Cayman 2005 vs 2004

[mikelm48]

I am looking at 2004 and 2005 Caymans. There seemed to be a change in the chassis in 2005. Can anyone tell me the difference? Did this updated chassis solve the rear trailing arm issue that plagued the Cayman?

Thanks,

Mike

[Steve Ownby]

Mike,

I don't own a coach on the R4R chassis but I have watched the discussions about the trailing arm issue for a long time now. There is a Roadmaster chassis IRV2 forum where this has been a long running topic.

The original recall was through '05 but the generally held belief is that all 4 air bag Monaco chassis had the problem.

Source Manufacturing has a trailing arm kit and a ride enhancement kit for that chassis. Both kits have gotten high praise from owners. I believe the cost installed is in the $3,500 to $7,000 range depending on what is included.

[Nonno]

Mike,

Short answer about trailing arms is no.

These links will give you specs on the different model years. Even if the 05 had the recall replacement arms, those were failing also. If either coach you are looking at does not have the arms from Source or Monaco LLC, then they need to be replaced or you need to factor the replacement cost into your asking price. One change I did notice in the specs was the transmission went from a 2000 to a 2500.
2005 Cayman specs Welcome to Monaco Coach
2004 Cayman specs Cayman by Monaco

[mikelm48]

Thanks for your input. I found the Roadmaster chassis forum and see that the 05 still has the problem. At this point I guess I am going to forget about Monaco diesels, unless I can get into an 8 bag chassis.