STEVE-OTR
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Re: Buying a Former Rental Class C. How many of us out there?
Hello Fellow Former Rental Owners!! Quick question on 2012 Thor Majestic 28A's: I know that the solar panel is for trickle charging the house battery and that it is rated at 2 watts. I think mine is going bad because it seems to have a crack in it and the house battery was almost dead the last time I had it in the RV (I removed it and took it home to keep it charged). Will it be okay to replace this solar panel with a 10 watt one? I want my house battery to charge a bit faster. Also does anyone know where the solar charge controller is located? I'm thinking it's somewhere behind the microwave (because when I follow the entry point of the cable on the roof) that's where is seems to go down through. I'm guessing I would have to pull out the microwave to access it. Would love to hear any thoughts. Thanks.447Views0likes0CommentsRe: Buying a Former Rental Class C. How many of us out there?
Well Hello to all of my Fellow "Former Rental" Motorhome owners and Happy New Year!!! It's been almost 1 year since I purchased my Thor Four Winds Majestic 28A from Cruise America. Since then I have takin it on many wonderful camping trips. No issues so far. Right now I am impatiently waiting for Spring so that I could De-Winterize and prep this baby to hit the open road again!!! Any who, since it's been kinda quiet in this forum for awhile, I thought I'd share some of the modifications I did with my unit over the summer of 2017. You know that space that's under the sofa bed? Well I decided to make great "shoe storage" space out of it since I didn't like the shoes crowding the RV entrance: Also, decided to install an inverter under the dinette area for use only while driving to power up a Laptop or Cell phone: Even added a USB charge port on the opposite side of Dinette: Finally, I added some Stainless Steel cup holders right to the Dinette table (we can still fold the table to make the bed, cup holders don't get in the way): Gotta admit this RV turned out to be a nice little project to keep me busy but I love that I can make it my own!!! Happy Camping you all and let me know what you think of these little upgrades!!!466Views0likes0CommentsRe: Buying a Former Rental Class C. How many of us out there?
Hi, Socal77: When I first looked at the leaf springs on my unit (also a 28A former CA rental) I noticed that Leaf Springs sagged down or bowed down especially at the ends that point towards the engine. I thought this was unusual until I did further research. It turns out that this is normal for most RV's. Ford basically makes the chassis and then they basically don't care whats done afterwords by the Thor Motor Home company. The Ford OEM chassis can only handle so much of a load in the rear so when a huge box gets built on top of it, the springs will bow down. If both Sides of the Leaf Springs bow down evenly, then you will not notice a lean towards one side or another. But you will notice a harsher ride at the rear. As the OEM Leaf Springs just will not lift the Box enough to be able to provide for a more comfortable ride. When there is more weight on one side than the other then, over time, one set of springs will start to sag or bow-down more than the other and there, RV looks like its leaning. What most have done is Not to replace the OEM leaf springs (Huge Job) but to add a "Lift-Support" system that will assist the Existing Leaf-Springs. This is what I am planning to do with mine. For now I have upgraded shocks (Bilsteins on all 4 sides and added Hellwig sway bars on front and back) to improve the ride. Here's a few pics of what I'm talking about. These items are on the SDTrucksprings website. Hopefully this helps. The pics are 2 options, one is adding an additional Lift Spring and the second option is to add an Air-Lift system. I prefer 2nd option (easier to do).414Views0likes0CommentsRe: Buying a Former Rental Class C. How many of us out there?
Hi, 510dogmom: Hot Floor? Check out this Video from RVing with Tito. In this video he addresses the "Hot Floor" issue and gives tips on what can be done. Hopefully it will help you with your situation. https://youtu.be/Tzt87gYtMDY334Views0likes0CommentsRe: Buying a Former Rental Class C. How many of us out there?
