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03-18-2018, 10:44 AM
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#1
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Junior Member
Join Date: Mar 2018
Posts: 13
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Buying rental RV's?
Just getting ready to dip our toes into the wonderful world of RV's.
We are looking at a late summer, early fall purchase.
Looking for a Class C in the 23-26 foot range. Plan to tow a race car on an open trailer that is about 4000lbs.
Will be used primarily to camp on weekends, with little to no campground services. Will be used secondarily for random camping weekends with no trailer.
For my wife, myself and my son who is currently 9.
We have been using a chevy conversion van for this duty the last several years. We'd like to graduate. We have budget of under $30k, and if honest, below $25 would be nice.
Just looking now, and spring isn't the best time.
While we might want a longer than 26 ft, it not as practical for it's overall size for many reasons.
So I'm seeing a ton of the former cruise america rentals (Magestic 23). Layout seems very good for us(we want a large permanent bed for the 2 adults, and an overcab bed for the kidlet, and dinette/bed for guests if needed.
All this being said, I wouldn't buy a former rental car if it were the last option on earth. So that gives me pause.
I know enough to know that all RV's have problems. I am mechanically savvy, and not intimidated by automotive repairs, nor "house" repairs.
Just because I can fix stuff, doesn't mean I want to spend my spare time doing it.
I know that used purchases will always be a mystery, but I read that new isn't much better in the RV market. My question is whether the cruise america stuff is maintained well as a fleet, or is that hit or miss based on their rental home base?
There seem to be many on the market now, will there still be plenty in the fall?( I assume yes) Have folks found them willing to negotiate?
The thought is to purchase in FL, and drive back home to VT. If bought from a dealer, do we really lose anything in terms of abandoning the dealer relationship due to distance?
I have access to a good truck repair facility(one I trust) if I can't do the work myself.
My apologies for the newbie questions, but it helps me narrow down the search a bit. Appreciate any advice. Thank you.
-Seth
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03-18-2018, 11:05 AM
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#2
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Moderator Emeritus
Damon Owners Club Workhorse Chassis Owner
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Lone Star State
Posts: 19,203
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These rentals live through a myriad of users...from the tidy young couple - to the overloaded group of foreign students. Each unit will be different.
What is common is that these RV's are rather basic to withstand the use. The drive-lines did not just sit in storage and were maintained to meet warranty demands.
When an appliance failed, it was quickly fixed to return the unit to ready status.
I would expect that there will be no shortage of these units being sold anytime soon because there is a boom in vacation rentals at this time. We saw over 20 come and go at the KOA our week at the Grand Canyon in January...plus many, many more on the road to and from.
Everything should be in good working order at sale, so I would not compromise there. The Majestic line in made by FourWinds RV. That is the best selling Class C maker in North America. These units are well built and can be repaired or serviced at any RV center...but most everthing is very DIY'able.
I understand there is room to deal on price, but they have a bottom-line from the company accountants. You just have to find it.
If you buy one, hope you share all about the experience.
Best luck
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03-18-2018, 12:10 PM
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#3
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2012
Posts: 2,565
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I rented one for 2 weeks and it was well maintained, no problems. Just depends on who took care of it.
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03-18-2018, 12:18 PM
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#4
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Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2015
Posts: 1,216
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I had a buddy buy 2 of them. Per him they are pretty firm on the price but will throw in other item's easier.
Tip Get the new matterss...
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03-18-2018, 12:23 PM
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#5
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Junior Member
Join Date: Mar 2018
Posts: 13
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Good advice, keep it coming please.
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03-18-2018, 02:04 PM
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#6
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2012
Posts: 2,565
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Check on fresh, gray and black tanks and how much they hold. Same with the battery. Maybe only one.
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03-18-2018, 02:06 PM
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#7
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2012
Posts: 2,565
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The one I rented had no problem towing an 18 ft open trailer with a Falcon on it from Jersey to Fl. and back.
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03-18-2018, 08:33 PM
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#8
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Senior Member
Monaco Owners Club Ford Super Duty Owner
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Kingsville TX
Posts: 1,754
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You may want to consider a older class a in your price range,why? Larger tanks, gas,water,black,and gray are all larger on a class a, plus higher towing capacity.
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03-18-2018, 09:10 PM
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#9
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Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2012
Posts: 8,055
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A fellow in another group I hang out in bought one. I don't recall him having any real issues.
Biggest hassle will be storage. We use a couple of clear plastic bins for clothes and bedding we keep in the front bunk. You might want to do the same but pull the bins down and stash them on the couch or dinette before he goes to bed.
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03-19-2018, 12:22 AM
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#10
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Senior Member
Winnebago Owners Club Ford Super Duty Owner
Join Date: Mar 2017
Posts: 105
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Maintenance Records
Rental companies meticulously maintain their vehicles. They want to avoid breakdowns or failures. If you are purchasing from the rental company, they have the records. If you are purchasing from a reseller, ask for copies of the records. If they have the records or obtain them fine. If not, shop elsewhere. Best of luck and happy traveling.
__________________
2016 Winnebago Minnie Winnie 27Q
"To travel is to live"
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03-19-2018, 07:01 AM
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#11
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Junior Member
Join Date: Mar 2018
Posts: 13
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In my brief research on rentals, I've seen many people comment that the rentals are stripped down units without bells and whistles. What tends to be missing, that many people want of those bells and whistles?
Best I can figure based on my limited knowledge.
-Bench chair instead of barrel chair
-Lack of awning(but included in current offers from cruise america)
-manual leveling
What else are the "must haves" that I don't know I need yet?
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03-19-2018, 10:28 AM
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#12
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Community Moderator
Newmar Owners Club
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Point Pleasant Beach, NJ
Posts: 31,248
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If you an find a well taken unit you'll have a nice vehicle. Rentals companies will; usually have maintenance records for their MHs. If you have doubts about it have a professional inspect it. Most rentals don't have a lot of bells & whistles so there may not be as much to maintain and repair.
Good luck with the search.
__________________
Tony & Ruth........... FMCA#F416727
2016 London Aire 4519, Freightliner chassis, Cummins ISX, 2018 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited, Blue Ox Avail with AF1. TST 507 TPMS
No amount of money can buy you an extra second of time.
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03-19-2018, 01:19 PM
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#13
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Moderator Emeritus
Damon Owners Club Workhorse Chassis Owner
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Lone Star State
Posts: 19,203
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Quote:
Originally Posted by sachilles
In my brief research on rentals, I've seen many people comment that the rentals are stripped down units without bells and whistles. What tends to be missing, that many people want of those bells and whistles?
Best I can figure based on my limited knowledge.
-Bench chair instead of barrel chair
-Lack of awning(but included in current offers from cruise america)
-manual leveling
What else are the "must haves" that I don't know I need yet?
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There's really no missing must-haves.
There's:
*Little or no carpet.
*No SAT TV (but you could add it)
*Fewer TV's (but there could be one)
*Less fabric and more vinyl (covering furniture).
*Little or no mirrors (bath excepted).
*No auto-Leveling system (can be added, but not cheap)
What they do have which is nice:
*Recessed bumpers
*Back-up sensors
Best luck
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03-19-2018, 02:04 PM
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#14
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Junior Member
Join Date: Mar 2018
Posts: 13
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That's good news, thank you!
None of those are anything I care much about, expect maybe auto leveling. For what I do, I can just as easily level on ramps with what I have for my current van. Not fancy, but it works. Electric jacks are nice though.
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