Dip/Endeavor Wiper Problem Resolved

[Robin_M]

Sixpack98 and I would like to share with the group that we've been working "behind the scenes" for a permanent resolution to the notorious wiper issue that inflicts the 2006/2007 Dip's, Endeavors, and similar coaches. Both of us had been having serious problems with our wiper assemblies coming apart, even after they had been repaired under warranty. About two months ago we both discovered that the 2008 coaches have a much better and stronger wiper system than that which exists on the 2006 and 2007 coaches. So we decided to take some action to reslove the problem the "right way".

Here's a little background of the problem... In 2006 Monaco went to the one-piece "Panaview" windshield on the raised rail chassis coaches. At the same time, they also went to horizontally mounted wipers with large 32" blades. Although the vender they used for the wiper assembly, AM Equipment, of Jefferson, OR, is a quality supplier of OEM wiper systems, the assembly they used for the 2006 and 2007 coaches was simply not up to the task of "pushing" the longer heavier arms on that huge windshield. In addition, the driver's side wiper tends to fly off the left side of the windshield, which puts additional stress on the pivot arm attachment point, as well as the light weight plastic ball-and-socket joints that are used for the inside linkage. As a result the linkage tends to come apart, and failure rate on the entire assembly has been a problem for several owners.

Upon engaging in discussions with AM Equipment, we found that they were aware of the problem and had been working for some time to develop a new heavier duty Tandem Radial Wiper System that is up to the task of handling the one-piece windshields that Monaco is now using. It has a strong tubular construction with bolted joints replacing the plastic ball-and-sockets. The diameter of the pivot arms are also about 50% larger. We both decided that the original assembly was a safety hazard and that we were sick and tired of constantly repairing it - often along the side of the interstate in the middle of a rain storm. So independently, we decided to work on Monaco and HR to retro-fit our coaches with the new improved system. We met with several objections at first, but we were persistant. Finally Monaco decided to special order for us a version of the new system that could be retro-fitted into the 2006/2007 coaches, if we would agree to pay to have it installed ourselves. We agreed and the systems were eventually shipped.

I took mine to my dealer, and they were able to fit it right in, after the holes for the pivot arms were reamed larger to fit the beefier arms. I had to pay only three hours of shop labor. Mark is braver than I - he is installing his own system as I type this message. The new assembly works perfectly and indeed solves the problems. It is our hope that AM Equipment and Monaco will join forces to provide these kits to other owners of 2006 and 2007 coaches who are suffering from the same problem that we had.



Here is a link to my web site where I've posted some pictures and additional information.

[Robin_M]

Sixpack98 and I would like to share with the group that we've been working "behind the scenes" for a permanent resolution to the notorious wiper issue that inflicts the 2006/2007 Dip's, Endeavors, and similar coaches. Both of us had been having serious problems with our wiper assemblies coming apart, even after they had been repaired under warranty. About two months ago we both discovered that the 2008 coaches have a much better and stronger wiper system than that which exists on the 2006 and 2007 coaches. So we decided to take some action to reslove the problem the "right way".

Here's a little background of the problem... In 2006 Monaco went to the one-piece "Panaview" windshield on the raised rail chassis coaches. At the same time, they also went to horizontally mounted wipers with large 32" blades. Although the vender they used for the wiper assembly, AM Equipment, of Jefferson, OR, is a quality supplier of OEM wiper systems, the assembly they used for the 2006 and 2007 coaches was simply not up to the task of "pushing" the longer heavier arms on that huge windshield. In addition, the driver's side wiper tends to fly off the left side of the windshield, which puts additional stress on the pivot arm attachment point, as well as the light weight plastic ball-and-socket joints that are used for the inside linkage. As a result the linkage tends to come apart, and failure rate on the entire assembly has been a problem for several owners.

Upon engaging in discussions with AM Equipment, we found that they were aware of the problem and had been working for some time to develop a new heavier duty Tandem Radial Wiper System that is up to the task of handling the one-piece windshields that Monaco is now using. It has a strong tubular construction with bolted joints replacing the plastic ball-and-sockets. The diameter of the pivot arms are also about 50% larger. We both decided that the original assembly was a safety hazard and that we were sick and tired of constantly repairing it - often along the side of the interstate in the middle of a rain storm. So independently, we decided to work on Monaco and HR to retro-fit our coaches with the new improved system. We met with several objections at first, but we were persistant. Finally Monaco decided to special order for us a version of the new system that could be retro-fitted into the 2006/2007 coaches, if we would agree to pay to have it installed ourselves. We agreed and the systems were eventually shipped.

I took mine to my dealer, and they were able to fit it right in, after the holes for the pivot arms were reamed larger to fit the beefier arms. I had to pay only three hours of shop labor. Mark is braver than I - he is installing his own system as I type this message. The new assembly works perfectly and indeed solves the problems. It is our hope that AM Equipment and Monaco will join forces to provide these kits to other owners of 2006 and 2007 coaches who are suffering from the same problem that we had.



Here is a link to my web site where I've posted some pictures and additional information.

