Holiday Rambler vs Fleetwood

[ScottyP]

We have been interested in purchasing a Class A diesel RV and have found three we are interested in and would like some input as to the manufacturers quality, etc, any other suggestions. We would have any of them thoroughly checked out. Does anyone in the Phoenix area have a suggestion as to facilities to do an inspection?

Thank you for any help/suggestions.

First is a 2004 Fleetwood Reolution 40C

2004 Revolution

The next is a 2002 HR Endeavor
2002 Endeavor

Lastly a 2004 Monaco Diplomat
2004 Diplomat

[cb5300]

Not to start a war here, but I think I would go with the Monaco Dip. I think the materials used in it are of a higher grade then what Fleetwood uses....I would of course want to see each coach in person before I bought either one....If the wholesale on the Dip is 105K, I would push to find out what the bank payoff is, and what the terms of the loan where (ie interest rate). If that checked out then I would see if I could just assume the bank loan and let the seller take a walk....

[ScottyP]

Charles, thank you for you input and the idea of checking out the bank loan term, payoff, etc.

From the Monaco web site it looks like the Monaco and Holiday Rambler are under the same ownership. Are they comparable in materials and build quality?

[RV Wizard]

Monaco is the parent company of Holiday Rambler and when comparing like models the materials and workmanship are equivalent. Do know that Monaco is going through a situation with the FIC at the moment. They have also closed some plants like many others that have downsized or gone out of business.
As far as who could check out the coach you decide on; I am not sure who is left in the area still in business and how well their service department is now. We left Apache Junction in 2005. I was service manager for Dillons RV City then. I am sure there are some of our members that can chime in on this for you.

[ScottyP]

Thank you Mike. Are the Endeavor and Diplomat comparable models? Looking at both brand web sites (archived product info) they both look like they are about in the middle of the product line, but that may not mean they are comparable.

Anyone else who is in the area that has a trusted shop I certianly would appreciate hearing from.

[RV Wizard]

They are close but in this case you have a two year difference in age. I am not an expert when it comes to the amenities of brands and models. You may find the basics are comparable but one may offer things as standard equipment the other offers as an option.

[beaverjim]

scottyp, dont forget about the all over paint. the endeavor although as rv wizard said very similar has a gel coat finish with a lot of tape striping. not so great for long term maintenance or asthetics. jim

[ScottyP]

Mike and Jim, Thank you both for your comments. We looked at the Endeavor on Sat and it is in very nice condition. Jim to your point, the tape striping was cracking due to sun exposure. My wife noted that some of the cabinet facings looked to be loosing some of the finish, which I thought kind of odd.

The seller had some records but said that he really hadn't had to do anything on any of the systems beyond oil/filter changes. He has put on all new tires.

We are going to look at the Diplomat this week.

[Bob (WA0MQE)]

Fleetwood is also closing plants. They are looking at Filing for Bankruptcy, but then so are most other manufacturers in this business. The Revolution is a pretty good choice, but although I own a Fleetwood product I'd be tempted to go with Monaco. I just think Monaco products are a bit higher quality then Fleetwood.

[dickfrompasadena]

Full body paint is a real plus. I have a (Fleetwood)Bounder 35E and love it. I would not have a coach that didn't have paint. I have a Sea Ray boat with gel-coat. This is a real pain to keep clean and waxed.

[mom2mastiffs]

Scotty P,

We own a 2004 Diplomat, 3 slides, that we purchased from a private party in Tucson. We LOVE it! We have had not one single problem with it. Well other than the electrician who fried the TV and surge protector--long story but not fault of Motorhome

It does have some small paint crack lines in rear but I attribute that to our sun and dryness but I understand there were some issues that year with paint. It is not that noticeable to us.

Best of luck.