Monaco Knight

[kcbrower]

Hi, I’m new to this forum.
I’m buying a 40’ 2012 Monaco Knight. Low mileage, very clean.
My question is about the engine. MaxxForce 350hp.
Never heard of this engine. I have read a few reviews and all sounds great until I read something about doing updates!?? Where do you take it for service I sure can’t change oil and filters. Is this a rig I should not buy because of engine? Help!!
Kathy

[edgray]

Originally Posted by kcbrower

Hi, I’m new to this forum.
I’m buying a 40’ 2012 Monaco Knight. Low mileage, very clean.
My question is about the engine. MaxxForce 350hp.
Never heard of this engine. I have read a few reviews and all sounds great until I read something about doing updates!?? Where do you take it for service I sure can’t change oil and filters. Is this a rig I should not buy because of engine? Help!!
Kathy

WELCOME to iRV2.com

HERE is the appropriate subforum for your questions about the motor: https://www.irv2.com/forums/f122/


There is also a Monaco Owners subforum here, https://www.irv2.com/forums/f115/

where you can learn more about the Knight.

All I will say about the motor is that they used to be made by Navistar, most likely in one of the 2 engine plants they had in Huntsville, AL.
I think that was when Navistar was trying to claim their engines did not "need" to use DEF to meet more stringent anti-pollution standards, and I think the EPA finally made them go to that technology, like Cummins did, which MAY be one of the reasons they are no longer made (I think). "I think" is used because I'm not SURE of my facts.

[dukester]

I had a 2011 36’ Knight that I sold 2 years ago BECAUSE of the motor. WE LOVED THE COACH, but I just couldn’t take the worry of something going on with the motor even though we never had a serious issue. It was just every time we took it in for service the techs would be extremely surprised we had such great “luck” with the motor and would tell me it was “just a matter of time.” We were the original owner, & I had read early on to drive it hard as the motor was never made for the light duty of an RV. It must have worked, but I couldn’t take waiting for what I was told was going to be inevitable. If not for the Maxforce motor, I’d probably still have the coach today.

[530ktm]

Originally Posted by kcbrower

Hi, I’m new to this forum.
I’m buying a 40’ 2012 Monaco Knight. Low mileage, very clean.
My question is about the engine. MaxxForce 350hp.
Never heard of this engine. I have read a few reviews and all sounds great until I read something about doing updates!?? Where do you take it for service I sure can’t change oil and filters. Is this a rig I should not buy because of engine? Help!!
Kathy

I recently had a 2011 Monaco Knight with same engine and it is actually an International engine. I never had any problems with it and it was a strong running engine but I did have regen lights come on often and then go off and my mechanic said not to worry about it. I do not like lights coming on. Oil changes and filters can be done at any decent shop that works on trucks. I liked our coach but I like this new one better which is why I traded. Good luck with your search.

[edgray]

Originally Posted by 530ktm

I recently had a 2011 Monaco Knight with same engine and it is actually an International engine. I never had any problems with it and it was a strong running engine ...... Good luck with your search.

Yes, except that the actual name for the company is Navistar International (see Navistar.com) . They have been downplaying the "International" brand (farm tractor heritage) for years. Navistar is a $6 Billion worldwide conglomerate "Holding Company" that owns many brands.

Navistar is also the company that bought Monaco/HR out of BK and that likely explains "why" there are quite a few Class A DP out there with Navistar's Maxxforce engines.

As you probably know, Rev Group bought Monaco/HR from Navistar when Navistar decided that they (and also Workhorse chassis) were no longer needed because their ROI rates did not meet Navistar's expectations.

[Gary RVRoamer]

As you probably know, Rev Group bought Monaco/HR from Navistar when Navistar decided that they (and also Workhorse chassis) were no longer needed because their ROI rates did not meet Navistar's expectations.

It's also worth noting that Rev Group wanted no part of the Monaco Roadmaster chassis and MaxxForce engines, so they abandoned both when they bought Monaco/HR/Beaver.


Navistar/Maxxforce has a large dealer/service network but they don't deal much with motorhomes or other retail customers. Don't expect amenities - it's commercial truck service.

[Ivylog]

The poor reputation of the MaxForce engines is probably a $20K hit on the price of a MH with that engine. The 350HP is a decent engine but it gets grouped in with the terrible bigger MaxForce engines. Would have to be a really good deal and plan on keeping it 10+ years.