Buying a Former Rental Class C. How many of us out there?

[IAMICHABOD]

While researching these pages for my next Motor Home I saw a few threads discussing Rentals, most were Pros and Cons but very few posts from people who had purchased one.

I thought it may be a good resource and helpful to hear from these people. The good, the bad, what they liked and what they didn’t. Also if they had any problems, things they changed, if they would recommend this to others or do it again.

Here is my story: I am not a novice, having owned a Class A for more than 15 years and doing the camping thing with my wife and two daughters, I can say “been there done that” But life changes, and I sold everything so I have been away from this for several years. Starting over I lurked here for a while and got a lot of good insight then went looking.

My criteria was: A Class C within by budget, less than 30 feet so I can keep it at home, saving storage $, a rear bed, and a lot of storage space.

What fit that was Winnebago, Fleetwood and a few others, what I found mostly was Jamboree / Tioga 26Q. In the year models 2002 thru 2006. I did my home work looking at NADA and other sites to find the fair prices for the models that I was looking for.

After several months of searching the internet, Craigslist, private ads and Dealerships for a Class C that suited my budget and needs, this is what I found. Of the dozen or so I inquired about.Most were upsidedown in their payments, owing more than they were worth. All were on Ford Chassis, 7 needed tires, all had the original 7 to 10 year old tires, and they all needed repair of the awning and most needed some work inside or out and the maintenance records were sketchy, but most had low mileage. The Dealerships offerings were better but they had a profit margin to maintain so I got older models within my budget or huge up sales that didn’t work for me.

My next step was looking at the rental market for sales. In my area there are 2 large companies that have rental sales, Cruise America and El Monte RV,who also sell Class A RVs.

First up was El Monte RV Their units are production RVs that are made by major manufactures, with TV antennas and hookups inside and out, Ducted A/C and heat, 2 house batteries, a rear ladder and parts are readily available from those manufacture’s. I looked at their web site and it detailed their warranty and what was checked and serviced by their factory trained technicians. The unit I looked at was like new inside, the upholstery on all the seats was new as was the floor mat in the driver’s area, it had a new mattress, still in plastic and a new bedspread. All of the curtains were new also. Newer (2010 mfg date) tires with 98% rubber and the mileage was ninety thousand (90,000).

Then there was Cruise America: Their units that I looked at seemed to be Spartan,no TV antenna or hookups for one,non-ducted A/C,small counter space and only one battery, no rear ladder for inspection and maintenance of roof and built just for them, they were all “refreshed” their words not mine. They offered extended warranties at a huge cost. All had high mileage, one hundred and thirty thousand (130,000) or more and the price range seemed a little high. The sales staff had a take it or leave it attitude and were not very forthcoming when asked about maintenance records and service,they claim to have proprietary info in those records,It doesn't seem to be a problem for El Monte RV.

At El Monte RV I took a test ride; This Unit was a 2006 Tioga 26Q on a Chevrolet Chassis it rode
Drove and handled much better than the Fords that I had driven. It also had more leg room and was quieter. We got back and I asked about the service and maintenance on it, the salesman, Joey, handed me a 28 page single spaced document asked if I wanted some coffee or something to drink and said “read this and if you have any questions I will answer them”.

It detailed everything that was done before and after each rental, the mileage, generator hours and hours billed. Each time it was washed and detailed inside and outside, all fluids were checked and replenished if needed, the holding tanks were washed, LP system was checked for leaks, all torque on wheel lugs were checked, brakes front and rear checked for wear and cracks, pressure in tires, all appliances, generator oil, lights inside and outside, the list goes on and on.

It also listed all oil changes,coolant change,trans service,fuel injector service and cleaning,fuel filters,air filter, new brakes, all repairs and replacements all with date, mileage and time spent in complete detail from day one to when it was pulled from the rental fleet and was refurbished. I have a complete service record on this vehicle.Also the service records on the Onan Generator,all oil changes,air filter and spark plug replacement with hours and date. I negotiated a good deal with them and am very happy with my purchase.

It came with a 1 yr. 12000 mile power train warranty and 30 day on all appliances. It also came with a 28 page maintenance record that detailed everything. Also the original sales packet from Fleetwood with the manual and serial numbers on all appliances,refrigerator, microwave,furnace, AC, water heater, etc. and the manual for the Chassis. I have had no problems with it so far.

(ON EDIT) 5 Years and close to 14000 miles.Just Scheduled Maintenance and new tires,old ones were at the 5 year mark and I wanted new Michelin LTX M/S2s.

