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Re: Buying a Former Rental Class C. How many of us out there?
I can't remember if anyone posted the information previously, but here is a link to the Cruise America BUYER RESOURCE Page. Currently it goes back to 2007 models. It has MANUALS for the Ford Chassis and Thor or Four Winds. Also, as previously posted, you can register on Thor website for more resources. Thor RV Owner Resources Cruise America Buyer Resources 2007-Present https://www.cruiseamerica.com/help/resources/buyer-s-resources https://www.thormotorcoach.com/owner-resource/837Views0likes0CommentsRe: Buying a Former Rental Class C. How many of us out there?
ONE YEAR UPDATE: Bought our 2015 23a beginning of last year just as COVID hit and I think we got the best price just before everything in RV industry exploded. This update is based on some reading for the last 10 or so pages. Summary: We love our RV. Upgrades: Installed rear camera over the rearview mirror. Nice wood cover/ cutting board. Stove cover. TPMS VERY IMPORTANT! Chrome steps into cab. Front mud flaps -VERY IMPORTANT for finish. Added brake controller and 7 pin trailer connector. -Put turn pins on our stove vent to stop it from flying open and popping off in high winds. Problems: 1) as stated in prior post generator circuit board caught fire and leak in water on first day was repaired by CA. 2) The bumper rear detectors were cut and missing, but electronics present. Solar is wired. 3) Refrigerator stopped working on AC, but still works on gas-will check later. 4) Had a bad leak from where the awning was installed in the back and had to seal with Silicon. CHECK the install of your awning! Leaked down to the bed and I woke up wet. 5) We noticed, before rain, that the front clearance lights were not fully sealed, used silicon. CHECK THESE SEALS 6) we also have major smoke only on Arizona steep inclines, but we were towing a lot too. Wish it was a E450. If it continues we will use our powertrain warranty to check it, but we have 4 more years. 7) Rear "mudflaps" are loosening and brace is failing. We did not buy the interior warranty and we are glad with our awning and powertrain warranty purchases. about 9MPG average and we have put about 5k miles with short trips. We use a basic RV surge protector, and have plastic drive up blocks for leveling. Also use a water filter for filling.862Views0likes0CommentsRe: Buying a Former Rental Class C. How many of us out there?
IAMICHABOD wrote: So far the information and opinions on the extended insurance have been straightforward and honest. So I will add this,of the more than 130 members here on this thread there have been no reports of any CA units that have had an engine,transmission or generator failure. I did find on 2 occasions that El Monte RV did honor their warranty This One and Here They both happened in the Warranty period that was given to them when they bought the unit,not an extended warranty. FWIW, my sales contact at El Monte told me, when I asked about drive train extended warranties, that they used to offer them, through the same company that CA uses. The reason they stopped, and just went with offering their own 12/12 power train warranty, is that he wasn't aware of any case in which the extended warranty company actually paid on a claim - which, of course, made for unhappy customers. Just a reminder, I did report a generator circuit board fire the first day, but CA repaired with no issues. I skipped the RV warranty, but took the powertrain because it was a small cost compared for 5 years when we typically do 5-6k mile usage per year. like about $400 per year is nice. CA did state to me the reason they got a great deal on the powertrain was because of their service monitoring with Ford allowed for lower costs. But I agree no one here has had a power train issue. Although I think I may have a compression issue that I will check on soon.657Views0likes0CommentsRe: Buying a Former Rental Class C. How many of us out there?
Update after owning our CA 2015 23a since last March. Backstory: bought fully refurbished from Las Vegas, drove home and immediately had a generator circuit board fire which was repaired by CA, along with a waterline leak and smoke detector. Also got the power train warranty and an awning. We have done a long 3 week 3000 mile trip, and many short trips. Only big mods were side steps, mud flaps, VanTop rear camera, tire pressure monitors, trailer brake controller and a 7 pin trailer connector. Little things include TV mount, wood sink cover, stove cover, brace bars in cabinets and a large bar across the top cab to hold supplies steady. Driving: Been great, we struggle steep 7% or higher grades and will get smoke if I push it too hard. Our tow says 5k capacity, but towing a 2500lb horse trailer empty really slows on those steep hills. I plan to get the engine pressure checked to make sure everything is good while I have the warranty. Inside: We have had some insulation disappear on the bottom of the door, which really increased noise, luckily I had some weather strip left. A clasp on the drawers broke and we had to replace. A rear mud flap and its support got pulled into the tire, probably in strong wind, still have to replace. Had to do minor caulking in bathroom and exterior mainly for prevention, especially around the front clearance lights. While driving in high winds the stove vent flap got pulled out of it's plastic socket, as i didn't have time to check on the highway I duck taped it shut. Later, after pealing the duct tape off, I was able to pop the vent back into the socket. I want to add a vent tab (like non-automatic vents) to switch the vent on and off (then I'll have to remember to slide it open). Everything is pretty routine, and the only significant issue is our refrigerator no longer works on electric. I think I know the issue (possible heating element or loose connection) but gas works fine. Recently did our 1st 5k oil change. Only regret is we wish it was a E450 instead of E350 because towing is really important to us. Might add better stabilizer bars, primarily to rear later. Also might try to steal horsepower with better exhaust or intake, but not anytime soon. Level towing or light hills are fine with about 4300lb horse and loaded trailer. Good luck all!675Views0likes0CommentsRe: Buying a Former Rental Class C. How many of us out there?
