Monaco...The Good years and the bad...

[Ocean_Mist]

On the way to our vacation property, one of our neighbors has a Monaco Diplomat. It looks nice form the outside. My wife asks me about it and I say I really don't know. She say is it on that monocouque chassis? I'm like I think the top ones are but not sure...

Which leads me to my next questions...

I heard Monaco was a great brand and then they had a few years of some issues, and now are they good again? If so, which years should I stay away from? I see many for sale on RVtrader and many are priced very reasonably...

Are there any tips to getting a nice pre-loved Coach from Monaco?

I like a TAg, and stay in the 37 -40' range...

Oh, and do i have to worry about not having any CCC with these guys?

[Ocean_Mist]

Kidoo wrote:

Ocean Mist wrote:

Kidoo wrote:
I have a 2003 Cayman DP Cummins 34PDD, I had a few known problem with it. Other than that, it is great, runs good, drives good, very good insulation, aluminum roof is like new even after all these years.

1. The rear trailing arm where not cracked but I had them reinforced. If you want the new setup, it is around 3 to 4000.
2. The turbo is good but the electric motor on it is a piece of junk, they only made them in 2003 and 2004, if it breaks, this is a $3500.00 piece plus labor and it cannot be upgraded unless you know a genius that can modify your rig.
3. Kwikee hydraulic leveler, normaly installed on older Winnebago, they where installed on mine, good system but the circuit board is junk, around 500 to replace and god knows if it will last, some had a few replaced. The best thing is to install a direct switch system.
4. Have the radiators tested, they cost a bundle, around $3000 a piece.

Good luck.

This is valuble knowledge you have given me... thank you for the insight! I will research the, "Direct Swith System." and good lord a radiator for $3000?? What the heck can go wrong with them?

Here below the link for the manual switch. Radiator do go wrong and this one is not the most expensive one, the bigger rig, the more expensive! Some spend $2000 just for labor to replace.
http://forums.goodsamclub.com/Index.cfm/fuseaction/thread/tid/23442607/print/true.cfm

thanks for the link. I must keep at least 10,000 in reserves just to maintain the Coach...

[Ocean_Mist]

Mr.Mark wrote:

Ocean Mist wrote:

Mr.Mark wrote:


We never had any trouble with the particulate filter system and drove that coach almost 70,000 miles in 7.5 yrs. At 40,000 lbs, we average about 7.2 to 7.8 mpgs with our 425 hp Cummins.

I did find that the Roadmaster 10 air-bag chassis was a little rough riding for me but it handled great.

MM.

Mr Mark, I will respond to your message with the caveat that you DO NOt swallow me whole...lol That Liberty coach of yours just gives me the quivers...Woww thatsa nice...

Anyway I am curious that some folks here say that Prevost and fortravel and Newell use the 10 Airbag setup. Are you saying that although Monaco used the 10 airbags, that they didn't do a great job about it?

i thought airbag would make it more comfortable?

Thank you

Our 10 airbag Roadmaster chassis was nice and sturdy. It did ride stiff to me. Our new coach is a little tight too but not too bad as we weigh close to 54,000 lbs. (need to get it weighed). Driving on rough road in any coach is just rough no matter which coach you are driving.

Foretravel, Newell and Prevost's will have much more robust suspension components that will offer more stability and durability. Just look under a chassis if you ever have the chance.

I think a tag axle coach will handle better just from the dynamics of the design. It will drive straighter and not porpoise on dips in the road.

MM.

You're talkin' my kind of language. I will look forward to peeking under one of them Monster's of the freeways and Bi-Ways...

When you let people peek inside, they must just be in awe. If I was you I would set up a Go PRo just to see you know common peoples, (like me) reactions...

54,000 lbs...Your talking heavy duty for sure.

[Ocean_Mist]

Mr.Mark wrote:

Ocean Mist wrote:
Before I forget, Should I get a Residential Frige, and only Batteries, or the NorCold Artic RV type with Propane?

I'm worried about the fires to the RV.

Lastly, Is t advisable to get Propane for Cooktop ONLY and residential frige running on Batteries?


Thank you to everyone for helping me with all my questions. It means a great deal to me...And, yes if i see one of you stopped on the side of the road n distress, I will honk as i drive by...:B haha just kidding...

