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,

[TwistedGray]

ron.dittmer wrote:

The only matter at hand is, given you mentioned your "senior" age. Make sure you can deal with sleeping in the over-head bunk. Most seniors have trouble, even seniors in good shape. My wife and I are 62 this year (in good shape) and we are very happy to be sleeping on the main floor. An over-head bunk would be an issue, especially during mid-night potty interruptions.

They could consider a telescoping ladder. Our old rooftop tent had one, and I've thought about using one in here. If it'll fit behind the drivers seat, it's worth a look.

[TwistedGray]

Desert Captain wrote:

In talking to a number of renters about Tow Haul we usually end up in the drivers seat where I show them the button on the end of the shift lever that activates TH. Funny thing is it always functions just as it should...on and off. :S
:R

I read the manual twice, saw a thread about it or a comment on it, and then I went to the Google machine. If it were OFF but default, that would be a concern.

[Desert_Captain]

IAMICHABOD wrote:

Desert Captain wrote:
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.

Just sayin...

As always... Opinions and YMMV

:R

It may surprise you That Cruise America Interestingly, Tow/Haul mode is engaged by DEFAULT automatically upon starting, to change this a module must be changed.

You are right... that would surprise me.

"Tow haul is initiated when you start the Majestic 19G (presumably on other models, too), and if most renters are as ignorant as everyone makes them out to be, they would have left it in tow haul mode."

In talking to a number of renters about Tow Haul we usually end up in the drivers seat where I show them the button on the end of the shift lever that activates TH. Funny thing is it always functions just as it should...on and off. :S

:R

[ron_dittmer]

carringb wrote:
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.

I "second" that!

Don't be concerned that the chassis is equipped with the smaller 5.4L-V8 engine. That is plenty of power for the 19G weight it manages. That is as small of a load as a class C will see. Compare the 19G to the massive 30+ footers with the V10 version of the same engine that is impossible to wear out (when maintained properly) the weight-to-engine ratio is greatly in your favor.

And regarding buying a rental, they are very well maintained so you are well covered concerning it's maintenance history. Starting with 100,000 miles of rental-use would be of little concern to me as long as the house is in satisfactory condition.

The only matter at hand is, given you mentioned your "senior" age. Make sure you can deal with sleeping in the over-head bunk. Most seniors have trouble, even seniors in good shape. My wife and I are 62 this year (in good shape) and we are very happy to be sleeping on the main floor. An over-head bunk would be an issue, especially during mid-night potty interruptions.

Click on my signature below to see many pictures of our rig, inside and out. It's 23'-8" long, about as small as you will find with a permanent main floor double bed.

[TwistedGray]

carringb wrote:
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.

Chassis and coach trail two years behind, so the 2017 Majestic 19G sits on a 2015 chassis (fyi).

[TwistedGray]

MDKMDK wrote:
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.

Cruise America gives the buyer a 3 month / 3000mi warranty. They have replaced the ignition switch and resolved an o2 sensor on mine without any issue.

[TwistedGray]

DrewE wrote:
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.

THIS ^

The "negative" comments from those who actually purchased one (like myself) are always resolved.

There are things that they should have done with my 19G that they completely ignored, BUT they have been nothing but stand up since then. I have made demands outside the norm; they met those demands (so far). So until we hit a wall, and I have to remind them of what they sold me, I'll continue giving them the benefit of the doubt. Would I have preferred to NOT deal with these issues...you bet! However, I am controlling the process going forward (as I have leverage), and they are paying for things that they normally would not. In other words, they are funding my piece of mind, I've told them this, and they understand/acknowledge.

[TwistedGray]

Desert Captain wrote:
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.

Tow haul is initiated when you start the Majestic 19G (presumably on other models, too), and if most renters are as ignorant as everyone makes them out to be, they would have left it in tow haul mode.

[TwistedGray]

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

There's certainly a point where the engine/transmission of any vehicle (owned or rented) becomes an issue, but if you are suggesting to the OP that that point is at 130,000 miles, you're misleading them.

[TwistedGray]

CaptJD wrote:
We came across ex-rental 2017 THOR MOTOR COACH MAJESTIC 19G built on Ford E350 chassis...

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?

For starters, your 2017 Majestic 19G is made up of a 2015 Ford E-350 and a 2015 Thor coach. Together they had a baby which is the 2017 Majestic 19G.

Your question is not about the coach but about the Ford E-350 reliability. I would suggest start your internet search there "Ford E-350" reliability with the understanding that most Ford E-350 probably are not hauling around 10,000lbs and have been driven by hundreds of "strangers."

Will have you catastrophic failures in the coming weeks after purchase? HIGHLY unlikely! Months? Also highly unlikely. **** happens though...

