I would go with the Dynasty but that is because I am partial. There are differences however. The chassis is not the same, the Dynasty has the steel semi-monocoque chassis and the Camelot/Sceptor has the aluminum. The engine/trans are the same (ISL400/Allison 3060) but the final drive ratio is different, the Dynasty (4.78:1)is geared a little lower than the Camelot/Sceptor (4.30:1) and it does pull a little harder and is in a more favorable position in the torque curve of the engine (1600-1800 RPM). As far as the coach itself the Dynasty level of workmanship and quality of the materials is a little higher. I know that for the Dynasty, Executive, and Signature they do use a higher grade of wood and when selecting the wood for the coach they order extra so in case of an issue they have the exact wood that was used on your coach. I had to order a couple of new chairs for ours and a trim piece and found this out, everything matched perfectly. I would also rather have the Aqua-Hot vs. Hydro Hot. Just a little larger and a few more features. For the most part you probably can't go wrong with either but I have been very happy with the Dynasty for the last 16 months that we have had ours. Mike.
Mike & Chrystal (F315002)
2003 Monaco Dynasty/ 26' Haulmark Edge trailer
1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee toad
Never say never but...will you ever have $60K in repairs?? I don't think so. Plus after you drive that new one off the lot the spread will be more like $90k even with the nice discount at DeMartini. The big chassis is a world of difference.
We looked at a new Camelot/Scepter vs a used HR Imperial ,the sister to the Dynasty. One of the most obvious differences was the entry steps. The Camelot had a very steep step where the Imperial had a larger and easier to assend step. Both of us noticed the difference. We chose the Imperial and have enjoyed it a lot. There are a lot of other things about the two but you go up and down these steps all the time and as we get older it meant a lot to us. I am sure the Dynasty would be my choice. I will never purchase another coach new, my last one was in the shop for 6 months of the first year. The used Imperial has been a joy, no major problems and only a few minor ones.
The Camelots and Scepters are built in a different factory than the Dynasty. Monaco has a factory at Coburg that builds all of the Dynasty/Executive/Signature, Imperial/Navigator, and Patriot/Marquis models on a single assembly line. The "S" chassis did not appear until the 06 model year, although the earlier chassis are certainly very good.
chuck4788 wrote: The Camelots and Scepters are built in a different factory than the Dynasty. Monaco has a factory at Coburg that builds all of the Dynasty/Executive/Signature, Imperial/Navigator, and Patriot/Marquis models on a single assembly line. The "S" chassis did not appear until the 06 model year, although the earlier chassis are certainly very good.
When we toured the Coburg factory in July '06, they were making the Camelot/Scepter on the same line as the Dynasty and the other big boys. Coaches up to the Diplomat were built in IN.
That said, in my mind I see the Camelot as the top of the mid-line Knight/Diplomat/Camelot, and the Dynasty as the entry to the luxury Dynasty/Executive/Signature line. One major difference on the trim side is the fancy ceiling in the Dynasty that you don't get in the Camelot. The improved chassis would be a big deal too.
Joel & Bonnie
3 teen boys and 3 dogs
2006 Monaco Diplomat 40PDQ w/4 slides, 40.5', Cummins ISL 400
Toad: 2001 Town & Country, Falcon All-Terrain, Roadmaster EvenBrake. Rallies Attended: 8;Gatherings Attended: 3
DocJim,
Just read this thread. What did you decide on? If your still on the fence then: MHO, I would suggest a 2009 Camelot. It has the 425 Cummins, 08 had a 400 which I drove and thought a bit lackluster due to the new emmission standards I imagine. Not as good as 07 non-em 400. There were some early 08's w/ non-em 400 but haven't seen a new one in a while. With the weight of these things you need all the horses you can get. My next coach will have 500HP minimum.
I bought a 09 Camelot 42' from Demartini, it barely touched their lot, of course they like to sell what's on the lot( they had a bunch of 08's) but they can do the same or better on one they don't have to floor plan. I looked long and hard for a 1-2 yr. old Dynasty there few and far between, and the ones 3+ you can really notice how fast technology has moved on. I'm speaking of things like fixtures,tile,TV's etc. Some of the features in last yrs. sig and dynasty is in the 09 camelot, Air seal door for example. Having said all that, there is something to be said for having someone else working all the 1st year bugs out. Like I tell my wife " someones gonna get a good coach when we sell it."JMHO
HPH
On the surface, the Dynasty and Camelot/Scepter are similar. But, the Dynasty is built on Monaco's top-of-the-line S-Series semi-monocoque chassis while the Camelot/Scepters are built on R-series chassis, except with side radiators and a tag axle. In my mind the Dynasty is a true high-line DP while the Camelot/Scepters are very nice upgraded versions of mid-range DPs.
Then there are the differences between the 2005 engines and the new engines. Personally, I'd take the 2005 engine over any 2007 & later engine until the jury comes in on the reliability and durability issues of the new emissions equipment.
If the differences in the chassis and features and appliances matter to you, then go for the Dynasty. Otherwise, go for the Camelot/Scepter and a great deal from Demartini.
Steve & C. J.
"Gracie" the Rough Collie & "Bo'sun" the Bichon Frise
I have an 06 Camelot 42 and I was told it was among,if not, the last one(s) built in Indiana in November of 05. Rumor ( the mechanic say) Indiana didn't do as well on the workmanship.
I have no way to compare that, but overall, I'm happy with mine.
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