Getting to Know Holiday Rambler Class A Diesel Pushers

I had a channel viewer reach out to me to inspect their 2008 Holiday Rambler Endeavor Class "A" diesel pusher. While, I did try to explain that, I was pretty booked up, they were so incredibly nice and understanding, that I ultimately did agree to take a look. It also helps that I have had a few comments asking why I don't talk about or show Holiday Ramblers(I just haven't seen any to record at this point).
So of course we will do a roof inspection, I give a very brief history on the brand, and try to point out key spots to look at on these era Monaco RVs.
A BIG thank you to Cassone's RV and the team there for allowing the meet up at the dealership and for helping the owners where I fell short of time.
Cassone's RV
3032 E Main St
Mesa, AZ 85213
casssonesrv.com
480 357-5200

[@jeffbienvenu9937]

Props to the persistence of the owners/viewers of your channel. In James we trust.

[@rujeepn]

I love my HR! She's a tank built in 2002. Even though she is the bottom of the budget Ambassador she has the 8.3L & Allison M3000 which is rare. Works for us right now and she's paid for! She's a little dented, scratched & dated but we camp in the dirt 98% of the time so no problem for us. We had the pretty, brand new 2015, $300k DP that was a lemon, so never going back to anything like that. Still looking for a 2006-2010 Endeavor 38' or less.

[@PowerGearPerformance]

Yep.. we have a 2007 HR Ambassador. Well built RV

[@Technocrat.]

The way you guys hang over the roof top, gives me chills, like somone is gonna fall.

[@NoelBarlau]

I've turned your 1RF recommendation into a bit of a minor religion. I've been watching them since the video in which you mentioned this chassis specifically as one of the best ever made, and have followed the prices as they continue their downhill slide thanks to rising interest rates and high diesel prices. At some point I'll find my dream machine, and one of these suckers is coming home with me. Also, you're seeing the effects of being an honest and highly capable industry professional, and everyone who watches your channel knows there's no one better to choose to take their RV to. Chad at Cassone's and the rest of the crew there in general are the best of the best, and if I have major repairs in the future I'd rather drive it to Phoenix from Atlanta than try to gamble on an unknown service center in the local area. I'm sure I'm not the only one who feels this way. Even though Cassone's doesn't sponsor your videos, they should certainly acknowledge what you've done in the past and are continuing to do for them in the reputation department.

[@ggallant1]

Just be aware that there are several different versions of the Roadmaster chassis. The most saught after would be the Roadmaster S series which are semi-monocoque like a Country Coach Dynomax. In Monaco products this would be on a Dynasty, Executive and Signature. I know the HR Navigator used it as well, but unsure on other models.

[@MaryWehmeier]

Amen to that on the 1RF. I’ll be driving to Cassone’s from LA. Repair here is a total ripoff.

[@ToddM452]

Windsor too

[@willhansen7417]

Your ‘major’ religion should be staying away from DPF which came onto the scene by 2008. DEF came later. DPF and the regen process are the original sin. Nothing against Roadmaster; they are great. I own one. Just saying you need a fuller education before you go falling in love with particular 2000-2011 coaches.

[@NoelBarlau]

​@@willhansen7417 James specifically recommended 2005-2008 model year 1RF units in a prior video (partially at least) specifically to avoid DPF. Therefore, DPF avoidance was already baked into The Holy Scripture Of Monaco as translated by James. See also his other major works such as "Winnebago Roofs Suck - Trust Me On This", "Thou Shalt Wash-N-Wax Thine Roof At Least Once A Year", and of course his greatest hit "Woe To Those Who Do Not Perform A Thorough Roof Inspection Prior To Purchase". These are a few (yet incomplete) samplings of the Commandments as laid down by James, who has learned of them The Hard Way and is trying to save us much despair by his teachings.

[@sissinoklahoma2057]

James do you ever talk about National RVs? That's what we have and honestly each time you show a Monaco or Winnebago I am more thankful, each and every time that we lucked into our National as ignorant 1st time buyers! Your roof reviews are so thorough and really keep the knowledge fresh when I inspect mine (every 3 months!) Happy Holidays to you and yours!

