lanerd
Ridgecrest, CA
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I've been reading several posts that discuss the trailing arm problems with Monaco coaches (and others made by Monaco) equipped with the R4RR and R4R chassis.
Does any one know that actual failure rate of these things? I mean, I seriously doubt if it is 100% or even 50%. I have no idea what failure rate is required for a "recall" to be issued...but I understand that the pre-Navistar Monaco did indeed issue a recall...is that correct?
I realize that "if" one of these arms do break while doing 60mph or so could result in fatal results. And if Monaco deemed the failure rate high enough to issue a recall, that in itself is reasoning for me to have mine replaced.
However, my coach now has about 25000 miles on it and as far as I can tell, the arms are in perfect shape. That said, I'm no motor home suspension expert, so am having my coach inspected by a certified mechanic that will be available at our Safari Rally here at Newport Oregon next week. If his findings are negative, I would suspect that after 25000 miles (9000 of them on a trip to Alaska and back) that if the arms aren't broken (cracked) now, they probably never will.
I'm sure that there are other Monaco product owners that may be in this same predicament, so I offer this statement. I value my life and my DW's life a lot more than the $2000 it would cost to have the arms replaced and will, therefore, replace the arms at my earliest convenience.
Ron
Ron & Sandie
Maggie May, Rescued Wonder Dog
'08 Safari Simba SBD35
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RETIRED!! How sweet it is....
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The Texan
Home: Idaho - Location: Texas
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Joined: 01/16/2004
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The failure rate is approaching 100% of all trailing arms inspected by a "qualified" mechanic. I have heard of some with close to 30K miles, being inspected and found to be free of cracks and then failing within 3K miles. There were many thought to be crack free, until the mechanic used a wire brush to remove the paint and found small cracks forming that were not visible otherwise. The risk factor is just to great to say that if they haven't formed by now that I am safe. It is not if the fail, but when they fail, the results could be catastrophic. Navistar did it the right way and tested theirs, which counts big time in my book. If they are still offering the rally price on their new arms, I would save the hundreds of dollars and use them.
Bob & Betsy - USN Aviation Ret'd '78 & FL LEO Ret'd '03 & "Oath Keeper Forever"
'05 HR Endeavor 40PRQ, 400 Cummins W/ 540w/35A solar system -Pulling our '05 GMC Sierra LT, CC, Z-71, w/ 2010 Silver Rzr in back.
Where the wheels are stopped
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mscamping
any place, USA
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lanerd, I don't think milage has anything to do with it, we had a couple at the last 419 MS that had over 60,000 miles on there coach that had cracked arms..That was an '02 Ambassitor.. The newer the coach the heavier and more a chance that they will crack or break.. I would get them changed as soon as I could.. I wouldn't even think of playing the odds game to think you might have one that's not going to crack.. Wasn't worth it to us..
Mike..
2003 Holiday Rambler Neptune 36 PBD - ISB 300 Cummins- Allison MH2000 5 speed
2009 HHR w/Blue Ox Aventa II & SMI Stay-n-Play Duo
FMCA 331658 HRRVC 105155 Chapters - 57,& 419 - Good Sam Life Member - Coach Net - 3/4 timers
Mike & Sharon
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SacsTC
N. California
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Quote:Does any one know that actual failure rate of these things? I mean, I seriously doubt if it is 100% or even 50%. I have no idea what failure rate is required for a "recall" to be issued...but I understand that the pre-Navistar Monaco did indeed issue a recall...is that correct?
Don't know the actual percentages, but out of the six we had show up and be inspected at our group outing in Quartzsite last January, every one had the problem. Age ranged from 08 Cayman to 02 Diplomats. The worst cracked one was on an 06 Safari. Picture below. It is pretty hard to find the smaller cracks if the mechanic is not versed in just where to look. They are always in tis same location, but with factory undercoating and road grime,,,,,,,,, and they are usually on the upper corners
2007 Monaco Diplomat 400HP Cummins ISL
Source Engineering RR8R Ride Enhancement Kit
2006 Chevy Silverado 345HP 6.0 TOAD
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SacsTC
N. California
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lanerd wrote:so am having my coach inspected by a certified mechanic that will be available at our Safari Rally here at Newport Oregon next week
Are you coming to Chassis on the Green??
If you are up that way , you could save shipping costs as long as you are in the neighborhood. And no sales tax in Oregon either. Another $160 saved at least. Hope I see you there.
Just looked and the 08 Cayman was the same floorplan as yours. A 35' SBD. Only one arm was cracked on theirs and it was small, but still was going to be a problem.
* This post was
edited 07/27/10 12:37pm by SacsTC *
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JFG
TN
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Just look under the rear tire (front side) and look where the shackles coonect arm to rear axle... I never knew mine was broke until I was lubricating chassis... no symptoms.. I'm sure I drove it 60-65 mph with no problems.
Fred
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