radiojeffrv wrote: Hi all...1st time posting here :) Thanks for a ton of info about CA RVs. We are going to the Manassas Va CA this weekend to pick up a 2012 28A! Very excited!! I have a list of what to look for thanks to all of you. One question is...Does the 28A have and prewiring for a TV? Is a TV easy to add to the unit? Jeff Hi, radiojeffry: Yes, the 28A is pre-wired for a TV. That's one thing they don't tell you on their website on the list of options. The input for a cable-line is located in the same compartment as where the shore-line powercord is stored (driver's side). There is a small white plastic box above the inside of the shoreline storage compartment. Flip the latch open and tara!!! Cable line input. Now, inside the RV, look for the only power outlet in the cab-over (bed) area (it's above the driver). There you will see the cable-line input for the TV. This is also the ideal location for an LCD TV bracket which you will have to install. Remember, when you arrive to pick up your unit, take your time going through it. Some of those sales guys want to rush you out of there asap but try to resist. Take a tarp with you and go under the unit, look at the drive shaft and check for engine or tranny leaks. Open and close all cabinets and storage doors. I found several things that they fixed immediately on the spot before I drove off. Things like loose cabinet doors, bad smoke detector, stained furniture cushions, leaky faucets (especially in shower), blown out clearance lights (exterior) and blown out reverse light. They fixed all of these things before I signed papers. Finally, if you have the time, stay at a nearby camp ground so that you may test everything thoroughly before you leave out of state. This way you can drive back to the dealer and ask them to fix additional issues that you found. I know from experience that it wasn't until I started to fully use everything that I discovered more issues that they had to fix. Rest assured they will address anything that you find within 30 days even if you didn't buy the (extended, don't waste your money, warranty). Hopefully this helps and welcome to the CLUB!!! Must say I am happy with my 28A from CA. BTW....here's a few Pics319Views0likes0CommentsRe: Buying a Former Rental Class C. How many of us out there?
qcstang wrote: Hi All, first post in here. I will be able to retire at the the end of the month without penalty. So we are looking at buying a CA (CDN version) 2011 Majestic 28A. I have most of the information I need, but can someone please inform me as to what the Carrying capacity of a 28A is? Can't seem to find that info anywhere. Thanks for any help! Daniel. Hi, qcstang: Open the passenger door, and look right under the inside door handle. There you will see a Yellow label which indicates the Cargo Carrying capacity. I have a 28a and it states something around 3,144 lbs if my memory serves correct. With the door closed, the passenger seat kinda blocks this label and so it cannot be seen easily when the door is closed (see pic). Total that the motor home is designed to carry is 14500 lbs. With the motor home completely empty (empty tanks, only the driver, and empty storage) it should weigh in at about 10,500-11,000 lbs. If you have all tanks topped off: 9 gals propane, 6 gals water for water heater, 48 gals of city water and 55 gals of fuel, together all of this weighs about 830 lbs which would have to be subtracted from the 3,144. So real CCC is 2314 lbs. If you have 7 passengers and each one weighs an average of 154 lbs then take away another 1078 lbs. Which would finally leave you with 1236 lbs that can be a mixture of food, the dogs or pets, clothing or bikes and any camping equipment. Sorry I made the reply so long. I hope it helps. Also keep-in-mind that you can have the RV weighed on the CAT scales, Empty or Full, at a Loves, Flying-J or at the Pilot Travel centers.422Views0likes0CommentsRe: Buying a Former Rental Class C. How many of us out there?
