Community Forums

Holy Roamer · 08-16-2022, 11:36 PM

Hello! I'm Mike. I am retiring to RV'ing full time in 24 to 30 months. I'm single - just me. My sister is gifting me a 2000 Monaco Dynasty 40 ft. Its bigger than I had in mind, but the price is right and since I am planning on full timing I think it will work. Worried about the maintenance cost and the size limiting where I can go. I had envisioned doing some boon docking.

Thoughts or advice?

Thanks,

Mike

Bigd9 · 08-17-2022, 07:25 AM

Take a lot of short trips to get used to the coach. Depending on your mechanical skills, taking care of the coach can be not so bad to OMG expensive. Just to give you an example, I have tracked every single cost for our coach except for insurance and fuel. Over the past 8 years we have had this coach, my average DAILY cost has been $5.77. That is with me performing 95% of the labor. Depending on the present condition of the new to you coach, there could be some substantial up front cost to get her on the road. New tires alone could cost upwards of $3000 or more. Not trying to scare you, but just trying to get you to plan.

Our coach is a 35 foot diesel, and for my wife and I plus two dogs and two cats it is about perfect. BUT, we are not full timers.

Best of luck, and I hope you enjoy your retirement as much as we do.

77Travco · 08-17-2022, 07:33 AM

Check the date codes on the tires.
I'd do all belts and hoses along with a coolant flush.
Change engine oil and possibly tranny fluid too.
Service the gen-set.
Other items will pop up. Just deal with them as they come.
Enjoy your travels!

Orrin · 08-17-2022, 07:40 AM

Welcome from Wisconsin. That is a good quality coach. Start by checking out everything. Slides, a/c units (house and chassis), all appliances, furnace, hot water heater, fridge, water pump, and the manuals.

MSHappyCampers · 08-17-2022, 10:18 AM

Hi Mike! Welcome to IRV2! We're sure glad you joined us!

Congrats on the new rig! Have fun and keep her between the ditches!

Good luck, happy trails, and God bless!

TXiceman · 08-17-2022, 10:33 AM

Maintenance on a DP is not cheap. As noted, $3k for tires (check the date code and replace if over 5 years old) then you have oil and filter changes, brake jobs, generator service, etc. Then you have the normal maintenance of keeping the roof sealed and windows sealed.

That is a 22-year-old RV and my big question would be how good your sister was at keeping up with the maintenance on the RV and how long it has been setting unused.

Next issue is A/C units and refrigerator are potential candidates for failure and replacement. This age RV may present problems in getting exact replacement parts and require some searching and cost to adapt to a new part.

Ken

LynnD · 08-17-2022, 11:41 AM

Hello Mike!

Welcome to IRV2! Good to have you here and I look forward to reading about your adventures. Sit back, relax and please, above all……stay safe out there!

scbwr · 08-18-2022, 06:56 AM

It could be a great plan as long as you are prepared for what it may cost to update a coach that is over 20 years old. You have to be prepared to repair and/or many items. Before taking ownership, I would suggest having a thorough inspection of the diesel engine and everything related to the chassis (tires, brakes, hoses, batteries, etc.). Then, have the coach inspected for any issues such as water leaks, the AC units, furnace, water heater etc. It will cost you a few bucks, but can provide information as to what your immediate expenses will be.

Also, you may want to have the discussion with your sister as to how she feels about you possibly selling or trading in the motorhome in order for you to purchase something that better meets your needs or would require less work.

It boils down to whether you can handle the costs of making it ready to hit the road. If the upfront costs are 10K, (tires, diesel engine yearly service, and a few other items such as brakes, an AC unit, or whatever), can you afford it?

I hope it works out well for you! You have a very generous sister and I hope you can get the rig on the road and enjoy. Perhaps you can take her along for a real nice trip! Good luck!

Bigd9 · 08-18-2022, 07:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scbwr

It could be a great plan as long as you are prepared for what it may cost to update a coach that is over 20 years old. You have to be prepared to repair and/or many items. Before taking ownership, I would suggest having a thorough inspection of the diesel engine and everything related to the chassis (tires, brakes, hoses, batteries, etc.). Then, have the coach inspected for any issues such as water leaks, the AC units, furnace, water heater etc. It will cost you a few bucks, but can provide information as to what your immediate expenses will be.

Also, you may want to have the discussion with your sister as to how she feels about you possibly selling or trading in the motorhome in order for you to purchase something that better meets your needs or would require less work.

It boils down to whether you can handle the costs of making it ready to hit the road. If the upfront costs are 10K, (tires, diesel engine yearly service, and a few other items such as brakes, an AC unit, or whatever), can you afford it?

I hope it works out well for you! You have a very generous sister and I hope you can get the rig on the road and enjoy. Perhaps you can take her along for a real nice trip! Good luck!

Good point