Crankyape.com - RV-Dreams Community Forum

Dr Gonzo · RV-Dreams Family Member

Crankyape.com

Colorado_Kid · RV-Dreams Family Member

One of the Rvs was a 30 ft Class A which was being sold for $5000 which leads me to believe those Rvs are more than likely in need of repair.

Dr Gonzo · RV-Dreams Family Member

Actually they appear to be very candid in disclosing damage to the units. They even relate the damage that they identify to the many pictures they provide of each unit. My main concern is still the issue with title...will it pass and how does one insure that it does. In terms of damage to the units as long as i know what it is I can make a decision on price based on that knowledge. Has anyone out there any information on this outfit?

Judy · RV-Dreams Family Member

Just a thought and I am probably wrong but could some of these units been in flooded areas. Buyer bewhere again.
southwestjudy

Hogladyrider · RV-Dreams Family Member

Anyone who asks for my hard earned cash up front before inspecting the unit would cause my "caution" lights to come on, but to each his/her own.
Susan

Speedhitch · RV-Dreams Family Member

NO TIME NO WAY NO HOW...I would never do that unless I was standing on the same piece of ground that unit was on and I could give it the once over. That is a gamble you should never take in buying an RV....anything for that matter!

Just my opinion

Speedy

Ann and Steve · RV-Dreams Family Member

Speedy is right. As I read your post, little alarms were going off in my head with red flashing lights in my eyes. Unless you're a gambler, run, don't walk away.

Archie · RV-Dreams Community Member

I just purchased an 06 komfort F.W and it was an absolute disasster. Contact me by phone as the story is too long to put in print . 604-792-7771

Archie · RV-Dreams Community Member

My first reply didn't say what the subject was about so I'll start again. I just purchased a 2006 Komfort Fifth wheel from CrankyApe. Paid $18,500 for unit. Did not see unit and went by disclosure on bottom of site. This turned out to be a real serious rip off. Too many issues to put in print so I don't mind telling anyone interested to call me and I will fill you in 604-792-7771 Archie

Hogladyrider · RV-Dreams Family Member

Archie, what ever possessed you, or are you "crankyaping us"?

Archie · RV-Dreams Community Member

I wouldn't be so cranky if it weren't true. Archie

thebearII · RV-Dreams Family Member

Just the name of the website is enough to make me suspect.... who is this ape and why is it so cranky....

Oh it must have bought one of the "good deals" off of the website.

dewwood · RV-Dreams Family Member

Archie,

I am sorry for your unfortunate situation but I do appreciate your willingness to share your experience as it may help others to avoid a similar occurance.

TrishsTravco · RV-Dreams Family Member

Archie wrote:

My first reply didn't say what the subject was about so I'll start again. I just purchased a 2006 Komfort Fifth wheel from CrankyApe. Paid $18,500 for unit. Did not see unit and went by disclosure on bottom of site. This turned out to be a real serious rip off. Too many issues to put in print so I don't mind telling anyone interested to call me and I will fill you in 604-792-7771 Archie

Man oh, man.... There is just no limit to what people will do for a buck.

CrankyApe has to have a dealer license to sell anything with a title.
Not only are they listed with every state in which they do business, they have to abide by that state's "truth in whatever" statutes and precedents BEFORE they holler "but we've got a contract."

No matter how much fine print's on the bottom of that "standard contract" (and there is NO such thing! ask any first yr law student --they can tell you that), not to worry.

Thing to do is contact your state Attorney General's office, number's in the blue pages. The AG Dep't of Consumer Affairs is all about making sure swindles (or whatever you call them) are redressed.
Plus, they'll have a list of companies with complaints filed against them.

You'll have some paperwork, not onerous. You may be able to void the deal IF the rig was grossly misrepresented. "IF" in big letters... and that chance is worth a phone call.

Good luck.

Richard Mondavi · RV-Dreams Community Member

Can I take it for granted you didn't read the following that I cut from the Crankyape website?

Can I look at the unit before I bid?

Absolutely! Our Minnesota location holds regular business hours, and all other locations are by appointment only. We encourage all buyers to view units before bidding, as all units are sold AS IS!

What if the item is not what I expected?

All items are sold AS IS with no warranties expressed or implied.

We make a good faith effort to describe items as accurately as possible, however, MRC is not responsible for information provided in error. You agree to this policy when you place your bids on Crankyape.com. We encourage all buyers to view units prior to bidding, as well as run a Carfax report on the Vin # provided PRIOR to bidding. Please be sure to read the description of each unit thoroughly, as well as view ALL of the photos prior to bidding!

