Forum Discussion

stich's avatar
stich
Explorer
Oct 14, 2014

Down SIZING Without Downgrading

We have a '98 Monaco Executive with low miles and absolutely LOVE it. The only issue I've had is it's size. Being a 40'er, I sometimes have trouble pulling into campsites and RV parks, especially pulling a toad. My wife refuses to drive it at all. She thinks that a shorter one would be easier and may drive it. Here's my problem. If we were to downsize, say a 36'er, what would be comarable to the Exec? Like semi-monocoque chassis and such. I won't give up the amenities that we are used to just to get a shorter MH. I am partial to Monaco but not stuck on them. I must have 3-4 slides to make up for some of the lost footage. I don't want new, say around 2002-2005 as I can't spend a lot of money for the trade in difference. I don't know what our Exec is really worth but I won't give it away either. I did look at a 36' Dynasty that may fit the bill. What's the pecking order for what I'm looking at? All help would be appreciated. Oh, and won't be jumping right away, maybe in 6 months or so. And only if the price is right. :)

Thanks
Jack
Class A
  • oneolddog's avatar
    oneolddog
    Explorer
    Oct 15, 2014
    stich wrote:
    We have a '98 Monaco Executive with low miles and absolutely LOVE it. The only issue I've had is it's size. Being a 40'er, I sometimes have trouble pulling into campsites and RV parks, especially pulling a toad. My wife refuses to drive it at all. She thinks that a shorter one would be easier and may drive it. Here's my problem. If we were to downsize, say a 36'er, what would be comarable to the Exec? Like semi-monocoque chassis and such. I won't give up the amenities that we are used to just to get a shorter MH. I am partial to Monaco but not stuck on them. I must have 3-4 slides to make up for some of the lost footage. I don't want new, say around 2002-2005 as I can't spend a lot of money for the trade in difference. I don't know what our Exec is really worth but I won't give it away either. I did look at a 36' Dynasty that may fit the bill. What's the pecking order for what I'm looking at? All help would be appreciated. Oh, and won't be jumping right away, maybe in 6 months or so. And only if the price is right. :)

    Thanks
    Jack


    How about this 34' Country Coach Allure. It has a semi-monocoque chassis: http://www.countrycoach.com/2014/09/2006-country-coach-allure-34-31384/
  • Mr_Mark1's avatar
    Mr_Mark1
    Explorer
    Oct 15, 2014
    Oneolddog, what a nice example of a short coach in excellent condition!

    Hope that you can get back into the RVing world too!

    MM.
  • John_S_'s avatar
    John_S_
    Explorer II
    Oct 15, 2014
    Foertravel makes a great 34 and 36 but in those years a max of two slides. I have owned both and each one for over 100K miles and I do not think you are thinking straight. Unless yopu can not fit into your favorite campground, you will be giving up a lot of space. Every slide you add losed a foot of inside storage too.
  • xctraveler's avatar
    xctraveler
    Explorer
    Oct 15, 2014
    Just FYI, we full time in a 36'er (see signature). Our size is limited by access to our son's farmyard, takes 5 to 7 point turn to set up with the current coach, 40' would not make it. This is our third year in this 4 slide coach. Before this we lived in a 36 foot two slide Southwind with gas engine.

    We have a lot more storage now and DW is more than happy to take her share of time behind the wheel, we switch every two hours. As I write we are both in the LR area with our computers on in our son's yard while they do schooling and work.

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