Trading in Monaco

[womps]

I have a 2008 Monaco Caymen 37PDQ that I have been unhappy with because of the ride and handling. Now I have trailing arm problems to deal with. My coach is fully loaded with 12,000 miles on the ISB Cummins 325. When I was at the dealers yesterday he showed me a 2005 Beaver Monterey Laquna III that he took on trade. It is fully loaded including the Dyna Hot system. It has 17,000 miles with the Cat 400 engine. Looks brand new in & out. He is asking $30,000. diff. I know I am dropping 3 years so I loose some of the newer model benefits like the 84" ceiling and tile throughout but I am definitley going up big time in other aspects. We took it for a 20 mile run and it was very pleasurable on the road. It was quite windy out and I couldn't believe the stability in the wind compared to the Cayman. Ride was very smooth. Any input on the Beaver & price difference will be appreciated.

[hardy1000]

Womps, Do you know that Beaver is a Monaco company. If you get your new rig let me the first to say congrats.

[womps]

That is another issue holding me back. Not sure if I want another Monaco product. The Monaco rep was at the dealership and I questioned him about the future of Roadmaster. He informed me that was one of the biggest reasons Navistar went after Monaco was because of the Roadmaster chassis. They are big beleivers in the 8 bag 8 shock system. He also said the 4 bag system is history. When they start production of the Cayman it will be moved up as they will discontinue the Knight line. Don't know if I would bet the farm on this information but I found it interesting.

[hardy1000]

Quote:

Originally Posted by womps That is another issue holding me back. Not sure if I want another Monaco product. The Monaco rep was at the dealership and I questioned him about the future of Roadmaster. He informed me that was one of the biggest reasons Navistar went after Monaco was because of the Roadmaster chassis. They are big beleivers in the 8 bag 8 shock system. He also said the 4 bag system is history. When they start production of the Cayman it will be moved up as they will discontinue the Knight line. Don't know if I would bet the farm on this information but I found it interesting.

That is correct, one big reason Navistar purchased Monaco was because of the Roadmaster chassis. I am on my 2nd Monaco the first was a 36' La Palma gasser and the second is an 07 Diplomat 40PDQ. I have 2 good friends, one is on his 3rd Dynasty and the other on his second. I am sorry that you have not been happy with your Caymen but we have all been treted very well by Monaco and I hope Navistar will continue to build the same quality product and take care of its customers as the old Monaco did. My chassis is an RR8R has 8 shocks and 8 air bags and rides great.

If you are looking for a great deal on Diesels go to the DiMartini sight, they will offer the best deal and are the best to work with and they have alot repos. They also have a new 2008 Diplomat for $164k and have alot of different brands to look at.

Wish you good luck on your new rig, whatever it may be.

[hardy1000]

DeMartini RV Sales, Recreational vehicles (RVs), Holiday Rambler, Holiday Rambler Motorhomes, Monaco Motorhomes, Monaco Coach, Monaco Coach Corporation, Used Diesel Pusher, Used diesel, Endeavor, Scepter,** Imperial, Dynasty,* Windsor, Camelot, Navig

[womps]

On the spec sheet of the 05 Beaver it says it rides on a roadmaster magnum M8S chassis. How is this different than an RR8S Chassis?

[hardy1000]

I'm not sure but here is the archive page that has the 05. I was at the RV show in Pomona CA on Tuesday and was told by a salesman that had a Freightliner Chassis on display, that Catipilliar is getting out of the RV business. I would do some checking around and see if thats true.

I thought it had a Cummins until I looked at the brouchure. I would start a thread on the difference between the 2 chassis that you are reffering to. I can only say that I have the RR8R with the stock Monroe shocks and it rides great. I will install new Bilsteins next year and it should be even better.

Beaver Motorcoaches - Luxury Motorhome Manufacturer

[Diplomat Don]

womps....That was the coach we wanted to buy in 2005, but we had a difference of about $9,000.00 in price we couldn't agree on. If it helps in computing your values, that coach should be worth between $135-$140000.00 (private party) in good shape.

They have beautiful woodwork and a lot of them had air leveling.

If I recall, the Magnum chassis had larger airbags, for a better/softer ride.

[mythplaced]

If it has a 4rr chassis BEWARE Just be aware you are getting an ORPHAN

dangerous trailing arms...NO PART availability

[womps]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Diplomat Don womps....That was the coach we wanted to buy in 2005, but we had a difference of about $9,000.00 in price we couldn't agree on. If it helps in computing your values, that coach should be worth between $135-$140000.00 (private party) in good shape. They have beautiful woodwork and a lot of them had air leveling. If I recall, the Magnum chassis had larger airbags, for a better/softer ride.

It has air levellers instead of hydraulic. Didn't try that part out yet. Do they work off same bags as suspension? I would imagine there would be no stress on the frame (windshield) with this type of levelling. Coach shows like it is new. One thing I noticed was how cold blooded the cat engine is. Needed to idle for 5 minutes before the high idle would kick in. Then another 5 min. before you could drive with any power. Temp was about 40 degrees. Once warmed up it was okay. I'm used to the cummins.

[hardy1000]

I have always had Cummins and have been happy. The only questionable thing that I have heard about the Cat is they tend to run hotter than the Cummins, but I have also heard they put out alot of power for there displacement. I guess it depends on who you talk to. They are both good engines and are made in the USA, I would feel OK with either one.

Good luck Whomps

[beaverjim]

mythplaced. the m8s beaver chassis is an 8 bag chassis (hence the #8) the m is for magnum which most old beaver safari folks believe to be one of the best riding/handling chassis out there. one of the best i've ever driven! jim