Best brand/model and why

JimM68,

Well I am in discussion with the seller. Will see how goes. What do you think its worth in USD?

Btw,

I have a 68 Camaro...nice!

If you are looking at short term ownership, resale is a big factor. Just look and see what used coaches are selling for and what it cost their original owners to own them short term. Since you are buying used, if you save a lot, someone took a big loss. Maybe you will and maybe you won't if you sell soon. If ownership is long term, look at value of older coaches.

For me, the bottom line was acceptable quality and the chassis I wanted, with enough power to get where I wanted to go. But the single most important factor is livability. Not just floorplan, but carrying capacity, features, eye-appeal, etc.

You mentioned another couple travelling with you. I can't imagine being the guest couple in ANY class A I have ever seen. There is no such thing as a good second bed in a coach. They sleep 2...dine 4...and sit 6 or 8. Anything more is problematic.

Miramichi cruiser wrote:
2008 Monaco Signature

Can I please have some unadultered feedback on this unit.

Thank you,

Stephen

I've been to the Monaco factory a few years back. I was not particularly impressed. In looking at the wall structure, the framing material is rather thin, about 1/3rd of the thickness of what is in my coach, and my coach is aircraft aluminum semi-monocoque construction, which is a stronger construction method. I don't know that the walls have any particular failure, but just structurally not as strong. The internal window framing did not go all the way up the window opening. It was about 2 inches away. The window clamping is on the skin and foam. Will they leak after 15 years, I don't know, but I was surprised to see that.

Miramichi cruiser wrote:
2008 Monaco Signature

Can I please have some unadultered feedback on this unit.

Thank you,

Stephen

Signiture is the top of Monaco's line, the best of the best.
As the owner of the same year entry level Monaco DP, I'd give my left nut for an 08 Sig.

fyi, the ad shows it as an '06...
Not that it makes much difference.

But even at my buyin, I have a Roadmaster outboard air bag chassis, and a ride and handling all but Foretravel and Prevost wish they had.

My experience with Foretravel is primarily with the brand overall, not as much with the latest units. Once they hit the 1990s, the build quality is substantial. Just they way things are done are a significant step above what I would call "production" coaches. You are just jumping to a different category.

As far as renting, I look to these guys for a quality rental unit. While the format may not be a pusher, they still are well built units that should give you a sense of the whole concept of RVing. Who knows, maybe you might just end up with one, although they won't be quite as nice as the FT, they still are pretty good. It will also tell you if you can tolerate the length.
http://www.westsidemotorcoach.com/Renegade-Rentals.htm
I've been to the RV shows every years for the last 12 years. I will tell you that a Renagade is the only thing I would consider other than an FT, if I were in the market to spend big bucks.

2008 Monaco Signature

Can I please have some unadultered feedback on this unit.

Thank you,

Stephen

st687, I neglected to say you were the second to mention Foretravel. Daveinet did a couple pages back. I have put a query in with them. Will let you know if I am near budget.

Are the Nimbus that great?

@John Wayne

Pilgrim...you may have just enlighten me! Only problem is that they will rent you a POS (piece of...silver) not an Entegra or Newmar. Have looked into that but if you know of a place, please let me know.

st687...I will straight away, thanks!

If you have never RV'd before and are jumping in going with 40-42 feet and dropping BIG bucks doing it. I'd rent one for a few weeks and you and wife take off in it and see how it works for you and what you'd want in a floor plan that makes you and her happy. You would be money ahead. Say you get one and don't like the floor plan and want to change models you will be money behind.

Heck rent one drive down to Texas PPL and look at all the model they have to look at.

Check with Motor Homes of Texas, they have 2 2007 Nimbus with the Cummins ISM 500 for less than your budget.