Community Forums

FDchief · 09-29-2007, 09:49 AM

Hi there, I am new to this site, but not to motorhoming. I currently own a 2003 Itasca Suncruiser which has been a great motorhome. But, the wife and i are looking forward to retiring in the next couple of years, and considering a Monaco product. A Holiday Rambler Endeavor to be specific.

My question to you Roadmaster gearhead types; why does Monaco use straight axles instead of going to IFS on the front of their coaches? Is there something about their air bag systems? Or something else?

Also, what are the advantages of a Roadmaster chassis vs. Freightliner, Spartan, etc.? I am sure this is just one of first of many questions, and I am looking to your personal experiences to make the right buying decisions. Thanks so much.

FDchief · 09-29-2007, 09:49 AM

Hi there, I am new to this site, but not to motorhoming. I currently own a 2003 Itasca Suncruiser which has been a great motorhome. But, the wife and i are looking forward to retiring in the next couple of years, and considering a Monaco product. A Holiday Rambler Endeavor to be specific.

My question to you Roadmaster gearhead types; why does Monaco use straight axles instead of going to IFS on the front of their coaches? Is there something about their air bag systems? Or something else?

Also, what are the advantages of a Roadmaster chassis vs. Freightliner, Spartan, etc.? I am sure this is just one of first of many questions, and I am looking to your personal experiences to make the right buying decisions. Thanks so much.

Mbl Cndo · 09-29-2007, 01:51 PM

Have you posted your IFS question on the Roadmaster Forum or IRV2?

BTW, we really like our Endeavor!!

You might also want to view this Roadmaster Video it has some pretty good info.

FDchief · 09-29-2007, 02:02 PM

I have just posted on the Monaco Owner's forum for now, and did not know about the Roadmaster's page, but will check it out.

After much more research on my part, I understand why Roadmaster has stayed with the straight axle. They believe that the outboard airbags make the difference with the "H" mounting to the frame and axles.

Thanks, I will check out the chassis forum.

ronboc · 09-30-2007, 03:34 AM

Can't say WHY Monaco uses straight axle vs IFS (and not sure they would/could tell you) but I can say that just about everyone gives high marks to the Roadmaster chassis.

I've had (and driven) many coaches of all types, models and sizes, and believe the Roadmaster chassis is about as you're gonna get for the $$$. The airbags and geometry make all the difference, I think. My dealer did the famous (or infamous, if you're not ready for it when it happens) zig-zag road-test to show how stable it was compared to other similar coaches. After unpuckering the seat-material, I realized this was the one for me.

I've also heard going to Koni shocks will help a bit with the road/bump-feel and that's my next step.

Have you driven one yet? If not, try one soon. I think that will go a long way in your decision-making process.

BTW, we also love ours!

Sixpack98 · 09-30-2007, 02:08 PM

When I had the front end aligned on our coach at a large Dallas truck alignment center I asked them why IFS did not dominate the coach industry. I was told that cost was certainly a consideration (sraight axle is cheaper) but front end alignments was more expensive and much much more frequent with IFS. Apparently the very high coach weights easily upset the alignment on IFS front ends. I've read on other boards that you can expect to align the front end on and IFS as often as twice a year and the cost is about $250 per alignment. Not sure if that is just "hillbilly talk" or fact.

FDchief · 09-30-2007, 07:24 PM

Thanks for the info. I have driven a Beaver Monterey briefly, it had the 400 cat. It seemed well behaved, but I did not spend enough time behind the wheel to experience all road conditions.

I will keep on educating myself with the Roadmaster chassis, as knowledge is power and I appreciate your patience. All chassis have their good and bad points, but I am looking for one that does a good job at all conditions. I am not looking for perfection, just satisfaction.