Would you buy a used Monaco?

[Wannabe]

All things being equal, would you buy a 2008 Monaco Knight if you could buy a similar Winnebago, Tiffin, or Newmar? I realize you can get technical advice from Monaco; but, it seems, not much more. I know the engines and transmission are the same, but the chassis went the way of the Dodo bird. Appreciate any comments from Monaco owners. Thanks!

[texnet]

I pruchased a used Monaco Dyansty in Feb this year that needed some work. I have been able to get every part and assistance I have needed. Just about everything that might need replaced, other than body parts or interior trim, is made by someone else and just installed by the manufacturer. All the parts on the chassis are made by someone else also.. like spicer for the front end, dana for the rear axles, and etc.. I needed front brake rotors.. Monaco had them but I found them for 80% off of what they wanted :-) Needed a front emblem, they shipped it to me for free. Needed wiring diagrams, they e-mailed them to me, needed an alternator - had it rebuilt locally, and the list goes on.

[jimkate]

As long as you are talking about 8 air bag chassis, the Monaco Roadmaster Chassis is hard to beat. Because there are more air bags, the handling is tighter than anything else you can buy. You have to realize that the ride will also be tighter than anything else you can buy. That means tighter handling in adverse conditions, which also means a little rougher ride in good conditions. Some people like that, some do not.

[Steve Ownby]

The Monaco Roadmaster RR8R and RR8S, 8 airbag chassis are not gone like the Dodo bird. They are the primary chassis used by Monaco RV LLC.

[distaff]

It really comes down to - do you like it?

People can get silly when defending a brand they own, so when you ask you can sometimes see a cat fight start.

There is nothing fundamentally wrong with any of the coaches you mentioned. It helps to remember that you are buying what is left when you buy used, so condition is second to the coach's suitability to your purpose and lifestyle, the brand doesn't matter that much.

And yes, I bought my Beaver used.

[rpasetto]

Drive a Monaco (8 air bag, or 10 if it's a tag) chassis, then drive a Freightliner, or Spartan of the same size and weight. Test drive on highway, back roads, and so on. Some see a big difference; some don't. It's subjective.

[itdave]

The new Monaco is doing a good job of providing technical and parts support to owners of coaches built by the old (bankrupt) Monaco. The RR8R chassis is still being used on 2011/12 coaches built by Monaco. The 2008 Knight is very close to a earlier (2005/6) Monaco Diplomat. The only concern I might have is the HP to weight ratio. The 360 may be fine for a lighter coach but since they added a lot of stuff to the Knight the 360 may not have the power you want. As other have said it all depends on your intended use and where you will be driving.

[ImagineIF]

I assume your question is really a question of support given the new Monaco has no legal obligation to support and products offered by the old Monaco. The new Monaco is doing a pretty good job of supporting former Monaco and the family of former Monaco products, such as my Beaver. As others have said, most parts are not made by Monaco. Even a long standing manufacture ends product of model unique parts over time.

If you like it, buy it. It you are concerned about support, buy an extended warranty. I bought my Beaver well after the old Monaco went out of business and only have one issue that may have went better if the old Monaco was still around.

[rpasetto]

Agreed Monaco Tech support is back; they've been very helpful.

[56corvette]

very first effort on this forum. not really sure what i'm doing but wondered what the phone number is for monaco support for the "old monaco" thanks, 56corvette

[rpasetto]

The Monaco phone # for Technical Support is: (877) 466-6226
Also the URL for Monaco service is Monaco Coach

[Windecker]

I have found the new Monaco help pretty good. Sometimes have to wait on the phone a while but they seem to be putting the effort in. Also found that some info seems to be coming to me better than before the restructure such as part numbers and such.
I have the 8 air bag system in a 40 foot Signature and love it. Im tracking down an air leak somewhere currently but otherwise we are all original including the shocks at 80K+ miles and solid. I like the "stiff" ride. Pots, pans, dishes, cloths and everything stays put just fine, not rattling around like I feared they would. No body roll that I can detect, not swaying around, takes bumps great, rolly types really well also.

Reading about some other systems causing people to bounce cloths off the hangars and such is hard to imagine. I love the way my Monaco drives.
Im sold!
Windecker

[WanderingKat]

Is one one setup easier to drive than the other: firm vs. cushiony? I'm still in search of my MH so what do I know just yet. My Lancer is a stick-shift and the Raliart trim which has a firm ride which I like for its handling qualities. I can drive it easy (never broke an egg) or push it (small thrills..hehe).

How firm is a firm ride in a MH? would electronics need to be specially stored?

[Windecker]

Short post:
I enjoy the feel of a tighter car suspension and road feel and not the soft isolated feel of older Caddy's and such so the Roadmaster is a natural fit for me.

Long post:
We came from 5 towables, 4 travel trailers and 1 5th wheel. All of them were awesome from the first 16 foot TT to the 35 foot 5th wheel. Each one though had its own thing going on. In those stuff would move around a little, fall over in the fridge and bounce off of the seats finding items on the floor sometimes. Nothing serious, just noticed it. With this in mind I thought a MH would drive me crazy from all the rattling dishes, cabinets, and "stuff" shaking with me sitting in the same room to hear it all.

Once the decision was made to give it a shot we rode in or test drove several MH . I drove a Spartan, then a Freighliner, then the Roadmaster (that we purchased). I have to say, not to beat up on anyone products but the Spartan rode better than the Freightliner and the Roadmaster kicked those two's butts. The solid feel of the Roadmaster really jumped out at me. I live in Indiana on pretty poor roads and the Roadmaster takes the bumps and rolly hills without throwing me around or giving me the sense of lack of total control. Honestly I am still impressed with it.

I felt the other two I personally drove gave me the feeling of top heavy and wobbly. Wind was more of an issue as well as a rapid lane change which honestly was sort of scary.

I also acknowledge the fact (like pointed out in an earlier post) that it is a personal feel that we decide upon. Also that there are so many great MH's out there that are likely set up better than the ones I drove.

I don't see it as the ride is that stiff or unreasonable, I feel the other way around, the others ride too soft and the Roadmaster rides correctly

Not sure if that helps or not but there is nothing stopping you from test driving several yourself and seeing how you feel about it all. I will say though you would want to try to do it within hours/days of each other and on the same roads if possible.
Windecker

Quote:

Originally Posted by WanderingKat Is one one setup easier to drive than the other: firm vs. cushiony? I'm still in search of my MH so what do I know just yet. My Lancer is a stick-shift and the Raliart trim which has a firm ride which I like for its handling qualities. I can drive it easy (never broke an egg) or push it (small thrills..hehe). How firm is a firm ride in a MH? would electronics need to be specially stored?