Vesta/Trip Knight/Ambassador Questions

[pagosajoe]

We plan to purchase a new class A in early 2012, and are considering the Monaco/Holiday Rambler version of the Vesta/Trip32PBS, and the Knight/Ambassador 36PFT.

After looking around for dealers, we keep coming back to Motor Home Specialists RV in Alvarado, TX. We'd love to hear comments from owners who have chosen this (or other) dealer(s) regarding service and post-sale support. MHSRV seems to offer the lowest prices on the internet, and other dealers closer to home, thus far, have not stepped up to meet their pricing.

Does anyone have "real world" information on the respective over the road mileage of these coaches? We like the spaciousness of the Knight/Ambassador 36PFT, but also admire the reported mileage of 12-14 mpg for the Vesta/Trip. We've heard reports of roughly 8.5 mpg from the Knight/Ambassador.

We don't plan on being full timers, but there may be occasions in the winter when a month long trip to sunny Tucson/points south to escape the winter here in southwest CO will be beckoning us. The smaller Vesta/Trip coaches are appealing, but seem to have a lack of storage/counter space.

We will be towing a 2010 GMC Acadia, and both classes of coaches seem to be powerful enough and rated to do so without much problem. The Acadia weighs 5000 pounds. The Vesta/Trip tows 7000 pounds, while the Knight/Ambassador tows 10000 pounds. Does anyone have experience with the Vesta/Trip in towing a 5000 pound vehicle?

We also plan on doing some dry camping in areas around the southwest, such as Canyon de Chelly, Chaco Canyon, Mesa Verde, and similar sites. Can anyone comment on the capability of any of these coaches in being maneuvered into campgrounds like these? Tough to comment, I understand, especially if you don't take your coach onto dirt roads, Forest Service, or BLM campsites.

Thanks in advance for your comments on these questions, or other thoughts as well, that you feel would be of interest in considering before we purchase....

Joe and Debbie
Pagosa Springs, CO

[Steve Ownby]

Hi Joe & Debbie,

It would be a closer comparison with the space issue, if you were looking at the 35' version of the Vesta/Trip. If you are looking at a 2012 Knight with the Maxxforce engine it's too early to have any "real world" mpg figures. The Knight, although the visuals have been designed by the new Monaco, it's more conventional in design and presentation than the Vesta/Trip. I saw both these coaches in mid Sept at the Navistar/Monaco rally in Alabama. Both are very well done but they are so different that if you spend some time sitting in them & discussing living/storage issues combined with a good test drive I believe you will see your choice.

Let us know how it turns out.

Safe travels.

[Wannabe]

I think you are comparing apples to oranges. The Vesta/Trip is a FRED and the fan noise will be noticeable especially in hot weather. The Knight/Ambassador is a DP (much quieter) and has 1150# of torque compared to 660# for the FRED which you will notice towing. The DP has an 8 bag chassis compared to the FRED 4 bag. The differences go on and on, but even more importantly the price spreads you are seeing at MHSRV are insignificant for the differences noted. Forgetting all this get what DW wants-it will all work out for the best.
PS: When towing, I think you will see any big differences in mpg disappear.

[pagosajoe]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steve Ownby Hi Joe & Debbie, It would be a closer comparison with the space issue, if you were looking at the 35' version of the Vesta/Trip. If you are looking at a 2012 Knight with the Maxxforce engine it's too early to have any "real world" mpg figures. The Knight, although the visuals have been designed by the new Monaco, it's more conventional in design and presentation than the Vesta/Trip. I saw both these coaches in mid Sept at the Navistar/Monaco rally in Alabama. Both are very well done but they are so different that if you spend some time sitting in them & discussing living/storage issues combined with a good test drive I believe you will see your choice. Let us know how it turns out. Safe travels.

Hi Steve,

Thanks for your comments. You're correct - the 35' Vesta/Trip compares more favorably with the size of the Knight/Ambassador. We've been in the 32' version of the Vesta, and, at the time, were impressed with the quality of the coach. We've also been through numerous other brands comparable in size to the Knight/Ambassador. We're considering either a 2011 or 2012 coach (not sold on the visual redesign for 2012). For that reason, we'd love to hear real-world mileage examples for the 2011 versions.