You'll find that a lot of Majestic 19G owners flip theirs within about a year or so as these folks buy them at the 130,000 mark and then sell them after they tour our country for a few years, save to buy a house, or any number of things. Most of those that I have seen sold after they bought from Cruise America (CA) hover around 150,000+ miles or more. I have NOT seen any with 200,000 or more; however, they're still running fine when they're sold in the 150,000k+ range.

Because CA needs to keep these on the road, they fix what's broken and follow the strict model "if it ain't broke, don't fit ix." Once you get into one and start pulling stuff apart to refurbish, paint, replace, etc this will become apparent VERY quickly as you will find mix-matched screws, bolts where screws should be, two or more holes where one would've sufficed, etc. They're built cheap and maintained at that same level; HOWEVER, we're talking two different things (chassis vs home part).

The chassis seems pretty straightforward, like any commercial Ford vehicle. Things will certainly break...in fact, within 200 miles of the CA location, my 19G went KAPUT! It's a long story, but regardless CA has fixed that issue among a myraid of issues that they should have fixed before I bought it from them. Fortunately that is what the 3 month warranty is for...use it and abuse it during that time, break what you can...basically. I am happy to discuss this privately as they are still working to rectify issues, and I'll continue to give them the benefit of the doubt...they've honored every issue I have brought up, and I assure you it's a long list.

Regarding the folks who will persuade you not to buy from CA...they clearly have not bought from CA so take their advice as you wish. Do read that other thread that has been linked multiple times from actual owners though...lots of helpful information there! Also, if you have not, get on Yelp and look up the location (Newark, Vegas, and/or Mesa) you plan to buy from and sift through the review looking for those who bought a unit. You'll find so many negative reviews from renters, and that's because of what I said before ("if it ain't broke, don't fit ix").

ps: I live in Salinas (about 30min from SJB) with a 19G that is undergoing renovations. It spent the first two weeks of ownership at the Salinas Ford Truck Center being worked on (ignition switch and someone at CA neglected to connect the an o2 sensor hose). I've spent $0 out of pocket...YOU WILL NOT get that with a private party purchase.

pps: If you want, shoot me a private message with your contact number, and I'll reach out.

[IAMICHABOD]

Desert Captain wrote:
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.

Just sayin...

As always... Opinions and YMMV

:R

It may surprise you That Cruise America Interestingly, Tow/Haul mode is engaged by DEFAULT automatically upon starting, to change this a module must be changed.

[fourthclassC]

Howdy, just my 2 cents;
Its all a **** shoot. Used, New, previous rental (yes I said new too)

I saw your grandkids families have a camper. My adivce is just get into something (I think that rental you describe is about average **** shoot)

And Get out there camping with the grandkids !!!!!!!!!!

[IAMICHABOD]

There are a lot of opinions expressed so far,some good and others. I can see that so far only one owner has come along to offer some facts,thanks SJ-Chris. Hopefully others will come along, I will also be glad to answer any questions you may have.

As the OP of the Rental Thread I will give you some Facts as they pertain to me and more than 130 members of this Forum.Also the other RV forums that I follow.

So far of these 130 members that have contributed there has been no reported failures of the transmission or engine on any Cruise America unit. Some have put 10s of thousands of miles on them over the more than 8 years the rental thread has been up. I have found no other reported failure on any other RV Forum.

As for me,I have owned my Former Rental for more than 9 years and have put about 50000 miles on it with no problems.

I have to ask,are you buying this from a dealer such as This One? If so it will come with a 3 month / 3,000 mile Engine, Transmission and Drive Axle Powertrain Warranty.You can also buy an extended warranty for about $1700,most buyers on the rental thread have not done that.

Good luck in your quest for that RV,a Former Rental is a good choice.

If you have any questions just PM me,I will be happy to help or to share all the information that I have on Former Rentals.

[Grit_dog]

Capt
My 2c.
I wouldn't necessarily count out an ex rental, however on the flipside, there are so many RVs out there for sale and while you can be relatively assured that a rental received decent general maintenance to the chassis and drivetrain, you can also be assured that there were 100 different drivers, none of which had a larger stake in the care of the unit than the cost of their rental bill.
Good? Bad? Luck of the draw?

Private owner sales, you can find one assuredly with many less miles and likely more amenities, and far fewer "pilots." Additionally, you have the ability to judge not only the vehicle, but gain a sense for how well it was cared for and how responsible ( or irresponsible) the previous owner was.

We generally buy all vehicles and toys used.
But buying anything used without a warranty is a cr ap shoot, and one that I don't mind playing. But I only buy in person private party (save for 1 truck many years ago, that was right place right time, right situation) so I can get a feel and hopefully some "proof" of the condition of the thing being purchased.
Food for thought...

[ndrorder]

It all boils down to a financial decision. How much cheaper is the rental RV compared to a similar style RV with less use? That difference is the financial margin to repair any problems that arise because of rental use: motor, transmission, generator, . . . etc.

If the rental market is the only place to find the right RV at this time, that margin available for repairs is probably significantly reduced because of demand pricing.