Rear Engine Drive motorhome, 8.1 L gas

[Campin10]

I'm looking at buying a Monaco La Palma Motor Home that has a 8.1L rear engine. I'm wondering if anyone has any experience with a rear engine gas engine. I'm thinking of overheating problems. Thanks for any remarks.

[OhhWell]

If a turbo diesel doesn't overheat in a rear engine configuration, I can't see why a normally aspirated gas engine would.

[lyle_47250]

I bought one of the engines that they tested. One of the best Ebay buys I have made. Complete engine (7250 miles) with all electronics, except ECM. Now lives in my 1982 FWD Revcon.

[Campin10]

Thanks a lot Lash and everyone else that commented.

[Lash]

Campin10;

I own a Holiday Rambler 38PLT which is the sister to the coach you are looking at. We have some 40K miles on coach and have never experienced an overheating issue. We travel back and forth from Houston to California a lot in summer with no issues.

One item worth noting is the cable slide system on the coach you are looking at may need some work. It seems that Monaco used the wrong size standoffs for cables which causes cable fraying and seperation. There is a fix for the problem which consists of new standoffs about 1/2" longer and problem is solved.

As for the UFO chassis, you will not be sorry if you decide to purchase. It has all the benefits of rear engine diesel with respect to being quiet and responsive and you can do the maintenance yourself if you want.

As for parts, it is not an issue. All components are made by people who still are in business and if you search out you will find multiple sources for obtaining them.

Cannot say enough good things about the UFO chassis as well as the Monaco built coach.

Regards

[BobandShaz]

WOW now this chassis. We have just found about the FRED chassis.
SO MUCH TO LEARN 🙂 Maybe new glasses for me

[Daveinet]

Your original post had a question about overheating. Workhorse ran thousands of miles worth of tests in the desert. The engines from those tests were sold on Ebay a few years later, as good running engines. I did end up talking to them about the engine at the time. There were no problems with overheating.

[bsinmich]

If Rexhall is still building them the chassis must be 6-7 years old now. Tires are ready for replacing as well as batteries and other rubber hoses and parts.

[Campin10]

Thanks everyone for your input. I'll am going to be seriously looking at it. Will be ready to purchase a motor home in a couple weeks.

[2bzy2c]

I really like the Rexhall line. Very innovative and unique.

My thoughts are they are moving away from the RV market, favoring building specialty vehicles for cities and special purpose public transportation.

Their RVs are priced really high, and they do not have a distribution network. I don't think they want one. Just my opinion from what I have seen at their factory.

I have found them very unresponsive and frankly the general attitude made you feel like they could care less.

Too bad. They have/had the greatest RV made, if they could only get the price to within reason.

[okgc]

I thought the UFO chassis was a great idea. Wish they were still making the Chevy 8.1 to power them.

okgc wrote:

krivanj wrote:
Rexhall is still making them...

Anyone know how Rexhall sales are going? Their website is still referring to the "NEW" 2012 models. They do show a new 2013 in inventory.

Rexhall does have some interesting floorplans and with the current increase in RV sales I would hope they can move forward.

[okgc]

krivanj wrote:
Rexhall is still making them...

Anyone know how Rexhall sales are going? Their website is still referring to the "NEW" 2012 models. They do show a new 2013 in inventory.

Rexhall does have some interesting floorplans and with the current increase in RV sales I would hope they can move forward.

[rgatijnet1]

From the Monaco specs:
Workhorse RSR Rail Chassis/Engine/ Suspension (Gas Floorplans Only)

GM Vortec 8100 V8 (8.1L) Gas Engine with Allison® 2000 Series 6-Speed Automatic Transmission with 5th and
6th Gear Overdrives
Engine Displacement: 496”/8.1L
Power: 340 HP
Torque: 455 lbs./ft.
100 Gallon Fuel Tank
Upgrade 18” Leather Wrap Steering Wheel
145 Amp Alternator
Radial Tires: 255/80R/22.5
Polished Aluminum Wheels
Front Suspension: Monoleaf Springs,
Sway-Bar and Bilstein® Shocks
Rear Suspension: Coil Springs and Bilstein® Shocks Plus Torque Box
55 Degree Wheel Cut
Quadraulic Braking System with Four Wheel Disc Brakes, Four Wheel Anti-Lock Function
Adjustable Brake Pedal
Prewire for Supplemental Braking System
Fully Automatic Hydraulic Leveling System
5,000 Lb. Hitch Receiver with Dual Connector 4-Pin or 7-Pin

The diesel models used the Roadmaster RSR rail chassis

[bullydogs1]

You need to PM -gramps-....he has the HR vacationer with the rear gas pusher..He knows all there is about it and he is very happy with it...This chassis had a very good idea, but it came out at the height of the downturn and thus got did in....It's one of the best ideas I've seen and I've actually driven the Destination..this would have been a strong contender for me if it was avail at the time I purchased my coach, but there were no dealers who had them in late Sept 2008....If the rest of the coach is sound...you will not be disappointed.

[ArchHoagland]

Didn't know the La Palma had a rear engine.

How much are they asking?

And how many miles are on it?

Does the Actia display gauge work good?