gazebo
Texas
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Just want to share my experience of trying to buy used rental from El Monte dallas location.
I found one 2019 Coachman Leprechaun 270QB, 30 feet long, with only 41K miles
on it. Tires looks good with build date as 43th weeks of 2019.
So basically the vehicle is about one year old.
The price is at the lower end of NADA guide.
We just had heavy rains for a few days due to hurricane Laura,
I believe it was a good timing to check RV leaks.
The visiting experience is good.
They don't neogtaiate price and also don't push me,
I just take me time to check it out. Aks any question if I want.
They printed out a few pages of maitenance record of the RV,
it seems every few weeks they spend $250 dollar labor to do roof inspection.
I did not find any leak or watermark in various wall, ceiling, cabinet places.(But I forgot to check the bunker bed above driver seat)
I did a test drive and found it's really noise to drive
a class c with Ford 350 chassis. But from online posts it
seems such a noise is normal.
There are a few costmetic issues, mostly applicances work well
as expected. I put $1000 deposit and asked for the dealer
to get some minor things fixed or ajusted.
On the day to pick up the RV, my kid climbed to the bunker bed
and found the bottom of mattress towards the RV front side is little wet,
then use flashlight we found there are some little water among those
cotton-like insulation material.
We are the first time buyer so kind of freaked out immediately,
and asked the dealer to cancel the order.
After going home and did some research it seems it's very common problem
in those bunker beds, probably because it is built with a few parts stitch
together and seals can get cracks easily due to any driving movements.
I just wonder whether I should take the risk to buy it if
it's really not a big issues.
![[image]](https://i.imgur.com/gZUfaEnl.jpg)
* This post was
edited 09/04/20 06:29pm by gazebo *
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fadumpt
SC
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I personally would avoid any rv that has been leaking. You have no idea how much damage the water has caused. Find a dry one and keep up with the maintenance for the cap seals.
The other option is to find out if they will completely repair the damage... But you have to be sure they took care of everything.
Per the "noise, vibration, and harshness" issue. A lot of this is going to be normal. Think of these as uhaul trucks as opposed to passenger vehicles.
2015 Thor Majestic 28A
Ex Cruise America Rental
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Germax
Toronto
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Joined: 08/01/2020
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We just came back from 9000KM round trip Ontario to BC.
In the beginning of the trip RV stalled as I was coming to a stop at the rest area. This was strange but it never happened again.
The rest of trip was trouble free and a lot of fun.
Over period of three weeks we did more mileage than previous owner in 6 years ![[emoticon]](http://www.coastresorts.com/sharedcontent/cfb/images/smile.gif "smile")
We are absolutely pleased with our 2008 Majestic 23A and are looking forward to future trips.
Thanks for the all advice here. It help us to dare to get on 9000KM shakedown ride
PS - Go see Rockies in Canada, amazing nature...
Ermin
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eldel
Northern Colorado
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Our (much delayed) first outing. Glendo state park Wyoming. This was shot on the last afternoon - about 4 hours before the snow started. No - we didn't hang around for that.
![[image]](https://i.imgur.com/dr0VGt2l.jpg)
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gazebo
Texas
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My local El Monte just listed one 2020 Coachmen Leprechaun 260RS on its website for $58K.
When I searched the model on rvtrader.com I found the same week many RV dealers
across the country start selling the same model (same internal floor plan,
curtain, and dinette). Seems they all bought from El Monte and added
another 5K or 10K to sell again.
Those 2020 Coachmen Leprechaun 260RS mostly has 25K ~27K miles on it.
The picture shown those RV actually manufactured in March 2019.
![[image]](https://cdn1.rvtrader.com/v1/media/5f4d641170a7594d3f464363.jpg?width=1024&height=768&quality=70&bestfit=true&upsize=true&blurBackground=true&blurValue=100)
![[image]](https://cdn1.rvtrader.com/v1/media/5f4d64115760d315d2208538.jpg?width=1024&height=768&quality=70&bestfit=true&upsize=true&blurBackground=true&blurValue=100)
So I wonder whether El Monte selling 2019 model as 2020 model ?
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gazebo
Texas
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Another question, anyone feels that the material used in El Monte RV such
as sofa, dinette cushion, cabinet are cheap and low quality ones, compared
with the non-rental RVs
Official One:
https://coachmenrv.com/class-c-motorhomes/leprechaun/260RS/4112#lg=1&slide=3
Used El Monte Rental:
![[image]](https://www.poulsborv.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/1200x/040ec09b1e35df139433887a97daa66f/C/C/CCX2939_06.jpg)
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IAMICHABOD
Sunny So Cal
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Joined: 12/12/2011
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gazebo wrote:My local El Monte just listed one 2020 Coachmen Leprechaun
Those 2020 Coachmen Leprechaun 260RS mostly has 25K ~27K miles on it.
The picture shown those RV actually manufactured in March 2019.
