looking for first motorhome

[david whalen]

weare looking for our first motor home and are not sure how to go.we were thinking of a new knight or going with a 1 or 2 year old diplomat,we can find lots of those with realy low miles.any suggestions?thanks

[david whalen]

weare looking for our first motor home and are not sure how to go.we were thinking of a new knight or going with a 1 or 2 year old diplomat,we can find lots of those with realy low miles.any suggestions?thanks

[RonNBama]

Can't go wrong with a Monaco product. If you are new to this, you might consider renting a coach for a week and trying the experience before jumping in with both feet.

If you buy, a diesel is the way to go. You looking at getting one with slides? Table or booth dining?
I suspect that you will be hooked the first time you go out, so just let the SO put in her requirements and go for it.

Oh, welcome to the forum. Good folks abound here and lots of experience can be shared.

[crudeman]

David.

I also think Monaco makes a pretty good product, there are always problems it seems with any of them but Monaco has stood behind their product. Good Luck on what you choose.

[BIGRED1]

David, I don't know what your budget is, but if you can swing it I'd get a coach with the side radiator, not the rear radiator. It makes access to the engine and related systems much easier and cheaper if you have someone else do it. I have a 2000 Diplomat and it was the best buy I could find that fit my budget, but if I could have afforded it, I'd have stepped up to a Camelot or Windsor. Holiday Ramblers are also made by Monaco. I'd pay at least as much attention to the engineering details as to the floor plan and color schemes. Pay close attention to the carrying and towing capacity. If you're buying a newer Class A coach, I'd recommend at least 350hp and 1000 ft. lbs. of torque in a diesel engine and a 10,000lb. towing capacity with tires sized appropriately.

[david whalen]

should have said we already have a 29 ft. jayco TT and we have close friends that have a 38 ft. alpine that we camp with alot.that was one of the reasons i like a used diplomat was the 400 hp.and my friend also suggested the side radiator.so the camelot and the windsor have the side rad?

[BIGRED1]

David, yes they do have the side radiator.

[Gordon]

As a new member of the Monaco Family, I would like to say - Welcome!

I just picked up my 07 Holiday Rambler Ambassador (brother to the Knight).

The middle living area with the TV in the wall was a perfect floor plan for us.

After our first trip, I have been only able to find 2 small items that need correcting.

We get our 07 Ford Ranger hooked up this next Wednesday. Can't wait for our next trip!!!

Between Beaver, Monaco and Holiday Rambler, I'm sure you will find just the right floor plan and size for you.

Happy Hunting!!!

[ndnparts]

There are many decisions (priorities) you need to sort out first. Here is a link ( http://tinyurl.com/yvzxl9 )to a compilation of information that may help you along. I prefer DP's, but that does not mean they are the right choice for you. The worst possible choice is the one that will have you looking to trade it in a short period of time. Good luck. Stan

[jimlawman]

We have a 2006 Camelot and love it. Up on the MCOA forum there is a 2005 with only 3,300 miles for sale, located in Florida but could be a great buy.

[MonacoMama]

Hi David...
First off ...good luck in your search. I will tell you that I love our Diplomat.
One place to look for a gently used Monaco on the west coast is DeMartini You might find just what you are looking for if you go to that site and click on their Used RVs. They do put up pics of their rigs (inside & out) to see if there is something to suit your tastes. You can also go to the Monaco Archives to get a better look at the floorplans

PS- Welcome to the IRV2 site!