2012 40PDQ Monaco Knight

[DriVer]

I just published this Blog.

The 2012 40PDQ Monaco Knight

I would invite you to please come and take a look at the new 2012 Monaco Knight.

This motorhome is powered by a 2010 MaxxForce 10 Engine. The MaxxForce 10 as used in the Knight will provide 350 HP and 1150 ft/lb or torque.

[Diplomat Don]

DriVer....I like the looks of the interior......but the rear cap looks like the face of a clown. Too much going on back there. The front cap isn't doing it for me either. I love my Monaco coach, but until they come back down to earth and make some reasonably sized coaches in the Diplomat line, I won't buy another Monaco. The Knight has more features than my Dip, but they still won't put the 400 Cummins in the Knight. The new Dips are all 42' +. I just don't know where they get their customer input from.

[DriVer]

I was able to get 3 shots of the new 2012 43DFT Monaco Diplomat. In my opinion, it's a handsome coach with a lot of personality. I believe that in these times that if any manufacturer is overly cautious about making a statement to differentiate their product from others that that they will just get pushed aside for that new idea. Americans like new and better things and I have to applaud Monaco for taking a chance and being different.

Although the cap molds appear to be the same for Knight and Diplomat, the Dip has an upscale appearance with more chrome accents on the front cap. In regard to the rear cap, I think it is different and there's no mistaking that it's a Monaco. Although a picture is worth a thousand words; looking at it in person does make a difference. Note the 2 access hatches on either side of the main grill opening for checking fluids.







Although the 2012 Diplomat is currently powered by a MaxxForce10, I believe that very shortly the standard engine will be the "Big Bore" MaxxForce 13. I think that its going to happen perhaps this year but most likely in 2013. The MF13 will provide 475 HP at 1,700 lb/ft of torque all without using DEF. Of course, the MF13 may only be going in the Signature and Dynasty but we'll see if it's going to be dependent on model or length.

In the "Engine Plant Tour" I wrote about, I saw a lot of MF13s going down the line. I have to say that it's a nice engine and I'd be pleased to own one.

[William Willard]

That`s the ugliest motorhome I`ve seen since the 1970`s Open Road motorhome -- Bill Willard

[nutensteve]

I'm with Don & William on this. I don't like the new front and rear caps. I like the interior of the new Knight, looks good. I also noticed that the slides on the Diplomat are now painted to match the exterior pattern.

[Rex]

Yep, it is UGLY. Remember the Edsel?

[CraigA]

Looks like the front of the Vesta. Glad we purchased a 2011.

[JimM68]

I like the new extras, air leveling and smartwheel in particular.

The V shaped chrome geegaws on the caps are hideous.
Total and complete deal breaker for me.

Note to Monaco, I own a 2008 Knight.
I will never own a 2012.

[go6car]

I actually like the front of the Knight better than the Diplomat. But then again, I also like the Vesta/Trip (just need a slightly different floorplan and an outside TV option to become serious about one!).

Unfortunately, at that price point (and like it's peers), the Knight completely puts us out of the running for one. We're weekenders/seasonal travelers, but it just too steep at close to $300k MSRP, even with the usual out-the-door discount for us.

Thanks for the write up! I love seeing all the new coaches out there!

[moisheh]

Although the front an rear may not appeal to everyone it is a bold move. But this is about selling units. The question is: Will Joe Rv like that Navistar look? It really does not matter that Monaco has provided all those features on a Knight. "Knight" is just a name. If this vehicle is a Camelot in disguise what did they gain. Look at the price tag. This is not an entry level unit. Think back to when GM produce one platform with different names.Or even Edsel. If that price is an indication of how other units will be priced Monaco will have problems. This is not 2007. How many people are going to have the ability to pay for that unit? Monaco's existing customers are the best part of their customer base. Will a Dip owner pay that money to have the Knight name outside? How does this pricing compare to FW and Tiffin?

[LeeB]

The back looks the the Joker on Batman.... JMHO...

[Diplomat Don]

LeeB......I couldn't put my finger on it....but you did....it does look like the Joker!

[hardy1000]

What were they thinking?

[MonacoMama]

Quote:

Originally Posted by hardy1000 What were they thinking?

They obviously weren't thinking, hardy1000
I am not sure what part is uglier - the front or the back... ...but I am sure the new Monaco has just lost many repeat Monaco customers with this design faux pas!