Community Forums

MSHappyCampers · 03-01-2017, 08:38 AM

We couldn't be happier with our 2002 Monaco Windsor! It has everything we want and then some!

We have 109,000 miles on it right now, and expect it to go 500K!

It has the Roadmaster 8-airbag chassis with all-steel, welded construction on the "box".

It has auto air leveling, no hydraulic jacks.

It rides and drives like a dream!

And the list goes on and on..........

Good luck, happy trails, and God bless!

Dutch Master · 03-01-2017, 09:07 AM

Thank you for all that made comments on my post! I stand "corrected" by Dutch Star Don.
1. The wrist pin issue for the Cummins engine was relegated to 2005 ~ 2006 ISL engines, not ISB's.
2. I totally disagree with Dutch Star Don on the Winnebago windshield frame rust issue. Google it and you will find years os 2003 ~ 2008 ARE AFFFECTED1. Also use YouTube and "search" for this subject. There is a very excellent video showing this major defect.
3. Again I agree with Dutch Star Don on the issue of the Roadmaster chassis. The larger coaches 40ft+ will have the 8 air bag chassis - which brings this up to the competition like Tiffin, Newmar, etc. However in the "shorter wheelbase" - i.e. 36 foot, which I am targeting, this is the dreaded 4 air bag system that have the trailing arms defect issue.
4. Regarding comments made by RobbieH - Yes purchasing a 5th wheel will predicate buying a diesel truck. I have looked at 1 year old's about $50K with under 10K miles. But this still leaves 4 years and 90K miles left on power train warranty. Plus, as commented diesel trucks hold and hold their value. You simply cannot say this on a DP MH, which has a steep depreciation value vs a newer slightly used motorhome. Yes, the 5th wheel will depreciate, but TCO for the whole rig is much less than a DP MH.
5. Regarding cost of owning larger vs smaller - The comment is overall correct except for two additional tires. However, cost of washing and waxing by a contractor is also more for the larger MH. What about insurance - larger MH larger cost - higher insurance premium??
6. I did sell my Newmar to rethink the process, i.e. size, cost (TCO), other factors. You simply cannot just look at one item to compare costs. Plus, I found a majority of RV parks simply was too tight for a tag axle. This is mostly the case for state owned campgrounds and many "older" parks in Florida.
7. I did compile a list of sold MH both of of PPL and Ebay to determine "market pricing." I am still flabbergasted at used DP MH. Avoiding too old or models that have defects results in looking at rigs that are newer. This brings me back to looking at TCO of a newer DP MH vs 5th + Truck. Just do not look at purchase price, but if you sell in let say 5 years, how much is left over on your investment? The numbers simply do not lie!!
Best Regards
Dutch Master

RobbieH · 03-01-2017, 09:12 AM

Going to a larger (or to the 8 airbag chassis) does not mean you must have a tag axle. Mine does not have a tag axle.

Woodchopper · 03-01-2017, 10:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dutch Master

Good day Fellow MH Owners,
I am back in the market to find a "good used" DP MH. After owning a Newmar 43 DP Tag Axle, I have decided to down size my next rig. The Newmar was nice - i.e. roomy, excellent ride and steering, but I found it was simply too big and expensive to own/run. I have been shopping around on RVT, RVTrader, Craig's List, and this site looking at various MH. I am especially interested in DP MH in size of 36 feet to 37 feet.
I know the arguments about owning each - 5th wheel or DP MH. This is not what the argument is about, but rather "value/problems" of each.
Best Regards
Dutch Master

Dutch Master
My 1996, (now 150K mile), 35' Safari Sahara has proven to be a very satisfactory coach.
That said it has had it's share of problems during the 16 years, 120K miles I've owned and used it.

IMO buying/owning ANY RV...(regardless of brand, year, reputation and mileage)... is a gamble, (with unfavorable odds).
Some pick a winner with more value than problems... (others not so much).

BTW methinks most owners expect far more from their RV than their RV is capable of delivering.

marjoa · 03-01-2017, 10:41 AM

Decisions, Decisions, Decisions...I'm so glad my wife & I are over that part. Weighing all these issues, considering all the options and then finding a MH that actually fits the criteria AND is worth going for, can be quite a daunting task.

Crasher · 03-01-2017, 02:08 PM

I'm glad I bought new four years ago. We ordered exactly what we wanted and it will be our last coach. The big depreciation only hurts if you sell it and we will still have it 10 years from now. Our dirt, our maintenance, my driving, very few minor issues the first year, still drives and looks like new, paid for and we couldn't be happier.

vito.a · 03-01-2017, 04:19 PM

It appears you made some false assumptions and as such will come to an incorrect conclusion.

Buying any used vehicle has risk. It is up to the buyer to do your homework and have the coach inspected to reduce that risk.

wstalker · 03-11-2017, 06:51 AM

I am in a 2005 Vectra 40AD and was a totally misinformed buyer. I have fixed numerous small things and there are still some issues. I originally felt I got a great deal, but after seeing what I have to spend to get it right I realize the deal was OK and won't be able to comment much more until we use it more. Saving money right now for new tires. I did check out the engine serial numbers because my 400 ISL falls in those years. Theoretically mine is not one of the issues. Most of the work the previous OP did is not up to my standards so doing some stuff over. No windshield issues yet. Roof had a section that tore off due to PO lack of maintenance. Lousy repair job but have fixed their mess. Am very impressed with the power train in the AZ mountains. If we really love it as much as we think we will we will replace entire roof. Going to live in this while we build a home in Florida and also use it to see the country. Good luck on whatever you decide to do. It's a dice roll IMHO.

BigD629 · 03-12-2017, 08:03 AM

Highly recommend looking at older Foretravels. We own a 2005 36', 400hp Cummins. It has 8 outboard airbags and HWH air leveling. Also has hydraulic slides with air bladder seal. Absolutely love our Foretravel for full time living.

cvbdsl · 03-12-2017, 09:33 AM

Just a comment on you seeing many (some) problems with older MHs.

These have been on the road for some time so the problems show and we can all be informed. This helps on the risk versus the reward.

If you buy a new(er) MH that has not been around as long, it may also gain a reputation in 10-15 years as having an issue after the same amount of use as current older MH's. The engine/trransmission/suspension issues in older coaches may manifest in newer ones too over time.

So it is always a crap shoot to a point. Do you homework etc. Once you narrow down your choice this is one of the best places to ask what other owners of the same/similar model have experienced.

Main thing is to have some fun when looking. I'm currently looking to upgrade and have so far struck out, but have learned a ton about different models from feedback from current owners.

Good luck.

Chris