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Hi,
First, thank you Pippi for creating this webpage forum, in addition to your great videos! Here’s my question; I’ve been intrigued by RVs for quite awhile. While not committed to purchasing one quite yet, I’ve been considering a used unit from a major RV rental company (for example, see http://www.cruiseamerica.com/buy/vehicleDetails.aspx?stock=191064). I rented one of these small units a few years ago and it was really cool! But I’m not sure how prudent it would be to buy a used rental RV, given their heavy use. On the other hand, I’d assume the units would have been professionally maintained while in rental service. Although the company website indicates the units are refurbished, I’m not sure how extensive such an “overhaul” would be, i.e., mechanical or only a cosmetic wash. Does anyone have any thoughts on buying a used rental RV? Thanks!
I recall someone telling me once to never buy a used rental vehicle because of the crazy use that can be put into them. I’m guessing refurbished means new carpet and maybe a replacement of a faucet if it was leaking…
Call me skeptical but I would tend to not even think they are ‘professionally’ maintained. I bet a mechanic just brushed through the basics before it’s rented out again.
However, it is certainly an option and maybe the price point matches the potential downsides.
Best of luck with your decision. Let us know what you end up doing. It’s an exciting change! 😀
I think you have the same problem with any used RV. Reading other forums I read troubles from buyers who bought used and they supposedly went through a vigorous multi-point inspection at the dealer only to find issues after the sale. I think buying a used Class A and C would be a big challenge as you could have problems from the vehicle part of the RV and then all the other components like plumbing, electrical, window leaks and the list goes on. I travel often via motorcycle, and out on the road I notice RV’s broke down regularly, much more so than any other vehicle. Scary as I am interested in buying, but very cautious for the aforementioned reasons.
Yikes!!!! I have to disagree with Pippi the queen of living mobile!!!! Recall the song “Going mobile” by the Who?? Great song. Anyway, used rental RVs are an awesome deal if purchased from a big company. A company that rents will send out for repairs and this is expensive. Their techs do minor stuff but not big repair. They will buy identical 400 units for an insane low cost, rent for 1 year, then sell at the same low cost and replace with brand new. 6 months out of the year they sit. This is cheaper than doing repairs.
Check the hour meter on the Genny. They charge WHOPPING fees per hour so customers will use at a minimum. Some have a dozen hours on Genny because European folks like parks with hook ups and pools. Mattresses are trashed and new installed, same with the throne. It is cheaper to install a new one and sell the unit with a full warranty.
Most companies prohibit travel in Death Valley in the summer and they even have GPS units installed!!!! When you get 20 miles from the park you get a friendly call and reminder that you will be billed 5K if you enter the National park. Heat trashes engines if you are running the AC in the summer where Townes pass reaches 130 degrees outside. Most used RVs at a reputable company will have a full factory warranty on the power unit. Most are Ford V10s, bulletproof engines and easy to repair.
Look for excess wear of course and request to see the tank cleaning contract. All tanks are cleaned with a super high pressure system. This hour long per tank process costs 140 dollars and it will be included with the sale.
Looky on the lot!!! If they have 3 dozen 2014 Tiogas for sale they need to move 3 dozen to make way for the 2015 rental fleet and they will drop price 25 percent!!!I found a good post on buying a Rental RV http://www.rv.net/forum/index.cfm/fuseaction/thread/tid/26035008.cfm it has a lot of information from real owners of former rentals.
I have to agree with Pippi, and most of the others on not buying any Rental RV’s. IMO is just asking for trouble, as many of the renters have no idea how to handle and drive the RV properly, and are really trashing it’s Life. Just watch many of the online RV Living Videos of some of the people travelling with rentals. Day 1, Dropped the 5th Wheel on the Bed of the Truck, causing damage. Day 2, started to drive off while the Awning was fully extended, forgot to look around the vehicle before driving off. Day 3 First Tire Blew due to high speeds, overloading and heat. Day 4 Second Tire Blew and damaged the RV undercarriage. Day 6 or 7, Engine Blew its Head Gasket and Damage, due to Over Heating, High Speeds, Massive Weight of the 5th Wheel and so on. . .. . If you do not believe this, I can provide the You Tube Links.
Lots of the damage will not be seen but are hidden, deep inside the Tranny and Motor, just waiting to hit when you do not expect it. And, while some Sellers will honor their Warranties and Service, many do not do so, or do not properly do so, and you have a battle on your hands.
Just my thoughts.
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