Community Forums

Linkster · 04-11-2019, 11:46 AM

Hi Everyone,

I'm in the process of shopping for a motorhome. I've enjoyed many of your posts in while doing some due diligence to educate myself.

I've concluded that I will most like purchase a Monaco. I'm currently looking at two of them. One is a 2002 Winsor with approximately 85,000 miles on it and the other is a 2005 Dynasty with similar mileage. Being a professional driver of over 30 years with many miles on Prevosts, the Dynasty appeals to me a little more with the tag axle and being a little more 'bus like'. The other thing is it's year, it sounds like there were some fairly significant improvements around that year. Any thoughts and advice around this are appreciated.

P.S. I've always dreamed of a Prevost conversion but, that unfortunately is not in the budget. I might refer to my Monaco as 'a poor man's Prevost'.

Looking forward to communicating and perhaps meeting some of you down the road!

Greg

Skip426 · 04-11-2019, 11:57 AM

Welcome to iRV2.

Many iRV2 members in the Kelowna , Lake Country area.
Myself after 55 years there , and the city didn't name a street after me I left .

As you suspect coaches with the tag axle do handle much better and have greater CCC ( Cargo Carrying Capacity ).

Good luck in your search for the perfect coach , most find they have 3/4 RV's before they get the right fit.

8.3Oilbuner · 04-11-2019, 12:06 PM

Good morning Greg from down here in Wa. state. I have an 01 34' Windsor. By the years your are asking about in these Monaco coaches I am going to guess they are at least 40' or longer. The longer wheel base coaches drive a lot better than my 34', though this is through reading from other owners posts. A Dynasty with a tag I understand is even more stable on the road. The Road Master chassis is a great chassis. The years you have mentioned in both models have been great in quality build. There are certain items to look for on Monaco coaches. One happens to be the design of the slide outs as the coaches you mention, I am sure, have at least between 2 to 4 of them. The design of the bottom end of the slides, if not keep sealed, can allow water to intrude into slide floor and cause much damage, but depending on how bad there is a fix. Talin makes a fix for this and you can get more info on-line. If this is your first coach and you are not the, fix it your self person, I as others here will suggest getting a full inspection of the house and the chassis. This is money well spent to identify any issues with the systems of the coach. If previous owners have taken care and done proper maintenance, the coaches are a great buy, in my opinion. You should get lots of answers to your question and I am just one responding. I am on my second Windsor in 15 years and have not regretted the purchase. Take your time and do your homework. It will be an adventure. If these 2 coaches don't pan out, don't give up. There are well taken care of coaches out there and sometimes it just takes a while to find the right one for you. Keep us informed and have fun!

Linkster · 04-11-2019, 02:42 PM

Thanks! Always wondered why there wasn't a 'Skip St.' here haha.

Linkster · 04-11-2019, 02:47 PM

Thanks 8.3Oilbuner. I've contacted an RV dealership to inspect the unit and it's systems. I'll also get a diesel mechanic to check the drivetrain. Appreciate you taking a moment to reply with your experience.

MSHappyCampers · 04-11-2019, 05:11 PM

Hi Greg! Welcome to IRV2! We're sure glad you joined the gang!

Either coach would be great! We love our 2002 Windsor but I would certainly want a Dynasty if that were a possibility!

Good luck, happy trails, and God bless!

momdoc · 04-11-2019, 08:39 PM

Welcome to the forum. You have a choice between two good coaches. Do make sure that you have an independent inspection done (one you pay for) before purchasing anything.

You are joining a good group of folks here with good info to share.

Good luck and enjoy the adventure!

Linkster · 04-12-2019, 12:21 PM

Thanks for your reply.

Linkster · 04-12-2019, 12:22 PM

Appreciate the advice!

Mr_D · 04-12-2019, 12:32 PM

You might want to add Country Coach to your short list. One of these chassis is a Prevost, the other is a CC DynoMax

Linkster · 04-12-2019, 10:24 PM

I'm looking at everything, those both are quality chassis. Tonight I looked at a 2002 Newmar Dutch Star.... 330 Cat on a Freightliner chassis. Has a few miles but, the exterior is in nice condition for it's age compared to others I've looked at.