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02-26-2007, 03:10 PM
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#1
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Senior Member
Texas Boomers Club Workhorse Chassis Owner
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: McKinney, Texas
Posts: 518
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Eileen and I went to the Dallas RV show this past week end and looked at all the new coaches. Monaco was well represented in most of their lines, including Holiday Rambler. Since I am a long time Safari owner, I always look for the Safari Line, but it was non-existance at the Dallas show - No Cheetas, TREKS or Simbas. I was somewhat disapointed, but I could easily tell the Monacos that were being built on the Colberg, Oregon plants old Safari assembly lines... They had that "SAFARI" look about them. If you have ever owned a safari, you would know what I mean the instant you go onboard one. I also noted that alot of the Coaches (all Manufacturers) had older technology appliances such as old style TVs (Not LCD or Flat Screens), the Splendide older model (2000) washer/dryer, RCA VCRs, etc, etc. -even though these were 2007 coaches. The one thing I did notice, and my sweetie and I both thought "ABOUT TIME", was that many of the coach makers are now using showers with LARGE BUILT-IN SEATS... YEA - HURRAY! But NOT MONACO! Some of the MONACO showers had a small shelf that might pass for a seat, except they put the water valves right above it preventing you from sitting on it, unless you wanted faucet impressions in the small of your back .
Even some of the Winnebagos had nice round fold down seats installed in some of their coaches' showers. I am going to call Winnebago parts tomorrow and see if I can order one of their Fold down shower seats with all the hardware - it would be much nicer than our current "two-upside-down-plastic-milk-crates-for-a-shower-seat" that we currently use. I hope they don't ask me for my 'BAGO model, cause they might not sell me one if I tell 'em I am going to put it in a SAFARI!
All in All it was a really nice show and we enjoyed it very much.
By the way, there was a BEAVER PATRIOT THUNDER that "STOLE" the show - WOW!
Glenn
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2004 Safari 31SBD TREK W-20
McKinney, Texas
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02-26-2007, 03:10 PM
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#2
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Senior Member
Texas Boomers Club Workhorse Chassis Owner
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: McKinney, Texas
Posts: 518
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Eileen and I went to the Dallas RV show this past week end and looked at all the new coaches. Monaco was well represented in most of their lines, including Holiday Rambler. Since I am a long time Safari owner, I always look for the Safari Line, but it was non-existance at the Dallas show - No Cheetas, TREKS or Simbas. I was somewhat disapointed, but I could easily tell the Monacos that were being built on the Colberg, Oregon plants old Safari assembly lines... They had that "SAFARI" look about them. If you have ever owned a safari, you would know what I mean the instant you go onboard one. I also noted that alot of the Coaches (all Manufacturers) had older technology appliances such as old style TVs (Not LCD or Flat Screens), the Splendide older model (2000) washer/dryer, RCA VCRs, etc, etc. -even though these were 2007 coaches. The one thing I did notice, and my sweetie and I both thought "ABOUT TIME", was that many of the coach makers are now using showers with LARGE BUILT-IN SEATS... YEA - HURRAY! But NOT MONACO! Some of the MONACO showers had a small shelf that might pass for a seat, except they put the water valves right above it preventing you from sitting on it, unless you wanted faucet impressions in the small of your back .
Even some of the Winnebagos had nice round fold down seats installed in some of their coaches' showers. I am going to call Winnebago parts tomorrow and see if I can order one of their Fold down shower seats with all the hardware - it would be much nicer than our current "two-upside-down-plastic-milk-crates-for-a-shower-seat" that we currently use. I hope they don't ask me for my 'BAGO model, cause they might not sell me one if I tell 'em I am going to put it in a SAFARI!
All in All it was a really nice show and we enjoyed it very much.
By the way, there was a BEAVER PATRIOT THUNDER that "STOLE" the show - WOW!
Glenn
__________________
2004 Safari 31SBD TREK W-20
McKinney, Texas
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02-27-2007, 10:38 AM
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#3
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Member
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: W. Washington
Posts: 44
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I find that interesting that Monaco was so well represented in Dallas when they were nearly non-existent at both the Tacoma and Seattle shows. Tacoma had Holiday Rambler with Seattle showing HR and some Safari models. Kind of a shame that Monaco wasn't represented, as that is the coach I specifically went to see.
