My husband and I would like to buy our first TT, we've been tenting and as kids we both had pop ups. Anyway, I've finally found one that looks like it may fit us, it's a 2004 Sun Valley Road Runner. We'd like to get about 10 years out of it (we camp 3-5 weeks/summer). The unit I found is a previous rental unit, does anyone have any experience with rentals? Obviously the bed and stuff will probably have more wear, but are there other potential pitfalls? Anything we should look for? Thanks in advance.
Technomadia said
09:25 AM Dec 22, 2011
I personally would be very leery of buying a rental unit. Keep in mind, they are rented out to a large number of folks, many of whom didn't know much about RVs and their systems. Which means those systems have likely experienced a variety of uses (and potentially, abuses).
There's a difference in how a unit is used when it's utilized by the owner (who also is taking care of the repairs) versus when it's utilized by someone who just turns it in for someone else to take care of.
A trailer that has already seen 7 years of rental use may have some life left in it (not sure about 10 years tho). But I'd have it thoroughly inspected before purchasing, as I would be suspect of every single system on the trailer - from wheel bearings to propane fittings.
- Cherie
Cindy T said
09:43 AM Dec 22, 2011
I have to agree with Cherie. Before buying our own RV, we rented twice, 2 different types of units. Both had problems & it was obvious both had been poorly maintained. And these were rented from 2 different companies. So I would have any rental very thoroughly checked by an RV mechanic so there are no surprises if you do buy the unit.
Cindy T
flyone said
12:30 PM Dec 22, 2011
StarryEyes, I agree with the others, I would have someone other than the place/person that was the rentee inspect it, of course at 7 years old it is not going to be in perfect shape. I would plan on replacing/repairing something farily soon (and hope you don't have to). Also I would have a large maintance budget, if you want to get ten years out of it you may very well, over time, be replacing evey major system in the TT, (again hoping that you won't). Prepare for the worst hope for the best.
Flyone
-- Edited by flyone on Thursday 22nd of December 2011 12:31:39 PM
StarryEyes said
01:48 PM Dec 24, 2011
Thanks everyone, I was a bit leery myself. We saw it yesterday and it is definitely not worth the headache, back to searching...
rclvnv said
03:01 PM Dec 24, 2011
It is really important to get a qualified inspection of any pre-owned unit you consider.Less so if you buy from an owner who has documented maint. records,but important if you buy used of any type. A rental tends to be marginially cared for,in my experience.Since we F/T and my rig had to be in the shop for a week,we recently rented a unit to live in for that time. The unit was new,but in rough shape,systems wise.Keep in mind that RV repair is VERY expensive,unless you are able to do replacements or repairs yourself. Since I can't I've always bought new,for the warranty(my current rig has 2 yrs.) That said, I think you may be surprised at how many late model TT's "gently" used are on the market.The search may be tedious,but worth it in the end.We traded in a very well cared for TT for our current 5th wheel. I'm sure there are others out there. Happy searching.
There's a difference in how a unit is used when it's utilized by the owner (who also is taking care of the repairs) versus when it's utilized by someone who just turns it in for someone else to take care of.
A trailer that has already seen 7 years of rental use may have some life left in it (not sure about 10 years tho). But I'd have it thoroughly inspected before purchasing, as I would be suspect of every single system on the trailer - from wheel bearings to propane fittings.
- Cherie
I have to agree with Cherie. Before buying our own RV, we rented twice, 2 different types of units. Both had problems & it was obvious both had been poorly maintained. And these were rented from 2 different companies. So I would have any rental very thoroughly checked by an RV mechanic so there are no surprises if you do buy the unit.
Cindy T
StarryEyes, I agree with the others, I would have someone other than the place/person that was the rentee inspect it, of course at 7 years old it is not going to be in perfect shape. I would plan on replacing/repairing something farily soon (and hope you don't have to). Also I would have a large maintance budget, if you want to get ten years out of it you may very well, over time, be replacing evey major system in the TT, (again hoping that you won't). Prepare for the worst hope for the best.
Flyone
-- Edited by flyone on Thursday 22nd of December 2011 12:31:39 PM
It is really important to get a qualified inspection of any pre-owned unit you consider.Less so if you buy from an owner who has documented maint. records,but important if you buy used of any type. A rental tends to be marginially cared for,in my experience.Since we F/T and my rig had to be in the shop for a week,we recently rented a unit to live in for that time. The unit was new,but in rough shape,systems wise.Keep in mind that RV repair is VERY expensive,unless you are able to do replacements or repairs yourself. Since I can't I've always bought new,for the warranty(my current rig has 2 yrs.) That said, I think you may be surprised at how many late model TT's "gently" used are on the market.The search may be tedious,but worth it in the end.We traded in a very well cared for TT for our current 5th wheel. I'm sure there are others out there. Happy searching.