Community Forums

balticblue · 07-31-2012, 10:19 AM

Good morning to all. We just joined and I thought this wouls be an excellent opportunity to learn from all of you. I grew up vacationing in a 13 foot Dalton and my parents as most do, were overcome with 2 foot itis.
I want to introduce my wife to RVing and fell in love with the 286 Damon Avanti. I checked out the RV Buddies who did an extensive review ( may still be up on youtube for those who want to check it out ) and they too raved about it. Imagine my surprise when I discoverved it had been discontinued aftr a couple of years. One of two things lack of sales lol or a bad design?
On our vacation I talked to the Monacco rep and he mentioned a diesel pusher versus a front wheel drive ( was the Avanti a Front wheel drive ? no mention of this in their web site ) and he mentioned something about a break assist or breakaway - how can you tell I'm a newbie . Perhaps other Monacco owners can fill me in. He didn't slam Avanti just mentioned there were no dealers in the Okanagen who wanted to take on the Thor line in the Okanagen of B.C. where we were staying. I loved the layout and the size as well as the overhead bed for when the grandchildren may come along. Anyone shed some light onto why this particular model has been discontinued. Thanks and we look forward to reading about all your ideas places to visit maintenance etc. Regards from Vancouver Island

Skip426 · 07-31-2012, 11:27 AM

Hello, and

A lot of dealers in the B.C. interior were loyal to the local manufacturers, and hurt very badly when they shut down; Okanagan / Bigfoot ; after the market crash.
Are you shopping for an RV. or just in the developing a must have list stage?
I don't think the unit was a front wheel drive, it may have been a F.R.E.D.
FRont Engine Diesel. rather than a pusher.

TheArnolds · 07-31-2012, 11:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by balticblue

Good morning to all. We just joined and I thought this wouls be an excellent opportunity to learn from all of you. I grew up vacationing in a 13 foot Dalton and my parents as most do, were overcome with 2 foot itis.
I want to introduce my wife to RVing and fell in love with the 286 Damon Avanti. I checked out the RV Buddies who did an extensive review ( may still be up on youtube for those who want to check it out ) and they too raved about it. Imagine my surprise when I discoverved it had been discontinued aftr a couple of years. One of two things lack of sales lol or a bad design?
On our vacation I talked to the Monacco rep and he mentioned a diesel pusher versus a front wheel drive ( was the Avanti a Front wheel drive ? no mention of this in their web site ) and he mentioned something about a break assist or breakaway - how can you tell I'm a newbie . Perhaps other Monacco owners can fill me in. He didn't slam Avanti just mentioned there were no dealers in the Okanagen who wanted to take on the Thor line in the Okanagen of B.C. where we were staying. I loved the layout and the size as well as the overhead bed for when the grandchildren may come along. Anyone shed some light onto why this particular model has been discontinued. Thanks and we look forward to reading about all your ideas places to visit maintenance etc. Regards from Vancouver Island

Avanti was discontinued because Freightliner is discontinuing the MCL chassis. The Avanti is a FRED (front engine diesel) not front wheel drive. I have owned two Thor Class A (diesel) motor coaches one a FRED (2010 Serrano) and was discontinued after the 2012 model year because Workhorse discontinued the chassis. My current class A is a Thor Palazzo DP (Freightliner chassis). Both are good Class A's but my requirements changed so I upgraded to a larger DP.

I would do more research if you are truely interested in the Avanti because it would appear that the Monacco Rep has his own agenda.

MSHappyCampers · 07-31-2012, 04:07 PM

Hi folks! Welcome to IRV2! It's great to have you join us! Good luck & God bless!

cargovan · 07-31-2012, 04:31 PM

Howdy and welcome aboard. Glad you joined us and hope you enjoy the site.

Van.

balticblue · 08-01-2012, 11:00 AM

Thanks to all who responded re. the Avanti. I talked to the Sales manager for Thor here on the Island and another problem he sited was the rear bed. I guess most of you RV er's prefer an Island bed in the rear. We don't see this as a major problem, but it was not a great seller according to him. We may have to set our sites on a class C diesel I think. Please describe FRED Some of you mentioned Front engine Diesel and is it rear drive as opposed to front wheel drive ? Thanks again folks and perhaps we will meet on the highway of life. Safe driving and happy thoughts Don/ June

TheArnolds · 08-01-2012, 12:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by balticblue

Please describe FRED Some of you mentioned Front engine Diesel and is it rear drive as opposed to front wheel drive ? Don/ June

FRED is a nickname for "Front Engine Diesel". I can't speak for all FRED's but the one I owned was a rear wheel drive, Workhorse chassis. Engine in front with a long drive shaft back to the duel drive wheels. My guess is the Avanti on a Freightliner chassis has the same arrangement. DP v/s FRED has more to do with engine noise. In 6th gear my FRED was a bit louder then my DP but not by much. My DW and I could talk without yelling

DP can warm up the rear bedroom and are somewhat noisy for someone who is trying to take a nap while underway but again you are supposed to be buckled in your seat