It's been difficult to find owner reviews of the Vesta/Trip - I don't know if that is an indication that they aren't selling well, or people are so happy with them that they're out on the road enjoying life and can't find the time to write about them.

We take to heart your recommendation that we need to spend time in both coaches, considering daily living/storage/size. We understand the FRED/RED noise issue as well. For those reasons, we're planning on a trip to MHSRV in TX this Spring to do exactly that before we drive one home.

Thanks again!

Joe and Debbie
Pagosa Springs, CO

[pagosajoe]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wannabe I think you are comparing apples to oranges. The Vesta/Trip is a FRED and the fan noise will be noticeable especially in hot weather. The Knight/Ambassador is a DP (much quieter) and has 1150# of torque compared to 660# for the FRED which you will notice towing. The DP has an 8 bag chassis compared to the FRED 4 bag. The differences go on and on, but even more importantly the price spreads you are seeing at MHSRV are insignificant for the differences noted. Forgetting all this get what DW wants-it will all work out for the best. PS: When towing, I think you will see any big differences in mpg disappear.

Hi Wannabe,

Thanks for your comments! We definitely have a fruit cocktail going - in the past, I've owned a VW Westphalia camper (banana?), and a Wolverine class C camper (grapefruit?), and now are ready to move up to the apple or orange.

You're correct in pointing out that the engine noise of the FRED will be more intrusive than the RED Knight/Ambassador. And that could certainly be a deciding factor. We're interested in hearing owner comments in this regard, as well as other "decision points" they may offer regarding what resulted in their purchasing either of these coaches. The same goes for the 8 versus 4 bag chassis.

Towing will certainly be an issue with the Vesta/Trip - far less torque. Living in the mountains of Colorado, this would be a significant point in deciding which to purchase. I note that you tow a 2011 Ford Ranger with the Demco kit. I have a 1999 Mazda B4000 4WD extended cab that I would consider towing, however it has a snow plow attachment on it that would probably interfere with a tow base plate. Thus, the Acadia is the designated toad. We hate to poke holes in the grill, but that can always be replaced at a later date should we desire.

Finally, you're right - the DW will have a LOT of input on the final decision when it comes to storage/counter space/daily living issues.

Thanks again!

Joe and Debbie
Pagosa Springs CO

[rg neumann]

We have 32 ft Vesta. After 10,000 miles averaging over 13 mpg. On trip to Yellowstone from mid west maxforce engine performed well. Only excessive engine noise was when aux. fan came on. Otherwise at speeds of 55 to 65 normal conversations were possible. We are overall very pleased with the quality of the Vesta. Towing capacity is 7000 lbs. and we are considering towing Mini Clubman, only question is a tow dolly the best way to go or will the flat tow be OK. Mini dealers don't recommend the flat tow.

[pagosajoe]

Quote:

Originally Posted by rg neumann We have 32 ft Vesta. After 10,000 miles averaging over 13 mpg. On trip to Yellowstone from mid west maxforce engine performed well. Only excessive engine noise was when aux. fan came on. Otherwise at speeds of 55 to 65 normal conversations were possible. We are overall very pleased with the quality of the Vesta. Towing capacity is 7000 lbs. and we are considering towing Mini Clubman, only question is a tow dolly the best way to go or will the flat tow be OK. Mini dealers don't recommend the flat tow.

Excellent mileage - thanks for the information on the Vesta 32'. I'm a sports car nut - the Mini Clubman would be a fun choice. If the manufacturer doesn't recommend the flat tow approach, I'd get the dolly. You could always contact MiniUSA (866-ASK-MINI) to check on it. I found a discussion on the Mini at this link that may help you:

Towing a Mini-Cooper -New 2010 Questions

Cheers,

Joe and Debbie

[orpco]

I recently purchased a 32 vesta from mhrsv in alvaredo. The process and experience was good. I drove it to amarillo uphill from alvaredo about 3000 ft elevstion change. Headwind and diagonal crosswind was 25 to 35 mph for about the first 250 miles and much less for remaining 150 miles. When i arrived in amarillo trip computer showed 10.5 mpg. Speed was mostly 62 to 67 mph. Handling in the wind was a challenge for first time drive but was managable. Noise level is quite noticeable at those speeds and conditions. We have not been anywhere yet but am anxious to take it for a short shakedown run. All systems seems to check out ok at home in storage. Id be happy to discuss our experience next week if you are interested is there a wsy to do a private message?

