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Date Posted |
Forum
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Suggestions on where to RV in Cali with good cell reception

My wife has a few days coming up between clinical rotations and nursing school fun, so we want to take the RV out. However, I have two meetings that I have to be present at during this time, so we need to be in an area that has good, consistent cell reception.
I have found one place, Williams Hill, that is relatively close, but there are no hiking trails and not much to do unless you have OHVs (dirt bikes, 4 wheelers, etc). The cell reception is amazing though : )
If we could find a place within lets say 4-8 hours (I know...quite a range) from Monterey Bay that would be awesome. I'm struggling to find something with all the continued closures for camping.
Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
-thomas
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TwistedGray
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02/26/21 10:35am |
RV Parks, Campgrounds and Attractions
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RE: Buying a Former Rental Class C. How many of us out there?

Driving to VA. To pickup 28a inspection went well ,1 minor issue shower door rollers out of track. Anyone have any problem receiving title from CA they say 30 -45 days (why so long?) they give you a Temp plate But my state doesn’t recognize Temp plates (MA) . Hopefully all goes well!
Titles are held at corporate I think (Mesa, AZ). It's a process...try waiting 3+ months for plates and/or registration (still waiting).
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TwistedGray
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02/20/21 09:47am |
Class C Motorhomes
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RE: Buying a Former Rental Class C. How many of us out there?

Vehicle: (2015) 2017 Majestic 19G
Problem: The coach battery only powers the 120v outlets when the RV is connected to shore power or when/if the generator is running.
Question: Does anyone know what would have to be done to have it so that I can utilize the coach's battery without being plugged in or having the generator running? If someone has a wiring diagram for this model, that would be great.
I am looking into adding a secondary battery bank; however, based on our power requirements I think I could get away with just tapping into the coach's battery for outlet power and recharging the battery when in motion (or using the generator). I do not need constant power from the coach battery, but I would like to tap into it without having to dump $500-750 in battery gear (or running the generator).
Hi
Finding it frustrating that I can not post a small size photo from my computer:(
1.Ok the cheapeast and easiet way is to buy an inverter. We brought a full sine wave 1000w inverter which was bigger than the power we intended to want, so as not to overload.
2. Fitted just above the main battery locker and used 2 cables the same size as the main battery cables to join battery to invertor. This required 2 drill holes in the floor.
3.Hole cut out in the panel next to the invertor for direct access to 110V and 12V oulet socket on inverter. The inverter had 2 x 110V socket.
4. As required we plugged into these outlets, including a short extension lead sometimes.
5. This means the system is totally seperate from your house 110V sockets and you never have to worry about the 2 systems shorting out.
We ran no problem from this using laptop, fans, keybpoard, charging phones etc whilst boondocking. Even at Lake Mead for 14 days in 100F in the summer.
USB sockets
1.Buy ones with 2.1A and 1A outlet on them (Amazon/ebay). make sure they have a mounting back plate as wellUSB socket
2. Remove a 12v light and pull through existing 12v light cable.
3.Join cables to this and then to the usb outlets you fit, having fed the cables back up the light hole to your USB outlet position.
4. Refit light.
5. Suggest also fitting on/off switch next to usb if they have a blue power LED light with them. This stops the glow at night and the small power consumption when in storage.
you will find lots of info in the Owners Essential RV Handbook on Amazon
This is VERY helpful, and if you have photos you can share of you documenting the process and/or photos after the fact (like now) showing where things are that would be great.
I have an electrician friend coming up next week to do some house work, and I've been talking with him about "fixing" this issue with the RV.
Feel free to email me at skionic at yahoo dot com
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TwistedGray
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02/16/21 05:09pm |
Class C Motorhomes
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RE: Buying a Former Rental Class C. How many of us out there?

I'm contemplating buying a Cruise America 23A Thor Majestic. Is the pricing pretty firm to the price listed on their website or did anyone on this form negotiate a better price with them? I see they are baseing their pricing on mileage mostly. Thanks!
Yes, their prices are mileage based, and no, there is no wiggle room in the prices.
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TwistedGray
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02/16/21 05:07pm |
Class C Motorhomes
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RE: Buying a Former Rental Class C. How many of us out there?

