Given how they are drivien I can only imagine the abuse that takes place with the various internal systems. You may save a few bucks initially when buying a refurbished rental but you will get pretty much what you pay for. Caveat Emptor.

Just sayin...

As always... Opinions and YMMV

:R

[IDman]

I would never buy anything (car or RV) that had been a rental. Renters don't take care of things, and in the case of RVs, they often don't know how to properly use systems.

There is a reason rental companies sell units at that mileage level: wear and tear are about to catch up with them.

[wanderingaimles]

I believe it's largely a matter of personal opinion, and mine may be no more valid than anyone elses.
2 main points,
I do believe an "owner" takes more care in their actions than a "renter"
and while the agency may follow maintenance schedules better than most, they still dont control how and where its driven.
High miles are high miles, that rental unit has apparently had 10-20 years of use, wear and tear put on it in three to four years.
I just bought a 10 year old class A, with 25000 miles for just over $40k. Everything works, and it was stored under cover, all maintenance records were with it and it had two year old tires. I'd do it again.
Since you want small, look a little older at the "cruiser" RV's. Phoenix and BT cruisers have great reputations and are still easy to drive. Lines from Jayco, Winnie and Forest River are all also seen as better choices by most folks than the entry level Thors.
Not knowing your price range, here are some small $30 to $50 units.
rv trader

[midnightsadie]

my class c is now 12years old 45k. in great shape I,d drive it any where. but its stored inside all maintenance kept up. my point theres lots of them out just have to search. takes time but there in garages every where and can be bought at a fair price.

[gbopp]

CLICKY

[SJ-Chris]

Here are 1366 opinions on the subject.... 🙂

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

I've bought two formal rentals (Majestic 28a units). Read the above link. Then if you'd like to chat, feel free to PM me and I'd be happy to share my thoughts and opinions (and even send you my "Inspection Checklist" that I've developed during the purchase/use/repair/learning of 4 RVs.

Enjoy!
Chris