Montana D and J
Montana
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Joined: 05/19/2012
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We are soon to be first time RVers. Reading the forums and trying to learn as much as we can before making the choice between an 04 Monaco Diplomat and an 05 Fleetwood Expedition -- I am attracted to the some of the features of the Diplomat (such as the extra sink and the pass through storage)but we also like the '05 Expedition. Milage is 34,000 and 24,000 respectively.
We were leaning towards the Diplomat even though it is a year older and with higher milage, but after reading of some of the issues of the potential bumpy ride and the towing issue, we are feeling that it may be safer to choose the Fleetwood as the more reliable.
Feeling very ignorant but also very excited to start our new Chapter. Any thoughts or advice would be appreciated -- will be soon making the decision.
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Roadpilot
NH Seacoast
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Joined: 09/16/2006
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We had on '04 Dip and loved it. Never had any problems. The ride was a bit bumpy. It was our first MH and I ran the tires at max. inflation, which may have contributed to the ride. I highly recommend it.
2006 Millennium Prevost
2013 Chevy Avalanche LTZ Black Diamond
2009 HD Electra Glide CVO Screaming Eagle - mine
2009 Yamaha VStar950 - DW
Cruiser Caddie motorcycle lift
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steveownby
Cosby, TN
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Joined: 09/23/2009
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What are the towing issues you are referring to on the Dip. The 8 airbag/shock does have a firmer ride than a typical 4 bag chassis but it also is more stable on the road and tends to be less effected by wind gusts and passing trucks. The Dip also has a Cummins ISC engine which is a real plus. In our 6 years of living full time and traveling in our Monaco we have met many Diplomat owners and not a one had anything bad to say about their coach.
Steve Ownby
2003 Monaco Signature
Full-time since 2007
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Valkyriebush
Yuma/Port Townsend
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Dipolmat!
Command Master Chief (AW) USN, (ret)
2003 Fleetwood Excursion 330 Turbo Cat 39D
2000 Jeep GC
2005 Big Ruckus (Rides Behind Jeep)
2003 VTX 1800
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michelb
Ottawa, ON, Canada
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While I personally prefer pretty much all the Fleetwood floorplans, I think the Diplomat is a significantly better coach so I'd be very hard pressed to not go with that (unless the Expedition was much cheaper).
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Ivylog
Blairsville, Ga. USA
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Joined: 06/30/2004
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I would take the ISC 8.3L over the Cat 7.2L engines plus I like the firmer ride and better handling of the Monaco RR8R.
This post is my opinion (free advice). It is not intended to influence anyone's judgment nor do I advocate anyone do what I propose.
04 Monaco Dynasty 42' quad slide
Where am I?
How I tow.
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Montana D and J
Montana
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Thank you for these responses -- I finally did find that the 2004 Diplomat has the RR8 -- so that problem/question has been solved. And, the issue that had raised the red flag was the discussion about the Trailing Arm cracking and the recall for the R4 (thankful this coach we are looking at does not have this problem) -- you very knowledgeable Coach owners have helped us a great deal -- Thank you so very much! It is such a beautiful coach!
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Montana D and J
Montana
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Steve -- The 'towing issue' that I earlier referred to is actually the 'Trailing Arm' problem of cracking on the Roadmaster R4 Chassis -- I can't thank you all enough for your help. We have so much to learn!!! Am very grateful for all of you that responded.
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zmotorsports
Utah
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Joined: 11/29/2007
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Without seeing the two of them my vote would be the Diplomat mainly for the Cummins ISC and the Roadmaster RR8R chassis. I absolutely love the 8 and 10 bag Roadmaster chassis. I have a friend who bought a 2008 Diplomat and he tows a 30' Progressive stacker trailer to the dunes. They love their Diplomat.
Mike.
2003 Monaco Dynasty/ 26' Haulmark Edge trailer
2011 Jeep Unlimited Rubicon
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Bounder Billy
Colorado
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2004 Monaco Diplomat on NADA shows low retail at $49,230 and average retail at $59,310. 205 Expedition is $60,060 and $72,360. Since I do not know the models you are looking at, I cannot give an exact price, but NADA prices are only a guideline. You should go online and look it up so you know what to pay for the unit. Also do a search for similar models accorss the country to see pricing. If prices are similar, I would go with floorplan you like, number of slides, bells & whistles and most important which one the DW prefers.
2008 Expedition 38F
2002 Jeep Liberty Sport
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