Wheel base and tag axles

Tag axles were NOT invented to solve any directional-stability driving problems. The were invented so that LOAD CAPACITY could be increased at that section of the vehicle.
HOWEVER, a tag axle, if correctly located, installed, and aligned WILL INCIDENTLY ENHANCE the directional stability of the vehicle.
My own research of Diesel Pushers convinced me that 41 feet is the very longest DP that I would tolerate without a tag axle.
My own selection of Diesel Pusher, which Newmar sold as a 40 foot model, has very good directional stability. And, it's easy for me to understand the reasons that it drives and handles so well.
My dream diesel pusher is a 45 foot luxury coach (all of which understandably come with a tag axle).

Douginpr, I'd look at coaches in the states as they are generally cheaper, and the import process isn't hard. Lots of Beavers and CC's at reasonable prices.

Back to the OP's question. Getting a tag does not always increase the wheelbase. We went from a 40' DP to a 45' DP...same wheelbase.

Dougjpr, I didn't take your post as a 'shot' at Prevost at all.

Prevosts are made of a Kevlar composite material giving the exterior a very smooth look. The 'H' chassis, which we have, doesn't not have the lower stainless panels as we have a full body paint job. The chassis's that have the stainless lower body are the 'XL' chassis (Prevost makes two type chassis's).

The Prevost 'empty shell' chassis's are driven from Sainte-Claire, Quebec, Canada, to the converter to be turned into a motorhome. The slides are installed at the factory. There is a small driver's seat for delivery.

The coaches are completely painted first before anything is done on the inside. Then, the conversions starts. The passenger side windshield is removed to install the larger items. It's a very interesting process.

Some people debate on buying a used Prevost rather and a new manufactured coach. Prevost's are really timeless. A 15 yr. old coach is often mistaken as new.

MM.

MM

Thanks for the info regarding Prevost coaches.

I have never researched Prevost as they are out of my budget, and there is obviously good reasoning behind the cost of Prevost Coaches.

The previous comment was not meant as a shot a Prevost as far as the quality of their coaches, but it was a reply to the previous comment regarding the handling.

Thanks again for the info, I did not know that about their coaches.

Doug

Dougjpr wrote:
Thanks for the info

My searching keeps bringing me back to the Newmar line. Country Coaches are nice and wouldn't not consider them. A lot of times they are a bit out of our budget, most likely because they are so good and hold their value, which is something to definitely consider. Hard to find them up here too.

If we did look at a Monaco line of coach, it would be from the lines that were built in the West Coast factory, which I believe is the Coburg facility you refer to.

I suppose it would be tough to tell a Prevost owner that anything was better than a Prevost. :)

The plus about a Prevost is that it is DOT certified but it's not in everybody's budget. I saw a Prevost Marathon that was in an accident where it was hit head-on by a drunk driver. It was amazing that the whole front was still intact as there are steel beams below the windshield that strengthen the frame. The windshield did crack. The car was thrown around the driver's side and caved in a bay door with damage all along the side.

Later I found out that the coach was totaled-out because of the wiring in the electric bay was damaged which is expensive to repair. Any regular coach would not hold up in a crash without major structural damage. A Prevost has REAL front and rear bumpers. Our previous Monaco Dynasty had braces holding the front fiberglas in place.

If I were looking at a regular manufactured coach, I would lean strongly towards a Newmar as I like their looks and amenities.

MM.

I have never had it bit have heard the Comfort Drive on the Newmar is worth having. If I would ever go to another bigger MH it would be another Newmar. Once you have one you can't settle for anything else.

Thanks for the info

My searching keeps bringing me back to the Newmar line. Country Coaches are nice and wouldn't not consider them. A lot of times they are a bit out of our budget, most likely because they are so good and hold their value, which is something to definitely consider. Hard to find them up here too.

If we did look at a Monaco line of coach, it would be from the lines that were built in the West Coast factory, which I believe is the Coburg facility you refer to.

I suppose it would be tough to tell a Prevost owner that anything was better than a Prevost. :)

Dougjpr wrote:
Thanks Dick

In 2002, was Beaver under the Monaco family?

If so were they built on the same lines or did Beaver keep all their production the same under Monaco ownership?

Problem we have up here in Canada is a very limited supply of coaches. Beaver coaches are pretty hard to find up here, there are a few though.

Have become partial to Newmar Mountain Aires's and Dutch Star's (2004-2006's)

I do like the Monaco, HR, Beaver, Safari from those years as well

Doug

In 2002 Monaco had already purchased Beaver but not yet imposed their engineering so they were still "pure" Beaver and being built in Bend.. They just renamed the Magnum chassis and with an M prefix. I believe this continued until the 2004 model year before they moved production to Coburg and built them on the appropriate Monocao assy lines.

If we were going to get anything but a Beaver it would be either a Newmar or Country Coach. Nothing else compares. I've been told by a knowledgeable source that the handling of a Beaver Marquis (in that era) was much better than a Prevost and he had had several. This comment caused much cocktail conversation...some a bit heated.

Thanks Dick

In 2002, was Beaver under the Monaco family?

If so were they built on the same lines or did Beaver keep all their production the same under Monaco ownership?

Problem we have up here in Canada is a very limited supply of coaches. Beaver coaches are pretty hard to find up here, there are a few though.

Have become partial to Newmar Mountain Aires's and Dutch Star's (2004-2006's)

I do like the Monaco, HR, Beaver, Safari from those years as well

Doug