Monaco Signature purchase

[CLIFFS55]

Hi, I have been reading all the old post on Monaco Signature purchases & have leaned a lot,thanks. I’m looking at an 05 Commander IV with less than 10k. This makes me a little nervous,but it has been stored inside & looks new by the pics. I’m in the auto repair business & know a few of the problems but if you can help please suggest anything to check because I’m not familiar with many of the system.I now have an 04 Winnebago Vectra, yes know a big step up. I have a few questions, the Vectra (40ft) has ifs & a very good turning radius(60deg I think),how does the Signature turn & maneuver?I drive a 45 ft Allegro bus & was not impressed,the Vectra was like a sports car compared. The Sig has the optional series 60 DD, any #s on average mpg. Thanks Cliff

[William Willard]

The Signature`s are loaded with complicated features, & most are now obsolete -- No parts available -- Bil Willard

[hypoxia]

If I was in that market I would only want a Signature. It is the best bang for the buck in the older Monaco/Beaver lineup. Parts are available, it just takes research to find them.

I just sold my 2007 Signature only to get a newer coach. All of the knowledge I gained learning the pneumatic systems on the Signature will serve me well with my newly acquired totally pneumatic and total electric coach.

[vyndance]

A 2005 Signature does not have any parts that are not obtainable. In 2005 it was the best built plastic coach on the market, hands down. The series 60 is probably the best on road engine ever built. Run the overhead at 50k then forget it. It will do 6.2 mpg with the Ugly Fix and 5.3 without. It will pass a ISX 600 uphill and run with a 650.
The S Series chassis is an incredible chassis. I can't compare it to the Freightliner.
Buy the coach.

[JJTL]

I'll add my voice that even for our 2001 Signature, we have never been in a position where we couldn't find the part we need. You can see our modifications thread where we have done most of the work ourselves. I've also listed and commented on there frequently the sources we've found for parts.

As for inspections, it's similar to looking at any coach of this age. Get as much information from previous owners as you can. Mileage is not usually a big concern, in fact it's more concerning if the mileage is really low, as it means the coach has sat a lot. When these coaches sit unused for long periods, that's when problems come up. They were meant to be used.

Check batteries. Check tires and their DOT dates. Tires older than 7 years typically need to be replaced due to age. Run as many of the systems as you can: electrical, pump, awnings, generator, slide outs and so on. Check the Aqua-hot, if it blows smoke it will need a tune up. Check chassis systems, especially the air system for leaks. Check the levelling systems. See if you can determine when all the fluids were last changed. Inspect the roof and the coach for signs of water ingress or leaks.

Ideally, spend as much time as you can with it and test as much as you can. It goes without saying, but if you don't have a lot of experience inspecting coaches, consider hiring a professional. Engine fluid samples is also not a bad idea.

Most of the items above are not really deal breakers, but if you find issues you can use them to negotiate on price. As you can see from our updates thread, there is a good chance a near 20 year old coach will need some upgrades and repairs. So plan to factor that into your budget.

All the best with your search! The Monaco Signature in the 2000's was one of the best production coaches built. If you find a good one, you are getting massive amounts of coach and value for your money.

Josh

[vito.a]

Wow, a 2005 Signature with a Detroit Series 60 is a great find! It is built on a Roadmaster chassis with 10 outboard air bags and 10 shocks. Monaco built both the chassis and the coach in Oregon.

On the drivers left console is a rocker switch labeled Tag Lift. It will take a minute, but it will lift the tag axle effectively shortening the wheelbase and making tight maneuvers much easier.
The Signature will have all top of the line parts from the best suppliers in the world. With some hard work and TLC this coach will last a very long time.

Link to download both Owners Manual and original brochure:
https://www.monacocoach.com/service-and-repairs/

Best of luck!

[pduggs]

Originally Posted by CLIFFS55

Hi, I have been reading all the old post on Monaco Signature purchases & have leaned a lot,thanks. I’m looking at an 05 Commander IV with less than 10k. This makes me a little nervous,but it has been stored inside & looks new by the pics. I’m in the auto repair business & know a few of the problems but if you can help please suggest anything to check because I’m not familiar with many of the system.I now have an 04 Winnebago Vectra, yes know a big step up. I have a few questions, the Vectra (40ft) has ifs & a very good turning radius(60deg I think),how does the Signature turn & maneuver?I drive a 45 ft Allegro bus & was not impressed,the Vectra was like a sports car compared. The Sig has the optional series 60 DD, any #s on average mpg. Thanks Cliff

That sounds like an awesome coach. If it has been maintained well, you won’t find a better coach for the price. Has the engine, genset, and Aqua-Hot been serviced? Often coaches that sit in doors for years aren’t serviced. This doesn’t mean they aren’t still great buys.

If you hire an RV inspector make sure he knows DPs. Most don’t and know nothing of the many systems common to a high end DP.

I don’t have the DD, but I’ve heard they get around 6mpg. I will add if your concerned about MPG in a big DP, they might not be right for you.

[CLIFFS55]

It must have been a good deal because it was sold before I could get to it, but thanks all for the post. Cliff