Buying a Rental Four Winds 30D from El Monte

[Williamherold05]

Hello everyone! I am going to pick up my Thor Four Winds 30D on Monday. I wanted to post on here to both document my experience, get insight from previous rental purchasers and help others who might find this thread helpful when they purchase a rental.

I figured I could document as the process goes along with any problems I might run into as well as document anything positive along the way.

About me and my family: I am a retired Army Paratrooper and my wife is a former nurse. I am 47 and she is 40. We have two children who live at home and three others out of the home. We live in Pachuta Mississippi.

About a year and half ago, we decided to downsize our life in Colorado where we both were engaged in successful careers and move to a tax friendly and cheaper cost of living state where we could enjoy a simple life living off of my military retirement without working. We now live in a lake house on Lake Eddins and I enjoy fishing almost everyday.

I would say that I am now living a dream life, but my wife and I both have a sense of adventure and love to travel. We began talking about taking a trip to Alaska and decided a Class C would probably fit our needs best. So the search began for a Class C.

Having owned a fifth wheel and a travel trailer, we (better say I) knew that I hated pulling. It was such a pain, from set up, driving, and maintenance it was more stress than it was worth. Our search led us all over the internet, RVTrader, big RV places, literally hours upon hours of research. For what we wanted we could not find it for a reasonable price. RV trader had a few listings that seemed promising and that led me to call. Fortunately I spoke to a admin person who led me to El Monte RV in McKinney, Texas.

Fortunately they had the Four Winds 30D model that we were looking for and it was just getting ready to hit the sale lot. The rig has 39000 miles on it and I jumped on it. Our salesman got it all prepped and it is ready for pick up. Monday, 24 August, we will pick up our new to us former rental rig.

We are excited and can’t wait to give it the first run. The rig does come with a warranty and has been refurbished.

Any experiences out there that anyone would like to share concerning buying a rental or bits of advice anyone would like to share is certainly welcome.

I will continue to document for other members so hopefully this can be an insightful forum post.

William Herold

[Williamherold05]

Just some photos of the new rig.

[Bob Denman]

Welcome to the forum, and congratulations on your new Pride and joy!
I hope that the purchasing process goes smoothly.

[Williamherold05]

Bob,

Thank you! We are hoping for the best! We can’t wait to share our experience with everyone.

[TripleGGG]

Congratulations. Enjoy the journey!

[gmc]

My current rig was a rental before we bought it. I found the dealer had dealt with many of the issues I’ve seen others have. After all they had great incentive to keep it on the road and usable to make money.

The dealer took care of any issues we identified (microwave had to be replaced, and a few others.)
Do a good PDI and be sure everything is working, and good luck with the new (to you) rig!

[paulwadley]

Welcome to the forum. Se if it comes with some form of warranty from the dealership. As you are being shown the vehicle and systems, take notes of use your phone to record the different procedures for the various systems on board to be sure they all work and you know how to operate them. Take a good look at the tire wear.

Have a great time enjoying the open road.

Paul

[coachray]

Congrats and welcome to the forum. As a couple of previous posts said, do a complete walk-thru and make sure everything works, and that you know how to operate everything.

[Williamherold05]

Great advice! Recording will be a big help.

[Williamherold05]

Thanks for the advice. I do have some knowledge on systems so it should be a small learning curve. Also, having owned previous rigs I will have an idea of what to look for. I can imagine it would be a little overwhelming for a brand new owner. Fortunately my experience should help.

[Williamherold05]

I felt that at least I could rely on the maintenance records that servicing was done and the idea that they refurbish trimming like the mattress and such sets my mind at ease. I’m going to do a thorough walk through and check the rig for moisture stains and crawl underneath to check the chassis and the undercarriage as well. Any other areas I should be concerned with?

[BandG]

Good Luck Airborne.

I think a test ride will help set your mind at ease as well.

With only 39k miles, I'm sure if you take good care of it, it will take good care of you.

If you get on the roof to inspect, just remember to use all 5 points of contact for the jump down!

Enjoy the journey....you earned it! AATW.

[Williamherold05]

Ahhhh I knew another Paratrooper would be here! All the way!! 3D BCT, 82nd and 173rd ABCT

[Bob Denman]

At least you know what you're "jumping" into!

[Williamherold05]

One could only hope. We will definitely see. Good to know I’m with another Paratrooper. If all goes south I know who to call!

[ducksface]

Use the android app
Rvchecklist.
It has 280+- pdi items on a durable checklist.

When pdi is done it has other checklists.
You can add or delete individual items as you like to their list and make your own list.

[Williamherold05]

Great tip! Thank you!!!!!

[cmore]

Congratulations and thanks for ur service

[Williamherold05]

Thank you.

[Williamherold05]

Figured I’d update everyone. The RV checked out ok on the walkthrough.

HOWEVER, we took the first trek out this past week to Lake Lanier, GA - Margaritaville. During the travel, at around 250 Miles. It began to bog down and lose engine power on hills. We made it there babying the throttle.

Once there we opened the slides got everything pulled out hooked up to the water and I noticed leaking coming from the living area slide on the driver side. I shut the water hose down and the leak stopped. Then we began to use the water pump after filling with water. Slooooow trickle. Every two minutes the pump would cycle. Bad water pump I’m assuming. Bathroom sink also leaked at the seam around the base. At around 250 miles on the way back the bogging began again but made it home fine. Seems to stop when you shut the engine off and start it again. Also some shimmy in the wheel during acceleration around 62-68 and during deceleration. Tires are inflated to proper level. Perhaps bAlance or does anyone think this could be related to bearings? Checking with the dealer to see if it’s covered under the ford warranty. It’s an E450 Super Duty. We shall see....Also seeing if either the extended warranty will cover the water leak issue and the water pump or the dealer will.

Still overall I’m not disappointed. I’m pretty handy so I can fix the issues if I have to.

Love love the rig overall and had a great time.

Any help with solutions is always welcomed.