[@ggsdrummer]

Loving our 2006 Monaco Diplomat we found, based on your recommendations & how to inspect the roof! I replaced both tired Fans with MaxxAir Fans, thanks for that tip! They are so perfect! Enjoying your videos! Looking forward to more! Well done James! 👍🏻😎

[@matthewstrzelecki4280]

Yeah James ended up buying an 05 Holiday rambler scepter

[@philw7174]

Good to see a Holiday Rambler. Thank you for taking us along for the inspection James. Happy trails!

[@bubbafringman1864]

I have a 1997 Beaver, all welded aluminum frame, wood and foam insulated radius with a one piece moulded gel coat fiberglass roof cap. I buffed and waxed it and it looks as good as it did when it was new. The one piece moulded fiberglass roofs that Beaver and Country Coach did were by far the best roofs ever. You'll never have a problem with the radius coming loose from the sidewall moulding. There's no pressure or anything there.

[@jancash2944]

I'm glad you are getting more work to keep busy. Merry Christmas to you and your family James

[@edwardneilander6427]

Great info on the Different sealants and slide covers and seals. Informative as always!

[@American_Jeeper]

The Monaco & Holiday Rambler coaches built on Workhorse chassis (gas models) were good ones too. We love our ‘05 LaPalma 37PST (VIN 5B4MPA7G*), and it has the two-piece metal roof.

[@debsrvservices]

I am an RV Inspector and I’m enjoying your videos! I also work in Arizona for most of the year then leave for the summer. I am constantly learning and and your understanding of all these RV’s is so helpful for me! Thank you!! My clients told me to follow you 😂

[@MrTheBigNoze]

I live very close to Wakarusa, Indiana where Holiday Rambler was founded and built for many years. The history and legacy of Monaco-owned companies is certainly very interesting

[@carmencolon3520]

So glad you're making a viewer happy. Love the rvs you do inspection on. I just need them in smaller package 😅

[@richardbarlow7520]

I have been researching Class A Diesel Pushers for a while now and I have to say that I always gravitate to this AZ Expert. Very comprehensive, detailed, not condescending, informative. about the best rv channel I have seen. Not sure of the guys name.

[@AZExpert]

Wow, thanks!

[@tomvines4557]

Loving the outtakes at the end!

[@DavidHBurkart]

Thanks James! Lots of great inspection details specific to Monaco in this video. Appreciate it Sir!

[@AZExpert]

Glad it was helpful!

[@scottklein7684]

Always a great source of information.

[@ianrobinson4501]

A roof inspection before xmas nice allways enjoy these

[@cwshumate914]

Nice coach! I'm sure they'll enjoy it.

[@Brian-os9qj]

Perfect timing my man. Gonna give this a double look at least. Happy Holiday (rambler), I hope

[@Tom-fu6sf]

Our 05 Ambassador is full paint and a medal roof. James I love any tome you can go into detail on an HR. Thank you Sir

[@major_west]

I also have a 2008 HR. You explained two issues I'm having... paint checking on the rear cap and soft spots on the fiberglass roof. Now I know they are common problems and not something I did wrong or needs to be fixed. Thanks

[@patcoleman4550]

Have a 2000 Monaco Diplomat built at Holiday Rambler in Indiana. What a great coach. Not fancy, in fact we loving called her Motel 6. Like one of prior commenters she is a tank. On RR8R chassis with Cummins 8.3L 315hp and Allison M3060 she runs down the road happily. Get the roof seam re-caulked every 2-3 years. We owned her for 12 years. First year we did 8K round trip from NorCal to AK. Have upped tire size to 2.75 from the 2.55's originally installed and replaced all shocks with Koni's. Great coach. We were very fortunately to have found her in 2012. We keep her inside when not on road. And 1st owner kept her under cover also. Very careful to only feed her Diesel #2 and always dose that with Diesel Kleen. Thank You for review.

[@RocketCityTech]

I think I’m gonna buy an RV from these guys simply because of these videos..

[@ericjacobson8917]

I enjoy your videos. 2006 was the year they went to a fiberglass roof one piece windshield and 7 foot interior height.

