Community Forums

Happytrails · 06-06-2009, 10:53 AM

My wife and I are thinking abour buying a 2004 Diplomat, but are concerned about getting parts / service both of rig and chassis and the fact that Monaco as we know it is gone.
Could you give me some feedback as to good idea or bad idea?
Thanks in advance for your help with this thought and concern.

Mike

Jim Stewart · 06-06-2009, 12:02 PM

About 90% content of a Motorhome are universal parts and that iis true with most brands. Another 5% are generic. There are a lot of Motorhomes out there that are Orphans with the demise of their particular manufacturer, they seem to get by.

Monaco was just purchased by Navistar and sourcing of parts or service should not be a problem. When you have to buy your first "Monaco" part you will quickly learn why Navistar will want to stock and sell them, they along with all the manufacturers charge outrageous prices for replacement parts. To replace the little plastic sliding doors in my screen door they wanted over $100 and $30 shipping. Got them locally made for $22. Another example, buy an ice-maker for a Norcold fridge and it's about $180-$200, go to Lowes and get the exact same ice-maker and its $50-60.

Don't worry, have fun and enjoy your adventures.

Dutch Star Don · 06-06-2009, 10:08 PM

I have a 2005 Diplomat and I can't think of anything that I would have to have that I can't get elsewhere or that Monaco stopped making long ago. Even if Monaco was still operating as usual, there's really nothing you could buy for your coach that you couldn't find aftermarket, except maybe a cabinet door that you could special order.

nodine · 06-07-2009, 05:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Diplomat Don

I have a 2005 Diplomat and I can't think of anything that I would have to have that I can't get elsewhere or that Monaco stopped making long ago. Even if Monaco was still operating as usual, there's really nothing you could buy for your coach that you couldn't find aftermarket, except maybe a cabinet door that you could special order.

And then there is Rex who posts on here frequently and on Yahoo. He keeps up a spread sheet with the OEM source of just about any part on a Monaco. I am sure Rex will be along soon to post on this subject. He also owns a Diplomat and lives in Alabama.

Bob