You are so kind to respond to every post.

Personally, I would not get propane. All electric is fine with us. You will only need to buy one fuel....diesel! Mostly, you will probably be cooking outside on the grill whether it be charcoal/propane container/electric. Inside, you will have a convection microwave so you really don't need a burner inside.

An all electric fridge is the cat's pajama's. They are efficient and are not expensive to repair like an absorption fridge (and larger). And yes, you will need a good set of batteries. Buy AGM's if you can as they are so clean.

Our new Liberty has Lithium Ion batteries/technology. We have three batteries where would probably have 8 or 10 AGM's. So, it's a definite weight saver. Also, they are rumored to last at least 10 years and can be rebuilt vs. replaced at a much cheaper cost. The down side is, they were $7k each to start but in the whole scheme of things, it all works out.

MM.

Mr Mark---> I find myself daydreaming and envisioning myself with those Lithium Ion Batteries! Why must you do this to me...Why?? I just remember seeing the inside of a Liberty after hearing that you had one, and I just couldn't believe the Koolness Factor. It was by far, one of the most beautiful things I have seen. Well, yes i don't get out much but still ... It literally knocked my socks off...

I don't think Prevost, makes anything in a 40' I have to remember I'm in California, and I don't want to be bothered by restrictions...Plus, my wife wants a Home on the Ocean, and there goes the Liberty right out the door...lol

Mr. Mark, if you do reply, and I hope you don't, please tell me about one more Kool thing your Coach has...:W

[Ocean_Mist]

Vncgrg wrote:

gemsworld wrote:
I had a new 2008 and it was the most expensive piece of junk I have ever owned.

We also bought a brand new 2008 Monaco Camelot 42 PDQ in December of 2007.
We are pleased with the quality and performance of our unit.
Which model did you own? Gas or Diesel????

That Camelot looks real nice, and it's refreshig to know that even in 2008 you were able to get a good one...does yours have Residential frige?

[Kidoo]

Ocean Mist wrote:

Kidoo wrote:
I have a 2003 Cayman DP Cummins 34PDD, I had a few known problem with it. Other than that, it is great, runs good, drives good, very good insulation, aluminum roof is like new even after all these years.

1. The rear trailing arm where not cracked but I had them reinforced. If you want the new setup, it is around 3 to 4000.
2. The turbo is good but the electric motor on it is a piece of junk, they only made them in 2003 and 2004, if it breaks, this is a $3500.00 piece plus labor and it cannot be upgraded unless you know a genius that can modify your rig.
3. Kwikee hydraulic leveler, normaly installed on older Winnebago, they where installed on mine, good system but the circuit board is junk, around 500 to replace and god knows if it will last, some had a few replaced. The best thing is to install a direct switch system.
4. Have the radiators tested, they cost a bundle, around $3000 a piece.

Good luck.

This is valuble knowledge you have given me... thank you for the insight! I will research the, "Direct Swith System." and good lord a radiator for $3000?? What the heck can go wrong with them?

Here below the link for the manual switch. Radiator do go wrong and this one is not the most expensive one, the bigger rig, the more expensive! Some spend $2000 just for labor to replace.
http://forums.goodsamclub.com/Index.cfm/fuseaction/thread/tid/23442607/print/true.cfm

[Ocean_Mist]

DSDP Don wrote:
"Ocean Mist"....I'll add my two cents since I owned a Monaco for over 9 years. I'll start by saying that Monaco was one of the best coaches made. The older ones are still as popular as ever.

Monaco made it's own chassis, called the Roadmaster chassis. Most of the chassis' on the road were their RR8R chassis which had 4 airbags and 4 shocks at each axle. This design made them a little stiffer handling, but they cornered really well. The tag axle chassis' were called RR10R and indicated they had two additional airbags and shocks on the tag axle.

They made also made an R4R chassis which was similar to something like a Freightliner with just two airbags and shocks per axle. They had a few years 07 and on, that had a defect and would crack the axle support. The R4R chassis was very rough riding. If you look at coaches with this chassis, you need to make sure the axle repair was done...about $3000.00.

