Overwhelmed

[12amNSX]

We are searching for our first coach to full time and our search has become somewhat overwhelming as we thought we were zeroing in on something we liked. We found a 2006 HR Scepter 40PDQ that seemed to check off most all must haves and several more want to haves. Then, finding out that HR is part of Monaco, we found similar coaches we like from Monaco as well. But there seems to be soooooo many models that I'm not sure how to effectively narrow our search. Maybe someone with more knowledge of the various models and years would be able to give some quick advice. Here is a short summary of what we liked about the HR Scepter:


- 400 HP - min of 1,000 ft/lbs since we will be dragging our toad in the mountains often.
- Side radiator.
- 38 to 40ish ft.
- Large kitchen area.
- Two bath sinks with separate toilet.
- Natural cherry or maple cabinets available. (that is what drove us toward this product line. We do not want a dark interior.)
- A bunch of other stuff but I don't want to make this more difficult.
- Budget of $100k to possibly $120k all in.


Any thoughts about the Monaco et al line of coaches around 2004 - 08? would be appreciated. Even models to avoid would help. I've read through many of the posts here and saw various issues to watch out for like the slide floor issue.

[Captjake1]

Our Beaver Contessa fits in those specs. Our is a 2008...first year emmisions. Look for 2007 or older to avoid that. 425hp, 40' 9", large kitchen(one of the main reasons we got it), natural cherry, 2 bathroom sinks though 1 sink is in with toilet,

[vito.a]

Look for Monaco Camelot, Windsor, Dynasty, Executive, or Signature.
Look for Holiday Rambler Sceptor, Imperial, or Navigator.
Look for Beaver Monterey, Contessa, Patriot, or Marquis.
The coaches above are listed in order, least to most expensive.
Monaco also owned Safari motorcoach.
You will find a lot more Monaco and Holiday Ramblers and fewer Beaver and Safari coaches. The Beaver coaches came with Caterpillar engines until 2009 where as most of the others came with Cummins engines (there are some exceptions like the Detroit 60 Series options in the top line coaches).


Download the brochures here:
https://www.monacocoach.com/luxury-rv-brochures
https://www.holidayrambler.com/holid...r-rv-brochures

Search nationwide on RVT.com, RVTrader.com, and the classified section of this forum. An airline ticket is well worth the cost savings to find the right coach at the right price.
Best of luck!

[vito.a]

Almost forgot, you should add Aqua Hot to your list. It replaces both the propane hot water heater and furnace. Aqua Hot provides virtually unlimited hot water and heat for your coach. It uses diesel, electric, or even engine heat to heat the water and the coach. It's an amazing system that once you've had it you can never live without.

Also, be careful as used RV prices are all over the place. We saw as much as $100k difference on the same year/model coach. There are a few old school dealers that hold the record for high pricing.

[JohnBoyToo]

livable floor plan YOU like is the single most important thing... nothing else matters and only YOU can know what you like


and, unfortunately, sometimes it takes living in one to really know that the dinette you HAD to have is not that important after all


good luck in your search we love our Diplomat with bath and a half and residential fridge!

[Captjake1]

Originally Posted by JohnBoyToo

livable floor plan YOU like is the single most important thing... nothing else matters and only YOU can know what you like


and, unfortunately, sometimes it takes living in one to really know that the dinette you HAD to have is not that important after all


good luck in your search we love our Diplomat with bath and a half and residential fridge!

Exactly! We love our floor plan. Dinette? Lol..yup, we have the chairs in storage in our case! Still happy with 'our' floor plan.

[12amNSX]

Thank you all for your input! This really helps us to find the one(s) we want to consider.

[12amNSX]

The dinette topic leads to a question. We don't want a dinette and are looking for a legless or free standing table. If we find the perfect coach but it has a dinette, is it typically costly to remove it?

[JohnBoyToo]

Just like with anything, yes it can be removed.... time, money, skill is all that is required our coach has the '2 seat - slide out for 4' type dinette with free standing chairs - 9 times out of 10 it's not used....

[Captjake1]

Originally Posted by JohnBoyToo

Just like with anything, yes it can be removed.... time, money, skill is all that is required our coach has the '2 seat - slide out for 4' type dinette with free standing chairs - 9 times out of 10 it's not used....

Same, seldom... no...never used.

[12amNSX]

Thanks for the heads up about aqua hot. It sounds great, but what are the maintenance requirements? Does it have to be serviced every year?


Also, just to be clear, we would want to remove a booth type dinette.


Again, thanks for your advice!

[Captjake1]

Originally Posted by 12amNSX

Thanks for the heads up about aqua hot. It sounds great, but what are the maintenance requirements? Does it have to be serviced every year?


Also, just to be clear, we would want to remove a booth type dinette.


Again, thanks for your advice!

AH service in places installing a new nozzle, fuel filter and cleaning combustion chamber. Pretty easy.
dinnetes, from what I have seen, ar not a common item. Most are free standing console table and chairs.

[falconman]

I’ll add my 2 cents:
If your looking for a 10 -12 yr old coach try to find one that’s been stored indoors. They are getting to the age that things exposed to the elements start to wear thin and when you price replacements they can add up. Watch for foggy windows ($250 ea), slide toppers and awnings, slide seals, leaky or non functional hydraulics (slides), worn rollers (marks on the flooring), peeling mirror chrome (1K each!), outdated electronics,etc. certain Cummins 400ISL’s were part of a recall, read up on it.
The aquahots are great when working, can be expensive to repair. Some were not winterized properly and $8-10K to replace. Choose wisely.

[heatseaker]

We have had our'05 Monaco Beaver Santiam PDQ for 2 yrs. so we are just getting use to it. Just did a 2000 mile trip to the mid west pulling an '07 Jeep Grand C.
and the 400 HP Cat had no problem at any time.

We are in Golden, Co. come down and take a look at ours. I can give you the good and bad.

Good luck

heatseaker
'05 Beaver Santiam PDQ
'07 Jeep GC 4 slides
8kw gen set