Community Forums

MarkMN · 09-16-2018, 08:53 PM

I found a 2004 Beaver Monterey 40' that I like, looked at at every inch of it and it seems very solid compared to the other DP's of the same vintage I've looked at. Biggest flaw is a crack in front of the bedroom slide. Owner says its been that way for years, it did seem stable. Is this common for Monaco/Beaver coaches? Should I be concerned? He is asking $60k with 70k miles, has a Cat C9, air leveling, tires are 5 years old. Seems a little overpriced. Will need to have it inspected if moving forward. Thanks, Mark

saddlesore · 09-16-2018, 09:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MarkMN

I found a 2004 Beaver Monterey 40' that I like, looked at at every inch of it and it seems very solid compared to the other DP's of the same vintage I've looked at. Biggest flaw is a crack in front of the bedroom slide. Owner says its been that way for years, it did seem stable. Is this common for Monaco/Beaver coaches? Should I be concerned? He is asking $60k with 70k miles, has a Cat C9, air leveling, tires are 5 years old. Seems a little overpriced. Will need to have it inspected if moving forward. Thanks, Mark

Stress crack due to coach "flexing" over uneven roads or the leveling system at one time or another failed..$3 to $5K to repair it (and do it correctly)

The biggest issue is that there most likely is de-lamination issues in that area.
Be sure to inspect the front and rear cap seams,and all around the other slides, the front door and around the (outside) fridge vent....
Price wise that is a normal price ..without the crack issues that is...
I would get an estimate for the repair(s) , double that amount and deduct from my offer...If he accepts fine...if not..... still fine & go look elsewhere

RescueRamsey · 09-16-2018, 10:30 PM

I agree, either caused by rough roads or more likely a leveling issue. It doesn't have to be a deal breaker, but the price should be reduced accordingly. Also I believe a good inspection is mandatory at this point. My .02

79cvx20 · 09-17-2018, 03:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MarkMN

I found a 2004 Beaver Monterey 40' that I like, looked at at every inch of it and it seems very solid compared to the other DP's of the same vintage I've looked at. Biggest flaw is a crack in front of the bedroom slide. Owner says its been that way for years, it did seem stable. Is this common for Monaco/Beaver coaches? Should I be concerned? He is asking $60k with 70k miles, has a Cat C9, air leveling, tires are 5 years old. Seems a little overpriced. Will need to have it inspected if moving forward. Thanks, Mark

Mark,
I have a 2002 Monaco Windsor 40PST for sale. Please see the attachment. Since I have replaced all of my appliances, batteries, inverter, repaired the drag link that Monaco wanted $2,000 for and a lot of the fuel system this year you might want to read about my experiences over the year. Extensive repairs are in the attachment.

gemert · 09-17-2018, 08:35 AM

No that crack is not normal! I belong to a Beaver forum and have never seen a comment about a crack like that. Beavers are high end coaches and that year and type of coach may be worth that price but not with that crack. I would quietly back away and then turn and run!!

MarkMN · 09-17-2018, 10:23 AM

Thanks, I take it this is not common for well kept Monaco and Beaver coaches of this era. I see a 2004 Beaver Monterey on the classifieds here, with Maint records, for $48k (NADA is $40-48K). I dread offering this local Seller $45k contingent on inspection, but feel that is what I should do.

MarkMN · 09-17-2018, 10:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gemert

No that crack is not normal! I belong to a Beaver forum and have never seen a comment about a crack like that. Beavers are high end coaches and that year and type of coach may be worth that price but not with that crack. I would quietly back away and then turn and run!!

Just saw this comment, thanks I might just take your advice. Anyone with a lead on a well kept similar coach for sale, please let me know!

andy29847 · 09-17-2018, 10:44 AM

If the rest of the coach was a great deal, I wouldn't be concerned about the crack. It should be looked at closely to determine if their is water damage around the crack. You can seal with with clear sealant to keep things dry. down the road, you might have it repaired. I don't think it would be that expensive if the crack is the only damage.

I recently bought a 2001 Alpine Coach. This coach was the best one I looked at over a 4 month period. I had been told by others to budget 10K for repairs and upgrades. I have repaired/replaced/updated the brakes, the TVs, the satellite antenna, the front tires, resealed the roof, changed a lot of light bulbs, a new backup camera and monitor, added a GPS and a ScanGauge D, and changed all the fluids. I haven't reached the 10K number yet, mostly because I have done a lot of things myself. Factor these things into your finance plan.

William Willard · 09-17-2018, 10:57 AM

Mark -- Even if the crack never causes any problems, you`re gonna be worrying about it the whole time you own that coach -- Believe me, you will find a bunch of other things to worry about, so why add to it -- No telling what caused the stress break -- Besides, it sure takes away from the appearance of the coach & you`ll never get use to it being there -- You`ll see it in your sleep -- Bill Willard

cvbdsl · 09-17-2018, 01:14 PM

I had a crack like that start on my last MH but only about an inch or so. It is caused by the slide dropping down and catching the edge of the fiberglass corner on the way out and will get worse, never mind letting in rain/dirt over time.

In my case the floor of the bedroom slide was starting to rot and the roller was pressing into the wood resulting in a drop of the slide. I did use a hard plastic sheet to prop it up again to avoid tearing any further. I was contemplating repairing it (someone had done that with pictures on the same model) which requires replacing the entire slide floor. A year later I traded it in with the crack still showing but no larger.

So it does need to be addressed. And Bill is right, you will see that crack all the time - mine was barely noticeable to anyone but me . But for me it was an issue.

Chris

Rusty Kramer · 09-17-2018, 01:15 PM

I saw the same type of crack on a 2000?ish 40' Diplomat that I looked at a few years ago. the side was bulging by the crack on this coach. Had silicone slobbered all over it.