Community Forums

Spring1898 · 03-29-2023, 10:44 PM

Seen a couple of these in my searches for an RV. Honestly most are out of my price range, but a couple have gotten close.

Looking for owner experience

Also how the 400ISL does with these larger Tab axle coaches?
ISX (ISM?) 45's seem a bit more expensive.

greeneville1 · 03-30-2023, 05:27 AM

We have had (2) Monaco Windsors- both good coaches, a 2006 and a 2007 Monaco Dynasty. Kept the 2007 Dynasty for 12 years. Almost trouble free with a good maintenance program. The 400 HP Cummins ISL was more than adequate for power in the Eastern half of the USA. Only major issue was front tires were overloaded. Original Goodyears Tires were junk. In fact we just learned that Goodyear finally issued a recall on tires that were installed on our coach over 16 years ago. Doubt that any of them are still around. Sometimes we wish that we still had the 2007. Roadmaster chassis is hard to beat. If you find a nice coach, check to see if previous owner has upgraded front tires. Coach will make you proud. Stay safe.

jacwjames · 03-30-2023, 07:42 AM

Monaco started to have financial problems in 2008 due to the great recession and lower sales. They actually declared bankruptcy in 2009. We toured the plant in Aug 09 and they had a skeleton crew building coaches. We looked at several after they came off the line and there was lots cosmetic problems which could indicate deeper issues. Just something to be aware of, I've read from several Monaco owners with 2009's and they are completely satisfied with the rigs.

The emission controls started coming into play in 2006/7, which in early applications had problems. I've seen reports of problems with diesel particulate filters, not sure when they included the ability to do regeneration on them but something you should research. In general the rule of thumb on engine sizing is 1 HP per 100 lbs of weight.

The Dynasty models are great rigs but some of the electronics can get complicated. You can download a manual and brochure here, https://www.monacocoach.com/service-and-repairs/
There is usually some discussion on electric system. I'd also do a search for wiring diagrams and make sure that you can find schematics of whatever rig you are interested in. These are invaluable when trying to troubleshoot issues. It also helps if you can understand and test using a voltmeter.

moisheh · 03-30-2023, 08:30 AM

The Dynasty is a great coach. Lots of bang for your $$. We have a 2008. No major repairs but did replace the Smart wheel controller, back up monitor and a few relays. The coach has lots of features you will not find in newer units. The floor plan is usable with slides in or out. The windows are real sliding units for fresh air. The woodwork is amazing. If you find a 2009 make sure it DOES NOT have a chassis multiplex system. The house Multiplex is fine. We have the ISL425. More than enough power. The ISM was an option and heard to find.

Rusty Kramer · 03-30-2023, 09:18 AM

If you search you tube for AZ expert he actually highlights an 07 Dynasty on one of his videos and talks about the quality of the Oregon built coaches of that era. He advises what to look for in the front electrical bay for the chassis.

You may be able to find an 07 without the Kongsberg chassis electrical system.
I think it is possible some do not have it, might have been the transition year. There is a thread on Bill Ds Monacoers about a Signature that you should read about the system and what can happen.

vito.a · 03-30-2023, 09:50 AM

The Monaco Dynasty regardless of year provides more coach for your dollar than almost any other model.

Sometimes you can find a Monaco Executive (which is one model above the Dynasty) for less money. An Executive comes standard with a 500HP Cummins ISM.

Monaco also manufactured similar coaches in the Holiday Rambler and Beaver Coach lineup.

Spring1898 · 03-30-2023, 06:17 PM

Thanks for the info. I have extended my searches to include the executive and Signature. If the prices are right.

How does the 3 slide model feel inside compared to the 4 slide? Does the kitchen/living area end up feeling cramped without the extra foot or so down the middle?

I also found out detroits were offered in the executive and Signatures, which really have me interested. Would be curious how feel powerwise compared to the ISM/ISX

moisheh · 03-30-2023, 08:47 PM

You do not want an isx. The Detroit 60 is considered one of the best Diesels. I would want opposing slides in the living area.

vito.a · 03-31-2023, 10:36 AM

The Detroit Series 60 is an awesome power plant. It will pull almost anything up any hill. However, when saddled with only 6 gears it can be a bit thirsty.

The Detroit Series 60 was also available in the Holiday Rambler Navigator (built by Monaco).
Most of the Beaver coaches will come with a Cat engine. Some Beaver Marquis coaches were ordered with the Cat C15 which is the king of diesel power plants, but it also can be a bit thirsty. The C13 is a lot of power for a 40,000 pound coach and makes a nice package.

