Monaco RV is proud to announce the debut of a wide offering of newly designed, innovative products at the National RV Trade Show in Louisville, Kentucky. “Building on the Legacy” will be the theme of the show.

“Building on the Legacy” of the Monaco brand inception in 1968, along with the Holiday Rambler, McKenzie and R-Vision brands respectively, Monaco RV maintains a strong history in the recreational vehicle industry of innovative, quality products and superior customer service.

That legacy continues as Monaco RV forges strongly ahead, poised for the future with backing from its 178-year-old parent company, Navistar, a world leader in the transportation industry.

Two of the most popular Class A diesel-powered models, the Monaco Diplomat and Holiday Rambler Endeavor will offer customers new floorplans, including full slides and bath-and-a-half options. New offerings include solid hardwood cabinetry throughout, with residential refrigerator options on all floorplans. Other available options include a stackable washer and dryer along with advanced window shades with superior outward visibility and unsurpassed daytime privacy. The Diplomat and Endeavor both feature numerous floorplans built on the proprietary Roadmaster chassis, providing a smoother ride, sharper handling and larger towing capacity. The models come standard with the Cummins ISL 425 hp engine.

The Monaco Cayman and Holiday Rambler Neptune will be built on the RR8R Roadmaster chassis, featuring a raised rail for more storage, and outboard airbags, creating a more stable ride. Available with the Cummins ISC 360 hp engine on select floorplans, the Cayman and Neptune offer larger 275/70R/22.5 tires along with a new full-body paint scheme. Added to these improvements is a 10,000-lb. hitch capacity on all 40-foot floorplans. Both models boast residential styling throughout, and all floorplans offer an optional residential refrigerator and stackable washer/dryer.

The Holiday Rambler towable division will showcase the ultra-light Campmaster with a new tailgater exterior camping kitchen option. This convenient outdoor cooking center is ideal for all forms of camping and sporting adventures. Starting at 3,600 lbs., this lightweight towable features an aerodynamic design with full-depth 42-inch deep slideouts—not the typical 22-inch slideout found on most models at this price point. The enhanced stabilization spread axle design dramatically reduces sway, making towing a breeze.

The McKenzie division introduces the redesigned ION ultra-light towable. With emphasis on the “wow factor,” ION’s interior and exterior has been updated with a fresh new modern flair. The ION features enhanced towability as its models are up to 1,000 lbs. lighter than the competitive models with similar floorplans. This towable features large pass-through compartments for ample storage and optional features include an outside shower and exterior stereo speakers.

The R-Vision division aggressively enters the fifth-wheel market with the debut of the Trail-Lite fifth-wheel. The Trail-Lite fifth-wheel features four half-ton floor plans from 27 to 34 feet. The floor plans offer double and triple slide outs and four mid-profile plans with full-height ceilings. The new fifth-wheel is available with a full complement of amenities, including LCD TVs and electric awnings.

Why did RV Buddies name the Serrano 31V one of our “Best of Show” at the PRVCA in Hershey this year?”  Because it offers style, storage, floor plans and diesel fuel economy at an affordable price - a great combination in a nicely sized package!

At first glance, the Serrano has a very unique front cap – smooth, curved and aerodynamic with its attractive one-piece windshield. But glancing around the sides of the coach reveals that the curving theme continues. Yes, the side walls arch at the top of the roof-line as well. This is one wind-cutting coach!

RV Buddies looked at the 31V, one of two available layouts. Both coaches are 8' wide. If you're used to driving a wide-body, driving the narrower Serrano should be a breeze. The 31V has two slides while the 31Z has one large slide.

The full-body paint on the slick fiberglass continues the polished theme of the exterior. The three available color schemes are attractive and stylish. The European bus-style rear view mirrors further set the front end design apart. There's no other way to describe them than "really cool".

Beyond all the normal storage compartments, look closely at the rear quarters of either model. There are two large doors that reveal what is aptly called "Mega" storage. Accessible from both sides of the coach, there is more than enough room for every camping need – think grills, bicycles and other large items.