I did spend a couple of hours with the Holiday Rambler rep whom was very informative, knew his product well. As he told me, pretty much the same rig the Endeavor is versus the Diplomat. Still, I am looking for a Dip so they are apples to oranges to me.
I contacted the Monaco factory rep, via their website. Received a response back very quickly from him telling me that the dealers are to represent the manufacturers at the various shows. I did express my extreme displeasure in Monaco not being represented with the specific line of coach that I was looking for.
While I realize these shows cost a bit of money to participate in, still think it was foolish for Monaco to not be represented. I've got to think that I cannot be the only consumer noticing their lack of presence at any northwest shows.
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02-27-2007, 12:37 PM
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#4
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Moderator Emeritus
Nor'easters Club Workhorse Chassis Owner iRV2 No Limits Club
Join Date: Oct 2004
Posts: 30,785
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Welcome Dwain to irv2 and the Monaco forum
Most shows in these parts are local dealers and what they have is what you get.
My coachs are from a dealer in R.I. other Newmar dealer is in Maine. The bigger citys may have big name MFG's but here thats not the case.
Enjoy the forums and do post often.
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02-27-2007, 04:56 PM
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#5
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Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2000
Location: Erie, PA
Posts: 1,070
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Glenn, Welcome to the IRV2 website, if you need help just ask the forum. Ed.S
__________________
2005 Newmar Mountain Aire W-24 , 2006 Jeep Commander Limited towed vehicle Newmar Kountry Klub 7284L, Pennsylvania State Directors
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02-27-2007, 05:10 PM
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#6
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Senior Member
Texas Boomers Club Workhorse Chassis Owner
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: McKinney, Texas
Posts: 518
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<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Dwain:
I find that interesting that Monaco was so well represented in Dallas when they were nearly non-existent at both the Tacoma and Seattle shows. Tacoma had Holiday Rambler with Seattle showing HR and some Safari models. Kind of a shame that Monaco wasn't represented, as that is the coach I specifically went to see. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>
Dwain, I don't know what part of WA you are in, but Monaco now builds some of their UPPER LINE MODELS in the Safari Assembly plants in COLBURG, OR. If you are not too far I would drive up to the Plant in COLBURG and take the tour and REALLY see what it takes to build a MONACO!
All of the MONACO/SAFARI folks I have either personally met or dealt with have been really nice and super helpful on any matters concerning their products. I am extremely happy with my TREK (2nd one we have owned in eight years), and my dealings with MONACO/SAFARI.
Good luck in finding "YOURS"!!
Glenn
P.S. That BEAVER PATRIOT THUNDER MSRP was just a tad under $900,000
__________________
2004 Safari 31SBD TREK W-20
McKinney, Texas
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02-28-2007, 10:34 AM
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#7
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Member
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: W. Washington
Posts: 44
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Thanks Glenn for the note.
We do intend on visiting the Coburg plant and taking a tour of the facilities. I have heard nothing but praise from exising Monaco coach owners about the customer service that Monaco provides.
I currently am running an '02 HR Vacationer and am extremely happy with my gasser. Looking to step up to a DP, favoring the 400 Cummins. Can truly say the my Vacationer is a solid, well built rig. This one being my second Vacationer.
Was just truly hoping to see Monaco present at one of the W Washington shows with the line of coach I am looking for. Their salesman don't need to sell me on a rig. I am a happy Monaco corporation camper. There is just something about that touchy feely thing when looking at a new rig.
Look forward to crossing paths somewhere down the road.
Dwain
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02-28-2007, 03:12 PM
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#8
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Senior Member
Texas Boomers Club Workhorse Chassis Owner
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: McKinney, Texas
Posts: 518
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Dwain, if you get a chance to travel in July, you might want to sign up for the IRV2 NATIONAL RALLY in Branson, MO. You can meet a lot of the regular folks that frequent this site. Eileen and I are going (this will be our first Rally) and we are already signed up.
Here is a link to the rally forum:
http://irv2.infopop.cc/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/2736094452/m/9631037642
Hope to meet you there! Glenn
__________________
2004 Safari 31SBD TREK W-20
McKinney, Texas
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03-01-2007, 12:18 AM
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#9
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Senior Member
Monaco Owners Club
Join Date: Jul 2005
Posts: 1,253
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Hi Glenn and Dwain -
Welcome to irv2 We're really glad to have you here as a new member and are looking forward to reading your posts about your RVing experiences and adventures. You'll find a great bunch of folks on this site who are very knowledgeable of RVing, the rigs we use, and the places we go in them. Enjoy the forums and post often, and when you want to be a official member of the forum just let me know.