So I wonder whether El Monte selling 2019 model as 2020 model ?
This may help you,it is quite common to have a year different on chassis and when the RV was sold as. Mine is a 2006 but the Chassis is a 2005,This model on a Chevy Chassis was only sold starting in 2006,MFG date is April 2006,you may find that on the RIVA sticker on the RV.
Here is an explanation from RIVA of how it works.
ANSWERS FROM RVIA: SPLIT MODEL YEARS
The Recreation Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA) has recently published a document entitled “Q & A’s on Split Model Years for Motorhomes.” As the title infers, it relates to questions that can arise regarding the chassis manufacturer’s model year and the model year assigned to the completed motor home by the final stage motor home manufacturer. Below is the original memo from RVIA for your reference and information.
Q & A’s on Split Model Years for Motorhomes
How is the manufacturing of motorhomes different from cars?
Motorhomes are “multi-stage vehicles.” This means that, unlike cars, they generally are built in two separate stages by two different manufacturers.
How is motorhome manufacturing divided into different stages?
The first-stage manufacturer, also called the “incomplete vehicle manufacturer,” assembles the motorhome chassis. This typically includes such components as the chassis frame, engine, fuel system, transmission, drive train, suspension, wheels, brakes and vehicular electrical system. These “incomplete vehicles” are then sold by the chassis manufacturer to final stage motorhome manufacturers, also called “completed vehicle manufacturers.” The motorhome manufacturers take the chassis and build the coach body, all of the “household” systems, install the appliances, cabinets, furnishings, plumbing, lighting fixtures and a multitude of various amenities, resulting in a completed vehicle.
How do first stage manufacturers identify their vehicles?
According to federal law, at 49 CFR 565.13(a), a vehicle manufactured in more than one stage must have a Vehicle Identification Number (“VIN”) assigned to it by the incomplete vehicle manufacturer. One character position in the VIN sequence identifies the model year of the incomplete vehicle. Once it is assigned, the VIN stays with the incomplete vehicle when it is sold to the motorhome manufacturer. The incomplete vehicle manufacturer may also ship the chassis with a Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin (“MCO”). The MCO document provides information about each particular chassis.
How do final stage manufacturers identify their vehicles?
Final stage motorhome manufacturers continue to use the VIN assigned by the incomplete vehicle manufacturer. Motorhome manufacturers also provide MCO documents with their motorhomes when they are shipped to dealers. The model year of the completed motorhome, which is determined by the motorhome manufacturer, appears on this MCO document.
Why do some chassis have a different model year than the completed motorhome?
An incomplete vehicle chassis is manufactured before a completed motorhome is built on it. Motorhome manufacturers may buy hundreds, even thousands, of chassis each year. Because of variations in advance purchases of incomplete vehicle chassis, the flow of new product orders, market conditions and new model roll-outs, the model year of the incomplete vehicle chassis is frequently different from the model year of the completed motorhome.
What are some examples of model year differences?
A group of fifty chassis could be built at the end of a calendar year and assigned that year’s model year by the incomplete vehicle manufacturer. A few weeks later, those chassis could be sold to a motorhome manufacturer. The motorhome manufacturer may use half of them to finish production of one motorhome make, assigning those motorhomes the motorhome manufacturer’s current model year on their final MCO’s. These completed motorhomes would have a model year one year greater than the model year of the chassis. The motorhome manufacturer may later use the other half of the chassis in manufacturing a new motorhome design, assigning those motorhomes the next model year. As a result, their final MCO’s would have a model year designation that is two years greater than the chassis model year. In another example, a chassis manufacturer may decide to skip a model year entirely and designate its chassis one year ahead of the then current calendar year. This could result in motorhomes having a model year once year less than the chassis model year.
Who decides what the “official” model year of the vehicle is?
The final stage motorhome manufacturer has authority to designate on the completed vehicle MCO the model year of the completed motorhome. See Federal Trade Commission Staff Opinion (March 5, 2001).
Is it permissible to have different model years for the chassis and completed motorhome?
Yes, it is permissible. The United States Federal Trade Commission (“FTC”) has directly addressed this very issue and determined in a formal staff option that it is NOT an unfair or deceptive trade practice for the completed motorhome and its chassis to have different model years. In recognition of the fact that the final stage manufacturer has the authority to designate the model year for motorhomes, the FTC has stated that the incomplete vehicle chassis manufacturer may use the phrase, “Model Year – Not Applicable” on the MCO’s for the incomplete vehicles it sends to final stage motorhome manufacturers, if it so chooses. See Federal Trade Commission Staff Opinion (March 5, 2001).
Is the motorhome manufacturer required to disclose the difference between the model year of the incomplete vehicle and the model year of the incomplete chassis?
No. However, four states (California, Maryland, Michigan, and Wisconsin) require dealers to inform purchases of multi-stage vehicles of the difference between the model year of the incomplete vehicle chassis and the model year of the final stage motorhome.
