2000 Beaver Patriot, Monticello, 40'

[Tom]

I suspect underinflation on the tires...

Could be overinflation, which was the case with our coach, thanks to an uninformed dealer service tech.

 

[Shayne]

Great Idea Margi  I with I had down that when we switched a few years back and again when we sold the MH. Stuffing everything in the Jeep that I thought we had left at home left little room for the little pooch in the back.  Consequently we padded the console of the Jeep and she put her head by Audrey and you just know what end I got.  ;D   But we did make it back anyway.

 

[Tom]

Lucy Akers and Betty Brewer gave us an invaluable tip to cut down back and forth trips when transitioning from our little Prowler to our new (then) motorhome.

Sounds like a candidate for our forum library. I'll get it added. It would be a blast if we have photos of Lucy, George, Betty, Terry, Margi or Tom with those bags on their arms.

 

[Shayne]

The only bag I had to contend with is    NO I better not go there.

 

[motojavaphil]

Shayne, ditto on old baggage!

Margi, Carol and I are wondering what size bags you are talking about, 50gal or smaller.  Our move is scheduled for Wednesday.  We were told by the dealer it would take two days.  I was thinking half a day compared to our house move.  Were the bags clear?  It does make a lot of sense since once the bags are used they can be reused and take up very little storage.  I was planning to be the mule and Carol will direct and place things as I mule through the mess.  That is the plan unless there are better ideas.  I appreciate the help and suggestions.  Never transitioned in an RV before.

Phil 

 

[Gary RV_Wizard]

We may need to align the front due to the wander factor.  It has been checked out mechanically and is fine.  I suspect underinflation on the tires, been sitting for nearly two years.  I am hoping the new tires and correct pressures will make the difference.  Any other things I might want to look at due to this?

Check the air suspension ride height - a small deviation from the factory spec can cause all sorts of odd behavior.

I've never heard of a Beaver with steering problems - even the older Magnum chassis. You may need to take the coach to a Monaco service center (Florida, Indiana or Oregon) if nobody can diagnose it elsewhere.  But first I would find a first rate truck suspension and alignment shop and let them check it out thoroughly. One top notch shop for steering and suspension problems on motorhomes is Henderson's Line Up in Grants Pass, OR. They are true motorhome specialists.

 

[Tom and Margi]

Tom:

Fortunately for Lucy, George, Terry and Betty -- Tom and I were doing the transitioning all by ouselves in Yuma while they, the Thomases, Zambaninis et al. were relaxing by the campfire in Quartzsite waiting for us to survive our maiden voyage home. 

Phil:

They were just ordinary grocery store plastic bags.  They would hold a cupboard's worth and that's about all.  Worked great.  I suppose you might use garbage bags for stuff stored in the bays.  Never thought of that! 

Shayne:

I share your doggie pain.  Our yellow lab used to set off the LPG alarm.  She usually stayed right at Tom's feet across from the sensor.

Margi

 

[Bob Maxwell]

Phil, Call Jim Statkus at Statkus Engines Performance & RV Center, 1623 Los Tomases Dr. NW  Abq 87107, 505-765-114

For reviews on RV Service Reviews, here's Jim's. they are honest and if they can't help, they'll say so.

http://rvservicereviews.com/ReviewDetails.asp?Submit=&FacilityID=514&State=NM&Search=&CategoryID=

Casy Luna, even with his own shops in Belen, only let Statkus work on his mh's including his Prevost. Great facility. They don't advertis much as word of mouth keeps him working more than he wants.

 

[rramjet]

Since the topic deals with Beavers I too am looking at one. It's a 2002 Contessa Tuscany, 370 HP Cummins ISL, 3 slides, 21K miles, original owner. This model year seems to be the transition point from Safari according to the Monaco website. In fact the NADA book doesn't list anything in 2002 with 3 slides but I realize manufactures probably changed things throughout the year.

I'm wondering if anyone knows how to determine if it has the Magnum vrs Roadmaster chassis. The owner said it was built in the Bend factory which I assume is prior to being comingled with the rest of the Monaco line.