[JimM68]

We have an 08 knight. I'm sure it's very similar to the 10's and 11's.
The lack of noise up front while driving is startling. Very quiet. Very smooth. Very easy to drive. And big. Very easy to live in. Somewhat hard to park

[rg neumann]

There are relatively few Vesta owners since this was the first year in production. I have talked to a few before we bought the Vesta, all of whom were satisfied with the coach. One owner who had a high end coach before the Vesta claimed that they got good value for their money. We contacted the your dealer but chose to purchase from a dealer closer to our residence. Private personal contact might be good but there is also value in having other coach owners to comment, since many problems are not exclusive to one brand or model. Believe you will be very satisfied with the unit, but all 1st owners have some warranty claims.

[pagosajoe]

Quote:

Originally Posted by orpco I recently purchased a 32 vesta from mhrsv in alvaredo. The process and experience was good. I drove it to amarillo uphill from alvaredo about 3000 ft elevstion change. Headwind and diagonal crosswind was 25 to 35 mph for about the first 250 miles and much less for remaining 150 miles. When i arrived in amarillo trip computer showed 10.5 mpg. Speed was mostly 62 to 67 mph. Handling in the wind was a challenge for first time drive but was managable. Noise level is quite noticeable at those speeds and conditions. We have not been anywhere yet but am anxious to take it for a short shakedown run. All systems seems to check out ok at home in storage. Id be happy to discuss our experience next week if you are interested is there a wsy to do a private message?

Thanks! Sent you a PM. Congrats on your Vesta purchase!

[pagosajoe]

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimM68 We have an 08 knight. I'm sure it's very similar to the 10's and 11's. The lack of noise up front while driving is startling. Very quiet. Very smooth. Very easy to drive. And big. Very easy to live in. Somewhat hard to park

That's exactly the experience we'd anticipate! We're considering the 36PFT model, which should lessen the "...hard to park" element of the equation - somewhat.

[pagosajoe]

Quote:

Originally Posted by rg neumann There are relatively few Vesta owners since this was the first year in production. I have talked to a few before we bought the Vesta, all of whom were satisfied with the coach. One owner who had a high end coach before the Vesta claimed that they got good value for their money. We contacted the your dealer but chose to purchase from a dealer closer to our residence. Private personal contact might be good but there is also value in having other coach owners to comment, since many problems are not exclusive to one brand or model. Believe you will be very satisfied with the unit, but all 1st owners have some warranty claims.

We were very impressed with the quality of construction and amenities in the 32PBS Vesta we checked out earlier this year. Buying closer to home is the best - our problem is that the nearest dealer from our location is hundreds of miles away, which is in itself a concern.

After talking to a Monaco rep yesterday at length, I'm told Monaco will be opening numerous service centers nationwide to add value to the Monaco experience - to be announced soon. Not sure of where they will be, but an excellent step forward. We had a pretty technical conversation on production techniques and controls - I'm impressed with the management of the company. I'm a former director of contracting for the USAF with lots of experience in manufacturing process controls/techniques. Follow through will be the key.

Thanks again for your observations!

[DriVer]

Quote:

Originally Posted by rg neumann Many dealers don't recommend the flat tow.

I would agree. The advantages of flat tow in my opinion outweigh what do you do with the tow dolly after you get where you're going. It's just an added struggle using a tow dolly and of course it's one more piece of rolling stock that requires some attention. If you are in a car now that cannot be flat 4 towed, a dolly is an excellent solution. If you have a car that will support being flat 4 towed, I would recommend that you go that route.