[@carloscardova4221]

Wow with all the RV lined up for repair I'm sure you had a very good reason why you couldn't not take on this repair at the spare of the moment , Mucho trabajo Amigo Jesse .

[@dougrussell9477]

I have the same exact coach and just recently replaced all four of my Toppers with the woven fabric which you can still get through Rev and carefree in the beige color. Just wanted to give you a heads up. Usually takes a couple weeks to get them in

[@paulcarson7703]

Another great video

[@lawrencebest9943]

Always educational great video

[@AZExpert]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@wbforsure2104]

I had a 2006 HR Navigator with the Detroit 60 and absolutely loved it! It was a beast and hills meant nothing to it. I can't tell you how many diesel pushers and semis I passed cruising up a steep grade. It would cruise 80 all day long and with a 300 gallon fuel tank it would go a long ways. The only drawback mine had was the aladdin system which I guess was ok but I just didn't care for it. Maintenance was stupid expensive even though I did my own PM's. Sure was fun to drive though.

[@chrisbengford812]

James, I need to write down your advice for a metal roof. Years ago I used that 3”tape on my Lazy Daze seems… Recently, I used some type of 3M sealant around the vents. Gosh, I hope I used the correct product?? Merry Christmas to you.. you are a gift to us all!

[@evanmitton5007]

Hey James,we replaced our slide toppers a couple of years ago,there is a family owned company in Washington state called tough top awnings that makes quality slide and awning tops for reasonable prices,ours are holding up nicely, enjoyed the history lesson on holiday rambler,didn't know they were built in the Monaco factory.have a merry Christmas greetings from The River,in bullhead city for the winter,the Mittons and their Kittens 😻 😼

[@AZExpert]

Good stuff

[@user-dq3jk9py4q]

Another fun fact: before Holiday Rambler was aquied by Monaco, they were owned by Harley Davidson. So you could technically say you owned a Harley lol

[@walkingthruyourdata-6019]

LOL! James, Your the only channel I have to keep a notepad and pen in front of me. I can't tell you how much information comes out when your speaking almost as though you think we already know what you may think is drivel...HaHa. "self leveling Dicor?" silicone won't stick...jot jot jot.....thank You Buddy. I really listen to you!

[@AZExpert]

LOL Thanks for the confidence in my drivel

[@SpykersB]

Lol, tedious it is, but i toggle between Notes app n utube, so i have the notes with me when I’m around the rv. 🍻

[@zr1sparky1]

Hahaha ...you're out takes crack me up every time James!

[@RVerJerry]

We always learn from your videos, thanks.😅😂😅😂

[@matthewstrzelecki4280]

My 05 he has no seam on front and back all molded together😊

[@haroldgray457]

What do you think about the dynamax isata 3 class c rv

[@brentandlizscott140]

We have that same coach…do you think putting vinyl tiles over the existing tiles will lead to problems? It would be about an 1/8 inch difference..would the slides be a big problem if they rode up over the 1/8 inch flooring?

[@terrybrennan4978]

Nice inspection.... yeah, tree branches..... they're just out to get ya! How do you tell the difference between Dicor sealant and Silicone sealant?

[@miketaylor2810]

I'm thinking of purchasing a 2002 Foretravel M-4220 U320 WCFE with 2 slides. Is there supposed to be slide a topper on each slide? 😮

[@user-lm2qo8xb9e]

We just purchased a 1992 Vogue Prima Vista. We live in the Phoenix area. Found this channel and would love to meet up with you and discuss a full inspection of our RV. We’re first timers (newbies), so we have a lot of questions about our RV, but nobody seems to know about the Vogue DP motor coach. How do we contact you?

[@marychristie6194]

What do you think of that RINO Shield roof -it is a spray on material guaranteed for ever that some are now having done one their roofs-They have a place in Prescott and in Florida-Just wondering if you have heard of this and what you think of it 🙂🚌🇺🇸

[@walkingthruyourdata-6019]

I should have known HR was Monaco. I still love Monaco's. I was so impressed in 2006? when they unveiled the 600Hp Motor. OMG! 45' monster coach opulence. (Not like a Prevost of course) at $700,000 (I think it was) iThe Monaco was still only a dream...But Endeavor was my second choice.

