New member looking at 2004 Cayman

[Va.Ron]

Anything special I should look out for when buying. Looking at a 2004 Monaco Cayman 32pbd with 40,000 miles. Plus, can anyone tell me why the NADA is kinda low on this model 30K to 36K... Thanks

[onechaddude]

Need to make sure the trailing arms have been changed. If not they will absolutely need to be. For more info search R4RR trailing arms on this site. Also it is an entry level diesel pusher that is 10 years old. That's the lower nada value. Other than trailing arms and a little rougher ride than higher end pushers there is nothing wrong with them. I have an 07 model neptune which is the cayman sister myself. Good luck

Chad

[Va.Ron]

Trailing arms have been replaced with new updated ones. Coach has 40,000 miles on it. Looks great other than a few small digs on the lower back pass. side. Has 7.5 gen. plus a few other options. Owner wants $50,000. Is it worth $45,000 when nada is about $40,000 with options?

[DtBt]

Individual sales should be at about 10% under NADA low retail with no options considered. I'd start my bid even lower. Subtract all things it needs such as tires. It is still a buyers market.

[Va.Ron]

Thanks DtBt. He has it listed for 55K said he would take 50K. Was thinking at the most 45K....Do you really think its only worth 30K to 35K?

[bgbranch]

Originally Posted by Va.Ron

Thanks DtBt. He has it listed for 55K said he would take 50K. Was thinking at the most 45K....Do you really think its only worth 30K to 35K?

I just sold a 2000 Itasca 36 diesel pusher with 45000 miles on it for$25000.00 and the guy thought he stole it.
If it is what you want and it seems to be in good condition, I would offer him $40000.00 and see where he goes.
One caution is that if the tires are over 5-6 years old you should replace them regardless of condition.

[DtBt]

Va Ron,
The value of anything is what someone else is willing to pay. I know nothing about this Cayman but personally I would go for a little older higher end motor home in the same price range.

[Va.Ron]

I'm looking at the shorter DPs as I also want to tow a 24ft inclosed trailer behind it about a 1/3 of the time I will use it. The shorter ones seem to have a better towing cap. and will keep me under 65ft total length. Not too concerned with a lot extras but I want it to last and have some resale value if I move up or on in 3 yrs or so. I hear the cayman is an entry level A but I thought Monaco's were upper end rv's. I guess they mean entry level for Monoco or......btw... tires are less than 2 years old.

[fastcat]

What does that 24' trailer weigh?
You may be beyond the towing capacity and ability of that Cayman.

[DtBt]

I just looked at the Cayman brochure. It is very lightweight in cargo capacity and towing capacity. I don't know how much your trailer weighs but I would suppose it is in excess of 4K lbs. You can stay within the 65 ft limit with a 38 ft motorhome for sure. Check out 2002 Windsors, HR Imperials, Diplomats and Endeavors for example. They all have 10000 lb towing, 6 speed allison, 8 air bags and air brakes.

[Va.Ron]

Originally Posted by DtBt

I just looked at the Cayman brochure. It is very lightweight in cargo capacity and towing capacity. I don't know how much your trailer weighs but I would suppose it is in excess of 4K lbs. You can stay within the 65 ft limit with a 38 ft motorhome for sure. Check out 2002 Windsors, HR Imperials, Diplomats and Endeavors for example. They all have 10000 lb towing, 6 speed allison, 8 air bags and air brakes.

Trailer weighs 6000 to 7000lbs. The 32 ft cayman should not weigh more 21,000lbs I would think. Total cap. at 28,000. It would get by. I will look at the ones you mentioned . Thanks.

[flynnwalter]

Va.Ron
It is very important that you find out who made the "new, updated" trailing arms. IMHO the only ones worthwhile are the Source trailing arms. Sometime before Monaco Coach Corp (MCC) went under, they came up with some replacement trailing arms for the RR4R chassis, and I would be loathe to trust them. We have made substantial modifications to our Cayman 38SBD, to include Source trailing arms, Source ride enhancement kit, two sizes larger tires, and more. While we now have a decent riding coach (as MCC should have built), we bought new at a very good price after MCC went bankrupt, and we plan to keep this coach. If I were you, I would steer clear of an RR4R unless the trailing arms are Source and I had the $3k to add the ride enhancement kit. At this age I suspect its not worth it.
Frank W. 09 Cayman
Lake City, Florida

[fastcat]

Take a look at the receiver hitch rating on that Cayman.

[Va.Ron]

Originally Posted by fastcat

Take a look at the receiver hitch rating on that Cayman.

Its 4000lbs. It can be changed.
Frank...Trailing arms are Source. Don't know if it has ride inhancement kit. What would that include . What would I look for.