2003 Holiday Rambler 5th wheel 30scd

[Bob Harlan]

Hi All,

Anyone know the actual weight of this trailer? The brochure says 9500 lb. But, what is it really?

Also, it has aluminum skin. Good or bad?

Anything else I should be aware of?

Thanks,
Robert

[Barlow46]

I think that is the Presidential model. I have owned 3 Monaco/ Holiday Rambler products and have been happy with them all. My two fifth wheels (alumalite and Presidential) both had aluminum skins on sides with fiberglass caps. Never had a problem. I think that weight is probably close for a dry weight for a two slider. There may have been a recall about that time on some gussets that need to be added to stiffen up the suspension near the springs. Call the new monaco and give them the vin number and they will get you some better info.

[Timay]

I have an Alumascape 30RKD, which is very close to the Presidential model (same length)...it shows a weight of 9700 as well, but the scale says 10,700. I am very happy with the aluminum sides and the fiberglass caps...it is a very nice trailer!

Just got back from a week trip, boon-docked in a hotel parking lot literally next to a major street and the unit was still quiet (we have double pane windows) - really like the trailer!

Tim

[Bob Harlan]

Thanks Barlow46 and Timay for your replies.

Timay, Is 10,700 the weight of your trailer before adding any personal gear e.g. clothes, pots and pans, portable generator, camp chairs, whatever? Also, I checked a NHTSA web page for the safety issue Barlow46 mentioned and both the Presidential and Alumascape are included for 2002, 2003 and beyond. I'll be checking that if I get to look at the presidential we're investigating.

Thanks,
Robert

[Timay]

I hadn't heard about a recall...I will look into that as well...

The 10,700# was with full LP, pots and pans and no water and empty tanks. I scratched my head as well, but I don't think I had 1,000lbs of 'stuff' in it. Oh, wait! It just occurred to me that I had lots of stuff in the storage areas, so I guess I could have made the weight. I weighed it and the truck to make sure I was not over-gross since the trailer was new to me.

Still like the trailer - don't like how it rearranges everything in the kitchen going down the road, though.

On edit: I just talked to Monaco and no recalls on my trailer, nor any warranty claims. The guy I talked to worked in the trailer manufacturing dept. at Holiday Rambler and didn't remember any recalls around that time, except an overloaded 5 amp breaker that was fixed by adding a breaker and moving a circuit. How's that for a memory? He said he was disappointed that they quit making 5th wheels because they were very good trailers.

Tim

[wandering1]

If you don't believe the brochure then weigh it. LOL it is really funny you would take a complete strangers word for it when they are not familiar with the individual trailer you are looking at.

[Timay]

Originally Posted by wandering1

If you don't believe the brochure then weigh it. LOL it is really funny you would take a complete strangers word for it when they are not familiar with the individual trailer you are looking at.

Let's see - how can he weigh it when he doesn't own it yet? He is asking if the listed weight is close to what it really is so he can have something to base a decision on. He now knows that the 9,700lbs is close, and has info on the aluminum siding.

I looked at the model on-line and discovered that it is very close to mine, mostly the layout is different, so I felt like I could give some input.

Hard for me to keep a civil tongue!

Tim

[Bob Harlan]

Dear Wandering1,

Thank you so much for your thoughtful and informed response.

Robert

[Bob Harlan]

Timay,

I used the link below to investigate recalls. I suppose it probably applies only to certain VIN numbers.

http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchSafetyIssues

Thanks,
Robert

[Barlow46]

bharlan2001,
Here is the link to my information on the recalls for 2002 Presidential. It does show the manufacture dates on the units involved but I don't see any VIN #'s.


HOLIDAY RAMBLER PRESIDENTIAL RECALLS - Auto Recalls for Consumers


2002 HOLIDAY RAMBLER PRESIDENTIAL RECALL - #04V483000
RECALL FOR STRUCTURE : FRAME AND MEMBERS
ON CERTAIN FIFTH WHEEL TRAILERS, A DEFICIENCY IN THE STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY OF THE MAIN FRAME RAILS COULD CAUSE THE RAILS TO CRACK AND AXLES COULD SHIFT, CAUSING THE FIFTH WHEEL TO PULL ERRATICALLY.

Information provided by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Vehicle 2002 HOLIDAY RAMBLER PRESIDENTIAL
Manufacturer MONACO COACH CORPORATION
Manufactured between 6/15/1998 - 7/11/2003
Recalled on 10/13/2004
Influenced by MONACO COACH CORPORATION
Owners Notified on 10/29/2004
# Affected 3,439
Recalled for STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS

Description ON CERTAIN FIFTH WHEEL TRAILERS, A DEFICIENCY IN THE STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY OF THE MAIN FRAME RAILS COULD CAUSE THE RAILS TO CRACK AND AXLES COULD SHIFT, CAUSING THE FIFTH WHEEL TO PULL ERRATICALLY.
Consequences THIS COULD CAUSE THE DRIVER OF THE TOW VEHICLE TO LOSE CONTROL CREATING THE POTENTIAL FOR A CRASH RESULTING IN PERSONAL INJURY.
Corrective action DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND ADD AN ADDITION OF GUSSET PLATES AND CROSS TUBES TO STRENGHEN THE AXLE SPRING HANGERS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 29, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT MONACO AT 1-800-685-6545.
Notes MONACO RECALL NO. R02233.CUSTOMERS CAN ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).
See also 2002 HOLIDAY RAMBLER PRESIDENTIAL Recall for EQUIPMENT, OTHER, LABELS

2002 HOLIDAY RAMBLER PRESIDENTIAL Recall for EQUIPMENT, RECREATIONAL VEHICLE, LPG LINES AND FITTINGS

2002 HOLIDAY RAMBLER PRESIDENTIAL Recall for EQUIPMENT, RECREATIONAL VEHICLE