Observation on rentals

[leggy]

I understand that most who use rental RVs are truly newbies, but on my last trip there were 3 class C rentals in the immediate area. Biggest thing I noticed about each was they didn't even attempt to get level. Not only, isn't that bad for the fridge, but how do you sleep?
Then there was the parking, the one backed into a log at the back of site and gave it a little more gas because he didn't know he had hit something and wanted to be back farther.

[path1]

Its a shame people don't take of somebody else's stuff, even if renting for short period of time. Same reason we would never rent out our house, little alone section 8.

Finding our X-rental, went back 3 times before we found the one we were happy with. And still happy 9 years later.

People just need to follow very simple directions...But that seems to be pretty hard for some people.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GKdr4Z1LBKY

[lonewolf80]

Great initial question by the OP as every time I see a rental, Cruise America anybody?, I think the same thing. Last year DW and I did the west coast of Michigan, beautiful, with our class A and my wife's sister rented a 24' C from CA. She parked it just like all of our observations with out worry. I wonder why companies like CA don't supply the plastic leveling blocks, with a deposit on them of course to ensure their return, and spend 5 minutes explaining the benefit and comfort of a level rig. We drove in the C the sister rented heading into Mackinaw City so we could take our bicycles with us on the ferry to Mackinaw Island. What a piece of junk! The rattles and shakes were incredible on this one year old Four Winds C. To compare that to going down the same road in our class A with cupboards full of dishes and wine glasses and a top counter that the toaster, coffee pot, 12 year old whiskey and salt and pepper shakers ride season long with out nary a noise is amazing in comparison.

[soren]

I love talking to renters, especially in national parks, since they are usually interesting Europeans. One of the best lately was being next to a couple from Germany who had rented a Thor Class A. Basically, the thing was typical Elkhart trash, and even though it was nearly new, it was falling apart as they drove it. They had a water line leak, an upholstered piece of the particle board dinette seating fall off, an entry door that wouldn't latch on occasion, laughable fit and finish on just about everything, and an overall concern that they were afraid to touch anything too hard, since it might break, or fall off.

Being typical Germans they were far from impressed, but they were trying to gently pry some info. out of me without offense, since they knew I was an American. Once I conveyed that fact that, no, that really is the tragic level of quality you can expect in most of our mass produced RVs, they didn't quite know how to take it. It was like they were hoping I would tell them that the one they got stuck with was a really bad example from the "Yugo" of the domestic RV market, but instead I explained that it was from one of the biggest manufacturers in the country, and nothing they told me would qualify as unusual.
It was a bit mind blowing for them.

[LJAZ]

Grit dog wrote:
So the term "Drive it like a rental" applies to RVs too?

That's what Robin Williams did!

[Grit_dog]

So the term "Drive it like a rental" applies to RVs too?

[Crowe]

Maybe it's because the rental companies don't teach them anything?

[IAMICHABOD]

As an owner of a Former Rental I have noticed that too,but mostly from only one of the major rental companies,although I have seen it from both.

I like to talk to them too and offer tips and any help that I can,they are mostly from foreign lands and it is interesting to hear about their adventures.

It may have to do with the Instructional Video and walk thru orientation that El Monte RV has,in it at about 11:23 it shows how to do it with the included ramps and bubble level that are provided with the rental,mine were included with the sale.

The video for the other company just says to park on level ground.

They both have the videos in many languages.

I was surprised on my last trip to the PNW how many private RVs,TTs and Motorhomes were not level on my walks thru the campgrounds,they must not be members of the Forum...:B

One person I talked to said he was told by a friend that it wasn't anything to worry about, that the Freon in his Dometic Refrigerator,exactly like mine,did not have that problem. :S

[Desert_Captain]

path1 wrote:
I like rental rv people. I go out of my way to talk with them. And we own an X-rental. Our frig/freezer in ours was replaced before we bought. Maybe because of hard use? I know its worked fine since 2009. I use blocks of wood to get level when need be. Which isn't very often, just pick a place that's somewhat level to begin with. Last couple I talked to that was renting, was for their honeymoon.

I too seek out renters to chat with. Often they are from Europe and beyond and generally appreciate a little local knowledge. I have spoken with dozens of renters over the years and not once have I encountered one who had even heard of Tow Haul... much less knew how to use it.

Just another reason I would never purchase a former rental. They get seriously abused {like cooking transmissions by not using TH}, and every Class C that blows by me doing 75+ has been a rental. Running refrigeration well out of level or running the AC with low voltage {ever see an EMS or even just a Surge protector on a rental?}

Renting is expensive and using a coach that has been used/abused by lots of folks before you eliminates a number the reasons for RVing in the first place. Many are very happy with their purchase of a former rental and I wish you all well but.... Caveat Emptor.

As always.... Opinions and YMMV.

:C

[GaryKH]

I've noticed that, when they find their (reserved ) site, a few of them don't leave their RV. I guess they just unwind and use all the appliances etc. inside.
But don
don't get me going on the driving! Very slow on corners, but speed right up on a passing lane, only to slow down again! Terrible.

[time2roll]

Modern fridge is not as sensitive as the old days.

[path1]

Jayco-noslide wrote:
The renting companies must have good insurance.

Good insurance and the renters open ended credit card or a rider insurance policy on top of liability insurance.

[path1]

I like rental rv people. I go out of my way to talk with them. And we own an X-rental. Our frig/freezer in ours was replaced before we bought. Maybe because of hard use? I know its worked fine since 2009. I use blocks of wood to get level when need be. Which isn't very often, just pick a place that's somewhat level to begin with. Last couple I talked to that was renting, was for their honeymoon.

[Jayco-noslide]

The renting companies must have good insurance.

[SleepyBadger]

We took a rental out for 4800 miles this summer. We only used the leveling blocks the last 2 days. Every time we stopped, I took out the level and if it was close, it was close enough.