In about 2009, Monaco went under like many others due to the recession and probably bad management. A short time later, Navistar bought the rights and began producing motor homes again, but they were now built with the Navistar/International engine, except for the very high end models. A few years later they were not profitable and dropped the line.

After Navistar dropped the Monaco line, the parent company of Fleetwood and American Coach Line bought the rights to Monaco and dumped the Roadmaster chassis. They then proceeded to make a few new coaches on a Freightliner chassis, starting with a Dynasty and called them the new Monaco.

If I were looking for a good quality used coach I would, depending on budget, start with anything Monaco built 2002 - 2008 on an RR8R chassis or higher. That includes Beaver and Safari that were brought into the Monaco family. Anything in 2009 may have some build issues as they were going out of business. Anything after that will typically have the Navistar engine which many liked.

From 2015 on, again, my personal opinion, Monaco is no longer. The new Monaco is just a rebranded American Coach on a Freightliner chassis. What made Monaco a Monaco was their chassis and it's gone forever.

Wow! where do i start...This is very important information. This is the Holly Grail for RoadMaster Chassis. Thank you for the detailed info. I can feel a bit safer now when im shopping.

The RR8R or RR10R is the shiz nizzle, I think that's how they say it...{:{>


But i agree with you, sadly that Monaco is no more...

[Mr_Mark1]

Ocean Mist wrote:

Mr.Mark wrote:


We never had any trouble with the particulate filter system and drove that coach almost 70,000 miles in 7.5 yrs. At 40,000 lbs, we average about 7.2 to 7.8 mpgs with our 425 hp Cummins.

I did find that the Roadmaster 10 air-bag chassis was a little rough riding for me but it handled great.

MM.

Mr Mark, I will respond to your message with the caveat that you DO NOt swallow me whole...lol That Liberty coach of yours just gives me the quivers...Woww thatsa nice...

Anyway I am curious that some folks here say that Prevost and fortravel and Newell use the 10 Airbag setup. Are you saying that although Monaco used the 10 airbags, that they didn't do a great job about it?

i thought airbag would make it more comfortable?

Thank you

Our 10 airbag Roadmaster chassis was nice and sturdy. It did ride stiff to me. Our new coach is a little tight too but not too bad as we weigh close to 54,000 lbs. (need to get it weighed). Driving on rough road in any coach is just rough no matter which coach you are driving.

Foretravel, Newell and Prevost's will have much more robust suspension components that will offer more stability and durability. Just look under a chassis if you ever have the chance.

I think a tag axle coach will handle better just from the dynamics of the design. It will drive straighter and not porpoise on dips in the road.

MM.

[Mr_Mark1]

Ocean Mist wrote:
Before I forget, Should I get a Residential Frige, and only Batteries, or the NorCold Artic RV type with Propane?

I'm worried about the fires to the RV.

Lastly, Is t advisable to get Propane for Cooktop ONLY and residential frige running on Batteries?


Thank you to everyone for helping me with all my questions. It means a great deal to me...And, yes if i see one of you stopped on the side of the road n distress, I will honk as i drive by...:B haha just kidding...

You are so kind to respond to every post.

Personally, I would not get propane. All electric is fine with us. You will only need to buy one fuel....diesel! Mostly, you will probably be cooking outside on the grill whether it be charcoal/propane container/electric. Inside, you will have a convection microwave so you really don't need a burner inside.

An all electric fridge is the cat's pajama's. They are efficient and are not expensive to repair like an absorption fridge (and larger). And yes, you will need a good set of batteries. Buy AGM's if you can as they are so clean.

Our new Liberty has Lithium Ion batteries/technology. We have three batteries where would probably have 8 or 10 AGM's. So, it's a definite weight saver. Also, they are rumored to last at least 10 years and can be rebuilt vs. replaced at a much cheaper cost. The down side is, they were $7k each to start but in the whole scheme of things, it all works out.

MM.

[Ocean_Mist]

Before I forget, Should I get a Residential Frige, and only Batteries, or the NorCold Artic RV type with Propane?

I'm worried about the fires to the RV.

Lastly, Is t advisable to get Propane for Cooktop ONLY and residential frige running on Batteries?


Thank you to everyone for helping me with all my questions. It means a great deal to me...And, yes if i see one of you stopped on the side of the road n distress, I will honk as i drive by...:B haha just kidding...