The only thing I could find is when you asked before and fadumpt answered
Yeah, I do remember that...thanks. I forgot who responded!
The issue that I've unearthed is that I do not have the power/ground access that they have. They noted, "There is a power block and ground block in that space and we tapped in to that."
In the 19G, the only electrical under the seat that is accessible is for the water pump, I believe, and the Co2 detector. I don't have main power/ground access.
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TwistedGray
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02/16/21 05:04pm |
Class C Motorhomes
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RE: Buying a Former Rental Class C. How many of us out there?

Vehicle: (2015) 2017 Majestic 19G
Problem: The coach battery only powers the 120v outlets when the RV is connected to shore power or when/if the generator is running.
Question: Does anyone know what would have to be done to have it so that I can utilize the coach's battery without being plugged in or having the generator running? If someone has a wiring diagram for this model, that would be great.
I am looking into adding a secondary battery bank; however, based on our power requirements I think I could get away with just tapping into the coach's battery for outlet power and recharging the battery when in motion (or using the generator). I do not need constant power from the coach battery, but I would like to tap into it without having to dump $500-750 in battery gear (or running the generator).
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TwistedGray
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02/13/21 01:34pm |
Class C Motorhomes
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RE: Buying a Former Rental Class C. How many of us out there?

Hello Everyone OP here again.
It has been a little more than 2 years since I have given a progress report on my ownership of a Former Rental.
Remind everyone what model : )
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TwistedGray
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02/05/21 10:28am |
Class C Motorhomes
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RE: Buying a Former Rental Class C. How many of us out there?

I am hoping that you folks are right. I could self insure. But replacing an engine, transmission, generator, refrigerator can set you back a whole bunch. But then again it's $4,000 for the service plans which I would have to exceed in repairs in order to break even. So, guess I will think about this a little more.
It is also your time and heart ticks sitting on a phone call with an insurance agency who has a reputation of making things extremely difficult on the policy holder. Do you want to put yourself through that?
What's the likelihood that those big ticket items are going to break down before your extended warranty period is up? One in ten, one in a hundred, ...
Is it worth the stress and uncertainties working with the company on repairs, or would you rather bank the $4k and fix things when they come up immediately without concern if the company is going to pay out? $4k can fix a lot of things!
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TwistedGray
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01/28/21 11:50am |
Class C Motorhomes
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RE: Buying a Former Rental Class C. How many of us out there?

Hi
I ordered a 28a2017 through the Manassas va. Location . Anyone have any information about getting an inspection in that area . They say they are refurbished in Mesa Az. And then driven to va. Via .hired driver or 1 way rental. Has anyone purchased extended warranty and attempted to use it . Should I expect or ask for anew set of tires . Should batteries be new ? Do they do a complete trans mission fluid change with a new screen.
I skipped the warranty when I looked at the small print. The 30 day one is quite comprehensive though so make sure you take a trip in that time.
They don't change fluids - or test them. I had a complete fluid test and was told "well you can change it if you want". I did.
The battery will be original as long as it holds some charge. The tires will be as is unless illegal.
I did use an outside inspector (in Denver so not a lot of good for you I'm afraid) and I'm glad I did. When they refurbished the roof they didn't finish it correctly.
Thanks for the information
According to the Cruise America brochure and the Orlando Sales Manager they provide a 3 month/3,000 mile Power Train Warranty. We will plan on using the motor home quite a bit within that 3 months in order to shake out any imperfections. By the way, does CA give you any of the supporting equipment such as Water Pressure Regulator, 30 AMP Surge Protector, Water Hose and Sewage Line, etc.?
Water house and sewage line - yes
Everything else - not to my knowledge
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TwistedGray
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01/25/21 11:25am |
Class C Motorhomes
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RE: Buying a Former Rental Class C. How many of us out there?

Just ordered one of the 19G's today and will be available for pickup February 25th. Will get it professionally inspected including fluids analysis before final payment. Don't think I will be getting the Extended Service Agreements. CA pays up to $300 for a one way car rental to Orlando. Will keep the forum appraised of the progress.
Congrats!!
https://www.facebook.com/groups/402432987512698
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TwistedGray
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01/23/21 05:00pm |
Class C Motorhomes
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RE: Buying a Former Rental Class C. How many of us out there?

