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Old 01-06-2025, 07:35 PM   #1
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Looking at a tag axle unit

I recently repainted my Monaco diplomat. I’m very happy with it. I did a tile floor put two new couches in it just took it to Florida and back and it ran like a champ no issues with the Cummins, but I saw a signature series. Monaco with Tyga axles is there a real different driving down the road with the the axle unit
I tend to look at the space between what I have and what that is and I don’t see a big difference, especially since I got my unit and such good shape I hate to sell it and change to something. I don’t know and have to start all over. Is it worth going to tag axle unit .. I like that mine is paid for lol

Since owning my Monaco diplomat , I personally haven’t had any real issue
I have one with two large slides and one bedroom slide and two bath rooms I find it to be a good layout .

Maybe some wants to go smaller and I can go bigger …
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Old 01-06-2025, 08:00 PM   #2
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The need for a tag is really for weight capacity, and gaining another pair of brakes. What are you towing? Tags will generally have less rear overhang and really shine when pulling heavier loads. Don't just look for the tag but also what other drive line improvements. Tags open up the option for the 4000 series transmission and 500HP and up engines. The icing would be to get a coach that also has independent front suspension. With the back firmly planted and not moved by wind or road ruts, having the front follow road ruts is really noticeable.
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Old 01-07-2025, 09:49 AM   #3
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X2 on the ride and weight capacities.


But there is also a big step up on fit and finish.





We had always thought about upgrading to a Signature/Executive or HR Navigator

But like you mine is paid for AND over the 16 years we've owned it I've pretty much learned all the systems.
So in 2021 I made the decision to just put some $$ into our Windsor and keep it. We had already installed a residential refrigerator but I went ahead had swapped out both AC's. I put new LVP flooring in, added a second inverter for better/faster battery charging when running generator and as a backup. Added a FASS transfer pump. Installed a Bluesea MLACR. Installed a Victron BVM712.


Currently contemplating upgrading to more solar, possibly Lithium batteries, but not a priority.
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Old 01-07-2025, 12:27 PM   #4
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The Monaco Signatures are very nice. It will have a larger engine coupled with the MH4000 Allison transmission. Fuel mileage is similar. All the fixtures in the house will be top of the line and last quite well. It will have an Aqua Hot heating system with unlimited hot water. It will probably have three A/C heat pump units. The generator will be a 12,000W Onan.
A big change from the Diplomat is a side radiator makes engine access easy.

Be prepared as most Signatures for sale will need some work to bring them back up to good condition.
Good luck!
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Old 01-07-2025, 05:24 PM   #5
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Tag axle

I appreciate the feedback.. I agree with the comment about having a unit that you’re familiar with. I’ve put a ton of work into mine.. I don’t really tell anything. I have my small trailer with my motorcycle in the back. I’ve towed up to a 25 foot boat to Florida many times with it no issues what I always wonder. It seems like the tag axle people pass me when it’s windy thinking it drive straighter and it’s affected less from wind etc. is that true tag axle people? I’m willing to get an older one and start over and fix it up. That’s not an issue. That’s what I do for a living it just is it really worth it if I did another one I know what to do better than the last one I would definitely paint the whole thing with all grit paint like we do boats it just so easy not to wax something ..

My diplomat with the Cummins gets decent field miles per gallon. I can’t complain about it. I have six Dodge rams Cummins I own the Monaco seems to get better miles per gallon towing. I guess it really depends where you’re driving and how you drive 95 is pretty flat, as everybody knows .

If anybody has a signature series that needs some work willing to sell send me a message please ..
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Old 01-07-2025, 06:14 PM   #6
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You can set an alert for sales on rvtrader. Keep your eyes peeled and you’ll probably find one.
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Old 01-07-2025, 06:41 PM   #7
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My Camelot has a tag. Some people say you loose storage compartments and with the side radiator you lose more. BUT I don't know what they haul along, I have plenty of space even carrying a 36inch wide Brinkman.
Haven't driven a similar sized DP with a single rear axle, but I'm very happy with how mine handles the wind and passing semis. The 425/3000 combo is less that the 500/4000' combo, but I didn't care for the disco interiors of the Executive. I see 8 mpg regularly, but a string headwind or heavy for drops it to 7. The 500 gets worse mileage too, if that matters to you. I've never talked to an owner who regretted having the tag.
Have been looking at new, similar sized and optioned units. Haven't been impressed with either materials or workmanship. You're on the right path to remodel instead of new. I'd repower mine if needed before settling for plastic floors and laminate construction.
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Old 01-17-2025, 03:42 PM   #8
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I have a friend who I traveled with a lot of miles for a few years racing. We both owned none tag coaches.
He sold his for a bigger tag axel rig and called me while he was driving the new one home.
He said " Man you are going to love driving this thing on the next trip it is amazing!" The ride and handling is just more sold with the tag. You just don't get jerked around as much on lousy roads. I year later I bought my 06 Dynasty Tag.
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Old 01-17-2025, 03:51 PM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Rusty Kramer View Post
I have a friend who I traveled with a lot of miles for a few years racing. We both owned none tag coaches.
He sold his for a bigger tag axel rig and called me while he was driving the new one home.
He said " Man you are going to love driving this thing on the next trip it is amazing!" The ride and handling is just more sold with the tag. You just don't get jerked around as much on lousy roads. I year later I bought my 06 Dynasty Tag.
This was essentially my exact take. I had test driven some 40ft non tag rigs. And then drove a 2014 Dutch Star with tag and was blown away. Our search then proceeded to our current coach, the Navigator on the Roadmaster S chassis with tag axle. It was even better than the Dutch Star, fwiw. Such an amazing ride. Not sure I could go back to non tag.

