2011 Monaco Montclair 29PBT Review

Technically, it’s a B+, but once you take the 2011 Monaco Montclair Motorhome out for a spin, you’ll give it an A+. Designed for maximum liveability, the Montclair will take you anywhere you want to go with style and versatility.

With the Montclair, it’s all about choice. With three floorplans to pick from, available in lengths of 25, 28 and 29 feet, and four exterior color themes (three of which are optional full-body paint), we’re going to be taking a closer look at the 29PBT, the largest model in the series. It measures in with an overall length of 29′ 3″, an overall height of 10′ 8″, an interior height of 82”, an interior width of 95.5” and an exterior width of 99”. It terms of weight, the Montclair has a gross vehicle weight rating of 14,500 lbs. and a gross combined weight rating of 20,000 lbs.

The Montclair is all about choice. You can go with the Ford E450 chassis that comes with a 6.8L Triton V-10 gasoline engine with sequential electronic fuel injection and 5-speed TorqShift automatic transmission with overdrive, or the Chevy 4500 chassis with Vortec 6.0L V-8 sequential fuel injection and 4-speed automatic heavy-duty transmission with electronically controlled overdrive. It’s up to you. No matter which option you go with, you get radial tires, stainless steel wheel covers, rear multi-leaf spring suspension with stabilizer bar, ABS brake system, a 12V chassis battery and an emergency start circuit.

Because the outdoors can be hard on your RV, Monaco has put up a great defence. The Montclair is built strong with fully welded tubular aluminum roof and sidewall construction, as well as fully laminated roof, walls and floors (all fitted with high-density block foam insulation). Helping cut down on wind resistance is its aerodynamic front fiberglass cap and one-piece fiberglass rear cap, and its smooth white fiberglass sidewalls ensure the rain and harsh elements slide right off. Other exterior features of note include deluxe breakaway exterior mirrors, an integrated rear bumper, exterior storage compartments with locking doors, a slide-out battery tray, a deluxe graphics package, molded interior entrance stepwell bucket, an integrated manual exterior entrance step and chassis undercoating.

Convenience is the name of the game, and in that arena, the Montclair comes up a winner. Outfitted with plenty of water and power options, this RV ensures you’ll never go without. For your water needs, it comes equipped with a 6-gallon LP gas water heater, a 12V water pump, city water hookup, a 32-gallon gray water tank, a 27-gallon black water tank and a 29-gallon fresh water tank. In terms of power, the Montclair offers a 12V auxiliary battery, 30 amp 120V distribution panel, shore line power cord, 55 amp 12V power converter, generator prep and battery disconnect switch.

Let your style run rampant in the Montclair. You can select from three stylish interior décor packages – Starburst, Sweet Escape and Autumn Trail II – to truly make this RV your own. Your decor is accented with Newport Cherry cabinetry, as well as modern overhead cabinets with square raised-panel doors that are adorned with satin nickel door pulls. Inside, you’ll also find carpet with padding, linoleum in the bathroom, galley and entryway, soft-touch vinyl ceiling and mini blinds.

While you’re driving to your destination, you’ll enjoy the ride up front in the cab. A Power Pilot Seat lets you adjust comfortably, while the in-dash AM/FM/CD stereo radio with Sirius Satellite, SD card slot, and weather band keeps you entertained along the way. Other cab conveniences include dual air bags, multi-positioned sun visors and windshield privacy curtain.

When you step into the 29PBT, you’re welcomed by the open-concept living and dining area. For your seating pleasure, you’ll find a booth dinette with hardwood frame and a leatherette hide-a-bed sofa. Enjoy your favorite shows or a movie on the 26″ LCD TV with antenna hookup.

Onto the galley that’s outfitted to offer you every convenience. Thanks to a flush-mount single-door refrigerator, a stainless steel three-burner cooktop and stainless steel half-time microwave oven, you can eat in every night. The galley also comes with a lighted power range hood and a large double bowl stainless steal kitchen sink with high-rise faucet and sprayer.

In the master bedroom, you’ll sleep soundly on a queen-sized bed that’s outfitted with a decorative headboard, bedspread and pillow. For your storage needs, you’ll find a wardrobe and a dresser. You can also choose to upgrade with a 19″ LCD TV in the bedroom.

The Montclair bathroom lets you freshen up throughout the day. It comes equipped with a shower with surround and glass door, a porcelain toilet, a stainless steel bathroom sink with satin nickel faucet and a medicine cabinet with mirror.

Popular options include a home theater surround sound system with sub-woofer, an exterior entertainment center with a CD player, radio and two speakers, a large double-door refrigerator, two sink covers, dual pane windows, an outside shower, and a 15,000 BTU air conditioner.

The 2011 Monaco Montclair 29PBT Motorhome starts in price at $105,223. For more information, visit http://www.monacocoach.com/.

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