When submitting each bid, you must agree to the following: We describe all units based on a visual inspection only. We make a good faith effort to accurately describe each item, however there may be hidden damage, or we may unintentionally miss damage that may appear obvious to the buyer. If you agree to our terms and conditions and are aware that ALL ITEMS ARE SOLD AS IS despite what is written or not written in the description, please click OK. Or click cancel if you do not agree to these terms.

Archie · RV-Dreams Community Member

Thanks very much for that info. I will be pursuing that option ASAP. Archie

Hogladyrider · RV-Dreams Family Member

Archie, your profile states you are "owner/general manager of a RV dealership"....

confused????????????

If you would share with us what and why you chose this route for a purchase.
Susan

Archie · RV-Dreams Community Member

Reply to Crankyape "TERMS & CONDITIONS".which I read. Hear is the problem. I watched many items and read the disclosures and looked at pictures of damage etc. This made me feel comfortable that things were looked at very closely.( I got set-up) as you'll see. On top of that I know a fellow that bought a Motorhome (without seeing it) and all the things missing and damage were as it said. #1 They disclosed that quote " one of the slide toppers has a small rip in it". Actual fact "all the toppers (4 of them) all totally rotten and have big holes in all of them" #2 Propane tanks, hold down,hoses and regulator all missing. Their response quote " we didn't tell you it had those items". #3 Spare Tire and bracket missing (same response) . #4 cupboard door on inside back wall ripped off it's hinges (very obvious) . The above are the items I asked to be paid for. The other issues that would fall under "As Is " which they couldn't see #1 Convertor burnt out #2 Fridge needs a mother board #3 The former owner must have urinated on the living room carpet and the hide-a-bed mattress(stench was unbelievable). We have already ripped out the carpet and threw out the mattress. I felt it important that everyone we can warn, know about this. CrankyApe will not help me in any way, with anything. Thanks Archie

Archie · RV-Dreams Community Member

Reply to Owner Rv dealership. Why would we buy one there? Lots of dealers buy used trailers off that site and other auctions to have used stock to sell. Obviously this purchase will finish me buying at any auction. I am only doing this to help other protential purchasers from making this mistake. ( private or dealers). Thanks Archie

Irish Rover · RV-Dreams Community Member

Crankyape? is just a big old auction house selling off repo's for finance companies.They are setting their reserve very high which leaves no room for repairs, condition of these units are very bad, when a unit is being repoed there is no money being spent on service. When you buy from auctions that deal in repoes you will need a lot of money for repairs.maybe its the first oil change that it ever got.

Gummy · RV-Dreams Family Member

I'm with Speedy......I would NEVER, NEVER, NEVER DO THIS!!!!! Gummy

RVWest · RV-Dreams Community Member

I have followed this site and just felt the need to register and provide feedback. I have purchased several RV's and other units through CrankyApe and have nothing but praise for them. It is possible to get a good deal buying a repo but if you don't INSPECT IT FIRST you may be buying trouble. In all fairness CrankyApe makes it more than clear that you are buying AS IS and strongly encourage on site inspections.
It amazes me to read some of the uninformed responses by several people on this forum...CrankyApe does not own the units they are simply selling them for the bank. If you don't inspect it you have nobody to blame but yourself! You might even consider paying a local RV dealer to look at it for you if your not close...cheap price to pay.

Anyway my experience has been great and just hate to see a company get trashed (I own my own business too) when it is not deserved..just my .02

Archie · RV-Dreams Community Member

Response to RVWEST: In case you can't read, our biggest complaint was about inconsistencies on reporting damage or things missing on unit. Why bother reporting any damage, then buyers would know you have to go and look at ,( or hire someone) to look, at the unit. I was born at night, but it wasn't last night. Archie

RVWest · RV-Dreams Community Member

I can read and that is why I offered my opinion just as you did. You had a bad experience and painted a picture that CrankyApe is a bad company to which I disagree. In my opinion they make the terms very clear, to which the bidder must agree to each and every time they bid. (in case YOU can't read) So either you agree with the terms and bid or you don't, it's that simple. If they were trying to "set you up" why would they allow in person inspections? They are aware that they simply aren't going to catch all the issues on repo units to which they get no prior history that is why the terms are made so clear. You may want to read through the terms Richard Mondavi posted earlier... I guess we'll have to agree to disagree on this one..