I recently made a trip from Seattle to Las Vegas with a friend on mine in a 2005 Beaver Monterey with 25K miles. Beautiful coach but I thought the ride was pretty harsh particularly on the nicer parts of I-5 in California. Tire pressures were running 125 hot and the tires are one size up from stock. Just wondering if others have relative ride comparisons particularly comparisons between the Magnum and Roadmaster.

 

[Tom]

A call to Monaco Tech Support should answer the question. 1-877-466-6226.

Alternatively, here's a shot of the RR8S chassis used on the Contessa built by Monaco. If it's still not obvious, click on the video link on that page and look at the floating-H active front suspension; You'd be able to spot that by looking under the front of the coach.

 

[motojavaphil]

We pick up the Patriot tomorrow.  The inspection, fluid and filter service came to $1029 including tax.  Not cheap these MH's.  New Goodyears came to $2500.  There is a chip in the windshield that will be mended tomorrow.  Wash and wax came to $300.  We may need to fill it up.  That should do it till Christmas when we head out for the maiden voyage.  Pretty exciting stuff.  Snow and cold is projected for T day so I am giving us Wednesday to transition.  Tomorrow is a big day!

Bob, I have been referred down there by others as well.  Thank you for the info and we will use them in the future.

Phil

 

[Ron]

Sounds like things are coming together for you.  I am sure you will enjoy the Patriot.

 

[Ray D]

You have come a long ways. I've been following your adventure. Congratulations.  ;D

Can't wait to read the journal of the maiden voyage. Have a great Thanksgiving weekend!

Ray D  ;D

 

[Shayne]

Congrats Phil and you did a grand job in your venture.  Best of luck

 

[Gary RV_Wizard]

Sounds like all is in place and ready to roll, Phil. Have fun and keep us posted  as well as you can! 

 

[Gary RV_Wizard]

I'm wondering if anyone knows how to determine if it has the Magnum vrs Roadmaster chassis. The owner said it was built in the Bend factory which I assume is prior to being comingled with the rest of the Monaco line.

rramjet,
2002 was the transition year and different model Beavers had one chassis or the other - some may even have changed during the course of the year. Most 2002's are described in dealer ads as having a "Magnum chassis" but I know that at least a few of them in fact have the 8 airbag Roadmaster RR8 chassis. This web page has a close up of the Roadmaster 8 Airbag H Frame - it's probably the easiest way to identify a Roadmaster chassis because it is unique and fairly easy to spot by looking underneath, front or rear. The Magnum will have only 4 air bags.

The video on this page may have even more visible detail.

Note that Beavers usually have a plaque on the back saying "Magnum chassis" but I would still look underneath on a 2002 to be sure.

 

[motojavaphil]

The deed is done.  We went out Wednesday and the Beaver was ready.  We parked next to it with the Excel and began the transition process.  Things sure are different.  More room for living in the Excel, not much, but a bit more.  It seems to be a matter of finding new places for things.  The Beaver is really top notch and I will be studying it for the next 6 months to understand it.  Drove it back from Moriarty to ALB without a problem.  My first drive in a MH other than a quick test drive.  The 330 Cat did very well delivering about 8-9 mpg and sustained a speed of 65 mph with one downshift on Sedillo Hill going West from Edgewood.  Seems to wander more than Excel, perhaps due to truck ruts.  Traffic was light so navigating thru the City to North I25 was not an issue.  Upon arriving at our site it was a simple back in with DW directing with the walkie talkie.  Setup proved effortless although hooking up to an external propane tank was not easy.  Will connect with the propane company and let them get it right.  The rest was effortless.
Thanks for all the support and info.  Now to get to May so we can start chasing dreams. 
Phil 

 

[Tom]

Congratulations. Glad to hear the trip home was uneventful.

 

[Gary RV_Wizard]

Congratulations Phil! Glad to hear everything is going smoothly so far.

 

[Ron]

Congratulations Phil.  I am sure the more you use and drive the Beaver the more you will appreciate it.