VIEW EXECUTIVE PHOTO GALLERY

by Rich Johnson

Those who leave behind houses stuck to concrete foundations in favor of a home on wheels, regardless of how long, don’t do so in an attempt to escape the comforts and conveniences of the more traditional residence. Whatever their reasons for hitting the road in a motorhome, the universal desire is to continue enjoying as much comfort and convenience as possible while traveling. Which is exactly why people buy coaches like the new 2002 Executive. Although there are more expensive coaches at the extreme upper end of the Monaco line, the Executive doesn’t leave much out in the way of luxury and convenience.

For 2002, the Executive incorporates even more of life’s comforts than ever before. Just back from our sneak preview road test of the 2002 model, we’re here to tell you that life on the road with this coach is a very fine experience. Monaco has added some new niceties that raise the already terrific standard of living even a little higher.

Take, for example, the new legless dinette table. Eliminating the legs may seem like a small matter, but the improvement in day-to-day life is significant. No more catching a toe on the table leg as you’re walking past, no more banging a knee when scooting the chair up at meal time, no more obstacle for the vacuum cleaner to have to negotiate, and a much more convenient design for moving the dinette chairs in and out. This is one of those small design changes that everyone will appreciate.

The dinette area has received another addition that is very useful – 10-inch-deep cabinets that run along the curbside wall from just below window level all the way to the floor. These cabinets are topped with a broad solid surface material that mimics the elegance of polished granite, identical to the surfaces on the dinette table and the kitchen countertop.

The bedroom also features matching solid surface countertops on the dresser across from the bed, as well as on the night stands. And, of course, the bathroom (both of them) also have the same solid surface countertops, lending an artistic continuity to the entire coach.

Another little change that means a lot is the expansion of the overhead cabinets above both the sofa and bedroom slideout. Deeper and slightly lower, these cabinets are now more user-friendly and functional. Speaking of storage, the drawers throughout the coach even got an upgrade to new ball-bearing slides. A clever new storage area is found beneath the second entry step at the front of the coach, where a plastic bin offers a handy place for small items that may be needed in a hurry when working around the outside of the coach.

Those are just a few of the many upgrades to the standard equipment list of the new Executive, and they demonstrate that the design department is continually thinking up new ways to improve on an already excellent model. Beyond the small design changes, there are some major upgrades to the 2002 model as well, including the powertrain for example. Also, for 2002, the Executive is powered by the Cummins ISL 370-horsepower diesel engine and the Allison 3000 MH transmission standard (40-foot models only). The ISM 500-horsepower engine with Allison 4000 MH transmission is standard in 42’ and 43’ models, optional in 40’ models. We tested acceleration as we throttled up from a standing start to freeway cruising speed to merge with traffic, and found the performance just fine for this size of coach. The transmission shifts effortlessly through the gears, keeping the engine RPM always in a happy range for power production.

As a driver, I was delighted to have a Trip Tek Message Center on the dashboard (integrated into the Panasonic Rear Vision System) to tell me everything I needed to know about the engine operation while simultaneously monitoring the traffic behind us. Not only could I keep an eye on such factors as engine and transmission temperature, turbo-boost pressure, and such, but the display also delivered a constant readout of trip-related information. I could instantly know our fuel economy (we enjoyed a steady 8 mpg on level highway at 65 miles per hour), and the trip average, the number of hours traveled, along with the number of miles covered, and the number of miles we could still travel with the fuel that remained in the tank. As it turns out the Trip Tek is something new for the Executive in 2002, and a very handy instrument it is.

For the driver, the Executive is a delight. The steering wheel has integrated controls for the headlights, windshield wipers and washer, as well as for the cruise control, allowing the driver to concentrate on the road ahead instead of searching for these fundamental controls. The gauges are nice and bright, making them easy to read. The large sideview mirrors, each comprised of three separate and adjustable mirrors, allows the driver to see everything along both sides of the coach, from ground level to roof level with a wide-angle view. And, of course, the rearview monitor provides an excellent picture of the area directly behind the coach.

Drivers don’t all come in the same size, so Monaco has included a wonderful system for adjusting the height of the brake and throttle pedals. Together with the 6-way adjustable seat and the tilt/telescoping steering wheel, there is virtually no driver who will be unable to find a perfect fit in the pilot’s position. On the floor, to the left of the steering column, is the Jake Brake pedal, positioned so the driver can easily activate the exhaust brake when its deceleration power is needed.

With all this, and everything else Monaco has done to the 2002 Executive, I have to say that this is one fine coach to drive. The powerful Roadmaster chassis with its air suspension system makes this motorhome rock-steady on the highway. There is no swaying or fighting the wheel, even when 18-wheelers fly by in close proximity, or when there is a strong wind. The Executive just seems to shrug it all off and keep on going.

