Community Forums

Daryl Ammons · 04-20-2023, 08:03 PM

I am looking for a 40-43’ diesel pusher and am looking at mid to higher level coaches of Monaco, Holiday Rambler, Country Coach, and Newmar in the years of 2004-2007 (pre DPF and DEF). I don’t want to start a Ford vs Chevy type discussion based on loyalty but am looking for a discussion based on experiences with these different coaches. I know all coaches have some strong and weak points so I am looking for the Pros and Cons for these brands. I have previously owned a 2009 Monaco Dynasty and am looking at options to replace her.
Thanks for any input.

Dutch Star Don · 04-20-2023, 08:40 PM

I would look for another Dynasty or a Windsor, both were great coaches.

Xmcdog · 04-20-2023, 08:51 PM

Dig around in this forum and you will find lots on this subject.

I did for almost two years before buying my 07 Dutch Star. 40ft, 400 hp pre DEF.

Works well and with almost 80k miles on it now I’m very happy with it. Is it perfect? Nope but I can live with the flaws.

Since we bought it last September we have put 15 k miles on it.

Things I like. Spartan chassis, Cummins engine, Allison transmission, basement freezer, storage both inside and basement. 150 gal fuel tank. Large water tanks.
Basement slide. The four slide out format.

Dislike. Headlights, they suck. Looking for replacements. However we don’t drive much at night anyway.
The Spartan steering wheel. Very old fashioned and awkward to use for the wipers and cruse. JMO. Rattles in the front dash area that I need to look for and fix.

Hopes this helps a little
Jeff

Isaac-1 · 04-20-2023, 09:17 PM

Is there a reason you don't have Foretravel, Travel Supreme, etc. on your list?

Daryl Ammons · 04-21-2023, 04:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Isaac-1

Is there a reason you don't have Foretravel, Travel Supreme, etc. on your list?

No not really. In some cases I think the Foretravel may be above my budget ($140-160k) and I had read something about the Travel Supreme flexing and popping out windshields. Are those brands you would recommend? What are some things you like about them?

Daryl Ammons · 04-21-2023, 04:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Xmcdog

Dig around in this forum and you will find lots on this subject.

I did for almost two years before buying my 07 Dutch Star. 40ft, 400 hp pre DEF.

Works well and with almost 80k miles on it now I’m very happy with it. Is it perfect? Nope but I can live with the flaws.

Since we bought it last September we have put 15 k miles on it.

Things I like. Spartan chassis, Cummins engine, Allison transmission, basement freezer, storage both inside and basement. 150 gal fuel tank. Large water tanks.
Basement slide. The four slide out format.

Dislike. Headlights, they suck. Looking for replacements. However we don’t drive much at night anyway.
The Spartan steering wheel. Very old fashioned and awkward to use for the wipers and cruse. JMO. Rattles in the front dash area that I need to look for and fix.

Hopes this helps a little
Jeff

Thanks Jeff for your input. It does help. I am considering Dutch Star. Have you owned other mtrhomes before your Newmar? If so how does the Newmar compare in build quality and how does the Spartan chassis compare?

Isaac-1 · 04-21-2023, 10:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Daryl Ammons

No not really. In some cases I think the Foretravel may be above my budget ($140-160k) and I had read something about the Travel Supreme flexing and popping out windshields. Are those brands you would recommend? What are some things you like about them?

Likes or dislikes can be a very personal thing, while I do not own one, I have strongly considered buying a Foretravel coach from this time period, two factors in favor of it for me that likely would not apply to you are:

1, I live only about 100 miles from the Foretravel factory so have relatively easy access to people that are familiar in maintaining and repairing them (primarily shops in Nacogdoches that employ former factory workers, etc).

2, The U series of coaches built up until about 2005 are under 12 ft tall, and will fit through the roll up door of my storage shed. (sure I could probably have the door raised 6 inches or so for a few thousand dollars,but it is still a factor)

vito.a · 04-21-2023, 12:32 PM

I would add Beaver coach to your list. In the years you are looking at they were also made by Monaco. If you find a Beaver Marquis the interior woodwork is the finest ever made.

A Travel Supreme Select with the basement X bracing is a great coach built on a Spartan chassis.

Having owned a 2009 Dynasty, I'm guessing you are familiar with the issues on a Kongsberg chassis multiplex system. There are 2008 models without it.

Good luck!

Sinyyl · 04-21-2023, 04:15 PM

Windsor is a fine coach if you want a short one like 38ft or 40ft. Before 2003 would be a semi-monocoque, which will be great. I have a 38ft Windsor, it suits all my needes. Other than hydronic heating, there is nothing more I would want (some Windsor also equip with).

I would consider Foretravel, Country Coach and even Newell. From what I saw, you can find some decent 2000 Newell at about 160k. I am sure it will be on another level compare to Monaco and Country Coach.

MRUSA14 · 04-21-2023, 04:22 PM

Travel Supreme are great coaches. The X-bracing mod solves the windshield problems. Most TS coaches have been so modified. If you find one that has not, the mod can be done by Paul's RV in Wakarusa, IN.

Dieselboy · 04-21-2023, 06:12 PM

I just picked up a 2008 Holiday Rambler Navigator with the Ralph Lauren interior. The ride on the Roadmaster chassis is superb. Pre def but it does have DPF.

becks · 04-21-2023, 06:59 PM

Go to Motorhomes of Texas, and you will see many nice Foretravels.

Prof_T · 04-23-2023, 12:47 PM

Wanderlodge. Nobody ever mentions them. We've owned our M450 since Nov of 19. Likes...It's a Wanderlodge. Dislikes... Complicated... Very complicated... But it's a great bus. Great online support and parts are available, just have to know your sources. M380's are shorter and less costly. If we ever traded it would be for a Newell or a Prevost conversion.

Tha_Rooster · 04-23-2023, 01:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Daryl Ammons

I am looking for a 40-43’ diesel pusher and am looking at mid to higher level coaches of Monaco, Holiday Rambler, Country Coach, and Newmar in the years of 2004-2007 (pre DPF and DEF). I don’t want to start a Ford vs Chevy type discussion based on loyalty but am looking for a discussion based on experiences with these different coaches. I know all coaches have some strong and weak points so I am looking for the Pros and Cons for these brands. I have previously owned a 2009 Monaco Dynasty and am looking at options to replace her.

Thanks for any input.

Back in the day HR navigator was really nice.