Forum Discussion

RVER's avatar
RVER
Explorer
Feb 25, 2014

How about a Beaver Monterey? 2005 34 ft

Looking at Beaver Monterey 2005 and it is 34 ft. Many upgrades but want to know you fellows/ladies experience with Beaver and with maintenence etc. I was told this one had a rotted out exhaust system so that has been replaced but want your opinions, Pros and Cons. They are expensive, they are asking $105,000 so right now it is only a consideration but it is beautiful of what I have seen. Need to see it when owner gets back so he can open up slides and we can inspect etc.
Thanks in advance for your opinions.
  • The only dollar amount I would be looking at are the tires and batteries. How old are they? I replaced min e at 17k at 8 years old with a build date of 05 at a cost of $4200 295/80R 22.5 the batteries had just been replaced. Sounds like a nice coach. When I was looking I wanted a 36' but could not turn this one down.
    How many miles on it and does it have any service records. With the Cat C9 you should change the oil at 5k because of the HEUI pump. Has the trans had the first filter change at 5k and does it have a side radiator that's a plus also.
    JR
  • This unit I am looking at has 400 cat eng., 4 slides, Aqua hot water heating system, 4 dr refer with ice maker, air assisted susp air leveling system, 2 1500 BTU central/ducted AC, washer/ dryer, 8 KW diesel generator, 2000 watt inverter, full body paint, rear vision camera/monitor, security system, light maple cabinetry upgrade, aluminum RV wheels, 16'slide topper awnings, 6way power seats, solar panel and upgrade option.
    My concern is YES the exhaust system rotting out what else is going on under there, it is 9 years old so systems may start going and they are not cheap. Would you buy a 9 yr old rig of this company and with this engine and above, are these the right things to have on this length unit etc. I do believe that the 34 ft unit is well balanced, not a long overhang in rear of the rear axle. But will of course drive it and make sure I am comfortable I did have a 34 ft Winnebago some years ago and it was great to drive so know what I am looking for in driving it.
  • DSDP Don wrote:
    My point...the Beaver is a nice coach, but I doubt it will have Aqua Hot on such a short unit. Short units are in demand, but the 34' is really short and will have some handling issues. It's wheelbase is shorter than a 32' Class A gasser. I knew what my coach was worth and I think the Beaver is about $10,000.00 to high unless everything has been upgraded.


    It is unfair to categorically say a short pusher will have handing issues. Our 33' handles great. There are many other factors involved than length. Good design means a lot. Drive it and decide for yourself.

    By the way, our 33' has a Hydro Hot.
  • RVER.....When we were shopping for our new coach in 2005, we came close to purchasing a 2005 Beaver Monterey 36'. It had a Caterpillar 400 HP engine, really nice cabinets and Aqua Hot which is an expensive option. We came within $5000.00 of making a deal, but didn't.

    We eventually bought a similar coach, 2005 Monaco Diplomat. The Diplomat didn't have the Aqua Hot, but had the 400 HP Cummins engine and was 2' larger. I just sold my immaculate 2005 with all the upgrades, MCD shades, residential refer, new TV's, Winegard Travler HD antenna, sway bars, shocks and much more.

    My point...the Beaver is a nice coach, but I doubt it will have Aqua Hot on such a short unit. Short units are in demand, but the 34' is really short and will have some handling issues. It's wheelbase is shorter than a 32' Class A gasser. I knew what my coach was worth and I think the Beaver is about $10,000.00 to high unless everything has been upgraded.
  • Well.......how about it??? I think I'd spend a little time under the chassis looking for rust issues, rotted exhaust in a 05 diesel sounds like winter driving was the norm. That's not good.