What information is used by the state DMV offices to register motorhomes?
When a consumer has a new motorhome registered for the first time, the state DMV will use both the VIN assigned by the incomplete vehicle manufacturer and the model year and make assigned by the final stage motorhome manufacturer for the vehicle registration. All states should title motorhomes using the model year assigned by the final stage motorhome manufacturer.
What should I do if a state DMV registers a new motorhome with the chassis model year?
If a DMV employee insists on using the incomplete chassis model year, please call the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association at 703-620-6003 for assistance. Ask for the Government Affairs Department.
2006 TIOGA 26Q CHEVY 6.0 WORKHORSE VORTEC
Former El Monte RV Rental
Retired Teamster Local 692
Buying A Rental Class C
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Floridastorm
Orlando
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Cruise America gives a 3 month warranty (used to be 1 year)on their rental units for sale. They also have an optional power train warranty and an optional appliances warranty. Does anyone know for how long and how much these two optional warranties are? For those that have purchased these warranties have you had luck using them? Do you think they were worth the price you paid? Also, does El Monte have similar warranties?
Thanks for any and all info provided.
Dave, Ocala, Florida ![[emoticon]](http://www.coastresorts.com/sharedcontent/cfb/images/huh.gif "huh")
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fadumpt
SC
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4 years for the coach is just under $2,000
5 years or 100k miles for the engine, transmission and rear axle is just under $1,800
Use your 3 month warranty to its fullest though. They will ship you or provide for repairs for anything you found wrong.
So buy when you can do several trips and get as much as possible fixed.
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bcrunk
Oregon
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bcrunk wrote:Hello! I'm Bill, I just put down a deposit for a CA Majestic 19G. 2017 with 118k miles on the clock. Other than an 83.5 Vanagon to dry camp in years ago, this will be our first real RV. I too have read/skimmed all 115 pages of this thread - I'll have 4 to 5 weeks of wait time for the refurbish process to re-read them.
What I don't remember reading is what to expect when I pick it up? What was included? Drain hose? Water hose? Gas? Propane? Shore line? ??
Other words, what do I need to pick up for a 2 day road trip home? Thanks to all who have contributed to this and other threads, it really makes a difference!
Hello again!
Well, the wait is finally over! We rode the train to Seattle on Friday where we was picked up by Manny, an extremely friendly and knowledgeable cab driver who is contracted with CA to pick up rental and purchase customers. We got to Everett an hour and a half before our scheduled appointment time; however, Ron -our salesman- was very welcoming to us. We talked a bit in the office then headed out to our new to us 19g!
First impression was that the unit was very clean. No visible body damage, the newly sprayed gel coat looked good. Tires were new, including the spare!
Going in the side door, the screen was in perfect shape. Replaced? The inside of the door did have what appeared to be a small hole with a patch. The step covering is new. The wood flooring was in great shape, the walls clean and in good order. The seat cushions are newly recovered in the same color as the new looking curtains. The fridge was clean, a couple small rust spots on 1 rack. It was getting cold (very cold when we left in the AM- I put ice packs the freezer that were solid), Ron had opened it up earlier in the day but it was still a bit stuffy on a lightly smokey Seattle area afternoon. We turned the AC on and in no time, it cooled down inside. Wouldn't want to run the AC for long though as it is very loud! The kitchen area is in great working order. The trim and counter top are nice. Probably a new stove cover as it had no burn marks on it! The bathroom is in nice working order.
It is used, but it all looks and works good!
The upper bunk needs some cleaning, they missed some spots on the walls. It was clean under the vinyl mattress. No sign of water damage/mold/yuck.
The generator fired up easily - 380 hrs on the monitor. The AC and microwave worked on the generator. The hot water heater works great! Water gets very hot! All the monitor lights appeared to function.
The cab is used, some scratches here in and there, the cloth seats are clean but stained. I did get a set of new covers for both seats included. All the dash lights worked, the dash AC blows cold! The heat works nice as well. All vents work as they should!
The test drive was un-eventful. The rig went straight down the road, even when I braked with no hands on the wheel. Plenty of power! All fluids appeared to be full and had the right color/smell.
The gas tank was full as was the LP. A lightly used fresh water hose and black tank hose was also included. A water pressure regulator would have been a nice inclusion; however a big box discount store was just down the street.
The drive home was about 300 miles of smiles. All of it down I-5 back home to Oregon. With most of Western Oregon on fire right now, we just came straight home after spending the night in a park in Everett.
We identified a couple small things wrong when we got home,nothing that has discouraged us from buying an ex-rental, with the deal we received from CA, or with Ron. I've communicated these items to Ron and I'm sure we'll get a resolution. I'll be sure to come back with an update on this.
From my first conversation over the phone with Ron until we said thanks and drove away took just over 2 months. Overall, we are happy, very excited and looking forward to exploring.... when the fires are out.
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