2008 Camelot vs 2007/2008 Dynasty

[Brianpr]

Considering moving to a little newer coach than my 2002 Windsor. Looking at either a 2008 Camelot or 2007/2008 Dynasty. They both have similar options IE: aqua hot, air leveling, residential fridge, etc. In the 2007 Dynasty and 2008 Camelot they each have the same 400hp and 1200/ft lbs torque. It seems to me that may be under powered for the Dynasty which I assume weighs more than the Camelot? In the 2008 Dynasty, it comes with 425hp but same 1200 ft lbs of torque so to me that isn't a big difference from the 2007. Am I looking at this correct? The Dynasty has a little more "glitz" than the Camelot, but doesn't seem to be that much of a difference. I thought I read that the Dynasty has a stiffer chassis than the Camelot? Also, I notice a TON of Camelots for sale right now. Is there something wrong with these units or were there just that many sold new? I am aware of the Camelot windshield issues in the 2006 model years so staying away from those. Any input would be appreciated as always!! Thanks folks.

Brian

[becks]

You could expand your search and look for a Dynasty with the 500 HP ISM motor.

[MSHappyCampers]

What about floor plans? I would choose the Dynasty if you like the floor plan. JMHO

[Brianpr]

I've considered that but then I have to move up to 45' from 42-43'. Not sure how I feel about another 2' in length??

[Timaz]

You can contact Cummins and see how much more power they can add through software.

[JJTL]

Here are the respective brochures, in case you haven't seen them:

2008 Monaco Camelot: https://www.monacocoach.com/resource...13_brc_pdf.pdf

2008 Monaco Dynasty: https://www.monacocoach.com/resource...92_brc_pdf.pdf

2007 Monaco Dynasty: https://www.monacocoach.com/resource...60_brc_pdf.pdf

The biggest difference between the 2 models is the chassis. The Dynasty is built on the semi-monocoque S-Series, while the Camelot is built on the raised rail RR10S chassis. The S-series is one of the best chassis of the era, and one of the reasons we kept our personal search to a coach with one. However, not to say the RR10S is a bad chassis. As you mentioned the engine options are similar, unless you are going for the 45' Dynasty with the 500 ISM. For the record, we love the ISM and would highly recommend it.

For weight, the 42' versions of each coach have an almost identical GCVW. 55,160 lbs for the Dynasty and 54,600 lbs for the Camelot. The difference is purely based on the slightly heavier duty front axle on the Dynasty.

So after chassis, I think the decision really comes down to price, options, floorplans and other personal tastes. Cost being equal, I would take a Dynasty. But if the Camelot offers a discount, I think you're right to check them out. It will also come down to the real life pre-owned options that are available. Previous ownership, service history and condition of coach may be a larger factor than which model is better based on the brochure.

All the best with your search!
Josh

[Brianpr]

Huh, I expected there to be a much larger weight difference between the Dynasty and the Camelot. Are there any other major differences between the two other than the chassis? I realize the “bling factor” is a little more in the Dynasty but that’s about all I can see.

[JJTL]

Originally Posted by Brianpr

Huh, I expected there to be a much larger weight difference between the Dynasty and the Camelot. Are there any other major differences between the two other than the chassis? I realize the “bling factor” is a little more in the Dynasty but that’s about all I can see.

Nothing major comes to mind, you will have to study the brochures closely. Aqua-hot heating is standard on many of the Dynasty floorplans, but optional for all Camelot floorplans.

Keep in mind the S-Series semi-monocoque chassis is a full steel tubular welded frame, while the raised rail RR10S is a steel raised rail frame with an aluminum substructure placed on top. The difference is not slight, and there is a reason only high-end coaches like Country Coach, Newell, Wanderlodge and Prevost used a semi-monocoque design, but again its importance will be up to you.

I see some random differences. The Dynasty can be optioned with both hydraulic and air leveling, while the Camelot is either or. The Dynasty came standard with triple 15,000 BTU ACs, while the Camelot has triple 13,500 BTU ACs standard, with the 15,000 BTU units optional (42' models). I personally think the Dynasty aged a little better, but as you can see we are well into the personal preference of minor items.

Sure is fun to dive into the details. More important will be the comparison of specific examples you find for sale of each.