There were a few things that it didn’t have as it was a rental and the ones from private parties did have.
• Power steps, outside Stereo/CD don’t need or want them.
• An Awning, this I wanted and had installed. A Swivel Seat and a new Window in The Door that I installed.
• Wheel Simulators, I like the looks so I had them installed and at the same time had Tire Man valve stem kit put on.
• Replaced the Chinese WFCO with a US Made converter/charger
• It came with mini blinds and not the day/night that most have, these are more practical and have a lot less failure.

• It also came with Stainless Steel sinks,easier to maintain than the cheap plastic ones that come in the noncommercial units.
  

I am very happy with my Rig, it suites my needs and it was in my Budget range, I think I got a good deal.

So if you bought a rental please share your experience here for others to use as a resource.
Or if there are any other questions that have not been covered in these pages, just ask, there are many helpful people on this thread.

[IAMICHABOD]

Hoerschel,Merry Christmas and congratulations on your BIG Present..
I will put you on the list of Happy Former Rental owners you will be # 111

It looks like you got what you wanted with that huge rear storage,and were happy with the quality and construction.It sounds like the sale went smoothly and the sales staff had everything up to your satisfaction.

Thanks for the picture,it looks very nice. I see that it is one that came with no window in the door,it is really nice to have and one of our members,MtnBikeMarty, put one in and did a nice job See it Here

I see that you decided to keep the $500 in you pocket for maintenance and gave a thorough going-over,that sounds like a good choice.

Again welcome and have a great time in you Former Rental and after a few trips come on back and let us know how it is going.

[andydallas]

Ok I closed on my 28A from CA- Phoenix yesterday, some good and a few things that I wasn't really happy with in the process. First everyone was extremely nice and helpful, there were a few things that needed attention (like the grill Ford emblem which looked like it had gone through a blender, not sure how they didn't see that)

The thing I was not happy with was the process. I had sent everything to them, and they knew I would be there Monday morning at 8:30 for a week. I had told them I needed to drive from Phoenix back to Dallas, so needed to move quickly when I was there. First even knowing I was coming for a week, no one knew where my MH was, they couldn't find it. They took about an hour to locate it, then it had no gas, well below a 1/4 tank so I can't even start the generator. They had told me it would take 2 hours, I figured 2-3, I left after 6 hours without even getting to test drive the unit. They just do not have the sales process down very smooth. Again, everyone was very nice, but as I was getting ready to leave (after 6 hours), they put 15 gallons of gas in so at least I could start the generator for a minute.

If you are coming in from out of town plan on being there at least one full day, OR have it inspected, they miss some small things (but were pretty quick to fix0

Drive from Phoenix to Dallas was great, 1070 miles and got back 24 hours after leaving (I had to be back for a party). Motor Home seems in Great shape, I am happy with the purchase, just wish they had been prepared (they would print out a form, then have to reprint it etc etc, really a headache, you sat and waited

Now I am a happy 28A owner

[Hoerschel]

Campingalan--
No, I decided to keep the $500 in my pocket for later maintenance after I gave it a thorough going-over myself.

[campingalan]

Hoerschel wrote:
Completed our purchase of a Thor 28A Fourwinds Majestic 30' Class C from Cruise America in Denver with 111,500 miles. Refurbishments look fine. Like the no-frills but good quality construction. Salesman made sure everything was working to my satisfaction before leaving. I'm impressed with the power of the Ford E-450. Had no problems keeping up with traffic on the busy interstate. The key feature that sold us on this unit was the rear storage. I got two 8' kayaks and two 60 pound folding e-bikes back there. Solved a lot of issues from our previous trailer arrangement where I had to tie down the boats on roof racks and lift the bikes up high to get them in the back of my pickup camper. Now, we have no more high heavy lifting and the toys are secure from theft and the elements by being out-of-sight in a closed compartment. Unless you've got a huge Class A, I don't know of any other Class C where this is possible.

Hello from the San Juan Mountains!! Many congrats on your purchase!! I am contemplating doing this also. Did you end up bring in a 3rd party inspector?

[Hoerschel]

Completed our purchase of a Thor 28A Fourwinds Majestic 30' Class C from Cruise America in Denver with 111,500 miles. Refurbishments look fine. Like the no-frills but good quality construction. Salesman made sure everything was working to my satisfaction before leaving. I'm impressed with the power of the Ford E-450. Had no problems keeping up with traffic on the busy interstate. The key feature that sold us on this unit was the rear storage. I got two 8' kayaks and two 60 pound folding e-bikes back there. Solved a lot of issues from our previous trailer arrangement where I had to tie down the boats on roof racks and lift the bikes up high to get them in the back of my pickup camper. Now, we have no more high heavy lifting and the toys are secure from theft and the elements by being out-of-sight in a closed compartment. Unless you've got a huge Class A, I don't know of any other Class C where this is possible.

