Forum Discussion

ribbit_g's avatar
ribbit_g
Explorer
Aug 29, 2013

2004 Monaco Monarch 30PDD

as a lurker for a year to rv.net i would like to say thank you for all the wisdom i have found here ! a little background: my dh & i brought our 3 sons tenting for many years. there came a time that the kids didnt want to go , i didnt want to tent & cabins at the campgrounds we went to just were not comfortable. so we stopped camping. fast forward a few years , and iam a few months shy of 50 ( where did the years go ) and my younger brother passed away from a blood clot in his heart. totally unexpected and devastating. so i went out and bought a 1995 ford shasta class c !! we have had so much fun getting back into camping . we never did get the water heater to work or the furnace but have enjoyed it so much. but we find we want a bit more room & our own shower . iam eying a 2004 Monaco Monarch 30PDD with 32,000 miles on the engine . its beautiful inside with no signs of leaks . i have not driven it yet ( i do the camper driving and dh drives the car ) and i am a bit intimidated . so my questions for the forum : anyone have experience with this model ? how much difference in driving a 26ft class c vs a 30ft class a ? thanks in advance
Class A
  • Scars's avatar
    Scars
    Explorer
    Sep 06, 2013
    We have an '03 Monaco Monarch 30 footer and just returned from a 2600 mile vacation with no problems. The only thing I wish was different was the smaller couch that is too short to lay on and watch tv.
    The tires may be original and in need of replacement even if they have lots of tread left. The date code is a 4 digit number on the side of the tire (4210 means 42nd week of 2010 for example) You can negotiate new tires into the sale price.
    Overall, Monaco has a good quality rep, roof is aluminum and the Ford v10 gets 10 mpg. Sizewise, it is easy to drive & park. Take it for a test drive somewhere quiet and do city streets and highways to get a feel. Also, a special license is not required (check your state rules though)
    Post more questions if you have them. Good luck.
  • bluebarry1964b's avatar
    bluebarry1964b
    Explorer
    Sep 01, 2013
    I have no idea as to whether or not this is applicable to the particular Monaco that you're looking at, but just as a precaution you may want to do a check on whether or not there are any recall issues with this particular unit before you buy it. The only reason I'm even mentioning it is because I have a Holiday Rambler which is a Monaco product and it is only a year older than the coach you're looking at. There have been 3 recalls involving my coach & Monaco will not pay for fixing these recalls. Just thought I'd mention it.
  • timmac's avatar
    timmac
    Explorer
    Aug 30, 2013
    ribbit g wrote:
    how much difference in driving a 26ft class c vs a 30ft class a ? thanks in advance


    Very little difference, just the class A will be taller.
  • Mommalu's avatar
    Mommalu
    Explorer
    Aug 30, 2013
    It's all in the mirrors, Not much difference with lengths other than potential tail swing and you will need to take all the territory that's legally yours for turning.
    For tail swing you first look in the opposite mirror of your turn to see what you could hit with the rear end if you turn sharp, tail swing is determined by how much distance is from your rear wheels to the bumper.The greater the distance the more tail swing. A 40' school bus has 10'+ beyond the rear wheels with a potential of a 3' tail swing. You need to drive forward as far as you can to make your turn allowing as much distance to get those rear duallies around the corner, we call it squaring the turn, 90 degree like turns. As you make your turn you watch the opposite mirror (ie right turn right mirror) to insure you clear curbs etc.
    Practice brings improvement, it's much easier with an A than a C. With and A you have a clear view to pull your RV as forward as possible before starting your turn. You will see how close you are to things in front of you and can use your mirrors to see whats on either side.
    Good Luck it's far easier than most realize.
  • SRT's avatar
    SRT
    Explorer
    Aug 29, 2013
    We went from a 27' class C to a 32' class A. Wheel base is a little longer and more overhang at the back. But overall didn't find to much difference in driving.

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