As an aside. I had a front passenger Michelin tire completely blow apart on me without notice at 65 in our coach, and the tag axle (along with wheelbase) no doubt helped keep me on the road instead of rolling over in the ditch. It’s just plain safer imo.
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Old 01-22-2025, 12:23 PM   #10
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Hi, my wife and I have a 2007 HR Navigator 45' w/tag, 525 Cummins, 4K Alison, 4 slides on the Roadmaster S chassis that has 10 airbags and shocks. It is pretty much loaded with all the bells and whistles, including three 15K AC units w/heat pumps (you can never have enough AC units in these bigger coaches and two just doesnt cut it), high-end appliances, aquahot, girard electric awnings all around, 12.5 KW Onan, etc. It has an empty weight of approximately 48K which is heavy. We do not tow anything. Prior to this we had a 2005 40' Gulfstream DP, no tag and a 400 Cummins, 3K Alison, 3 slides and prior to that a gas class A. A few of my observations and thoughts:

1. The Gulfstream was "fine" but we only owned it for 8 months before deciding to upgrade to a luxury DP with a tag primarily because we were not happy with the overall quality. It handled ok with no significant issues and the power was acceptable for our use. I must admit, even though the primary issue was the mediocre quality and lack of upgrades, I had also become obsessed with having a tag axle...why?....because I loved the look..dumb reason to spend the extra money for a coach.
2. The Navigator is on an entirely different level, in every possible way, than the GS but keep in mind we also paid significantly more for the Navigator and it also had an original price of $550K in 2007. There is some truth to the old saying, "you get what you pay for". We have had zero significant issues with the Navigator since owning it over the past 3+ years and we are extremely impressed with the quality of workmanship, materials, engineering, design, and chassis. The ride and power is awesome. No wandering due to wind or trucks passing us. A real pleasure to drive. I sometimes find myself significantly exceeding the speed limit on the highway because it is so smooth and significantly quieter than the GS. The downside to the big 525 Cummins and heavy coach is that the rig gets 6.4MPG average and that is mostly highway. It doesn't seem to matter if it's flat highway, hils, keeping off the pedal....that is what it gets. The GS with the 400 seemed to get significantly better but I never calculated the actual MPG but I have a definite sense of that. It was also significantly lighter.
3. I totally understand your dilemma regarding keeping a coach that you are very familiar with, have it sorted the way you want, like it, AND it's paid for. If you are fully satisfied with the Diplomat, I'd keep it and enjoy it....however, having said that...
4. If you are like me, once I start to look and "think" about changing and upgrading, then I become obsessed and it just has to happen, all there is to it, regardless of the reasons that I should keep what I have...it's a guy thing for some of us. The Navigator has a loan, it's insurance is higher, Colorado registration is higher, it seems like maintenance and monor repairs are higher due to the fact that the Navigator has a lot more complex systems and gadgets.
Conclusion: At the end of the day, we love everything about the Navigator. It probably was not the most fiscally prudent decision that I have ever made but we are happy and I consider it one of those "bucket list" items. I just wasn't going to be happy until I owned one of the best. Even my wife loves it and gave me the green light when I was researching and considering an upgrade. She told me that life is short, we've both worked hard all of our lives, put 3 kids through college, are financially secure, so go ahead...buy the damn thing. Plus after 35 years of marriage, she knows that if I didn't move forward, she'd have to hear my whining for the rest of her life. Sorry for the very long novel/posting but I do wish you the best of luck with your decision!!
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Old 01-22-2025, 08:23 PM   #11
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There is a 2005 HR Navigator listed on the Monacoers.org site at a very good price $75K 43' but has 175K miles.
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