Click For Full-Size Image.

[IAMICHABOD]

andydallas Welcome to the Forum and the Former Rental Owners Club.

As I said before that The inspection is really up to you,if you are confident in the overall condition I would not spend that money,just keep it and spend it as needed on maintenance.

As for the awning the price seems to be in line with the prices today,but if they are rolling it into your payment just know that you are paying interest on that $995,If you have the money just have it installed later.

On one note there are a few members that have negotiated a free awning into the deal when buying from Cruise America,might give it a try.

Also are getting the The Fly & Buy program that is limited to $300 maximum, and limited to the price actually paid for the ticket.you may be able to roll that into your awning price.

When you buy please come on back and share your experiences and thoughts on your purchase.

Good luck!

[IAMICHABOD]

Hoerschel Welcome to the Forum and the Former Rental Owners Club.

The inspection is really up to you,if you are confident in the overall condition I would not spend that money,just keep it and spend it as needed on maintenance.

As for the extended warranty, I have looked thru the whole thread and found no one that has used it and only one that used the Warranty that came with the unit when they bought it.

The extended warranty (insurance policy) is up to you, but they are just that, and are in the business of making money not paying out if they can. The fine print or the interpretation of it is up to them.

While checking on the warranty for both El Monte RV and CA I noticed that CA has shortened theirs to 3 months/3000 miles while El Monte RV has kept their 1 year/12000 mile warranty that is free when buying the RV. Looks like they are really pushing the extended warranty as they did when I was looking for my RV,they were the same back then.

My experience with one was not a good one,long story,and not a good one.

I would just put that money aside and use if needed. I do not know of anyone yet that has used the extended warranty.

When you buy please come on back and share your experiences and thoughts on your purchase.

Good luck!

[andydallas]

I just put a deposit down on a Majestic 28A from Phoenix, will pick up 12/23. I will not see the unit (except in pictures) until I fly in, was also wondering about using an inspector. I ask about awning, said they would add one for $995, of course if I buy it now it will be calculated into the payment so it is tempting

[Hoerschel]

Put a deposit down on a 2015 Majestic from CA in Denver. Test drive went well, minor coach repairs agreed to. Unit has 111,000 miles on the clock. Was listed at $28,985 but got a $2k discount for putting deposit down during Black Friday sale. Wondering about wisdom of paying $500 for an RVIA inspector at this point before taking delivery on 12/24. Judging from previous posts and confidence people have had in CA doing essential maintenance, would this money be better spent on routine maintenance that will be needed anyway. Also, seeking feedback from folks who have actually used the coach / power train extended service contracts. Worthwhile or should I self-insure? I'm not a handyman but can do basic repairs. Thanks for feedback.

[IAMICHABOD]

roam1 wrote:
just a follow-up
I did contact a person in customer service and they supplied me with the framing diagrams I need to add a ladder and roof rack. ALP has been great to deal with!

This is good to know,that they have that information and are willing to share it with you,that is great customer service!

[IAMICHABOD]

TRM1 #106 :B

Thanks for coming back and telling us how everything is going.It sounds like you are getting the use out of it you wanted and are pleased with your choice to buy a Former Rental, with no major mechanical problems.

The mods you described sound great and I am sure that they have been a real boost to your enjoyment of the RV.

It does sound like you have had a few problems to take care of because of the previous owners,that is something you have no control over and it seems like you have fixed them all.

It looks like that your plan to buy,enjoy it and also rent it out has worked out well.

This has worked out for some others as well.

A few weeks back while camping, as I was pedaling around the camp ground I came upon a Majestic RV, I stopped and talked to the people there and asked how they liked their Former Rental.

I was surprised by their answer,they were a Chinese couple and their 3 children and an older gentleman.

They told me that they had rented it. They said that a person from their community had 5 of them and only rented to members of that community they lived in,there is a large Chinese community near here and it seem that he is doing well at this because they said that they had to make reservations many months in advance.

So I guess that there are many owners of Former Rentals that have made good use of their RV no matter how it is used.

Thanks again for coming back and sharing your experiences with that Former Rental.

I hope that your camping season goes well,I am loading up right now for our annual Thanksgiving Trip,hope it doesn't rain.

[roam1]

IAMICHABOD wrote:

roam1 wrote:
You said that you contacted Adventurer for some help, Was that the company in Yakima Washington? Yes!