When we had a long stretch of open 4-lane with no traffic around, we conducted a series of “emergency lane change” tests, to see just how stabile the Executive is when thrust into a simulated emergency situation. At 70 miles per hour, I threw the wheel over hard, as if I had to immediately change lanes to avoid a disaster. As you might imagine, the trick isn’t only to get out of the original lane, but to control the maneuver so you settle safely in the adjoining lane without losing control. Thanks to the air suspension and the Bilstein shocks, as well as to a generally well-balanced rig, the big coach performed this feat flawlessly. After a little practice, to get the feel of the vehicle, I have to admit that I’d rather face an emergency lane change in an Executive than in an SUV.

But not all RV travel can be done on a wide open highway. There are times when the path leads across the battleground of city streets. To prove the Executive’s capability in that environment, we snaked through stop-and-go traffic, negotiated intersections, and worked our way along narrow byways that kept the sideview mirrors and rearview monitor in active use. I grew to appreciate the fact that even a 40-footer can turn a nice, tight corner without any trouble. What it all comes down to is that this is coach that will bring a smile to the driver’s face.

The Executive is a lovely place to live while on the road – perhaps even nicer than what was left behind sitting on a concrete foundation. Rope lighting around the entry steps and within the transparent handrail adds a delicate touch to interior illumination right from the moment you step inside. But it only gets better from there. Overhead is a mirrored ceiling in a recess that is beautifully trimmed with a two-tone suede material, with more rope lighting calling attention to the ceiling recess. Softly upholstered window lambrequins complement the rest of the interior décor, as the large, radiused windows bring the outdoor scenery right inside. Solid hardwood overhead cabinets run the full length of the living room, providing storage space for a lot of items. Across from the convertible sofa is a table/desk that conceals a storage cabinet beneath. Electrical outlets in both 120-volt AC and 12-volt DC are right at hand for plugging in a computer, tape recorder, or what have you. The desk is flanked by a recliner chair on one side, and the co-pilot seat swivels around to add a second chair to the arrangement. This would make a great place to engage in an evening of cribbage.

All Monaco kitchens are nice, but this one features a slideout pantry across from the gigantic 4-door refrigerator/freezer. And I loved the glistening Kitchen Aid 2-burner stove, covered by a solid surface countertop insert. The large double sinks are also covered in like manner, which greatly enlarges the usable countertop space during meal preparation. Naturally, there’s an over-counter convection /microwave oven to take care of those styles of cooking not performed on the range. A pair of very large and deep drawers beneath the refrigerator complement the rest of the copious storage in the galley.

Aft of the kitchen is a hardwood, raised-panel pocket door that slides across and latches securely to provide a comfortably solid privacy barrier between the kitchen and the bathroom. Tile flooring extends from the kitchen and dinette all the way back through the bathroom. Actually, there are two bathroom areas – the main one featuring the beautiful glass and brass enclosed shower beneath a large skylight, as well as a wonderfully large vanity with solid surface countertop and sink. Above the sink is a 2-door, beveled mirror medicine cabinet, and above that a 6-bulb vanity light fixture. Plenty of storage space is available in the cabinet below the sink. In the separate commode room is the toilet, another sink with storage below and another mirrored medicine cabinet and vanity light fixture. The layout of the bathroom is most convenient and allows total privacy for more than one person at a time to use the various facilities.

The master bedroom is only a step away from the main bath area, and could be termed a master suite. Beneath the bed, which lifts on pneumatic struts, is a large storage area that conceals a safe for valuables. Nightstands flank the head of the bed, each elegantly topped with solid surface material that matches all the countertops throughout the coach. Maximum use of storage space has been made in the bedroom, with cabinets in every possible location. A dresser across from the bed, and a 51/2-foot wide wardrobe that spans the rear wall of the coach provide more than enough capacity for clothing. In the starboard rear corner, a laundry center stands ready to keep the clothes fresh no matter how long you’re on the road.

Entertainment is available throughout the Executive, with a Sony 20-inch Vega flat screen TV in the bedroom and a 24-inch unit above the cockpit. Both allow for the use of either DVD or VCR players, and the Sony home theater system delivers excellent sound quality to the listeners. And speaking of listening, there is an 8-disc CD player that accompanies the AM/FM radio, so you can enjoy broadcast programming or your choice of music as you travel. One option that can be ordered is an outside entertainment center that is stored below floor level in a slideout compartment, so you can sit under the awning and enjoy the fresh air while still enjoying a movie or music with more friends than you could possibly invite inside. A great way to throw the RV version of a patio party by the lake!

What all this adds up to is a realization that when you hit the road in your Executive, you won’t have to leave the comforts and conveniences of home behind. You can still invite newly found friends over for an entertaining evening. And just think... you don’t even have to mow the lawn!

Rich Johnson is a freelance writer based in the Pacific Northwest. He has 23 years experience as a professional editor with several automotive and RV publications, including Trailer Life and Motorhome.