[96 Wideglide]

Originally Posted by Brianpr

Huh, I expected there to be a much larger weight difference between the Dynasty and the Camelot. Are there any other major differences between the two other than the chassis? I realize the “bling factor” is a little more in the Dynasty but that’s about all I can see.

Loaded for a 7 week trip, almost full fuel tank, 3/4 fresh water, enough Canadian beer to get me through at least the first two weeks, I run across the scale right about 37,000 lbs.

My Scepter is the sister to the Camelot.

[Ivylog]

The ISL is capable of 1300 torque, but the 3000 Alison is not...so a flat 1200/1250 torque curve from 1100 rpm to 1600 rpm so you can’t increase power. No real difference in the ISLs...400 has EGR, 425 added a DPF, and 450 added DEF... more a way of distinguishing the different emission levels than a actual increase in HP. The Dynasty has a true HJe brake, the Camelot has an exhaust brake.

I was happy with the power of our 04 Dynasty for 14 years and we were on the heavy side...that was until I went from 1200 to 1650 torque. I would go with a Dynasty for the all steel, one piece chassis/house, which is more rigid and safer if rolled. 85K trouble free miles getting 7 mpg at 65.

I really like how the S-10 chassis handles while putting in multiple 750 mile days...rock solid handling. The TRW steering box is adjustable so there’s no play in the steering.,.not sure the Camelot does.

[vito.a]

You should include the 2006-2009 Monaco Executive and Holiday Rambler Navigator to your search. They are one step above the Dynasty, but with some smart shopping you can find an Executive priced near the Dynasty or even less.
They came standard with the Cummins ISM 500hp and Allison 4000 transmission. Options were the Detroit Series 60 515hp, Cummins ISX 525hp, or Cummins ISX 600hp.

All the fixtures like faucets, blinds, awnings, and furniture will also be a step above.

[Mr.Mark]

We had a 2008 Monaco Dynasty Diamond IV, 42ft., with the 425 hp Cummins with the DPF (diesel particulate filter)..... no trouble with the engine/emissions in 7.5 yrs. and 69,000 miles of driving. We weighed in at 40,039 lbs. It was slow on hills with 1,200 lb. ft. torque, but it got the job done.

Don't be mislead by a semi-monocoque chassis, it is still a platform with a house on top. All of the big pieces (fridge, etc.) were placed inside before the house was completed.

Prevosts are 'Monocoque' chassis's...... one total unit. The slides are built into the shell at the factory then driven to the converter.

Our Dynasty was a good coach, we ordered our 2008 in January '07 with an April '07 delivery. Enjoyed that coach thoroughly. Like any coach, there was always something that needs attention. We had both the air and hydraulic leveling.

Good luck on your search.
Mark

[Roadmiester]

We have a 09 Dynasty Regal IV, 45 ft., ISM500, NO DPF or DEF. The only thing I would try and avoid is the Kongsberg Roadside multiplex. There is no replacement for one if it goes out. They can be fixed and programed, but they can not be replaced.
I guess it gets down to floorplan, options and cost.

Roadmiester
09 Dynast Regal IV

[JJTL]

Originally Posted by Mr.Mark

Don't be mislead by a semi-monocoque chassis, it is still a platform with a house on top. All of the big pieces (fridge, etc.) were placed inside before the house was completed.

Prevosts are 'Monocoque' chassis's...... one total unit. The slides are built into the shell at the factory then driven to the converter.
Mark

As a Canadian with a Mechancial Engineering degree, I too share your affinity for the glorious stainless steel work of mechanical art that is your Prevost chassis!! I apologize if I offended by lumping it in with the “semi-monocoque” chassis list .

That being said, chassis design has always been an interest of mine and a steel semi-monocoque configuration is still a significant step up from an aluminum substructure on steel rails, both in rigidity and rollover protection. The Roadmaster S-Series was originally designed by Chrysler as an over the road coach bus chassis. The chassis was so highly regarded that Monaco Coach bought the whole Roadmaster division from Chrysler to use in their motorhomes. Admittedly not as fully robust as the Prevost chassis, but also not just some marketing term. Not sure the word “mislead” was necessary. Since the OP isn’t buying a Prevost, the difference between the Roadmaster RR10S and S-Series is noteworthy and so I think meaningful to the OP .

Josh

PS that’s a beautiful coach you have their sir! We came real close to buying a 1992 Liberty H3-40, if it weren’t for the Detroit 8V-92. If it had the Series 60, might have been a different ending .