Community Forums

jonohio · 03-25-2014, 06:51 AM

Good morning folks. We are in the process of upgrading to a Monaco diesel coach in the 2000 to 2001 year range.

Our budget is $65k and I have found a 2000 Monaco Signature with the M11 500hp, 64k miles with some open repair/troubleshooting items, particularly with the AH and dash AC. The coach is a repo in very clean condition.

We are extremely competent mechanically and are willing to work on repair/troubleshooting items on our own and since we could potentially get a $100k coach for $60k, we are seriously considering this coach.

I will probably look at the coach in the next week or so but as of now here's what I know about the major open items:

1. The seller states that the aqua hot diesel burner fired once but will not stay lit. He says his guy replaced the burner nozzle and it's still not functioning. He says they are not AH techs and are not able to troubleshooting the unit.

I understand some folks on the forum have had theirs replaced to the tune of $7k. Risk is understood, but curious on your thoughts. He says no leaks.

2. The dash AC does not work. I have read a little about this but not sure what a worst case scenario could cost.

3. Needs all new tires. Date stamped 2002.

Any thoughts/comments? I see other 2000 signatures for the $80k range so maybe this one's not so great of a deal when it may need $10k worth of work.

-Jonathon

YC1 · 03-25-2014, 08:00 AM

The dash ac should be straight forward and easy to troubleshoot. Could be low on gas or just a blow fuse.

99Monaco · 03-28-2014, 09:57 AM

Aqua hot sounds like a bad control box, about $900 from Aqua hot try cheacking with large truck centers, I got my last one for $310. Its a Wabasco unit.

MandG-Fun · 03-28-2014, 11:14 AM

The Sig is certainly a great coach and if you are a DIY'er its certainly a good prospect. I wouldn't hesitate to negotiate real hard if you are satisfied with all of the mechanicals.

As for the AH, unless the boiler unit was damaged (not winterized, run without coolant, etc) the repair costs are probably not too significant and the system is easy for a DIY'er to work on. You could try posting some questions to RV Hydronic Heater Forum, but unless you can dig into the unit a little it may be difficult to troubleshoot too far with limited information. You may be able to get enough info to validate whether the boiler is damaged or not. If it is, thats when it gets real expensive.

Depending on your budget and tire preference, a lot of us take advantage of the Michelin program through Family Motor Coach Assoc. The cost to join is more than paid for by the fleet discount on the tires. Assuming you want to buy Michelin. There are plenty of postings and opinions on iRV about tires. A quick search will keep you busy reading for hours.

Best of luck with your project.