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Date Posted |
Forum
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RE: How to compare simular models from diff. manufacturers
I would say in no particular order:
1. Newmar Dutchstar
2. Monaco Diplomat
3. Holiday Rambler Endeavor
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steveownby
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05/25/12 03:57pm |
Class A Motorhomes
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RE: Looking for a 28'-32' Class A diesel
Monaco Vesta.
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steveownby
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05/25/12 03:49pm |
Class A Motorhomes
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RE: Gulfstream Tourmaster owners
Guys,
I tried to send this part two as a private message, but the system would not let me.
Continued,
I agree, diesel is by far best if you travel much at all. I prefer Cummins Isc and above. The Isl and above give you a true Jake brake. IFS is mostly hype and a beam type front axle is fine. Also less complicated.
AquaHot is very desirable.
Satellite tv is great. Makes nights at a truck stop or Walmart just like home.
TVs more that a couple of years old will not be digital or HD, just be aware. We have changed ours out.
Tires are aged out at 7 years are are due for replacement.
Tag axle takes 2 more tires but gives you substantially more weight capacity and are very stable on the road.
Slide out trays in the basement compartments are great.
Grills and freezers can be added anytime.
We travel with Frasier and Niles, who are Havenese brothers. They love to travel and generally go where we go. If we are out in the car for the day, we leave them in the bedroom and they seem to be ok with it. We travel with a folding exercise fence and a folding crate. When I stop for a bathroom break we take them out.
That has totally exhausted my wisdom. Feel free to ask any question that occurs to you. Please keep in touch & let me know how it's going.
Safe travels,
Steve
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steveownby
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05/25/12 08:15am |
Class A Motorhomes
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RE: Replacing Rest Easy Sofa
Although you don't exactly say, I assume you mean you want another Easy Rest, just in Ultraleather. Winnebago builds that sofa themselves and I don't believe they will sell directly to you.
I would call or email Winnebago directly and tell them what you want to do. They can hook you up with a dealership who might sell it to you to install your self or not. I'm sure it's something you could handle yourself but you can handle the weight.
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steveownby
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05/24/12 07:08pm |
Class A Motorhomes
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RE: Selecting Resort
Check this site:
http://www.rvparkreviews.com/regions/Arizona/
In point of fact, you won't know for sure until you visit. People have different expectations and what suits one person fine will not be another's cup of tea. I suggest that you research as best you can, then make several reservations of 2 weeks to a month in more than one location. Then you will know from personal experience what to do for the next season.
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steveownby
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05/24/12 11:51am |
Class A Motorhomes
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RE: Why did tire blow
No one will ever know for sure. Tires lead a tough life in a very hostile environment. The motor home appeared to be an early 2000's Monaco.
1. The tires could have been OEM which would mean they are past the end of their service life.
2. Under inflating which would cause a great deal of heat build up on a day with ambient temp over 100.
3. Overloading
4. Road hazard
There was also a steer tire blow out close to Lake Haversu a day later which resulted in 3 deaths.
The take away from all the destruction is, don't over look your tires. Replace them at 7 years or before especially on the steer axle. Check your inflation PSI every morning before travel. Consider investing in a TPMS. Review the Michelin blowout video and practice what you would do.
Safe travels.
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steveownby
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05/23/12 11:45am |
Class A Motorhomes
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RE: Next crazy topics
Don't miss out on stuff you want to see because of the grades. The steepest grades you will encounter on the interstates is 6-7%. You will run into grades in Alaska of 9-10% , like the Richardson Highway going over Thompson Pass to Valdez. When you are on a difficult climb just gear down, keep RPMs up and don't worry about how slow you're going. Pick a gear going down the grade that will keep you from having to use your brakes. Take pull outs and enjoy the view.
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steveownby
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05/20/12 07:33pm |
Beginning RVing
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RE: 22,000 to 23,000 lb rear axle
Brett and the Texan are both correct in their responses. You don't say what years and what manufacturers you are considering. My wife and I have lived full time in an '03 Monaco for over 5 years now. Our coach has a tag axle and is just under 40' in total length. With a tag axle the fed bridge limit that Brett referred to is 34k. Our Monaco has a 23k drive axle and a 10k tag. Fully loaded we still have between 5-7k CCC reserve.
Before around 2005 Monaco built tag axle coaches of 38-40' in their Dynasty and up coaches. Country Coach also built some under 40' tag axle coaches.
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steveownby
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05/19/12 11:37am |
Class A Motorhomes
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RE: Gulfstream Tourmaster owners
Sounds like you may have picked a specific coach to focus on. If you have decided Gulfstream is the brand then check what chassis it is built on. It will be Freightliner or Spartan. The Spartan chassis with IFS had an issue for many years with ball joints going bad. Be aware that the Norcold brand of RV refrigerators are all subject to a recall so make sure that has been done. I would invest in a lab test for the engine oil and transmission fluid. Google "Blackstone Lab" for info. Look at the date codes on the tires as they could be sugnificately older than the chassis. 7 years is generally accepted as the service life of tires. Don't let anyone tell you that the transmission fluid is good for 300,000 miles with no regard to time. Go to the Allison web site and educate yourself. I suspect the transmission is an Allison 3000. The filters should be replaced at 36 months. The Transynd fluid should be replaced at 48 months or lab tested.
