Beaver Contessa

[bulldog2655]

I am looking at a 1999 Beaver Contessa 40 Ft., Naples Floor plan and need some info. It appears that Monaco bought out Beaver ? When ? Is this a good coach and what would it be comparable to ? HR, Newmar, Gulfstream. Can't find too much info on the older Beavers. It has 89,000 miles on the 330 Cat / Allison "world" trans...............

Much Thanks for your help and advice........

[CorLynn]

I am a huge Beaver Motor Coach fan. When I bought my coach a little over a year ago, Beaver was on my very short list. I did quite a bit of homework on coaches, and my short list was Beaver, Foretravel, monaco.

IMHO, the 1999 Beaver Contessa trumps the other coaches you listed. Their craftsmanship was almost next to none. If you find a used Beaver chances are high it is in great condition. These Beavers costed quite a bit new and the owners most likely took great care of them. I believe Monaco bought Beaver in 2000? But I have also read that Monaco keep true to the Beaver workmanship.

When I see a beaver on the road (which seems far and few between), its a real head turner.

[Craig_R]

From my own research into the Beaver brand when we were considering our own purchase, the 1999 models were still built in Bend, OR at the original Beaver plant. Beaver declared bankruptcy back around 1993-94 and was purchased by Safari at that time. Both Beaver and Safari were picked up by Monaco Coach in 2000. When the economy crashed in 2008 it had devastating effects on Monaco financially and it was taken over by Navistar in 2009. Beavers were manufactured up until 2009. When Navistar took over there were still two unfinished Beaver Contessa's on the assembly line. They were completed sold as 2010 models. Those two were the last Beaver coaches built. As of today there was an announcement that Navistar RV (Monaco, Holiday Rambler and R-Vsion along with the Beaver and Safari brand names) have been sold to Allied Specialty Vehicles, the parent company of Fleetwood and American Coach.

A 1999 Beaver was considered to be a high quality coach for any number of reasons. The main reason being the fit and finish of the solid hardwood cabinetry. You can find more information at https://sites.google.com/site/beaver...mehistory/home and BAC Forum - BAC Forum and Beaver Ambassador Club and http://www.irv2.com/forums/f57/fleet...rv-161417.html

[docj]

Even though love our Beaver, it is worth noting that the Contessa was one of the less expensive models sold by Beaver in that period. They were still good coaches but they lacked some of the features of the Patriot, Patriot Thunder and Marquis models.

[bulldog2655]

Looked at this unit and it was very nice. In the literature there was an option for a king bed. Any ideas of how they did this, or even better yet any pics of one ??

Bulldog

[CorLynn]

Originally Posted by bulldog2655

Looked at this unit and it was very nice. In the literature there was an option for a king bed. Any ideas of how they did this, or even better yet any pics of one ??

Bulldog

So could this be the one? I'm no pro, but I think on the king bed option the bedroom would be different. Or the board would be bigger for the bed?

[LJ2654]

I purchased a 2001 Beaver Contessa Naples in January 2012. I has been a great coach. The only few issues I have had is with the refrigerator, had to replace the cooling unit. The tires were old but I knew that when discussing price, and figured that in my offer. The one big issue is the jack system on these, mine level with the jacks going to the top of axles and made by SMC. They only used this type of leveling system for a few years and stopped because of such a difficult and majorly expensive parts list. I am having some issues with my leveling system and there are no parts available for fixing it. Service center suggested replacing with a new HWH system for 6-7 grand.......Engine is good...plenty of power along with the Allison transmission, top notch. I think if you can get it for the right price its a good deal.

[jmoffat]

I just purchased a 2007 Beaver with 15K miles. I was set on getting a dynasty but fell in love with this coach have not driven it yet will pick it up this weekend. Any issuew I should be aware of

Jim

[Waterview202]

Purchased a used 2009 beaver contessa 43 ft , very much in quality, it is loaded , including auto leveling with air bags, a well built coach, laurel