Community Forums

tmom · 09-25-2010, 01:26 PM

We purchased a used motorhome for a nice deal but it doesn't come with any manuals! I know..how silly, however, we now have it and I am hoping someone here might be able to tell me how I can obtain some manuals...Right now my husband wants to change the oil and we don't even know what oil and oil filter to put in it. We didn't know Monaco was out of business. Also, I am wondering what kind of work people do with motorhomes because I am really tired of 8 to 5 work everyday. I love to travel, so I am looking forward to hitting the road, but right now, w/out the manuals, I am feeling like I need to keep it parked. Thank you for any information anyone may be able to offer!

wildtoad · 09-25-2010, 01:36 PM

Hi and good luck with the Monaco. You did not state what type such as gas or diesel? If gas what chassis/engine such as Ford 460 or Chevy 454, etc. I may not be able to answer, but others will want some more info.

tmom · 09-25-2010, 01:59 PM

Thank you! It is a Diesel engine and the chassis

tmom · 09-25-2010, 02:18 PM

Thanks, I copied this information from someone's ad that was selling a motorhome that looks like ours:
375 Cummins engine, 6 spd allison trans, air ride, at

Good man · 09-25-2010, 03:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tmom

We purchased a used motorhome for a nice deal but it doesn't come with any manuals! I know..how silly, however, we now have it and I am hoping someone here might be able to tell me how I can obtain some manuals...Right now my husband wants to change the oil and we don't even know what oil and oil filter to put in it. We didn't know Monaco was out of business. Also, I am wondering what kind of work people do with motorhomes because I am really tired of 8 to 5 work everyday. I love to travel, so I am looking forward to hitting the road, but right now, w/out the manuals, I am feeling like I need to keep it parked. Thank you for any information anyone may be able to offer!

tmom,
If you are "silly" for purchasing a MH without the manuals, then you are in good company!!

In a later post on this thread, you mentioned that you copied an ad for a MH which "looks like yours"... The problem with that is there can be variations in engines/transmissions in a production year and also due to having an engine or transmission exchanged as a result of a failure.

What you need to do is have someone knowledgeable about diesel engines and drive trains look at your setup and write down the specifics about your coach. That person can also advise you about service intervals and other important items.

There may be a small charge to have someone do this for you, but it would be money well spent, given your desire to do the maintenance on your coach in the future.
Best wishes,
Jim

tmom · 09-25-2010, 03:18 PM

Thank you, Jim! It sounds like this may be where we are headed...Any ideas on how to get a manual for this?

Good man · 09-25-2010, 03:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tmom

Thank you, Jim! It sounds like this may be where we are headed...Any ideas on how to get a manual for this?

tmom,
Once you have identified the exact engine/transmission configuration, you will be able to source it on the Internet, or you will be able to get someone on this board to agree to send you a copy. That is the nature of the wonderful people who make up the iRV2 community.

Generally, the chassis (frame, wheels, brakes, engine, tranny, steering gear) is a separate issue from the coach, which in your case is a Monaco (a very fine manufactuerer). I'm betting that you can go to the Monaco section of this board and ask for assistance with a manual for your production year. (Bear in mind the chassis and coach CAN be from different years.) Hence, your rig needs to be specifically identified.

I admire your resourcefulness in wanting to get the books and be self-sufficient. Given the state of our economy, it will be incumbent on increasing numbers of our ranks to do the same.

Do not lament the fact that your coach is "Orphaned"... The chassis and engine are where the bulk of expenses lie, the rest of the coach is pretty much 3rd party suppliers with many after-market parts which can be retrofitted.

You WILL be OK...

Happy trails,
Jim

Rick Long · 09-25-2010, 04:06 PM

OK.. Good Man told you about chassis and engine info you need to get. You also need to go through your motorhome and right down brand and model number of all you appliances... refrigerator, stove top, oven, microwave, furnace, water heater, Air conditioning unit(s), converter, inverter, antenna, satellite dome... anything and everything in or on your RV. Armed with that info you can get manuals for everything here on the internet. You should also get serial numbers on those items to check for recalls.

PS.. be sure and check the date on your tires.. very important to know their age and condition.. old tires cause blowouts and blowouts cause wrecks and I'm sure you know what wrecks can cause.

Good man · 09-25-2010, 04:13 PM

Right On!!! Rick Long...
(see there, tmom, I told you these iRV2 folks are very supportive!)

Papa_Jim · 09-25-2010, 06:23 PM

Help is on the way. I've sent you a private message with contact information that will give you a lot of help.

You have purchased a really good motor coach. I hope you have many years of enjoyment with it.

tmom · 09-26-2010, 11:59 AM

I just wanted to say thank you to everyone for your thoughtful information! This is such a great group of folks! I feel like we may be on the road soon! Stay Safe! And I will check-in with the Monacoers group with yahoo as well!

But I will be back! Thanks again....

hamdave · 09-26-2010, 03:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tmom

We purchased a used motorhome for a nice deal but it doesn't come with any manuals! I know..how silly, however, we now have it and I am hoping someone here might be able to tell me how I can obtain some manuals...Right now my husband wants to change the oil and we don't even know what oil and oil filter to put in it. We didn't know Monaco was out of business. Also, I am wondering what kind of work people do with motorhomes because I am really tired of 8 to 5 work everyday. I love to travel, so I am looking forward to hitting the road, but right now, w/out the manuals, I am feeling like I need to keep it parked. Thank you for any information anyone may be able to offer!

You probably can do better yourself by just accumulating the documentation on the individual things you have, A/C, frig, microwave etc. What chassis do you have. That will help us a lot in helping you. Give us the first 10 digits of your Vin# and that should help also.

cheeers