[@AZExpert]

Awesome!

[@terry3193]

Hi James, great video. I have an ‘07 HR Navigator 45’ with a fiberglass roof and it has the raised roof rails with the built in Girard patio awnings. It appears to be “seamless”. I wish we had somebody with your knowledge, skill set and integrity in the Denver metro area. We seem to be severely lacking of skilled and honest rv techs in Denver or maybe I just can’t seem to find any after looking for 15 years. I would really like a rv tech to be able to inspect the roof and slide out seals, seams, tracks, etc. If you’re ever in or coming through the Denver area, it would be awesome if you could do an inspection of my RV…I know, wishful thinking! Love your,channel. Take care!

[@stanleyhawkes-uj8ho]

you could take a road trip to him js

[@kylegilbertson2401]

What about the gas Monaco/HR/F53s? I have a 2012 HR Vacationer 30sfs that has been pretty good to me so far.

[@robertbrantley5878]

Repair of the radius molding over the driver's window, What episode would that be in.

[@markthompson7288]

I have a 1998 HR Imperial with metal roof. What coating do you recommend for the roof? Thanks

[@elcaminomant]

The blooper reel this time, LOL!

[@AZExpert]

LOL Thanks

[@steveegbert3554]

You mentioned the windshield bulged out, I have that problem on my 1998 Monaco Windsor, how is that fixed and why does it happen? Is it from leveling? mine has auto air leveling no jacks.

[@TakkiMann]

You're making me nervous on top of that roof!

[@jeromehebert3184]

so which you think is better the metal or fiberglass roof? was looking a 2001 HR 34ft DP with 50k miles. Besides a qualified RV inspector what else should I look for that says it is good or walk away ?

[@eskieguy9355]

I feel, that by watching your videos, I might be more competent to spot potential issues on many varieties of RVs.

[@mattross8131]

I almost got my hands on a 34' Holiday Rambler. Wasn't there a problem with the frame on the 34 and 36 HR's that needed to be addressed?

[@jeffochs2811]

Another great video, very informative, thanks so much. I just saw a video for a product called FlexArmor, lifetime leak free RV roof. Wondering if you have heard of this product and if this is possible? or worth looking into?

[@AZExpert]

I've heard of it. Lifetime warranties can be a great selling point.

[@janchampine1899]

HELP!!!!!! PLEASE!!!! I need help with a stuck black tank valve on my 97 Endeavor. ANY guidance and/or info is greatly appreciated. Is there a big difference between models and the workings of the valves and repairs?

[@steveg6181]

please comment on Freightliner Chassis...

[@walkingthruyourdata-6019]

Not that I want you to stop what you do, but, You are a serious contender to start an RVIA Certification School. easy money for you it's a natural.

[@AZExpert]

That's kind but it already exists and sounds like a lot more paperwork on my part lol

[@henrybrown1333]

What on 2000 holiday rambler roof was put on them for 2000

[@dudleybaggerman9574]

My H/R has a metal two piece roof with the riveted seam down the middle ! I would use just a Alum. Tape and selant to Reseal my roof ????? By the way bought mine New in 1984 and it's been Great !! 34ft , Tag axle , P30 frame , BB chevy, and Everything stll works just reg. Maintance !

[@LifeMyWay007]

Scared (because I am clueless) newbie looking for quality info/review on 2003 Holiday Rambler Neptune 34PDD with the metal roof, 300hp upgrade and Roadmaster chassis. In general is this a good unit? Cheap? Worth even looking at? I been searching for a couple hours and only find sales listings and videos so don't know if I should not bother looking at one or rush right over. Any insight is appreciated. Thanks

[@Desertvanlife]

I hope so too🤣

[@stevendunn264]

When you do a roof inspection do you also inspect inside to look for evidence of water intrusion like shower skylight or slides that may not be evident outside?

[@AZExpert]

Yes, but this was full of the owners personal stuff

[@stevendunn264]

@@AZExpert love the videos

[@4Urlv]

James. I watched your video slide repairing a HWH slide out. I own a Tiffin 32BR and need the slide out repaired. If HWH would sell me the parts I could repair it, but the refuse. Can you help?

