Community Forums

nodine · 01-22-2014, 08:08 AM

Thanks for the report George.

Bob

ArmyEOD · 01-22-2014, 08:57 AM

I forgot to add this Off subject But:

I had a short sit down with Josh Ciernia (Monaco National Sales Manager) and discussed some of what I saw as short falls. He was receptive of my input.

When I asked him if something else in the Camelot line was being considered he said they were working on a Windsor remake to fill the gap between the Diplomat and dynasty but it was still on the board.

George

nodine · 01-23-2014, 05:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ArmyEOD

I forgot to add this Off subject But:

I had a short sit down with Josh Ciernia (Monaco National Sales Manager) and discussed some of what I saw as short falls. He was receptive of my input.

When I asked him if something else in the Camelot line was being considered he said they were working on a Windsor remake to fill the gap between the Diplomat and dynasty but it was still on the board.

George

Someone, it may have been Van, posted that Monaco is looking at producing a tag axle Windsor in about 2 years and a single axle the following year. Sounds like a good plan to me. I think Monaco was plagued by the same problem as Ford and GM in that they had way to many models that were mainly differentiated by cosmetic design. Maybe five price points would be adequate, an entry level model, Diplomat, Windsor, Dynasty, and Signature should do it. The Ford - Mercury Chevy - GMC thing never made sense to me.

Bob

Bob

Bob (WA0MQE) · 01-23-2014, 06:40 AM

The problem with the automation of, for example the coffee pot elevator Van mentioned, is these things tend to have a short life. And even if you can fix it by replacing the motor yourself, they really did a poor job of engineering when it comes to replacing the part or parts.

Take for example, as mentioned previously in this post, the electric motor driven step cover in many Monaco's. I've changed mine three times. Either the motor's are just very poor quality, or something in the design of the step cover mechanism is putting undue stress on the motor. Very cheap designed system. Reminds me of something I or my neighbor would come up with in our garages some weekend, based on limited resources we have. Certainly not a multi-million dollar motorhome manufacturer.

Van, you mentioned the Awning mounnted back on top again. You also mentioned you've never owned a slideout rig. If you did you'd understand. It may be okay for a coach that doesn't have a slide on the curb side but, this was, and is a big flop for a curbside slide. For one the slide is so high it doesn't do much good except provide a little shade, if the sun is directly above. Likewise when it's raining it only helps if it's a mild shower and no wind. In case you're thinking to accomodate the above concerns, just tilt the awning. But read on,.this explains why you can't do that. If you do have a curbside slide the awning will be stretched over the slide-out to the point
it causes undue stress on the material as the wind smacks it against the top corners of the slide.

And to me a final big question I have is, why do they continue to build these motorhomes so tall. Why did they start in the first place, and why do they continue to do it? Secondly, Why do they have such hugh (tall) windshields? And because of these tall windshields now you need very large and expensive windshield shades to drop down so you can cover half the windshield you don't need, nor use while driving down the road.

moisheh · 01-23-2014, 08:29 AM

Bob: Your comments on awnings applies to almost all DP's. Remember when we had awnings with arms that you had to physically set up. No motors. No remotes. These antiques actually provided shade and protection from the rain. Simple is often better.

William Willard · 01-23-2014, 09:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by moisheh

Bob: Your comments on awnings applies to almost all DP's. Remember when we had awnings with arms that you had to physically set up. No motors. No remotes. These antiques actually provided shade and protection from the rain. Simple is often better.

And I would like the return of the two piece windshield -- William Willard

zekegb · 01-23-2014, 08:12 PM

"Maybe five price points would be adequate, an entry level model, Diplomat, Windsor, Dynasty, and Signature should do it."

And maybe a Trek in there someplace for folks that like quality in a smaller, high-end coach to fit this marketplace.

JaM Boyer · 01-29-2014, 05:19 PM

How about some real ground breaking innovation. Oshkosh trucks developed a diesel electric hybrid prime mover as a test bed. We have two diesel engines (one with generator), battery bank and all the control systems. Oshkosh added super capacitors, with the latest Li-ion batteries we could all be getting 15+ mpg with ample power when needed, and more space by elininating one engine (main engine is connected to generator to recharge batteries when required:

The Diesel-Electric Hybrid HEMTT A3 Lean by OSHKOSH - Diesel Power Magazine