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Old 10-31-2015, 10:39 PM   #1
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Join Date: Sep 2015
Location: Red Bluff, Ca
Posts: 422
Comparing 36' coaches for purchase

New member considering moving to a diesel pusher. Available space and prices limit me to 36’ and early 2000’s coaches.
Looking at Alpine and Monaco coaches This forum provide a lot of information about positive issues as well as problems and issues with various coaches and I would appreciate input from experienced owners as to what is really important and what to look out for.
A few points of comparison of standard items:
2000 Alpine 36’ 2000 Monaco Knight 36’
Cummins 8.3 275 hp 815 ft lbs Torque Cummins5.9 ISB 260hp550 ft lbs
Allison 6 speed Allison 5 speed Odrive
21 ft Wheel base 19 ft Wheel base
4.88/1 Diff ratio 4.88/1 Diff ratio
ABS Hydraulic brakes ABS Hydraulic brakes ?
GVWR 28,000 GVWR 22,000
Weight distribution 37.5%/62.5% 36.36%/63.63%
GCWR 37,000 GCWR 26,000
45 degree turning angle Didn’t find info
4 airbag suspension 4 airbag suspension
Aluminum Wheels Can be steel or aluminum
It appears that the loading/towing capacity of the Alpine is double that of the Monaco.
I’ve read that the longer wheel base to overall length ratio will result in better ride/handling
Either coach can be found with optional engines with higher hp and torque ratings
I’m aware of the failing trailing arm issue on the 2002-2004 4 bag Monacos
I’ve read that the 8 bag Monaco’ s ride is superior to the 4bag. How does that compare to the longer wheelbase Alpine with a 4bag system?
All comments either positive or negative will be appreciated.
Thank you
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Old 10-31-2015, 10:47 PM   #2
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Sorry for the confused format. My firs post- copying and pasting from Word doc did not turn out well.
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Old 11-01-2015, 06:31 AM   #3
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Yes, the longer wheelbase/OL will ride and handle better. Physics is physics

If looking at Monaco/Roadmaster chassis, I would not consider their 4 bag suspension which was only found on their entry level coaches. The bag count was only one of the issues.

An important difference is radiator location: Alpine side radiator with excellent access to engine. Monaco entry level rear radiator.

Depending on whether you drive in mountains, the larger engine and transmission can be a significant advantage. Remember, on a diesel, larger engine driven the same way a smaller diesel is driven yields the same or better MPG, as the most efficient diesel is at low throttle settings since a diesel can run super-lean.

Compare basement storage!

Brett
2003 Alpine FDDS
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Old 11-01-2015, 11:07 AM   #4
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Location: Olympia
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Others may correct me if I'm wrong but IIRC by the 2000 model year the standard engine was the 330 HP 8.3 liter ISC.
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'99 Alpine Coach
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