[@robertlongley5731]

Hi James . I have a 2016 Jayco precept 31ul .what should I look for on a roof inspection ? Any tips would be appreciated.

[@AZExpert]

I have dozens of roof inspection videos, I generally check for the same things

[@robertlongley5731]

@@AZExpert Thanks for getting back to me . I have watched a lot of your videos and have thoroughly enjoyed watching a very good technician at work . Thanks for the hours of entertainment and teaching owners how to troubleshoot problems with their coaches.

[@ralphballtrip2214]

What do you usually charge for a roof inspection? If you don’t care thank you for the video. I’m new to this. I’m gonna buy me a diesel pusher in the next 60 days. What do you think? used one ky

[@AZExpert]

If I have time for a simple inspection it's usually about $100

[@bishopandrew]

What do you recommend for wash and wax.

[@SpykersB]

Ok, don’t know if this is helpful….i just learned this a year ago, but any marine type wash n wax stuff, be it say a liquid mop on n off, spray on n just wipe off etc. also cant remember why, but dont use ‘car’ wash n wax stuff. Don’t recall James ever saying any specific brand, so more likely any marine brand. 🍻

[@matthewstrzelecki4280]

That's funny James I have a endeavor sitting next to me I did my inspection on it well watching this video haha

[@AZExpert]

Awesome!

[@gtfg3800]

As a mechanic I'm a little concerned with the quality of those caulked roof seams. Is this normal for that age & brand ? Should the caulk be stripped off & recaulked ?

[@user-lm2qo8xb9e]

I have the chalked roof as well. I was told it’s from oxidation of the fiberglass. Is you roof fiberglass?

[@TimothyMichaels]

With the decent rain in Quartzsite last night, I could hear water dripping between outer and inner walls, no idea where from. Nothing I can do about it. What's the oldest RV you've worked on?

[@fordracing19]

I thought I heard that on mine a few nights ago then thought it might of been water coming off our awning.

[@TimothyMichaels]

@@fordracing19 Entire coach ceiling is heavily damaged from water intrusion, previous owner said he "addressed" the issue, but doubt it due to other issues found.

[@fordracing19]

@Tim Michaels mine looks good. Just head a drip, drip, drip but no water coming inside and the end of the awning was right there. Hopefully we don't have an issue.

[@TimothyMichaels]

@@fordracing19 👍

[@tmc1473]

Can you just run ryno on a roof?

[@sambuvca22]

awnings are garbage thanks so much for your info and expertise

[@AZExpert]

Not all, but they need upkeep

[@jeffsteele1295]

!Thanks so much for this video ! I learn so much from just watching your videos ! I hate to bring this up , but with you stuttering and having to start over and over again. I thought you were Brandon you know our president . Just kidding lol

[@AZExpert]

You'd be surprised how difficult it can be to talk and compose thoughts in front of people and cameras. I try to focus on the message and character of the speaker rather than their appearance or physical flaws.

[@roadster2776]

my 2004 has metal

[@captsam54]

Looks like a "Peel n Seal" job to me...

[@scottsdialyadventure1338]

Iona Holiday Rambler pusher comment and recently inspected my roof. I have to say to everyone, never ever use silicone products on anything that has been painted or ever will be painted such as a vehicle. Once you have applied any silicone on a vehicle oh, you have committed a sin and the next person who wants to work on it will be cursing you all day long. It's the best way to destroy a lot of work on a new paint job. There are plenty of other products, that are much more appropriate and adhere strongly

[@kdub1666]

I hope they got a good price when they purchased it as it looks like a worn out money pit.

[@greenshereen]

Bart Simpson 😂

[@robertcollins7515]

My 2017 vacationer 35k is junk.

[@AZExpert]

Sorry to hear that

[@robertcollins7515]

@AZ Expert the failing parts and poor workmanship wouldn't have bothered me as much . The service I received from the dealer was horrible. Then some items ended up out of warranty because I was jacked around.

[@maxwolf2726]

Looks like where the slide-out topper was bent even the slide out his bent