510dogmom wrote: Mocoondo wrote: 510dogmom wrote: I'm reading about how CA cuts you off after you purchase and will not repair items they promise to once the rig is off the lot. I purchased mine with an email agreement that they would fix a number of items. That was two weeks ago and they are still "waiting for the parts to come in." I am getting anxious as I am 15 days out since purchase. Any advice? What parts? Oh, sorry, I understand your question now. New cover for the mattress, fixing tear in screen door, replace parts on the windows to keep them up, repair a chip in the window, check the heater... things like that. Wow, I thought I was the only one experiencing this. So this is my story. Back in Feb 2017 I purchased an 2012 Majestic 28A from CA in Florida. Everything worked which was great news but being the DIY guy that I am I just had to dig deeper and really go thru every nook and cranny. What did I find? I had several of the light covers falling off when on the road, shower head (flow stop button) was leaking when I would engage the stop, shower faucet hose also leaked via the seal, Ventline roof vent seals were yellow and cracking, restroom mirror had a bad latch, dump sewer line was leaking right at the discharge valves with both valves fully closed (didn't notice until I started using it), cover for table leg storage was missing and water leak was seen coming out of one of the Rooftop A/C vents after RV sat in Storage lot in periods of rain. The Sales guy in Orlando told me that if I find any issues, within the 30 days after I purchased the unit, to give him a call or email him. So I took pictures of all the things that i found and sent an explanation of what the issues were. I got a call back almost immediately. The sales guy in Orlando got me in touch with the parts guy from CA in Phoenix. This gentleman also called me and gave me his email. I explained that I am a DIY'r and so if CA would simply send me the replacement items, I would repair the issues myself. So he said He would and it took me several more, reminder emails and voice mails (March thru April) until just a few days ago I finally received a huge box full of parts. Mind you I only asked for new seals for the shower head, new seals for the dump valves, the gasket for the A/C unit, the plastic light covers, the latch for the restroom mirror, the Ventline Roof vent seals and the cover for the table leg storage compartment. Well, they must have felt really bad, for making me wait for so long, because in the box was 3 brand new Ventline Vents (the whole unit) with metal frames and all and 3 packages of new seals also, an entire restroom mirror door (brand new), the table leg storage cover and base, 3 sets of the Warm LED light fixtures (only asked for the covers), the entire shower faucet assembly and hose, complete with new shower head, roof A/C gasket and the dump valve complete assemblies (new valves) for the gray and black water tanks. When my wife called to tell me the box arrived, I was expecting a very small box instead I see the huge box in my living room with the new replacement parts. I was just about to right off CA but will not. It was very generous of them and each time I spoke to the CA parts guys on the phone he was very pleasant and was very apologetic for any delays. They have made a life-time customer out of me. I did have to be persistent however. So don't quit on asking for repairs or parts. I hope they can address all of your issues.440Views0likes0CommentsRe: Buying a Former Rental Class C. How many of us out there?
Hello, All: I know it's been awhile but I finally purchased a unit from Cruise America. It's a 2012 Thor Majestic 28a (30ft). For now I have some pics of the unit. I will have a followup soon of the Good, the Bad and the Ugly. Here she is:497Views0likes0CommentsRe: Buying a Former Rental Class C. How many of us out there?
Thanks, gotsmart: I did consider doing a Home Equity Loan but the problem is that there is very little equity for my home. After 2008 (when this economy went to He%@&) my home value went way down. I was upside down for awhile but now am finally leveling out as the home value is slowly starting to climb again. I ended up contacting Cruise America and they had a list of loan companies that they have worked with in the past. So now am awaiting responses from some of them. So far CA has been very helpful in answering all of my questions and have been great to work with. My unit is already reserved. Last I heard it is in it's final stages of refurbishing. I can't wait!!! Steve-OTR542Views0likes0CommentsRe: Buying a Former Rental Class C. How many of us out there?
Hello, All: In about 12 days I will be driving out to the Cruise America in Orlando, FL. to pick up a Majestic Four Winds 28A. Naturally I started to look for financing options and found some pretty great rates from many lending institutions but I have run into a Snag. I am learning, very quickly, that many RV finance Companies will either Not finance or Finance at a higher rate if the Rig, that your are trying to buy, has more than 100K miles on it. Sure most units from former rental companies are not older than 5 years but they do have over 60K miles on them (60K is the max on Gasoline engines that your unit can have for most finance institutions to even consider the loan). The unit I am interested in 110,000 miles on it. I would love to hear from anyone who has had to finance in order to buy a former rental unit. Who did you go with or what was your experience? My goal is to obtain a 120 month or 10 year loan with a competitive rate. Good Sam and Essex Credit (which I think are the same company) both do not finance RV's that are over 60,000 miles on a gasoline engine. As always, its great to hear from you all. Trying to stay positive (thought of purchasing new already rolled through my mind once). Thanks. Steve542Views0likes0Comments
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