Community Forums

Nutnhuny · 10-20-2013, 04:05 PM

Hello,

My wife and I are very close to purchasing a 2007 Simba PDQ 36. This will be our first RV and I imagine many of you can recall the uncertainty of such a huge step. I read on another site that the '07 Simba allegedly has problems with the rear stabilizer arms that can be catastrophic if the breakage occurs while driving. Does anyone know if this has really been a widespread problem? Any other feelings about the Simba or other Monaco coaches built in this era? It has 15,000 miles. And seems to be in great condition.

Thank you.

**JohnRR** · 10-20-2013, 07:08 PM

Good luck with your search.

onechaddude · 10-20-2013, 07:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nutnhuny

Hello,

My wife and I are very close to purchasing a 2007 Simba PDQ 36. This will be our first RV and I imagine many of you can recall the uncertainty of such a huge step. I read on another site that the '07 Simba allegedly has problems with the rear stabilizer arms that can be catastrophic if the breakage occurs while driving. Does anyone know if this has really been a widespread problem? Any other feelings about the Simba or other Monaco coaches built in this era? It has 15,000 miles. And seems to be in great condition.

Thank you.

I have 07 Neptune which I think is similar to the simba. I had the trailing arms replaced on mine about 3 years ago. I didn't want to risk my families safety for $3000. Hated to spend the cash but not worth our life.

Many say the ride is rough on the 4 bag chassis but I think mine is pretty good. Comparing to gas chassis coaches I've owned it is much better. Some things can be done to make the ride better if one chooses. Good luck with your purchase and hope u have many safe trouble free miles.

If you have any specific questions feel free to ask as I am very familiar with mine and would be glad to help. Also, many others on here I am sure much better than I who are willing to help.
Chad

Nutnhuny · 10-20-2013, 10:04 PM

Thank you for your advice and offer of future input.

H. Miller · 10-21-2013, 05:55 AM

Do a "google search" here on iRV2 for "Monaco trailing arms" then get ready to read for a long time.
It's a SERIOUS problem.

Nutnhuny · 10-22-2013, 02:16 AM

Thank you. I called Source Engineering in Oregon. He told me he has sent out more than 2000 sets of trailing arms, so it surely is a big problem. He said the original OEM parts weigh 60 lbs., and the replacement parts weigh 160 lbs.

Thanks again

nodine · 10-22-2013, 04:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nutnhuny

Thank you. I called Source Engineering in Oregon. He told me he has sent out more than 2000 sets of trailing arms, so it surely is a big problem. He said the original OEM parts weigh 60 lbs., and the replacement parts weigh 160 lbs.

Thanks again

If the 2007 Simba is being sold by an RV dealer, you might see if they are willing to replace the trailing arms as part of the sell. Otherwise move on.

Bob

Nutnhuny · 10-22-2013, 09:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nodine

If the 2007 Simba is being sold by an RV dealer, you might see if they are willing to replace the trailing arms as part of the sell. Otherwise move on. Bob

In one of those moments that makes you feel better about your fellow man, the current owners are driving the coach to Oregon to have the work done, and they're not going to raise the price. They are a very classy couple.

**JohnRR** · 10-22-2013, 10:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nutnhuny

In one of those moments that makes you feel better about your fellow man, the current owners are driving the coach to Oregon to have the work done, and they're not going to raise the price. They are a very classy couple.

It's nice to read some upbeat posts once in a while and yours was one of them.

nodine · 10-23-2013, 04:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nutnhuny

In one of those moments that makes you feel better about your fellow man, the current owners are driving the coach to Oregon to have the work done, and they're not going to raise the price. They are a very classy couple.

Wow, they are a class act! Sounds like they were not even aware of the problem.

Bob

Nutnhuny · 10-23-2013, 07:06 AM

Not only were they unaware of it, Monaco denied the problem when she called the corporate office in Oregon. They said it was a limited problem and there was no recall.

Steve Ownby · 10-23-2013, 07:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nutnhuny

Not only were they unaware of it, Monaco denied the problem when she called the corporate office in Oregon. They said it was a limited problem and there was no recall.

If you are purchasing this coach after the trailing arms are replaced then I suggest you go a step further.

Source Engineering who manufacture the replacement trailing arms also have a "ride enhancement kit". From all reports it is a significant improvement to the OEM ride and handling. Since the coach will be there and they will be into the suspension, now would be the time to add the kit.

Call Source and talk to Scott Zimmer. He is a chassis expert and will give you good information. They might be able to offer you a better installed price for the REK since they will be working on the coach.

Nutnhuny · 10-23-2013, 09:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steve Ownby

If you are purchasing this coach after the trailing arms are replaced then I suggest you go a step further. Source Engineering who manufacture the replacement trailing arms also have a "ride enhancement kit". From all reports it is a significant improvement to the OEM ride and handling. Since the coach will be there and they will be into the suspension, now would be the time to add the kit. Call Source and talk to Scott Zimmer. He is a chassis expert and will give you good information. They might be able to offer you a better installed price for the REK since they will be working on the coach.

. Thank you for the suggestion. I think I will have to make sure we actually purchase the coach before that work can be done, but I've already decided I will probably do it next year if all works out. Thanks again to all of you for your input.

nodine · 10-24-2013, 04:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nutnhuny

. Thank you for the suggestion. I think I will have to make sure we actually purchase the coach before that work can be done, but I've already decided I will probably do it next year if all works out. Thanks again to all of you for your input.

Actually, driving the coach for a year before you make the upgrade is a good plan. If you have the upgrade installed before you know the coach you will have nothing to compare to. If you drive it for a year and then get the upgrade, you will be glad you spent the money. If you do it now you will always wonder if it was worth it.

Bob