Underneath the coach lies a solid foundation in the Workhorse W20D chassis. Key components include disc brakes with ABS, the MaxxForce 7 V-8 diesel with 620 lb ft of torque, an Allison transmission, 50 degree wheel cut, Bilstein shocks and 19.5" tires and wheels.

Supplying power is a standard 6000 watt Cummins-Onan diesel generator with 50 amp shore service. Also of note are the heated and enclosed holding tanks.

Given the good looks and quality mechanicals, is it possible for the interior to live up to expectations? Stepping inside is not disappointing.

Both floor plans provide an upscale vinyl flooring which makes for practical camping, while the living, cab and rear bedroom are carpeted. Hopefully whatever dirt gets tracked in will have fallen away before settling onto carpeting. Although the 31V is just shy of 33', the interior feels much larger.

Entering amidships, the spacious feel is amazing. With the shorter exterior height, 80" ceilings don't seem possible. By the way, they are padded vinyl with a ducted air conditioning system.

The interior is well appointed. The cabinetry carries the European curve theme throughout in a very tasteful manner. Fabrics and colors are muted and promise not to go out of style the moment next year's models are introduced. The wood is available in maple or optional cherry finishes.

The coach radiates fore and aft from a central kitchen – the hub of most family environments.  Counters are solid surface with a large sink and glass-covered two burner gas range. A convection/microwave resides above with range hood built in. A simple tile treatment breaks up the solid surface from the wall giving an upscale feeling. It is subtle and unexpected in a coach of this price range. The right section of the counter pulls out with its drawers and additional counter top being revealed. The Serrano has more counter space than many larger coaches. Making real meals in this RV should be both easy and enjoyable. Completing the kitchen is a full height pantry and double-door refrigerator.

Forward of the galley are an opposing sofa-bed and "U" shaped dinette – both in leather.  The arrangement is both functional and social.  Six full-sized adults can be seated for conversation and refreshments in this living area.

Up front, two very comfortable captain's chairs, in leather to match the sofa and dinette, face a simple and functional dashboard. RV dashes vary from flat surfaces that look assembled in a neighbor's garage to aircraft cockpits, which require training to operate. The Serrano is neither of those. It is a combination of simple curves, easy to read gauges and readily accessible switches. The center stack is also clean with optional rear camera monitor and a fully-featured RV radio. Then in front of the passenger is a pull-out computer tray for doing email or navigating as co-pilot. There are also plenty of air conditioning ducts.

At first glance, the dash lacks flash and appears really simple. After living with it, it is clear that this flows with the rest of the coach – form following function – like a fine car would provide.

With the Captains' seats turned around, they join the sofa and dinette area to create a very spacious living space. In the 31V, the standard HDTV is a 32" model in a cabinet across from the kitchen that is easily viewed by all at eye level. It is pre-wired for an optional satellite dish.

Moving toward the back past the kitchen there is a full size wardrobe on the driver's side. Opposite is an entry to the self-contained bath which is located on the passenger side.  The bath has ample counter space, a ceramic toilet and full-size shower with skylight for an open feeling as well as extra light. One very unique feature is included in the bathroom mirror. Part of the reflective surface is etched away at the top so that a light can be placed directly behind it. This makes for very even illumination while using the mirror. It's also an upscale touch you would not expect in a coach at this price range. (Typically two-way mirrors hide TVs while protecting them from moisture in the bathrooms of expensive custom coaches.)

Finally, at the rear of the Serrano is a private bedroom with a queen-size bed. The design makes it look like it floats on a platform. What the two step-ups also do, however, is create the space for the "Mega" exterior storage area underneath outside. A wardrobe is in either corner, and the back wall above the headboard is covered with a mirror. It features the same treatment as the bathroom mirror for a low light in the bedroom late at night. There are also individual reading lamps for both sides of the bed.

As mentioned earlier, options are few. Leather, full body paint and a diesel generator are standard making this a fully equipped coach to begin with. A few of the key options include: Sirius radio, power driver's seat, HD satellite dish, home theater system, outdoor entertainment system and a bedroom television.

At just under 33' in length and 8' wide, the Serrano 31V goes where larger coaches just can't go. At the same time, it offers style, storage and diesel at an affordable price. That's why RV Buddies named it one of the "Best of Show" coaches in Hershey this year.