Semi-monocoque on early 2003 Windsors?

[WindsorDave]

I posted this over on Monacoers too.

In my search for a replacement coach I've tried to stick with the 2002 model year when looking at Windsors. The brochures and conventional wisdom say that Monaco shifted to the "aluminum" chassis in 2003.

A friend owns a 2003 Windsor that he maintains is on a semi-monocoque chassis. The scenario being asserted is that 2003 was a transition year and that Windsors produced early in the 2003 cycle were built on the "steel" superstructure chassis.

Whether this is because there were some 2002 chassis on hand when 2003 production began or management commitment to use of the "aluminum" superstructure was delayed, or urban legend, I don't know.

Is there a way to look at a given coach and tell whether it sports an "aluminum" superstructure or a steel semi-monocoque one?

I'm looking at a 2003 Windsor for which I have the VIN and Monaco coach number. I called Coburg for the MSRP window sticker and while talking to them asked if there was any way they could tell the chassis version. They could not, saying that the coach was built in Elkhart (oops) and that level of documentation was gone. They were able to tell me that the coach was produced "early" in the 2003 production cycle.

Secondly, does any of this matter? When the very helpful Monaco rep asked why I cared, I related the buzz on how the aluminum chassis was not as rigid and the flexing could result in windshield problems among others. He was a little exasperated over how some of these rumors get going.

He allowed as how some models, Camelot/Imperial for example, did have those kinds of problems but the Windsors did not.

Any informed thoughts?

Thanks,

[pipedream2]

Dave
Early morning dew will show the "laddering" of the semi-monocoque chassis above the lower belt line and under the windows....also is laddered side to side at front and back of the lower bays and between all the lower compartments ...although it is not viable with a covering on both sides to make "individual" compartments

[Bentley]

I'm with Monaco on this one. The aluminum will perform very well long term and as long as you like the coach and there are no major problems with it that you can't deal with, I'd say go for it. As a previous motor home owner you are no doubt aware that there will be some upgrades that you will want to make, just ask my wife we are constantly doing something to our 03 Windsor.

Best of Luck.

[Happycarz]

The main difference, from what I understand, is the steel superstructure is welded to the frame. Whereas, the aluminum superstructure uses fasteners to attach to the frame.

How about using a strong magnet along the outside walls for determining the superstructure material. Cover the end of the magnet with thin material and practice on your friends' coaches, since you sold yours.

[WindsorDave]

Well, for better or worse we shook hands on a 2003 Windsor 38PBDD with an ISL 370 and 6,500 miles. It's been inside pretty much its whole live. It looks like it would have looked on the showroom floor back in 2003. Shakedown tomorrow.

I can't be DiplomatDave any more! Windy Dave? It sorta fits.

Thanks for all the input and advice.

[DC Cruiser]

Welcome back Dave!!! We have exactly the same coach as you just got. Wow that is low mileage for an 03!! Hopefully it was excercised on a fairly regular bases and the seals and such havent dried out. You will enjoy it for sure as we really like ours. We are just getting ready for a 3 mth trip to the east coast and back. Hope your shakedown trip goes good.

CHEERS

[Madrona]

Quote:

Originally Posted by DiplomatDave Well, for better or worse we shook hands on a 2003 Windsor 38PBDD with an ISL 370 and 6,500 miles. It's been inside pretty much its whole live. It looks like it would have looked on the showroom floor back in 2003. Shakedown tomorrow. I can't be DiplomatDave any more! Windy Dave? It sorta fits. Thanks for all the input and advice.

Hey Windy!

I was just getting ready to find your thread about where to locate a coach in Washington to see if you had found anything. Sounds like you found a beaut! Was it local in Washington or did you have to go out of state? Private or dealer? Details man, details!

[WindsorDave]

Quote:

Originally Posted by DC Cruiser Welcome back Dave!!! We have exactly the same coach as you just got. Wow that is low mileage for an 03!! Hopefully it was excercised on a fairly regular bases and the seals and such havent dried out. You will enjoy it for sure as we really like ours. We are just getting ready for a 3 mth trip to the east coast and back. Hope your shakedown trip goes good. CHEERS

So far so good. Nothing leaking so far. The 260 mile drive home was uneventful - the best kind!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Madrona Hey Windy! I was just getting ready to find your thread about where to locate a coach in Washington to see if you had found anything. Sounds like you found a beaut! Was it local in Washington or did you have to go out of state? Private or dealer? Details man, details!

Not exactly the Puget Sound area but we found it in Woodburn, OR. Drove down in DW's car and she followed me back. Private party - the fellow and his wife thought they'd do some traveling but she fell ill. Fortunately, she recovered but they got involved with other things.

The coach has been kept in his climate controlled garage for the whole time. He said he took it out for a ride every couple of months.

Got it for $115K but figure on $5K for tires so call it $120,000.

Now it's trying to figure out how to work all the toys. One bummer - that VDO Dayton GPS is, well, not easy to figure out.