96 Monaco Winsor Buy or Not to Buy?

[ghoodnc]

Hi all, hopefully someone can assist. I am looking at buying a 96 Monaco, Winsor 36ft Cummings engine, with Allison transmision. This will be my first Coach...How is are the Monaco company for support? Anything I need to check before I purchase it?

Thank you again!

[DtBt]

You want to check everything, literally. Monaco Corporation made quality coaches for many years. Monaco LLC still has a few parts for older coaches and will help with part numbers in some cases. Most things that go bad are subsystems made by other companies mostly still around and will have parts available.
The roof on pre-99 Windsors is EDPM. 99 and later used fiberglass one piece roofs, a big plus on a older coach. The pre-99 Windsors had mechanical c series cummins engines that are highly regarded but old technology and probably low on HP at 250. Rule of thumb is 1 HP per 100 lbs of weight. I would expect a 96 would have a 6 speed allison transmission which is much more desirable than a 4 speed. 96's had no slides, I think, which will make is hard to resale, but will be cheaper to buy. There is a lot to know about buying your first MH. Take your time and research before buying. Other resources to research include Yahoo Monacoers group and rv.net. Rv.net has a good section on pre purchase inspection (PPI). Pricing on older MH's can be tricky. Don't over estimate the value. Older MH's are better for those of us that are handy at repairs and upgrades. Newbees sometimes overlook the age of tires and think they are OK if the tread looks good. Water intrusion or delamination can be major issues, best to be avoided at any price. Best of luck.

[ghoodnc]

Thank you for the reply...I will be going down tomorrow to look the coach over. The dealer is telling me that everything is working properly. I cant see any damage or water issues from the photos. My main concern is the 230 HP Cummings engine. This will be the first desiel I will possibly own. So I dont know all the maint that needs to be done. The rest of the coach looks like it has been in a garage or covered, inside looks prestine for a 1996.

Thank u again...

Greg
Newbeeee

[DtBt]

What's the mileage and history? A garage queen can develop leaks and all sorts issues. Dealers will say anything to make a sell. 230HP? Is it a B series with possibly a 4 speed Allison? That would make it much less desirable. I'm sorry I don't know much about the earlier Windsors.