Still working on the video of the 7pin install, but it's wired now. We just added a Camco stove cover for the Dometic/Atwood stove (Dometic logo front/ Atwood part number underneath) and a Teak cutting board to cover the sink. https://photos.app.goo.gl/WWojEKLBQa1Tu6BYAhttps://photos.app.goo.gl/WWojEKLBQa1Tu6BYA415Views0likes0CommentsRe: Buying a Former Rental Class C. How many of us out there?
Still working on the video of the 7pin install, but it's wired now. We just added a Camco stove cover for the Dometic/Atwood stove (Dometic logo front/ Atwood part number underneath) and a Teak cutting board to cover the sink.411Views0likes0CommentsRe: Buying a Former Rental Class C. How many of us out there?
Hello all, I just uploaded a video on putting on some OEM splash guards/mud flaps on my 23A. It should also work on the 28A or any Ford Van Chassis, I wish I had put them on prior to our last trip. I'm also working on a video of adding the 7way connector to my RV. Very generic videos not high production value, just getting my experiences out there for others. Hope it helps someone. Video361Views0likes0CommentsRe: Help Identifying things in my RV
I spoke to a fleet manager last week and he stated the backup sensors are cut off if they become damaged or they replace the bumper. If you have the four sensors they are for black devices on the bumper with leads coming off and into a bundle for the four wires. If you DO NOT have the sensors, the connectors probably were cut off just below the back of the RV. Mine are cut and the four black wires are in a plastic harness leading up. The bumper has four holes that are sealed with metal buttons, that could be popped out later.466Views0likes0CommentsRe: Buying a Former Rental Class C. How many of us out there?
UPDATE: Las Vegas Cruise America got us in touch back to the Phoenix (Mesa) branch to do the repair. We also noted there was no smoke detector and I had two questions about wiring. Tuesday night before we left to go to Mesa from our home in Tucson, I left the water pump on all night. Wednesday morning there was a leak above the exhaust from the underside of the RV, about 1 drop every 5 seconds and a pretty large wet area from dripping all night. When we got to Phoenix, initially no one could connect me with Robert the fleet mgr/warranty guy. Finally, about 15 minutes later we connected and I confirmed the generator work, and showed him the water leak issue. He said it would be addressed but was unsure how long it would take, but he was confident it would be done the same day. I also mentioned the lack of a smoke detector and he said he would add it. The wiring questions were 1) a bundle of 4 black wires were cut near the bumper. He explained that it was the back up sensors and it was CA policy if the sensors were damaged to just cut them off. 2) I noted there are 4 sealed holes on the bumper where the sensors should have been. I asked about wiring 7 way on the rear, and he said it was NOT wired for 7 way and I would have to have it wired from the back to the front. (I will still verify this later). The work was completed in about 3 hours, we planned to shop and waste the day, but ended up cutting our rental car short so we could pick up and return home. The leak was no longer there, (small leak at the pump. we tested last night again), and the generator was working (replaced the control board). Not a lot of talk from Robert and I felt he was not providing more assistance, but he took care of everything we needed with no issues. Can't wait for our 1st Official trip in two weeks.546Views0likes0CommentsRe: Buying a Former Rental Class C. How many of us out there?
Just Got home to Tucson From Las Vegas, Arrived at 8:30 spent an hour looking over the RV with two Cruise America guys. They really helped me look over and demonstrate everything, including the new awning. When I got home 6pm same day to Tucson, I was showing my wife and the generator cut off three times when I was starting it. Then we smelled a fire. I went out, didn't see anything and started the generator from outside. HOLY COW the circuit board caught on fire and was sparking. I shut it off. I left a message for Cruise America in Vegas to see what the could do. He repeatedly told me if I had any problems in the ride home or in the next 30 days that Cruise America in Phoenix could help me out. We will see. Meanwhile, I will be checking on the circuit board. REST of the RV was AWESOME, NEW TIRES, NEW water and Sewer hoses, Paint was awesome, Engine clean and detailed. Nothing major, except it caught on FIRE! I will update Later.526Views0likes0Comments
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