Community Forums

gary P · 01-17-2009, 12:11 PM

Looking at a 1998 Beaver MONTEREY M-3600 one slide DIESEL
Have a 1995 Dolphin one slide 460 What you all think?

rvguru · 01-17-2009, 07:19 PM

I think that year coach would have been built prior to Monaco buying them, so probably Safari Motorcoach owned Beaver at that point. My understanding is that there were a LOT of quality issues then. Maybe someone else can chime in on this one...

Sixpack98 · 01-18-2009, 03:25 PM

Don't know the quality issues discussed by rvguru but tough to make a decision to do anything at this point. This was the year we were going to trade our Endeavor for a Scepter or HR Imperial but holding off. Certainly take into consideration of the concerns rvguru brings up but also what gains are achieved. Our endeavor has the bugs (most) but in this market does it make sense to put more skin in the game. A diesel MH is a step up (arguably) but what, in reality, are you gaining? A gasser with one slide is not much different than a diesel with one slide. Maybe a little better on the hills but probably little, if any, difference in fuel economy, especially with the premium they are charging for diesel.

TXiceman · 01-19-2009, 02:49 AM

Right now with the economy, we are not buying much of anything. If you can get an exceptional deal on the coach, it may be worth it. But you have to also remember that your current coach will not be worth as much either.

Ken

motojavaphil · 01-19-2009, 03:14 AM

Hey Gary,
My Beaver Patriot from roughly the same era with two slides has had some issues, the biggest being the lack of a cross member on the frame in the rear. We repaired it. Other problems are no different than newer or older coaches. I have talked with other Beaver owners from that era who absolutely love their rigs. I think things were a bit spotty but those issues should have been worked through. The Magnum Chassis drives well, we have the CAT 330 and have a bit over 25000 on it. We did replace the original Bilsteins with Koni's as the Bilsteins lost their seals. Our chassis has eight airbags and 2 shocks per corner. Woodwork is excellent. We looked at a 2008 DP and were disappointed by the woodwork with latches almost falling off in my hands on a brand new coach. If your rig has the Hurricane hydronic system it will need service every year without fail. I guess what I am trying to say you could do a lot worse. I'd have one of the pro's look at it, drive it and let you know what they think. We updated the satellite system as the Datrum System is no longer made. We are going to replace the couch and put in a larger flatscreen but I consider it to be elective surgery.
Good luck with whatever you decide and let us know.
Phil

gary P · 01-19-2009, 06:29 AM

Thanks a lot still thinking wife likes what we have and it paid for, they want 37000 and Dolphin only give me 15000 for trade. I was looking better driver.Just talk over phone it is 200 mile from hear.