[Ocean_Mist]

Billinwoodland wrote:
I have a 2008 Monaco Monarch 34 sbd which is on a ford chasis. We shopped for a MH for around 2 years and looked at a lot of coaches. The Monarch has simply been awesome. I must admit I was a bit concerned buying one during the time they were going under, but the fit and finish on this coach is great. My only complaint is the comfort of the bed. I need to upgrade the mattress. After all the coaches I looked at, my short list was Winnebago and Monaco.

Wow I know wea re pretty particular about our matress. Can you use a regular Residential mattress in there or in any Coach for that matter?

We like the Beyond Black, by beauty rest. Firm with a 6" top

you can see them here:

http://www.beautyrest.com/products/black/

[Vncgrg]

gemsworld wrote:
I had a new 2008 and it was the most expensive piece of junk I have ever owned.

We also bought a brand new 2008 Monaco Camelot 42 PDQ in December of 2007.
We are pleased with the quality and performance of our unit.
Which model did you own? Gas or Diesel????

[Ocean_Mist]

bsinmich wrote:
Wanting a tag in 37-40' is going to be difficult. Most builders only start tags over 40'. I think Newmar makes one. There are some older gassers that needed tags on short MHs because they couldn't carry the weight but that is a different category. They were mostly 16" wheels.

I can go to 40' I mean would a tag on a 40 give you just as good a ride and handling as those 24,000lb single axles?

[Ocean_Mist]

Kidoo wrote:
I have a 2003 Cayman DP Cummins 34PDD, I had a few known problem with it. Other than that, it is great, runs good, drives good, very good insulation, aluminum roof is like new even after all these years.

1. The rear trailing arm where not cracked but I had them reinforced. If you want the new setup, it is around 3 to 4000.
2. The turbo is good but the electric motor on it is a piece of junk, they only made them in 2003 and 2004, if it breaks, this is a $3500.00 piece plus labor and it cannot be upgraded unless you know a genius that can modify your rig.
3. Kwikee hydraulic leveler, normaly installed on older Winnebago, they where installed on mine, good system but the circuit board is junk, around 500 to replace and god knows if it will last, some had a few replaced. The best thing is to install a direct switch system.
4. Have the radiators tested, they cost a bundle, around $3000 a piece.

Good luck.

This is valuble knowledge you have given me... thank you for the insight! I will research the, "Direct Swith System." and good lord a radiator for $3000?? What the heck can go wrong with them?

[Ocean_Mist]

bullydogs1 wrote:
I have a 2009 HR (the diplomat in Monaco speak)..and it has been a decent coach..It is solid , there were issues such as an AC when Carrier was still doing AC's in RVs, but they all stepped up to cover their components...The fact that there is good support and I have a build sheet on the coach etc helps...I would not be afraid of any Monaco or HR unit at all IF IT HAS BEEN PROPERLY MAINTENANCED...The only exception is the RR4R chassis (Cayman and Neptune) with the 4 air bag chassis..Those had bad trailing arms and if you are looking at those, make sure all the necessary modifications were done. Note that the Newmar Dutch Star came with a 4018 floor plan which is a 40 foot with a tag.

Thank you for the info. Ok so I need to make sure I can acquire a Build sheet, or make sure one is included for any motorhome i purchase.

And that Newmar makes a 40 foot tag that I may like. I still have to find out if california are sticklers on that over 40' restrictions...I mean like is 40'3" considered ,"over 40'?"

[Ocean_Mist]

Mr.Mark wrote:


We never had any trouble with the particulate filter system and drove that coach almost 70,000 miles in 7.5 yrs. At 40,000 lbs, we average about 7.2 to 7.8 mpgs with our 425 hp Cummins.

I did find that the Roadmaster 10 air-bag chassis was a little rough riding for me but it handled great.

MM.

Mr Mark, I will respond to your message with the caveat that you DO NOt swallow me whole...lol That Liberty coach of yours just gives me the quivers...Woww thatsa nice...

Anyway I am curious that some folks here say that Prevost and fortravel and Newell use the 10 Airbag setup. Are you saying that although Monaco used the 10 airbags, that they didn't do a great job about it?

i thought airbag would make it more comfortable?

Thank you