Archie · RV-Dreams Community Member

Final Response to RVWEST. My final answer. The guy that ownes this outfit must be a friend of yours or you own alot of shares( if it is publicaly traded) . Why else would you be so defensive. I've been in business for 30 yrs and was brought on a farm in Saskatchewan, which probably works against me, as I am too trusting of other people. I have always backed up what I sell , even if one of my employees have mislead a customer. Archie

RVWest · RV-Dreams Community Member

Well I have bought lot's of items there so I probably should own stock by now :). Archie I'm not being defensive I just thought people needed to hear another point of view on the company...That is what the original post asked for...

traveljunkie · RV-Dreams Family Member

Don't want to get in the middle of things as this is the friendliest board on the internet smile (not officially of course, but definately IMHO!) I appreciate hearing different points of view and definately didn't pick up a defensive vibe just another opinion. Sorry Archie, I didn't like the tone of your two last posts and I want to make sure this forum doesn't go the way of some other forums I've stopped reading.

Linda · Hostess

I realize that emotions may be elevated, but this forum is for learning. Please watch your tone.

Thanks TravelJunkie for stepping in.

-- Edited by Linda on Tuesday 21st of July 2009 07:56:33 AM

Hogladyrider · RV-Dreams Family Member

AMEN!

marcio0209 · RV-Dreams Community Member

ok last week i decided to buy a class c rv for startup i sold my camper and was interest to buy a class c,so i find the crankyape.com website and found a unit that i like was a 1997 duchmen 31n with 29900 miles,they show all the defects and i decided to bid on it,i won the bid for 4950.00 i did not look the unit i leave in connecticut and the unit was in texas 1700 miles away i decided to go there and pickup,i made the wire transfer and went there last friday pickup the unit put in a neww battery and drove home no problem and very happy and this morning i just receive the title on my mail box

scrappy2 · RV-Dreams Community Member

I bought a 2002 Holiday Rambler Endeaver 330 cummings with 3 slides and under 20,000 miles. I live near the site where it was auctioned so I went twice to look it over. I definately would not buy anything that expensive without a close look first. All damage was light and described and photographed well. This outfit gets paid by the bank selling the item no matter what it sells for so there's no pressure. When I went to pick it up all of the batteries were bad but they jumped started me and aired my tires and provided a small wealth of information. Upon registering the unit in my state (Az) no sales tax was required as it was bought from a bank. I would definately buy items from Crankape again as my experience was positive. Total price commision and all, $49,800, about half what the coach books for.

PattiRon · RV-Dreams Family Member

Scrappy:

So, they didn't mind you visiting twice? I would think you got treated well cause you are personable and made a couple of visits.

I checked the site. They have some excellent deals. I bet if someone showed up near auction item's auction closing day, they would let you and a mechanic look the unit over. Then as mentioned above, you could go find an internet cafe near by and win the auction. If you're looking at a $5000 to $30000 purchase that is at least a half off deal. Why would anyone hesitate to pay a mechanic for a day or two on a purchase that big?

And when you buy salvage, which this is, you just know you're gonna spend some money to "get it right". I certainly wouldn't expect to sleep on the old bed. And I wouldbn't be too surprised at some fixes 'my' mechanic missed.

Here in Las Vegas we've been hard hit with foreclosures. The people leaving often take everything they can with them (like toilets, kitchen sinks, ceiling fans, etc) out of anger at the bank. So, ya gotta inspect and ya gotta expect to spend more than the bid (purchase price).

It would take a good deal to get me at one of those locations. But, I'd sure cover all of my bases.

Glad you had a good experience. Thanks for pointing this out. Ron

rwarner22 · RV-Dreams Family Member

Sending cash ahead of delivery does not sound like a good idea to me. I did that once and got burned on Craigslist. Glad is was 'only' $125.

Not sure why someone would take that gamble with their new home. For us, our home is the last big material possession we have so we would not take the risk.

We almost got burned on an internet deal for a used class A. I was willing to believe this guy until he said, '...send me $$$'. Bingo - bad idea. We got out of that one fast.

About the only good thing that came out of that was a few days of material for my blog and a what I took as a warning to myself:
- Don't send money without first getting the service or product.
- And if it sounds fishy or is 'too good of a deal' it probably isn't legit.

Good luck on your search.

derkalil · RV-Dreams Community Member

When you purchase something from crankyape.com you are purchasing an item which the prior owners lost due to repo. When a prior owner is getting ready to lose something to repo they do not repair things or maintain them. If you buy a motorhome from crankyape, prepare to buy tires, batteries and cleaning at the minimum. They do inspection lists on the units, but always remember, their goal is to make the bank/client more money so as the bank/client will give them more units to sell.

More times then not batteries are listed as "May need recharged" when they are clearly cracked, bulging, leaking and totally destroyed.

Is this the kind of motorhome you want to buy? If you are going to buy from a non warranty type sales, like an idividual or something, then at least go inspect the unit thoroughly. Hire a mechanic to check the powertrain out for you. Best bet is to stick to dealerships where you can at least sue them to repair/replace misrepresented units.