jlandon13399

Debay, I agree with Ray's comments above. We have a 2008 H/R Ambassador 40SKQ with 38,000 miles. Hydraulic steering with a gear box will have some play. It is not a sports car. Once you get acquainted with the steering and a little "play" it will feel normal when driving. Yes some Roadmaster chassis had issues but they were few and far between. Good luck in your search.

Ray, Thanks for the link. If you get to Tucson let me know so we can meet and compare notes!

James, Saw your post and evidently no one has a new HR Ambassador. I know it may not be relevant but I have a 2008 Ambassador. Yes we have had a few problems but most are either operator induced or in one case campground induced. H/R is a good brand that has had several owners. ASL now owns H/R and Monaco. Time will tell what they intend to do with these brands and how they interface them with the other brands they own. Good luck with your purchase. My unit is at Lazy Days in Tucson getting the front door latch fixed.

Costco sells a memory foam mattress in a box for around $500. I wonder if anyone out there has purchased one of these mattresses and give us their take on it?

Ray, Thank you very much for calling the factory and mentioning QUALITY to the engineer. If RV manufacturers got calls from the public every day mentioning the lack of quality one day they may just take notice. As long as we continue to buy their "stuff" change will be slowing coming.

With my Blue Ox tow system I had the Air Force One brake system installed. Works great and I do not have to mess with a portable system.

I am using the Progressive Industries wired 50 Amp surge protector. So far no issues but wish I had one installed last year when camping. Had one leg of my 110 volt system wiped out by a surge at the Dakota Ridge campground.

Jim, Two things: 1. I have a 2008 HR Ambassador with the 8 bag suspension. You mentioned a affordable fix for wandering and I would like to know what that fix entails. 2. I could not agree with you more on the lack of quality issue. I have been a broken record on this forum politicking for RV manufacturers to embrace an ISO quality standard in their manufacturing process. The first RV manufacturer that embraces and installs an ISO quality manufacturing process will definitely save money over time by virtually eliminating warranty costs.

Carl, Looks like I will do the same. Thanks to all for your input.

Rich, The information in your link looked good. My only problem is the right door exhibits no clear coat fracturing. The left door only has the fracturing/peeling around the FMCA plaque. Both sides get equal sun. The FMCA plaque is bolted to the door with stainless bolts and nylock nuts. Lazy Days is going to fix the door but I doubt I will remount the plaque. Will probably look at a ladder mount.

I have used the route Tom Butler indicated with no problems. I like to stay at the Blake Ranch RV Park just before Kingman. Most folks staying there are just over night. It is clean and not too expensive...less than $30 a night.

Speaking of tags I installed my tags on the rear access door of my coach. After 18 months the tag was warping on one end and the clear coat around the tag has peeled. Has anyone else had this problem?

Railroadman, We tow a 2013 Honda CRV behind our HR Ambassador. I used a Blue Ox towing system with an Air Force One brake system. The CRB has been towed over 10,000 miles with no issues or problems. Perhaps you can find some posts on the Ford Edge. Please note that the 2015 Honda CRV is not towable four down. You should look for a 2014 or older model.

Bill, Let me also say that I have valued your input on this forum. You have been the resident expert on satellite TV for RV's. Have a Very Merry Christmas and a Happy and Healthy New Year!!

Ray, Your example is exactly what I have. I will send the link to Lazy Days to avoid Monaco's mark-up. Desertdeals69, I realize RV manufacturers cannot design all components in their vehicles. However that does not excuse them from using the least expensive components in a lot of cases. I am sensitive to the profit issues of manufacturers and believe if they improved their quality they could avoid a lot of warranty expense. I am hoping one day the RV industry will embrace ISO certifications and get their quality act together.

Rich & Ray, My door does have double strikers like Ray's. I called Monaco but do not know the manufacturer of the lock. The part number Monaco gave me for the replacement is 08412865. The thread Rich sent shows a different lock than the one I have. It just irritates the heck out of me that coach manufacturers don't design quality components. I go above and beyond regular maintenance and still have these nagging problems. Thanks guys for your input.

Well I have a new one on me......I was very lucky my DW was in the motorhome when I lubed the door latch and striker bolts because I could not get the outside door handle to unlatch from the striking bolts. Everything works well with the inside handle, but the door will not open with the outside handle. Monaco coach has had this problem before, in fact they have the latch assembly in stock. Fleetwood uses a diecast zinc handle, Monaco uses a plastic handle. Mine is ripping from the bottom due to the press I used to try to enter the coach. I removed the striking bolts and am using the dead bolt to secure the coach door until I get it back to Lazy Days in Tucson for repair. Has anyone else out there had this problem and what was the cause and the fix?

My coach has two 120 Volt AC outlets in the 1210 compartment. The lower outlet runs off shore power and does the 1210 Norcold. The higher outlet is powered from the inverter/ shore power and it runs the ice maker. I believe this will be the same setup in your coach. Of course plugging in a light should show you exactly what you have.

akadeadeye, I don't know if you have already taken your trip, but this time of year you can run into snow and slippery conditions. I would stay on the interstate routes and take this trip in the summer with your car.

Harold, You might also elect to join the Cummins Power Club. This will save you at least 10%. Since you do not have an extended warranty this could be of help.

My rig has a interlock that prevents the slides from operating with the engine running or the key on. Like Wild Bill said there is no standard in the RV industry when it comes to controls etc. There is also no quality manufacturing standard as in the auto industry so we all put up with manufacturing defects etc.

Desertdeals69, Will you identify the diesel fuel vendor in Casa Grande, AZ?

I have CornerStone RV extended warranty purchased through Lazy Days in Tucson, AZ. Used them twice with no problems. I would recommend them. Basic phone number is 866-912-2768.

I purchased the Progressive Industries 50 amp wired protector like Jim is showing. Had a bad experience at Dakota Ridge RV Park in Golden, CO. I like the wired version in that it cannot "get legs" and be stolen. So far it has served me well and continuously checks both lines etc.

Rich, Thank you for the information and pictures. I will have my exhaust brake components lubed during my next RV service.