Hi Shazza, My motorhome is an ex- rental. I think one thing that was in favour at time when I brought my MH, it was from the company who owned MH and they had to keep it maintained while under warranty as a rental. I have all the records too while it was under warranty. I still had the MH inspected by a Mechanic who helped with my decision to buy, then when I took ownership I had it fully serviced.
Its a very important decision and Im sure many of the guys here are much more experienced than I who can offer advice, but, I hope what I've shared helps a little.
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The longest journey begins with a single step, not with a turn of the ignition key. ~Edward Abbey
I looked at a lot of ex-rentals when buying my MH and the majorty of them were in very good condition and had around the 50000 km on the clock, not a lot for a diesel, They looked to be very well maintained and serviced. No I didnt buy one, I got lucky and found a very low k merc that had been traded on an upsize. Very very happy with it. Merc sprinter/Jayco Conquest.
I have been thinking about getting getting a ex-rental campervan.
Has anyone ever had one and what did think about them?
Sharon
Hi Sharon, I too bought an ex rental which went private then to me. Most (diesel) rentals have a limiting bolt/screw under the accelerator pedal. This simply stops the pedal being pressed past a certain point and limits the amount of engine revs/top end speed. It assists with renters not over revving the engine too much. Rentals also usually stipulate a driver being over 25 which cuts out many of the 'hoons' (not all of course). One advantage I found with my particular unit was that the limiting bolt was still in it's original position. I have since adjusted it for my own use. I've got 330,000 on the clock and it's in generally good condition. Provided it had been serviced regularly and all filters changed (have a look at the service books and check for a mechanic's stamp) then the motor should be in a reasonable condition. Generally rentals are fitted up better than standard units (of their day). The biggest drama with rentals is usually body damage (especially overhead). Many renters don't think about the different turning circle, handling characteristics, height clearances etc. Mine is 14 years old and the fittings are 'dated' and showing signs of wear in carpeting, upholstery and has older light fittings etc. Overall mine was a good buy as I was able to negotiate the price due to the 'nicks and bumps' that I could live with and am slowly doing up whilst still having a usable MH. Pay particular attention to the electrics, batteries etc and inside overhead cupboards (this is where roof leaks hide). The biggest 'down side' I've found (and I looked for over 12 months) was that many of the rentals are running (in my opinion) too small an engine for the size of the MH. For what it's worth. P.S. I've just noticed that I've been listed as a 'Veteran Member" and I've only been here about three seconds. LOL
-- Edited by Keith19837 on Friday 1st of June 2012 04:36:53 PM
I worked with pilots and met nomads who are using ex-rental MH or larger campervans such as Ford Transit, VW or Mercedes. The Mercedes are reported to be very expensive to maintain because parts are pricy. All are very happy with their vehicles, and I personally would not hesitate looking around for an ex-rental for my own use. The Iveco rates very highly as well. Most of them are diesel, not exceeding 3 litre, most have turbo. Have fun with your search.
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20ft Roma caravan - Mercedes Benz Sprinter - SA-based at the moment. Transport has no borders.
Management makes the decisions, but is not affected by the decisions it makes.
Whatever, 2nd hand, you decide to buy, be sure to have it throughly examined by your states motoring body. (RAC, RACV, whatever) If you aren't a member, be sure to join. I am in the RAC in WA, and one of my previous motorhomes "died" in Victoria. One phone call, and it was repaired within days.
How many people travelling in it ??? there is only me in mine. I love it, still bits of work to do in it though. Its old but not a huge outlay initially. I'm happy.
Livin in Adelaide... the bugger all choice of MH's is a shocker...!!! At least this mob called camper agent are givin it a go, talked to one of the reps and he said 99% of "pre luved" MH's are all from interstate...
Makes ya wonder, take a week off over there,NSW ,QLD and have a look ,over the net is one thing ...in the flesh is the go...
So interstaters... where should I go to see the best range of motorhomes... must be around 2010 onwards, around $100.000 + - a few bob, 4-6 berth, or single beds = 4 berth,decent dry dunnie, sep shower,solar and all the gizzmos that go with it, diesel heater seems a must. all the rest they all seem to have... must have a decent garage as in
Auto, manual...??? Iveco, Merk, Ford Transit or Vee W dont care much as long as RWD, bugger all K's you wish , in that case it prolly wouldnt be an X rental, but a "Pre Luved" one lapper...
Our "Third Hand" motorhome is an ex Appolo rental. We love it and if we won lotto would consider another Appolo ex rental. IMHO they are built stronger be it more of an industrial look without the prissy cosmetics. Here's a link to their used offerings: Ex Appolo Rentals
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Steve, Di & Ziggy We named our Motorhome "Roadworx" because on the road works "On The Road Again" Ford Transit with 302 Windsor V8 conversion, C4 Auto, 9 Inch Ford Diff All Lighting L.E.D., 260 Amp/h AGM, 530 Watt Solar + Kipor Backup Gen.
Let's face it . Who rents one to be racing ? You can't even drive a MH like a truck .. I've hire some high mileage MH in NZ and never had any issues . Over 400,000 Klrs . Yes tight .. lol South Island over them real mountains too !!