Should You Buy That RV Rental?

We’re all pretty familiar with the New RV vs. Used RV debate. You can find a full rundown of the pros, cons, and what to look for in our article. But what about rental RVs?

We definitely suggest that you try an RV before you buy one. And we do love the lower price point of used RVs. When both new and used RVs were scarce during the pandemic, prices soared. As they begin to settle, you have a lot more choices.

Some of you may consider buying a used rental RV. There are both pros and cons to such a purchase. Those who like the option are strongly pro-rental. Those against are just as strongly anti-rental. Let’s take a look at the upsides and downsides of this type of used RV.

Buying a Used Rental RV: The Pros

Price

The biggest advantage to buying a used rental RV is usually the price. They tend to fall at the lower end of the spectrum for used RVs. Class C motorhomes are some of the more commonly available retired rental rigs.

Lower price points are what draw folks to this market. You can save thousands of dollars buying a used RV rental.

Age

Most retired rental RVs are newer than their similarly priced counterparts on the open used market. Rental companies remove units from their fleets at a certain mileage rather than age.

There are some significant advantages to a newer vehicle, even one with high mileage. Parts are easier to get, making repairs less costly and time-consuming. You can find an RV that is less than 10 years old, avoiding restrictions at some campgrounds and RV parks.

Standards

Some rental companies’ vehicles are all identical. They have quality standards that can exceed the general marketplace as well as some custom upgrades. You won’t find this in every rental fleet. But when you do, knowing that every chassis and engine is the same allows you to research the specific components.

No matter where you buy your used RV, check the quality of the workmanship. Take the vehicle to an independent RV shop for a thorough inspection.

Records

Lots of RV owners keep fantastic records. Others don’t. The problem with private sales is that you don’t know how complete the service and maintenance records are on any specific unit.

When you buy from a rental company, they have records of everything. You know where it’s been, its routine maintenance schedule, and any repairs or replacements. This is incredibly valuable information, especially when you’re buying a high-mileage motorhome or travel trailer.

The more details you have about its life before you purchase, the better able you are to predict future expenses and lifespan.

Refurbished

Most rental RVs for sale have been refurbished. They don’t pull them out of the fleet and plop them on the lot. It is in the best interest of the rental company to put its best foot forward.

Making repairs and doing all scheduled maintenance comes first. A smart rental company will make sure that the unit is spotless and that any cosmetic fixes are completed. A rental company with a refurbishment program will likely be much more thorough than an independent seller.

Warranties

Just like dealer selling used vehicles, RV rental companies may offer a limited warranty on their refurbished units. They won’t be comprehensive or long-term. You might get three months with coverage of basics like engine and transmission.

You may have the option to extend or expand that warranty.

Buying a Used Rental RV: The Cons

Renters

The main problem with rental RVs is that they have been rented by a lot of different people. There’s no way for you as a buyer to know how that unit was treated during its life in the fleet.

Lots of inexperienced RVers rent and make beginner mistakes. It isn’t necessarily that people will abuse a rental (though some will) because the company will charge them for repairs. It’s the unexpectedly bumpy off-road driving or the learning curve for the plumbing system.

Most of these issues will be rectified when the RV is refurbished. So make sure that the retired rental you buy has been through a full refurbishment process.

And again, don’t rely on the dealer. Standards will vary depending on location and dealer. Have the vehicle inspected by an independent RV repair and maintenance shop.

Mileage

Any rental RV removed from the fleet is going to have high mileage. That doesn’t mean it doesn’t have plenty of amazing RV trips left in it, but it does decrease the likely lifespan.

Rental RVs are usually used a lot more than their privately owned counterparts. They pack on more miles in less time. A used RV on the private market is likely to have fewer miles and just a couple of owners.

Keep in mind that lower mileage doesn’t mean better condition. A privately owned RV with low mileage may need a lot of repairs or may not have been maintained.

Floorplans and Amenities

Rental RVs are often fairly basic models. They don’t have a lot of amenities to break. While this definitely helps with the price, it doesn’t offer a lot of options for buyers.

If you’re looking for a motorhome with specific upgrades, you’re more likely to find them on the private market. The bottom line is that there are just a lot more options from individual sellers.

On the other hand, a good quality basic layout offers the potential for custom upgrades. Spending less money upfront may give you a little more in the budget for changes.

Finding a Used Rental RV

There are a lot of opinions out there about the wisdom of choosing to buy a retired rental RV. Very little of it is backed up by research or facts. Gather some extra information by contacting companies that sell retired rental campers or motorhomes.

Cruise America is the company that has received the most attention when it comes to selling used rental RVs. Their website is easy to use, their fleet is standardized, and they have a refurbishment program. Their Class C motorhomes also have some upgrades designed to make them sturdier during their rental lives.

If you want to buy a retired campervan from Escape Campervans, you need to dig significantly further into their website to find the few available units. They seem to be relatively standard in configuration.

El Monte RV seems to have the largest and most varied selection. They offer Class A, B, and C motorhomes from many different manufacturers. This might be a good place to look if you want more amenities and a greater selection.

The NaySayers

If you mention your intention to buy a used rental RV, especially in an online forum, expect some pushback. There are those who, with no facts in hand, will reject the notion outright.

Their reasons are usually observations of rental RV users or ideas about the quality of RV rentals. Some former renters had bad experiences, coloring their opinion on all rental units.

But you’ll notice that few of those naysayers have actually bought a used rental RV. Those who have tend to be happy with their purchase.

Don’t get lost in the weeds of online forums. Talk to professionals instead.

The Professionals at Leisure Coachworks

At Leisure Coachworks we believe any used RV should be thoroughly inspected by an independent RV shop. That inspection will tell you the condition of the vehicle and what it needs for maintenance and repair.

If you’re considering buying a retired rental RV, bring it in and we’ll compare its records with its condition. Our full-service shop in Fontana, CA, services all makes and models. Our experienced team will give you the information you need to make an informed purchase.

And that’s the bottom line for buying any used RV: informed decisions. We don’t believe that it’s a bad idea to consider a high-mileage former rental RV. Just be sure you know as much about the vehicle as possible before the purchase.

We also like the idea of spending less money on a basic model and making your own upgrades over time. Getting a great chassis and engine is a far better investment than getting the newest amenities when you’re on a budget.

Now that you understand some of the basic pros and cons of buying a retired rental, maybe you want to pursue this avenue.