Unfortunately, I missed the Dallas Show (again), but glad to hear there was a lot of positive interest in it. As was mentioned, it's typically the dealer(s) that brings a line to the Show - with mfgr support - rather than the mfgr doing all the work. Come to think of it, I don't recall much Safari presence in the DFW area at all. Hmmmmm...
Thanks!
Ron
__________________
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'06 HR Endeavor 40PAQ (Mission Hills decor). All options, but still finding more to add.
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03-01-2007, 10:32 AM
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#10
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Member
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: W. Washington
Posts: 44
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Glenn,
We currently have a trip scheduled for the first of August to Reno. We will spend a bit over a week there, participating in the Hot August Nights festivities. With our car hauler in tow, we shall be traveling down the road in our gasser. A nice leisurely trip down and back with a week of classic and hot rod cars absolutely crammed in between.
We have a few other adventures planned, nascar races and a trip to wonderful Lake Roosevelt (behind Grand Coulee Dam in Washington State), which will burn up all the vacation time I have this year. Sure seems to go by quicker than the workdays, doesn't it?
At some point, we hope to participate in the various rallies that occur around the country. Thanks for the invite.
Dwain
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03-01-2007, 11:50 AM
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#11
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Senior Member
Texas Boomers Club Workhorse Chassis Owner
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: McKinney, Texas
Posts: 518
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<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by ronboc:
Hi Glenn and Dwain -
..... Come to think of it, I don't recall much Safari presence in the DFW area at all. Hmmmmm...Thanks! Ron </div></BLOCKQUOTE>
Ron, I have never seen REALLY GOOD SAFARI PRESENCE at ANY of the RV shows even as far back as the late 90's! It seems as though SAFARI has always used a "WORD-OF-MOUTH" narketing program. We have one fairly large dealer here in the DFW metroplex: MOTOR HOME SPECIALIST. ( http://motorhomespecialist.rvusa.com/happycustomers.asp)
They are just south of Ft.Worth in Alvarado, and are about a two year old company, but building a very good reputation - so far. They are carrying the full SAFARI line, but they did NOT bring any SAFARIs (except the BEAVER PATRIOT THUNDER) to the Dallas Show. They did have a lot of other brands and travel trailers there.
Glenn
__________________
2004 Safari 31SBD TREK W-20
McKinney, Texas
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03-01-2007, 12:23 PM
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#12
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Senior Member
Texas Boomers Club Workhorse Chassis Owner
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: McKinney, Texas
Posts: 518
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<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Dwain:
Glenn, ...........
At some point, we hope to participate in the various rallies that occur around the country. Thanks for the invite.
Dwain </div></BLOCKQUOTE>
Dwain, it sounds like you are going to be really busy during your time off, and it sounds like a lot of fun - RENO is a great place to go. I Hope to meet you and yours at some future rally, until then I look forward to reading your post here on the forums - Safe travels and good luck in your car shows! Glenn
__________________
2004 Safari 31SBD TREK W-20
McKinney, Texas
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03-02-2007, 03:34 PM
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#13
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Senior Member
Monaco Owners Club
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: SD
Posts: 1,022
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FYI guys, The original Safari factory is in Harrisburg Or. We attended two Safari rallys there before they were gobbled up by Monaco. All the Safaris are now built in the Monaco plant at Coburg Or. The Safari factory is now used as a repair depot for all Monaco products.
The last time we were there the "Camp Monaco" was still in use at Coburg as well. The nice thing about Coburg is that the Marathon Coach plant is across the street and you can go slobber all over the hi-line conversation for sale there!!
__________________
2004 HR Imperial
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03-03-2007, 03:04 AM
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#14
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Senior Member
Texas Boomers Club Workhorse Chassis Owner
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: McKinney, Texas
Posts: 518
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Pusherpilot, I knew the original Safari plant was in Harrisburg, but I also thought they had a plant in Coburg and their offices were in Bend, Oregon. I did not know the plant in COBURG was originally a Monaco plant - Thanks for the info.
Glenn
__________________
2004 Safari 31SBD TREK W-20
McKinney, Texas
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