Hi
I ordered a 28a2017 through the Manassas va. Location . Anyone have any information about getting an inspection in that area . They say they are refurbished in Mesa Az. And then driven to va. Via .hired driver or 1 way rental. Has anyone purchased extended warranty and attempted to use it . Should I expect or ask for anew set of tires . Should batteries be new ? Do they do a complete trans mission fluid change with a new screen.
So you ordered an RV from them without having them answer any of these questions/concerns? You're far braver than others :)
Extended warranty - search the forum. There is already plenty of information on this topic.
Tires - mine came with new or at least newer tires, but you should ask your point of contact at C.A.
Batteries - mine came with a new vehicle battery and not a new coach batter, but you should ask your point of contact at C.A.
Trans fluid change - Mine came serviced, but you should ask your point of contact at C.A.
The common theme is that "your mileage may vary" and you should reach out to the person that you just bought it from rather than the forum. Your experience may vary from my experience which may vary from Bob's experience which may vary...
Edited to add - as you can see from the above reply to your post, your mileage WILL vary!
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TwistedGray
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01/22/21 01:16pm |
Class C Motorhomes
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RE: Buying a Former Rental Class C. How many of us out there?

I created a Facebook group for 19G owners and/or those interested. If you are a social butterfly and want to join here's the link - https://www.facebook.com/groups/402432987512698.
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TwistedGray
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01/19/21 05:17pm |
Class C Motorhomes
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RE: Your Favorite Boondocking Pics

Nice pics. Oh how I wish we could go out for some camping right now.
Thanks! I was fortunate enough to find this dispersed BLM spot, and it's about 75ish miles from home so reasonably located. A fair amount of single lane, unpaved, too, but it's well maintained. We'll see how well maintained after we get a week's worth of rain this coming week though...
We were also treated with abnormally warm weekend. In fact, it's in the mid/high 70s right now...back down to the 50s in a few days with the rain.
With everything closed, we are grateful for BLM lands.
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TwistedGray
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01/18/21 04:41pm |
Public Lands, Boondocking and Dry Camping
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RE: Buying a Former Rental Class C. How many of us out there?

Let me explain a little more in detail. We are both Senior Citizens, 80 and 72. For the last few years we've been driving our SUV to various destinations and en-route staying in Hampton Inns. At our destinations we usually stay in AIRbnb properties for up to a week. As we get older it becomes more difficult to drive long distances in a car(SUV)having to stop every so often for bathroom breaks, food, and resting. The same difficulties entail when we get to our destination and having to use our car to get around. With a small motor home we can drive to our destinations and explore at our destinations in comfort. Still staying overnight at Hampton Inns and AIRbnb's will maximize our comfort over staying in an RV Park at night. No hooking up, unhooking, leveling, dumping the black tank a lot, lack of Wi Fi and TV, and putting up with typical noise to include rug rats and animals in RV Parks. If we did stay in RV Parks it would have to be in the higher end parks or adult only parks where the price would approach that of Hampton Inn and AIRbnb properties. I don't mean to sound officious. When you get to be my age you are not much interested in going along to get along. Only what's best for yourself and your partner.
No one will ever complain about more detailed information especially when you're asking for recommendations. You've helped to confirm my suspicions : )
Yes, I think the 19G would be just fine for your use. It has everything you need and more should you ever need it. Just remember that you are also going to be doubling your gas expenses compared to your SUV.
Small size, very maneuverable through cities, plenty of headroom, all bathroom amenities, small fridge/freezer (aka cooler), a dinette area to have lunches/dinners, a small two-burner stove top, and turning the dinette into a bed would provide a temporary napping area. I know you old folks love your naps (completely kidding here), lol.
Have conversed in person and via email with the Cruise America Sales Manager and he emailed me both of the Extended Service Agreements for powertrain and coach. The Cornerstone Service Agreement seems to cover everything, powertrain and coach. The United Service Protection covers only the powertrain. CA told me that the Cornerstone Agreement covers only the coach even though it shows the coverage for both. If the Cornerstone Agreement did cover both then I would not need the United Service Agreement for an extra $1,800. Can anyone clarify this for me? You can see by the agreement itself that it does cover both.
My only comment here is that most people do not buy extended warranties as they're rarely used (you can search this and any RV forum and find the same). You will also find that Cruise America is a pushy when it comes to extended warranties; whereas, other companies don't. There is a reason...
My two cents is to save the money you'll spend on the warranties and have it on standby should you need it, and in the interim either go through it yourself with a fine tooth comb or pay the $ for an inspection. If you are missing a screw, a tab is broken somewhere, something is lose, etc make sure to note that with your C.A. contact.
From everything I have read online and experienced myself, they are good when it comes to meeting the buyer's expectations.
Last thought - If you are going to buy it, buy it when you are ready to go on a trip to maximize the likelihood of breaking anything on the verge of breaking.
Okay, really the final thought ... a lot of people might recommend that you look into El Monte RV's used fleet as well. While they are more expensive, they are usually a better quality, and they have complete maintenance history as compared to C.A. which provides you with nothing.
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TwistedGray
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01/18/21 02:54pm |
Class C Motorhomes
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RE: Class C Campsite Photos. Show your stuff.

