It was time to upgrade from
our 2000 Monaco Windsor, so we set about searching for a new coach. We like
to stay within legal limits for how much we can tow, and how long we are
going to be when towing our trailer so that really limits our options. We
also store our motorhome inside our shop which limits our length to about 37
1/2 ft. If we downsized our trailer so we could move up to a 38 ft., we'd
have to store the motorhome outside. We decided that the benefits of storing
the motorhome at our house instead of off-site.
We needed a motorhome that
was 36 ft. and had a 10,000 lbs. hitch. Our Windsor was equipped like this,
but many manufacturers dropped the 36 ft. models. Well, Monaco changed that
in 2007 when they introduced a new 36 PDQ floor plan for their Diplomat. We
were satisfied with our Windsor, so we knew another Monaco product would
meet our needs.
A fellow duner had just purchased a 38 ft. Diplomat from
DeMartini RV in Grass Valley California. He was eager to tell everyone about
his pleasant buying experience with DeMartini, so we decided to check out
their website - www.demartinirv.com.
I quickly found out that DeMartini RV does a great job on the internet.
They post several pictures of all the coaches they have for sale, plus all
of the specs for each particular unit. This makes it very easy to shop
and compare on the internet.
Important Specifications:
10,000 lbs Hitch Receiver with 1,500 lbs tongue weight
43,000 GCWR, 33,000 GVWR
Cummins ISL 400HP Turbo Diesel Engine
Allison 3000-MH 6 Speed World Transmission
Roadmaster RR8R - Series Chassis
8 Air Bags and 8 Shock Absorbers
Four 6V Deep Cycle Coach Batteries
8kW Diesel Generator
2000-Watt Inverter
Fresh Water - 100 gallons
Gray Tank - 62 gallons
Black Tank - 40 gallons
Fuel Tank - 100 gallons
Likes:
Gray tank is almost 20 gallons larger than in our 2000 Windsor.
Exterior storage space - more "ice chest sized" spots for
storing stuff.
Four slides at your destination is very roomy.
Full-length queen bed. Our Windsor had a normal width, but
cheated us on 5" of length.
Whole house vacuum.
Tile floor from bathroom to the front is easier for cleanup.
Cooling capacity - Towing 9,000 lbs up the Grapevine on I5 in
California, the temp never went over 190.
Power - 42 mph was the lowest speed towing 9,000 lbs up the
Grapevine on I5 in California
Dislikes:
Doesn't seem like there is a good spot to put a small
kitchen trash can.
Four slides is a bit tight while driving.
The coach likes to wander a bit on rough roads. We have
had it aligned and the ride-height adjusted and it is better, but not as good as
our 2000 Windsor. I think the length (36 ft.) plays into this, but our
Windsor was the same length and it was great.
Add on equipment:
We had DeMartini RV add three pieces of aftermarket
equipment for us.
Automatic satellite dish - Since we had a height issue,
we went with a low profile unit. The unit has a full-sized dish which
brings in a stronger signal that the domed units.
120W Solar panel with controller - Since we dry camp at the
dunes a lot, a solar panel really helps keep the house batteries charged.
Trailer brake controller - Monaco finally figured out that a lot
of folks actually tow with their motorhomes. The Diplomat is pre-wired for
a brake controller which makes the installation much easier and cleaner.
Everything was added as promised, and the installation was very
clean.
