Question for my son please

[PeteWal]

Hi Guys,

I'm new here but told my son I'd ask a question for him if it's permissible. Our youngest son has sold his travel trailer and is looking at a 2004 Monaco Cayman, 32' w/ the Cummins 300. The unit has 28K original miles and seems to be well taken care of. Since I'm not an expert on Monaco's Id like to ask is the 2004 Cayman as mentioned above considered a good unit or did it have some major setbacks? My son really likes this coach and frankly so do I but don't want him to buy something that wasn't considered a good run.

Many thanks for any comments that will help him make an informed decision. I hope asking this kind of question is acceptable on the forum.

Pete

[John H...]

Pete, sorry I can't give you an answer, but welcome to the forum. Someone with an answer will get to you.

[RoyM]

I would be more concerned about overall condition. Is it clean and appear well maintained? Does everything work? Is there evidence of leaks or major repairs?
Mileage is often low on such units, they spend most of their life in parks being lived in, so this is really not a useful indicator. Make sure he checks the date code on the tires, if original replace regardless of condition.

[timdriver]

2002-2009 Monaco RR4R chassis had rear trailing arm issues. Check to make sure this coach has had this issue corrected by either the Navistar replacement or Source Engineering replacement added to the rear suspension . If not it's an expensive fix on your own.

[timdriver]

Also it's a safety issue too.

[buck62]

The original trailing arms put on by the factory crack. Definitely make sure the trailing arms have been replaced and the owner can provide you with a service document verifying the replacement. It is an expensive fix, reported to be around $3000 and is a Federal Government safety recall. The new Monaco (Navistar) refused to honor any warranties or defects on any Monaco motorhome that was built before they aquired the company. Do an internet search for Monaco cracked trailing arms there is a lot of information on the subject.

[PeteWal]

Many thanks for the help. Here's another question I've wondered about; are parts hard to get for Monaco's of that age... 7 yrs? I'm assuming they are unless the new owners are supplying them without any problems?

Thanks again for any tips on this always important issue.

[timdriver]

You can get parts through the new and improved Monaco now owned by Navistar. Just go to Monaco's website. They can be contacted by phone or Email, are very courteous and prompt.

[timdriver]

Originally Posted by Jim Stewart
Coaches Potentialy Affected



Monaco Knight 2002 - 2004
Monaco Cayman 2002 - 2009
Holiday Rambler Ambassador 2002 - 2004
Holiday Rambler Neptune 2002 - 2009
Safari Cheetah 2002 - 2007
Safari Simba RD All Years
Safari Zanzibar 2002 -2005

[H. Miller]

Also in that era there is a paint problem, normally with the dark colors. It will look like 1000's of 1/2" "hairline cracks" and is said to be from the fiberglass.

[Senior Chief]

Recommend you invest a few dollars in the RV ratings CDs here. They have a huge amount of information on every kind of used RV.

[PeteWal]

The ratings CD is a good idea -- "thanks". As for cracks in paint, didn't see any when we went with our son to inspect the unit yesterday morning. Coach looks clean and well cared for. We took it for a short run and she really ran good. The owner has kept the unit in a garage which was built especially for it which I'm sure has helped over the years.

The one interesting thing is our son decided the unit isn't for him, says he needs a slightly larger unit and I can see what he mean given this coach is only 32' or 33' long. He things one around 37' would be better and since he and his wife have 3 kids I tend to agree. The good side of all this is the wife and I decided the unit would be just right for us! We've got a 5th wheel towed with a 3/4 ton pickup that has a diesel engine. I know the owner of the Monaco and he says he'll be glad to hold the coach for me so now all I've got to do is sell my current truck and 5th wheel trailer.... any takers? Funny how things work out isn't it!?!

Thanks guys for the tips and help with regard to this unit, very much appreciated. I may well pop back up with more questions, only this time it'll be strictly for my wife and me.