samven1
Hedgesville, WV usa
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Thanks to all of you,
I did do a little more research on the situation and found that not only are the frame extensions weaker than the chassis frame but the extensions add leverage and that all the weight you take off the front axle is added to the rear axle on top of the actual weight you hang from the hitch. So adding 400 lbs on the hitch could take 200 lbs off the front and move it to the back so an extra 600 lbs on the rear axle. Which will probably exceed the axle limits. I am beginning to see why this may be unwise.
The unit you pointed me too is in my budget but I am trying to avoid slides. I dont want the hassle of leaks or the extra weight and like the idea of no set up for over nighting but the idea of looking for a shorter unit built on the 450/4500 chassis is a good one.
There is a very long learning curve to this RV stuff and I really want to make sure I get it right the first time because I cant afford a $30,000 mistake.
Sam
03 Dodge Ram 1500 QC LB Hemi
2015 Four Winds 22E Chevy
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jetmechtm
Lithonia, GA.
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Joined: 08/29/2012
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Thank you for the response. I think I will try it if I go for the Ford majestic 23A. It is hard finding a Chevy. El Monte has run out of my size for the time being. I will just be patient and hopeful for the next 2/3 months until I am ready to ponce. I am really partial to Chevy since I have a GMC Savanna and the manuals.
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BoxinTheCompass
Florida
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Joined: 06/16/2014
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Thanks for all the great posts...I have been considering buying the Cruise America units or El Monte and from posts here am more assured about the used units they sell.
I am not mechanically inclined on truck engines just normal car engines ( oil and filter changes, water pumps, brake jobs, etc) but nothing majorly mechanical... not sure what to look out for on test drive other than excessive heat, vibration, leaks and smoke (rather obvius LOL)) . Anything else I should look out for?
Also what type of roofs do these units have and what do I look for when on ladder looking at the roof? Other than water spots internally what can I look for on outside?
My wife sounds very interested in rv camping, but proof is in the pudding they say how will she react when in the midst of it will tell. I guess the best way is to rent for a week and try it out. Who´s good for renting? We will probably rent out of orlando fl and go to disney for short week.
Any suggestions and pointers on the above for renting and what to look for when considering the used cruise america or el monte units?
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IAMICHABOD
Sunny So Cal
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Joined: 12/12/2011
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Boxin welcome to the forum.
To answer your questions,if you can do the normal maintenance on a car such as oil and filter changes and the like you will have no trouble doing them on a Class C.
As for the test ride. Take it out on the highway at speed and see how it handles and try to get comfortable with it. The ones on Ford Chassis have had more handling problems than those on Chevy Chassis.
See how comfortable you and your passenger in the cockpit, here again the Chevy Chassis based Class C has more room.
Check and make sure all instrumentation is in working order.
Most of the RVs now days have a Rubber roof, some have fiberglass.
While looking on the roof, look at all the openings, vents and such and make sure that they are sealed with no cracks in the sealant, look for all rips or tears in the roof membrane. Another thing to look for on the outside is any signs of repair such as mismatched paint or a new shiny spot.
Look underneath for any leaks or repairs to the frame or components. Check the age of the tires, if they are over 5 years old tell them that it is not acceptable.
Your Idea of renting to see how you like it is a very good idea.
The only pointers on renting is to ask if they are having any specials,El Monte does have some at times, like extra mileage if booked for more than 3 days and mid week specials.
While considering what to look for, look for the floor plan that will suit your needs. Then see what is in stock at the dealer and what your budget will be, go in and take a test ride, ask for all records on its maintenance, that is a must, then make an offer.
Extended warranties are not a good deal for you, most come with a 1 year one anyway.
If there are any more questions just ask, there are many other folks here that have a wealth of knowledge.
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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BoxinTheCompass
Florida
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thanks Iamichabod!
Love the name, sleepy hollow is one of my favorite stories!
I appreciate the feedback and the links posted there at bottom... very nice of you to respond to kinda old thread
I guess keep eyes open, use common sense and gut feeling. I would feel more comfortable with Chevy platform... but have not seen hardly any for sale around here, but that ford is a workhorse though. I didn't know the ford was rougher ride
Thanks again!
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IAMICHABOD
Sunny So Cal
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You welcome, I keep an eye on this thread and help out when I can.
I know that a Chevy based class C is hard to find. If you are looking at El Monte RV you can look at other locations,it seems that more are out west. With a few in Texas.
Just keep looking and good luck.
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cgmartine
Beaumont, Ca.
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Hello All! I just came back from a two week trip in my 31M class C I recently bought from El Monte. I am here to report on the results, and to allay the fears of those naysayers. The first grueling test was driving thru Oatman, Arizona, and climbing the pass between Oatman and I-40. To say it was the worst road in American is no exaggeration. It probably has not been paved since it was named Route 66, and it looks it. I could drive no faster than 20 mph because of the road conditions, but the Ford V-10 took it all in stride. It was some 60 miles of bone shaking road. The next test was driving up to Lockett Meadows, Arizona. Again, a winding and single lane gravel road that climbs to about 6,500 feet. Again, the engine handled it with easy. The last test was driving between Las Vegas and Pahrump, Nevada. That was a long climb, but the engine handled it well. Now, with over 108,000 miles, the engine still purrs like a kitten. Nothing fell apart, and the fiber glass roof did not leak. I feel that if this motorhome could survive those grueling tests, and I mean, GRUELING, with capital letters, this motorhome can handle anything.
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RoadAbode
Philadelphia
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Joined: 01/19/2005
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Great Thread!
I figured I'd post. RoadAbode will be "new to us" for 10 years this coming November. I think we purchased from the Company that the "second ever poster" Johnworth914 - use to work for in NJ.
When we got her she had 36k on the odometer. We looked at three models there that day and opted for RoadAbode - a clean rental 2004 Coachman RoadMaster 29'. First thing we bought (with the "gift certificate" the dealer included) was a quilted mattress topper - my wife and I both say we sleep better in RoadAbode than at home. Our two girls have grown up - and grown closer - RVing together. My eldest is 21 - and still wants to go on our family trips! We've been up to Canada, Bar Harbor Maine, and down to Kentucky and plenty of points in-between. We also tow a 2007 Honda Fit now - use to tow a 2002 Honda Accord. A little limited on car choices with the 3500# hitch. (The cars are new-to-us too!)
We've just passed 63,000 miles, and have done plenty of things to make her our own, and only had a few issues - New tires all around in 2008, fixed the entry step two years ago, and did some rear quarter panel work last week. Blogged some of our adventures - link below I think.
So you people who want to do a rental - Just do your homework, read up - a lot - what to look for, and then enjoy the lifestyle!
The RoadAbode Crew
Mike ~ Amy ~ Kimberly ~ Emily ~ and Molly the pup
RoadAbode Blog
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BoxinTheCompass
Florida
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It is a great thread... I appreciate all the input from the actual owners who took the time to post. Seems the naysayers are not actual owners of previously owned rental RVs. I am looking myself at purchasing from El Monte in Orlando in the next year.
Iamichabod has been a very nice resource on this and some other threads, thanks to all who reply
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cgmartine
Beaumont, Ca.
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BoxinTheCompass, I can't recall if anyone has mentioned it here, but El Monte RV gives you a brand new mattress when you purchase a new motorhome. In my case, they also replaced all the Michelin tires that were on recall. They also gave me about twenty pages of service documentation. They document every turn of a screw and every single service performed. My 31M Tioga has undergone more service by El Monte that I would have ever done myself. So far, my 2008 Tioga has performed flawlessly, and even tackled the road between Oatman, Arizona and I-40, which has to be worst maintained road in America.
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