About to purchase a 2001 HR Ambassador

[Darylsuds]

Hello all, this is my first thread on this site. I apoligize in advance if I am in the wrong area.

Here is the back story. I am in the market for a motorhome and came accross a 2009 Winnebago view. I really liked the unit except for the price and that the seller was playing all sides against the middle... Anyway I have since discovered a 2001 Holiday Rambler Ambassador 32 (yes 32', very rare) with less miles and much, much cheaper than the View. The difference in price is approx. $20 000 in savings.

The Ambassador has been maintained very well and is in great condition, inside and out. The regular stuff will be checked, moisture meter used, oil analysis etc.

I have been doing my research and wanted to get a "boots on ground" users perspective. What does the Ambassador actually get in mpg? I've compared weight and size and the Ambassador is heavier and longer but not by much.

My use for this unit will be to drive it every weekend from March-November approximately 430 miles.

Input, advice, comments will be welcomed.

[Steve Ownby]

Here is the brochure:

http://holidayrambler.com//library/2...ambassador.pdf

According to this literature, the shortest floorplan is 34'.

Just be aware that this is an entry level coach. The Roadmaster 4 airbag chassis is known to be rough riding. In '02 the rear suspension was changed to a deeply flawed design that was subject to a safety recall.

The standard engine is the Cummins ISB with an Allison 1000 transmission. This is essentially a pickup truck power train. There were a couple of power upgrades with the highest power being an ISC with Allison 3000. The standard ISB is the mpg champ and should be capable of over 10 mpg.

Just be aware of the limitations. Could by exactly what you need.


Steve Ownby
Full time since '07

[jacwjames]

I own a 2002 Windsor with is a cousin of the HR brand.

You may want to go the HR website and get a copy of the brochures and manuals for the Ambassador, they go back to 2001. They do not show a 32' model but a 34' model.

http://holidayrambler.com//library/2...ambassador.pdf

Manuals

The Monaco brand in general makes a good coach depending on where it sits in the hierarchy. I'm not sure where the Ambassador is in the HR lineup but a quick glance at the brochure make it look like a nice coach.

One issue I can see is the lower towing capacity, it shows 4000 lbs in the brochure.

Some of the options that I have and like are the EMS system, this manages power based on the shore power you have available.

Good luck on your search and ultimate decision.