Looking at a 2005 Diplomat

[kruegdude]

My wife and I (well, mostly I) have been doing a lot of research lately, looking to trade up from a 22' gas rig to a DP in and around the 36' size range. We've been looking at 2004 Winnebago Journeys, which we both like, but made the fatal (fatal to our budget that is) mistake of checking out a '07 Monaco Diplomat 36pdq in our area. Unfortunately, no matter how much I stared at our incomes and outgoes the gap between the asking price the numbers did not cross into a comfort zone one of us could reasonably talk the other into. But it did expand the searches to include more makes/models (mostly Monaco and Tiffin) at a higher price.

So we have run across a 2005 Monaco Diplomat (I believe the model is 36SKT since the ad says it's 37') that has an attractive price and we were wondering if anyone would be willing to share any personal experience, good or bad, about this rig. I've done a lot of searching and reading on the web and have found nothing to turn us away from that year/model but since it's in Arizona and we're in Texas I'm hoping to get any additional thoughts from ya'll before we hop on a flight heading west.

Over the next 4 years our current RV trip schedules will be 1 or 2 trips a year limited to about 2 weeks per trip. After that we hope to take this next rig into retirement and beyond, traveling as much as we can stand, not quite full time, but wanting to see as much of the country side as is possible.

Thanks for anything you have to share,

Bill and Norma.

[Sixpack98]

We have an '06 Endeavor and not a whole lot of difference between the '05 an '06. The 8 outboard airbag suspension is very solid with very little sway or rocking. Some opponents of the 8 airbag suspension say it is a little rougher riding than a 4 bag inboard suspension. I can't give you an informed opinion but will say replacing the Monroe shocks with either Koni or the Monaco specific (?) shocks greatly improve the ride. I think front straight axle configurations will inherently wander some and bounce more than an independant suspension so I'm not sure I believe the rough ride claims of the 8 airbag suspension. Even if there is some validity to the rougher ride claims I would rather have the stability of the outboard 8 bag suspension. Coupled with a better shock it makes for a very stable coach with an improved ride.

While not a side radiator the rear radiator configuration on the Dip/End is a stacked configuration and not sandwiched like some other coaches. It is much easier to keep the stacked radiator/CAC clean. The CAC (charge air cooler) sits on top of the radiator. It is very difficult to really clean a sandwiched assembly.

Fit and finish is better than average on Monaco coaches with less vinyl and more real wood components than most mid-range coaches. Our coach was new and we went through the first year of fixing factory slop and lack of attention to detail. Initially I thought Monaco must be building coaches on dirt floors in a third world nation. Soon figured out Monaco was no worse and possibly a little better than most coaches. You should have the advantage of most of the sloppiness has been fixed or otherwise resolved by now. Lots of options for the money without the gaudy options found in some upper level coaches. Monaco crammed some very useful options like power cord reel, 7.5 diesel genset, ceramic tile, composite countertops, aluminum wheels, large mirrors, fiberglass roof, dual pane windows, 12 cu ft refer. So, for a mid-priced coach you get many of the same things as higher level coaches with the glitz.

We have been very pleased with our Endeavor. Even though Monaco was sold to Navistar Monaco Customer Service will still talk to you. Maybe a little less knowledgeble than before since some of the old timers have moved on but still helpful.

The Cummins ISL is a fantastic engine on this coach. Great power for even very steep climbs and decent fuel economy. Same engine found in upper level coaches such as the Camelot and Alegro Bus. The PacBrake does a pretty good job of handling most downhill grades if you keep on top of it and plan ahead a little. The new PacBrake is said to be a better performer but the PacBrake on the '05 and
'06 Monaco's is much better than some of the other offerings.

[itdave]

I have to agree with all the comments Mark made. We lived full time in our 06 Endeavor and were very happy. We had similar poor assemble issues but overall we have had very few mechanical problems. I think Monaco overall makes a good coach you should consider one if it meets your needs. Good luck on your shopping

[Diplomat Don]

We have the 36SKT and love the lay out. We really like the all in one bath and the side aisle access to the bedroom. Mechanically it's well built and a rocket.

You can PM me with any specifics of this floorplan.

[Bobs911]

Bill and Norma,
We made the jump from a 23' tioga to a 38' Knight DP. (the Knight is a notch below the Dip on the food chain) You will love it. Quiet, powerful and fun to drive. Go for it and don't look back!

[kruegdude]

Wow, this is what I was hoping for, some great responses, thank you all for your replies. We just got back from a quick trip to the coast so I'm still digesting what you've said.

@Sixpack98: the drivability of the rig is one of the things I'm most interested in, especially after driving the Flair. It's small size and engine size us straining up most hills and dancing with every gust of wind.

@itdave: Norma and I are considering full-timing. It'll be a drastic change from what we do now... work, eat, sleep, repeat 4 more times then try to fill up the weekend with something different. Glad to hear that mechanical issues are few, we've had an old Class C that kept me under the rig a good part of every trip.

@ Diplomat Don: I too like the layout. At first I thought we needed 4 slides to be happy but I'm now thinking that the main passenger side slide in a 4 slide configuration would take too much away from the outside space, esp where it's shaded by the canopy. Again, good to hear the mechanical side of this rig is good.

@Bobs911: I tend to over analyze everything I do and this purchase is no exception. I think the phrase "Go for it and don't look back!" has struck a positive note and will help with any analysis paralysis that crops up.

Again, thank you all for your replies. Now if I can just figure out how can I get to Arizona over my lunch hour....

Bill and Norma