Which chassis do I have?

[windsorbill]

Originally Posted by 96 Wideglide

You got that right!

I recently discovered they made mine front wheel drive !

Hey Ben

they did that for the Canadian models so you can get around in the snow.

[CountryB]

Originally Posted by rpasetto

The '02 Brochure has "Pac Exhaust Brake" in the section on Chassis/Engine/Suspension. Apparently not all Semonocoque chassis had the Jake brake.

Monaco marketing people use the "semi-monocoque" term in just about every model brochure. You can't go by brochure info alone.

Only the S-series is a true semi-monocoque because the "house structure" is welded to the frame. Other models have the house structure (which is aluminum) bolted to the frame. These are not semi-monocoque.

The term "monocoque" refers to a construction technique that supports structural load using an object's external skin (as opposed to using an internal framework or truss design that is then covered by a non-load bearing skin).

The Roadmaster S-Series is a "Semi” Monocoque chassis because only the top part of the chassis is built using a monocoque design which is then welded to the base chassis which uses internal frame rails with cross trusses, and because even in the top section Monaco uses some bracing trusses.

This semi-monocoque design uses full length frame rails, but of a smaller cross section than used with the Raised Rail frame chassis, and all the framing is welded both together and to the chassis rails. The "house" framing is steel and is also welded together and then to the chassis giving it a "unibody" effect and making it much stronger than an aluminum non-semi-monocoque house chassis that is only bolted to the frame. This results in a very stiff, very strong coach. This chassis type was also used by Country Coach, Foretravel and Newell.

[windsorbill]

Originally Posted by CountryB

Monaco marketing people use the "semi-monocoque" term in just about every model brochure. You can't go by brochure info alone.

Only the S-series is a true semi-monocoque because the "house structure" is welded to the frame. Other models have the house structure (which is aluminum) bolted to the frame. These are not semi-monocoque.

Good information Mike. Thanks

Did they ever make an "S-series" semi-monacoque chassis with a rear radiator? I don't believe they did, but was curious.

[CountryB]

I don't know for sure - but I've never seen one, or heard of one with a rear radiator.

[rpasetto]

Originally Posted by CountryB

This is what I cam up with when researching chassis models/types...for my Beaver "history/chassis info" document.
.........................................
After 2002 Monaco dropped the RM and RR destinations and switched to the current nomenclature of using the letter prefix for identifying the chassis series: “Rxy” for straight rail, “RRxy” for Raised Rail, “Sxy” for S-Series, “Mxy” for M- Series, etc. (where the “x” signifies the number of airbags and “y” the placement of the radiator.

Originally Posted by CountryB

Monaco marketing people use the "semi-monocoque" term in just about every model brochure. You can't go by brochure info alone.

Only the S-series is a true semi-monocoque because the "house structure" is welded to the frame. Other models have the house structure (which is aluminum) bolted to the frame. These are not semi-monocoque.

Yes, I think we agree. The earlier Windsor thru Signature models were semimonocoque chassis coaches but Monaco was still using the somewhat confusing "RM8H-RM10H" designation. Not sure but I think the RM goes back to the 90's or earlier when all Monacos were built on the semi-monocoque desigh they bought from Chrysler (I just looked that up, that was 1984; "ancient history"). I think their first rail chassis was the Diplomat in 1999.

Funny, in doing research on this I came across an old post from someone with an early 2000s HR Imperial. He was having recurring problems getting the wrong part because he had been told the chassis was RR8S. I think the HR Imperial chassis was changed to RR in 03 when the Windsor was.

[BobJones]

Originally Posted by windsorbill

Bob,

You're right, it's vague in that time period.

I still think you have the RR8R chassis. Semi-monacoque was only offered with a side radiator, which you don't have.

Bill, I think you're right. I was sure impressed when I drove it a few times the other day. I had to get my air brakes ticket and do some things to it before I could take it out myself. I had been living in it for more than two years without really driving it! It was impressive. Steering wheel was dead straight, tracked dead straight. Very little steering input required. Seemed to do 110 KPH easily. 120 was also easy but not quite as safe. Bumps were good. Just impressive all the way around