I've been very happy with the Cummins 525hp ISX engine. We've had two coaches with this engine and I would buy another one. The Cummins ISX is smoother than the Cat or Detroit and vibrates the coach less. It can also get better fuel mileage although 80% of motor coach fuel mileage is driver technique.

DavidPP · 04-05-2023, 07:37 AM

The Dynasty is a great coach and is the best bang for the buck. The best years for the Dynasty, Executive, Signature and Navigator Coaches were 2004 thru 2008.

Beware that in 2008 Monaco began installing the Kongsburg full chassis MUX system in all the above coaches that were built in Coburg. Monaco didn't start installing the Kongsburg System in the Dynasty until late 2008. the early built 2008 Dynasty's still had the Intelitec chassis System and were good coaches.
When Monaco went bankrupt in 2009, so did the company that was manufacturing the Kongsburg System. The system is no longer supported, there are no available parts, manuals or anyone who knows how to fix it if something goes wrong with it. There is a lot of information on the Kongsburg System on the different forums and you should do you research.
Over the past several years I have worked with several experts on trying to come up with a fix for this system and there is none.

If you purchase a coach with this system, you are buying a potential Boat Anchor if something fails.We just had a member in another forum who's 2009 Signature got struck by lightning and after several months of trying to find a way to repair had to total the coach.

My suggestion would be if you look at a 2008 Dynasty and if has the Kongsburg Chassis System, do not walk away from it, but RUN-RUN!

YC1 · 04-13-2023, 09:15 AM

Check out the Endeavor line. Not a tag axel but are 41 ft (40 on paper). This is the Holiday Rambler side of the family.

My 400 ISL pulled a toad all over the usa. Mostly in the West Coast so have lots of time pulling steep hills. Does good but not great. It now has 450Hp. Just a factory programming update.

It does have the DPF and had an issue. Could have been self inflicted but mostly they were having learning curve issues with them.

Inthe70s · 04-18-2023, 10:32 PM

In my opinion, the Dynasty is a great coach. It had a lot of the higher end features and a lot of bang for the buck. When we decided to upgrade, I did a lot of research and was pointed to the Monaco brands (Monaco, Holiday Rambler, Beaver,Safari) as well as the Country Coach and specifically the 2004-2008ish range as that is considered by many to be the best quality build years. Also pre def/dpf. In my case, I wanted the top of the line so I looked at the Signature series, Executives, Beaver Marquis and the Holiday Rambler Navigator as those are the flagship models of each line. All pretty much the same but with slightly different options, badging, and some cosmetic differences. The flagship models also had the higher horsepower engines, Roadmaster S chassis w/10 airbags and shocks (Dynasty might also be built on the S chassis, I just don’t recall) and the heavier 4K , as opposed to the 3K, Alison transmission, larger generator, and pretty much loaded with all the options. We ended up finding a well maintained and cared for 2007 Holiday Rambler Navigator 45’ w/525 Cummins, 54K miles, tag, 4 slides, 12.5 KW Onan, 3 ACs, huge residential refrigerator, power interior shades and exterior Girard awnings all around, 10 batteries (8 house and 2 chassis) both hydraulic and air leveling, Aquahot and more gadgets and buttons then the space shuttle. It also had the raised roof rails with the built in Girard power awnings which I really think look sharp. The original build sheet showed a sticker price of $550K in 2007. Rides/drives/handles smooth and quiet, tons of power, insane quality inside and out and we’ve had zero problems. We’ve owned dozens of RVs over the past 40 years and this is by far the best thing we’ve ever done. I’m glad I paid a little more and bought the flagship model as it provided us with everything we could have ever wanted. I think that with a Monaco, you definitely get what you pay for with the slightly higher price. Good luck!👍

pduggs · 04-19-2023, 07:46 AM

We’ve owned our Dynasty for over five years. Good coach. Has never left us stranded. I have the ISL 425hp motor and I find it acceptable.

Mine was completed on June 7, 2007 when Monaco was still going strong. I suspect 2009 and 2010 are still great coach’s, though I’ve heard newer models had the Kongsburg system that may be problematic.

If I had my druthers, I’d have purchased a Sig, Executive, or Navigator to get the roof moldings/awnings that hide all the stuff on the roof. This gives the coach a much more modern look.