If you are still looking at brands then I would suggest you consider the following in no particular order:
1. Newmar
2. Winnebago
3. Tiffin
4. Monaco/Holiday Rambler (not the 4 airbag chassis)
5. Country Coach (out of business)
I consider these brands to be good full timing coaches. This is my opinion only and certainly no an exhaustive list.
My wife and I were doing exactly what you are doing now about 6 years ago. Our experience has been wonderful and I can't imagine a better life style.
Be sure to let us know how you are progressing.
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steveownby
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05/19/12 09:52am |
Class A Motorhomes
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RE: Beaver Model Compaisons
The model years that you sight were all built after Monaco Coach Corp had bought Beaver/Safari and were actually built by Monaco.
The coach lines varied some from year to year but there were some significant structural difference in the models within any model year. The chassis being the biggest difference. The chassis were built by Monaco's Roadmaster division and were typically identified as Magnum chassis or a chassis number with an M as a part. They were structurally similar to the other Roadmaster chassis except for the Cat engine. Most were built on an 8 airbag chassis with either a rear ( RR8R)or side radiator (RR8S). The top of the line were built on the Series S semi monocoque chassis. Beavers were known as having the best wood cabinetry in the business.
All of the old Monaco coaches became orphans when Monaco went through bankruptcy but the new Navistar owned Monaco still provides tech support to owners.
Here is a link to an archive of brochures:
http://www.beavermotorcoaches.com/products/archive.html
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steveownby
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05/18/12 10:29am |
Class A Motorhomes
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RE: CUMMINS C 8.3 DP- JUST TOLD I NEED A NEW HEAD/HELP?
Why not take it to a Cummins dealer for a diagnosis?
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steveownby
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05/15/12 03:23pm |
Class A Motorhomes
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RE: Tire Question
The choice you are facing is really one of risk tolerance. Conventional wisdom says to replace tire at 7 years. If you are still on the fence after reading the previous posts, I have one other suggestion. Replace the two steer tires as a failure on that axle is more likely to have serious safety consequences. Also invest in a quality TPMS like Pressure Pro or TST. The idea that the possibility of getting a defective new tire is as likely as having an age related failure is ridiculous and certainly not an argument I would consider.
You will get lots of expert advise on these forums but only you will be in the drivers seat when the tire fails & tears off part of your motorhome. It happened to some Canadian friends of mine this spring with tires about 7 1/2 years old.
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steveownby
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05/15/12 10:38am |
Class A Motorhomes
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RE: Trading up to '02 Dutch Star DSDP 3872
It's a 4 air bag chassis.
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steveownby
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05/14/12 06:56pm |
Class A Motorhomes
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RE: Hydronic heating syst and winter pkg
Part 2 of your question has not been addressed. A "winter package" can mean somewhat different things depending on the manufacturer. It generally includes double pane windows in all but the windshield. The plumbing and water/ waste tanks are enclosed in a basement area and have some provision for heating. Never just accept "winter package" as proof of anything. Ask for specifics and how it works.
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steveownby
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05/14/12 05:30pm |
Beginning RVing
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RE: 2005 Safari Cheetah 38'
This motor home has one major problem that you should be aware of. It is built on the Roadmaster RR4R chassis which was the subject of an NTSB recall for failure of the trailing arms in the rear suspension.
The issue was not adequately resolved until Source Manufacturing engineered a kit of beefed up parts to fix the problem. The new Monaco RV is now also marketing new parts.
The best fix is the parts from Source Manufacturing combined with the "ride enhancement kit" also from Source. The 2 kits together along with labor cost in the range of $5-7000. If you are serious about this coach, give Source a call and they can give you all the info along with suggestions about who could do the work in your area.
I would not consider the coach without making this upgrade. It's just not safe.
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steveownby
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05/07/12 07:48pm |
Class A Motorhomes
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RE: Slide Awning Replacement Help
Bryce,
I advise you to check this web site:
http://www.stonevos.com/
Call this company and talk to Chris. Chris is a motorhome owner and makes awnings from the best fabrics and sews with the most uv and rot resistant thread. The product is absolutely top notch and somewhat cheaper than the standard stuff.
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steveownby
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05/07/12 12:22pm |
Class A Motorhomes
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RE: 04 holiday rambler
Holiday Rambler built a wide range of coaches in '04. You need to provide more info.
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steveownby
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05/05/12 07:35pm |
Class A Motorhomes
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RE: Water Pump keeps running
Sometimes a pump can get air locked on the output side. Take the output hose loose at the connector close to the pump and put the fuse back in. The pump will expell the air. Then reconnect & see if it will pressurize and shut off.
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steveownby
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05/04/12 07:05pm |
Class A Motorhomes
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RE: Problem with onboard air quick connect - '02 Tiffin Phaeton
Believe it or not, there are two standards for air fittings. I'm not sure of the terminology but it might be as simple as a trip to Northern Tool or Herbor Freight with the male fitting you know won't work & get the other type. As was suggested a call to Tiffin might help.
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steveownby
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05/04/12 12:18pm |
Class A Motorhomes
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RE: Gen Auto Start has a mind of its' own???
It may be a challenge to get to the connector. I'm pretty sure you can't get to it from the front hatch.
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steveownby
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05/03/12 07:44pm |
Class A Motorhomes
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