[bsavage]

I am very glad that Monaco has worked with you to resolve this problem. It's a small price for Monaco to pay to prevent a potential disaster. I hope we never have a scarier moment in the coach than when the wipers failed in a snowstorm on a road that had nowhere to pull off. As you know, they replaced our wiper system as well... kudos to both of you for staying on it and to Monaco for making it right!

Brenda, of...

[Robin_M]

Thanks, Brenda. Although our respective wiper problems were a bit different, your encouragment a few months back helped me decide to stick with the issue until it was properly resolved.

[nutensteve]

Well done Robin! Although I haven't experienced the wiper problem yet, we just don't get much rain down here. I have had the wiper slide way over to left on the drivers side once but wipers kept working. I've printed up your comments to take with me to Harrisburg for my appt. in March. I'm hoping that maybe I can pick up the retrofit package. It seems that in the interest of safety this would beome a recall item. Thanks again for your hard work.

Steve

[Sixpack98]

Excellent post Rob. I cannot stress enough that owners of '06 and '07 MCC coaches with the Panaview windshield to inspect their coaches to determine if they have the older wiper assemblies. I't really not a question of if but when the linkage arms will sling off their pivots and you suddenly find yourself in a very dangerous situation.
It's easy to determine if you have the older assemblies. Slide the generator out and look up and behind the front cap. The older syle will have rectangular arms with black plastic ends and is shown in the photo below.



While MCC is a little bit sluggish about resolving issues, they are reasonable and will do the right thing. I would suggest starting with an email to begin a paper trail followed up with a call into Tech Support and the warranty group. MCC is fully aware of this issue but does need prodding to move them along. Since I am 120 miles from a dealer I did not push for installation but believe MCC is more approachable now to include installation. Self installation is about 2 hours or so and not difficult. The biggest challenge is enlarging the holes in the cap from 1" to 1 3/8".
Again, I urge those with the older wiper assembly to push for a replacement. They WILL fail at some point.

mark

[CoolJourney]

Robin & Mark,

Thank you for doing so much work to identify a viable solution for this problem. As you probably remember I too had a similar problem with my wipers. This fix is now high on my priority list when we get to Sacramento in March. Once implemented, this modification is going to help someone avoid an accident, injury or both. Congratulations!

Bill

[dwhee]

Thanks R&M for all your work to resolve this problem. While I haven't had any problems with our wiper system, I was wondering if you-all OR Monaco Coach Corp. were recommending replacement BEFORE any failures occur. I don't fully understand what happens when the wipers fail, but I would have to think that the wipers basically become ineffective correct? Why wouldn't a recall or repair be mandated?
Thanks, Dan

[Robin_M]

The retro-fit of the new system on older coaches is far from "automatic" at this point. We had to really press them to do it. What Sixpack and I are both hoping is that we were sort of the guinea pigs for Monaco to test a retro-fit kit which they will then use for a "silent recall" for those who exhibit the problem. But Monaco is not there yet, and nobody has actually said that is the intention. Hopefully they will do that soon, however. It would certainly make sense for them to do that due to the safety issue.

Dan, when the wipers fail, what usually happens is that one of those plastic ball-and-socket joints comes apart. You can get under there and snap it back together, but it's a pain in the neck, and it usually won't hold long.

[Ed S]

COME ON MONACO, now that the facts are known lets get a recall in motion!!

Thank you all for making this issue known with a solution for Monaco to fix.

[arby]

After 30 years in the automotive industry, most of it on the service/factory level side, I can tell you it is very unlikely there will be a recall UNTIL the NTHSB starts looking into the matter and they won't until WE tip them off. They have a web site. Hint, Hint,

[Robin_M]

I feel that I should say that my intent, when announcing that there is a vastly improved wiper system available that can be retro-fitted to '06 and '07 coaches was not necessarly to encourage a total recall, and certainly not to get the NTHSB involved. It was merely to inform other owners who are experiencing the problem (like this guy, who recently posted) that there IS a viable solution available to them.

I hope Monaco does do the right thing on their own and offers the retro-fit to anyone who is experiencing the problem.

[Sixpack98]

I am in concert with Rob and I suspect MCC is in the process of doing something. I don't know the internal procedures within MCC but I suspect they are doing something. When I received my replacement wiper assembly I received a call from AM Equipment offering technical support and understand MCC is developing a part number for the assembly. Currently, the part number for the assembly includes many parts, some of which are not required for a swap out. What Rob and I received includes the wiper assembly, washer resevoir, wiper arms and blades.
I believe we give MCC the benefit of the doubt and see how they respond. If they don't step up and do the right thing then contacting the NTHSB would be warranted. Doing so now could be viewed by MCC as confrontational and adversarial and place them on the defensive which could delay resolution. I'm not defending MCC but I think giving them a chance is fair.
BTW, the weather cooperated today and I was able to install the new assembly and they work great. Will post a photo when submitted photos are approved.

mark

[Sixpack98]

Here are a couple of photos of installed wiper assembly.





Something I noticed while reviewing Rob's photos. The '06 Endeavor windshield is taller than his '07 Diplomat. Is the same true for the '07 Endeavor. I also noticed that my roadside wiper pivot hole is lower than the curbside hole. Odd.

mark