Tough to get views like that out a motel/hotel window ;-)
Even if you could, it wouldn't be that quiet ; )
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TwistedGray
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01/18/21 12:26pm |
Class C Motorhomes
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RE: Class C Campsite Photos. Show your stuff.

Williams Hill
San Ardo, California
https://i.imgur.com/vMWMA1l.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/PBMla8x.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/867VgiY.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/7kKTYtr.jpg
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TwistedGray
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01/18/21 11:27am |
Class C Motorhomes
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RE: Buying a Former Rental Class C. How many of us out there?

One of the pet peeves that I have with the 19G bathroom sink is that it leaves very little room to get under the faucet with your hands.
It would be nice if the spout sat further out and/or higher up or the basin was deeper and had a similar shape to the kitchen sink. I assume it'll be easier to replace the faucet, but considering that the shower head is mounted to the faucet system, I am not sure.
That is going to annoy me though, so something has to change there.
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TwistedGray
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01/18/21 11:26am |
Class C Motorhomes
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RE: Buying a Former Rental Class C. How many of us out there?

We had a quick look at the 19G a few years ago and thought the loft bed area was pretty small. Are you sleeping up there or in the dinette?
The loft bed is a queen size bed, so plenty of space.
We slept in the loft bed area just fine with a 4 inch mattress topper. There is plenty of room to get comfortable without feeling tooooooooo claustrophobic even with removing four inches of height in lieu of comfort. We are only up there to sleep...if we just want to lay and lounge, the dinette serves that purpose.
In the summer we'll probably split it (wife up top and me on the dinette) just to stretch out more and to not get too hot.
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TwistedGray
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01/18/21 11:22am |
Class C Motorhomes
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RE: RVing in the winter

2,700ft
40F
Mattress topper
Sheets (duh)
Thin blanket on top of sheet, duvet and comforter on top of that, and a quilt on top of that
We were HOT underneath all that while the RV's internal temp was about 55F without any heater running
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TwistedGray
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01/18/21 11:18am |
Class C Motorhomes
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RE: ~Post your campsite photos here~

With all the state, regional, and national parks are closed to overnight stays I found a BLM spot somewhat nearby. Williams Hill (San Ardo, CA).
The road becomes dirt for the last 10ish miles or so, and I was happy to find it in pretty great condition all things considered.
https://i.imgur.com/vMWMA1l.jpg
They have something like 5-7 developed spots with picnic tables, fire rings, and overhead canopies, but there are also about a dozen large open areas that you can camp, too (without the tables, ring, ...). We ended up right outside the main developed area in a nice level spot. I didn't use the makeshift fire ring you can see in the photo due to the pines nearby and the ground being littered in pine needles. I don't need that in my life...
https://i.imgur.com/PBMla8x.jpg
The cat did well on the trip mostly sleeping in his cubby until we arrived.
https://i.imgur.com/867VgiY.jpg
Nice sunsets on top of the mountain (crispy 40F at night).
https://i.imgur.com/Ee76aJ6.jpg
Can't complain about waking up to this view.
https://i.imgur.com/7kKTYtr.jpg
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TwistedGray
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01/18/21 11:16am |
RV Parks, Campgrounds and Attractions
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