Was clearing custom pretty much straight forward with no problems?
The Country RV driver brought the rv through customs, completed the import paperwork and handed me the paperwork and keys on the US side, it took about 30 minutes

I also assume that the chassis was US built and 50 state emissions compliant and if you got the 2017 model was it built on a 2016 chassis as most of them here are on a year earlier. My 19RD is a 2018 model on a 2017 chassis, meets all US emissions and safety standards.

Thanks for the replies IN RED this is all very good information,I will keep that tucked away for future use.

I would like to contact someone at ALP and ask a few questions about their Class Cs and see if they have any plans to release their products in The US. Any help there would be nice.
Thanks again and have fun with those mods.

just a follow-up
I did contact a person in customer service and they supplied me with the framing diagrams I need to add a ladder and roof rack. ALP has been great to deal with!

[TRM1]

Coming up on a year and still going strong. Some new tires, some new pinstripes (from a careless renter) and over 7k new miles since we purchased it. We towed waverunners to Mojave this summer and more recently our CanAm X3 Max to Ocotillo on a 14' trailer. Nearly 187k miles as I type this. The rentals I've had have nearly paid for the RV within a year.

Not a single major mechanical issue so far. I've fixed the floppy passenger mirror issue, vacuum loss when climbing hills affecting the dash vents, and will change the oil for the second time this weekend. There's no oil consumption and no drips or issues of any kind are evident on the bottom of the motor.

I've dealt with several plumbing issues caused by crappy repairs before my ownership. We replaced the shower pan base with a new one and I had to redo the black tank connections and vent.

The biggest job by far was ripping out the floor under the toilet in the bathroom to replace all of the plumbing and rotted board from a leaky valve. We had to remove the entire "vanity" and move it into the hallway. This was a 2 day project with some help and I'm glad to have it done.

I've added a PS3 and 40" TV with Vizio soundbar to the front above the couch along with a 1500w pure sine inverter so the girls can watch blueray disc or play minecraft while underway.

I added hinges to the top of the dinette seat closest to the driver so I could use that storage and also installed the wireless sub from the soundbar underneath.

Still thrilled with my decision to buy a high mileage ex-rental. It's basically free for me to use at this point and will start making me money in the spring. I have 3 more renters scheduled starting in March. In the meantime we will continue to enjoy it.

[IAMICHABOD]

roam1 wrote:
You said that you contacted Adventurer for some help, Was that the company in Yakima Washington? Yes!

Was clearing custom pretty much straight forward with no problems?
The Country RV driver brought the rv through customs, completed the import paperwork and handed me the paperwork and keys on the US side, it took about 30 minutes

I also assume that the chassis was US built and 50 state emissions compliant and if you got the 2017 model was it built on a 2016 chassis as most of them here are on a year earlier. My 19RD is a 2018 model on a 2017 chassis, meets all US emissions and safety standards.

Thanks for the replies IN RED this is all very good information,I will keep that tucked away for future use.

I would like to contact someone at ALP and ask a few questions about their Class Cs and see if they have any plans to release their products in The US. Any help there would be nice.
Thanks again and have fun with those mods.

[roam1]

IAMICHABOD wrote:
roam1, Welcome back, I will put you on the list of Former Rental Owners that have contributed to this Thread, you will be #110

Thanks for coming back and sharing your experiences in buying a Former Rental,that was a very informative write up and I am sure it will help others. Also that you would do it again.

The CCC and GVWR sound very good for a small rig and the GCWR does allow for towing. The new tires was a nice surprise!

You said that you contacted Adventurer for some help, Was that the company in Yakima Washington? Yes!

Was clearing custom pretty much straight forward with no problems?
The Country RV driver brought the rv through customs, completed the import paperwork and handed me the paperwork and keys on the US side, it took about 30 minutes

I also assume that the chassis was US built and 50 state emissions compliant and if you got the 2017 model was it built on a 2016 chassis as most of them here are on a year earlier. My 19RD is a 2018 model on a 2017 chassis, meets all US emissions and safety standards.

Its great to hear that it has worked flawlessly for 3 months and 3000 miles. I now have almost 10 years and aprox 30000 miles on mine and it also has been flawless with no major problems.

Welcome again and I hope that all your camping and mods go as smoothly as possible,please return at anytime and let us know how it is going.

Thanks! I contacted ALP again this week and hoping to get the framing data I need to install a ladder and surfboard rack, I am optimistic it will all work out, gentleman I spoke was helpful and looking for what I need.