Windsor To Camelot Evolution

[WindsorDave]

My understanding is that the Camelot replaces the Windsor in the Monaco line. In the Monaco archive of brochures the Windsor and Camelot overlap in the years 2003 through 2006.

Is there a point in time when the Windsor stopped being a Windsor and became a Camelot? Or were they distinctly different coaches until the Windsor disappeared from the line-up?

Am thinking about upgrading and am kicking tires on used coaches in the 2003 to 2007 era. Our current Diplomat is our first motor home and it is a solid unit. It has introduced us to the MoHo mode of travel and I will never board a commercial air-liner again. Love the Diplomat and have no qualms about buying another.

There are some features though that might be more common at the Windsor/Camelot level. Cord reel, hose reel, Aqua Hot, better instrumentation, etc.

From what little I've seen, the Monaco line (2003-2007 model years) still holds the greatest appeal for us.

We're sitting in Coburg at the moment, wending our way from Arizona back to the Olympic Peninsula. Snow is forecast for today and tomorrow. Great opportunity to coach shop!

Thanks in advance for your input.

[Drifter]

Dave, The major difference is in the body construction. The Windsor is built more like the Dynasty than the Camelot.

[WindsorDave]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Drifter Dave, The major difference is in the body construction. The Windsor is built more like the Dynasty than the Camelot.

Hi Mike,

Good to hear form you. Hope the thumb turned out OK. Wish we were still in AZ!

Did the Windsor retain its more Dynasty-like body construction through 2006 after which it was dropped altogether?

Thanks,

[Drifter]

Yes, the Windsor did retain the same construction until the end of production. I suppose that Monaco at the time wanted more separation between the Dynasty and the Camelot.
The thumb is great and I'm on to new projects, like modifying the awning topper outside mounting brackets to mount the awning topper 3" lower to give them more of a rake while using the same mounting holes.

[WindsorDave]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Drifter Yes, the Windsor did retain the same construction until the end of production. I suppose that Monaco at the time wanted more separation between the Dynasty and the Camelot. The thumb is great and I'm on to new projects, like modifying the awning topper outside mounting brackets to mount the awning topper 3" lower to give them more of a rake while using the same mounting holes.

Thanks, Mike.

Good idea on the topper to reduce likelihood of standing water.

Best,

[waco kid]

I'm sure somone will correct me if I'm wrong, but I think the last two years Windsor's construction changed to aluminum framing and a non monoquoge (spelling?) chassis.....Bruce

[Alan Roberts]

Hello Dave - this might help; this link will take you to the Monaco brochures back to 2000 or so.

Monaco Coach Motorhome - Product Archive

Alan & Cec
02 Windsor PKD
Beaverton, Oregon

[WindsorDave]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alan Roberts Hello Dave - this might help; this link will take you to the Monaco brochures back to 2000 or so. Monaco Coach Motorhome - Product Archive Alan & Cec 02 Windsor PKD Beaverton, Oregon

Hi Alan,

Good to hear from you! Thanks for the link. Reviewing the brochures on that page is, in part, what prompted my question in the first place. It looks like there was a change like Waco Kid Bruce pointed out, between 2004 and 2005. However, the change was not accompanied by big, splashy descriptions in the 2005 brochure that usually appear when something as large as a chassis gets a makeover.

It's all academic at this point because I have no Windsors to look at. Went over to Guaranty in Junction City yesterday. They had a boatload of coaches but they were either too small or too big/expensive. No matter. The Dipper is working well and we're having fun in it even if there is snow on the ground here in Coburg.

Best,

[Dr4Film]

The Windsor changed its chassis in 2003 amongst many other items both on an in the coach mainly to reduce its manufacturing cost and still remain competitive in price and value.

It is my understanding that the Camelot did NOT replace the Windsor however when they finally upgraded the Camelot in quality, it was decided to drop the Windsor.

When I did my research and purchased my 2002 Windsor from the original owners, I specifically went after that year and model mainly for the quality which the 02's still had versus later years. I ended up with the PBT floor-plan which has been perfect for our needs.

I have often thought about changing but always come away with the satisfaction that what I have is far better than what is out there that I can afford. I'm upside down on the loan but that will be my kids problem unless I live long enough to pay it off. Don't want to give up my low RV loan rate of 5.62%. Therefore I keep what I got.

Dr4Film ----- Richard.

[WindsorDave]

Thanks, Richard, for the input. Every bit helps build and refine the body of information.

[William Willard]

Dave -- Since you`re in Coburg, visit the Marathon Factory -- They can design you a coach to your specs -- After all, it`s only money --
Why did you leave AZ so soon, & did Erik fix your lavy sink? -- Bill Willard

[Steve Ownby]

Hey Dave,

My wife & I along with another couple spent several days in Sequim last Sept and loved it. We have to go back & spend much more time some day.

I agree with the '03 - '07 time frame coaches you are looking at. My wife & I are starting our 5th year full timing in an '03 Signature and are very happy. The big change with the Windsor was between '02 and '03. The '02 was the last year the Windsor was built on the Series S chassis. I think they were having trouble with weight on the drive axle as coaches got heavier with multi slides.

The "sweet spot" would be a well cared for '03 Dynasty with complete maintenance records.

Good luck with looking as it's a lot of fun.

[WindsorDave]

Quote:

Originally Posted by William Willard Dave -- Since you`re in Coburg, visit the Marathon Factory -- They can design you a coach to your specs -- After all, it`s only money -- Why did you leave AZ so soon, & did Erik fix your lavy sink? -- Bill Willard

Hi Bill,

We'd still be in AZ if I had my way but you know how that works - DW, Cathy, has things on her agenda in Sequim so that's where we're going. Also, she would not let me anywhere near the Marathon plant particularly if there was a snowball's chance of being able to afford one which there's not!

Your timing is incredible - Erik just left the coach this minute after doing a swell job on the sink. It looks better than new. You cannot tell that the bowl has been replaced. A professional job all around and at a very reasonable price.

Anyone needing work on their coach should check out Elite Repair and Remodel in Eugene/Coburg. Erik's phone is 541-255-6231.

These guys have a good rep locally too. I was getting fuel at the Pacific Pride near Premier RV Park and mentioned that we were having Elite do some work on the coach to the attendant who immediately responded that they were good guys doing good work. Terry at the front desk here in the park knew them and spoke highly of them.

They do floors, cabinetry, plumbing, electrical, etc, on all brands of coaches.

I consider these guys a great find. It almost makes knocking a hole in the sink worth the trouble, though I'd rather have learned about Elite in a more productive way.

Thanks, Bill, and the others who recommended Erik. It worked out well.

[WindsorDave]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steve Ownby Hey Dave, My wife & I along with another couple spent several days in Sequim last Sept and loved it. We have to go back & spend much more time some day. I agree with the '03 - '07 time frame coaches you are looking at. My wife & I are starting our 5th year full timing in an '03 Signature and are very happy. The big change with the Windsor was between '02 and '03. The '02 was the last year the Windsor was built on the Series S chassis. I think they were having trouble with weight on the drive axle as coaches got heavier with multi slides. The "sweet spot" would be a well cared for '03 Dynasty with complete maintenance records. Good luck with looking as it's a lot of fun.

Thanks, Steve. You're right. Looking and getting educated is a lot of fun.

September is a good time in Sequim - that would be late fall. Summer is on July 5th. Don't miss it!