Monaco LaPalma for 2002 is easy to love

By Brent Peterson
Special to New RVer.com

A 2001 La Palma

I won’t say that I wasn’t secretly thrilled when the woman behind the counter recognized me as I checked in at the campground. "You’re that writer, aren’t you?" she asked.

"Sometimes," I countered, trying to be cute with the aw-shucks routine.

I’d stayed here before, putting various RVs through their paces for previous articles. She noticed the shiny 2002 Monaco LaPalma waiting outside and quickly surmised that this was surely another "business" trip.

"Well, write something nice for a change, will ya?" she said. Her two children nodded in agreement; the critics were out in full force today.

But despite the desires of my wanting public, I was already hooked — the LaPalma made it easy to love. It had proved its worth as a true road warrior by getting me out of several jams earlier that day. Just moments into the drive, an ambulance blazed through traffic, forcing me to white-knuckle an evasive maneuver deep into an uneven shoulder. I was thankful that the LaPalma didn’t come equipped with the squishy steering of some larger coaches when the Amish lady on her bike swerved into my lane to avoid a pothole; the responsiveness of the vehicle saved us both some grief. Every inch of the ABS brakes was tested when the school bus in the oncoming lane decided to suddenly halt and throw out it’s stop sign to let kids cross. Less than ten miles into the trip, and the LaPalma had already earned its stripes as a can-do vehicle.

The 36WDD model I tested performed equally well during the "non-emergency" segment of the road test. I squeezed through a few small parking lots to see how the LaPalma – and I – would perform in close quarters. Again, a surprisingly tight turning radius for a vehicle of this size kept me on the chosen path. Not bad for a 37-footer. I couldn’t resist throwing it into reverse when I saw that empty stretch of asphalt in the corner of the lot. I used the extra wide side mirrors and a backup camera and monitor to back the coach into place. Okay, it wasn’t my best effort, due more to my newness with the vehicle than anything else. But I did get a reassuring nod from the RVer across the way.

With the roadways now clear of ambulances, wayward bicyclists, and crazy school bus drivers, I was free to concentrate on the portion of the trip. But I’m not sure "driving" is the term I’d use, rather sailing was more like it. The Workhorse chassis and leaf spring suspension was doing the dirty work and keeping time behind the wheel nice and smooth.

Although many believe a diesel pusher is the way to go for any motorhome of this size, the engine didn’t appear to be working overly hard. Acceleration was about average, and had enough gettie-up not to be a liability. The unit performed well at higher speeds. Tried as I could to find a nice mountain to climb, the Indiana landscape only yielded level terrain. I’m not sure how well the 340-HP V-8 would fare against steeper grades.

It wasn’t until I pulled into camp and began piddling around the coach did I realize just how great the cockpit was. In fact, I sort of missed it. Of course, anyone shelling out the big bucks for a high-end motorhome should expect a comfortable place to drive. The LaPalma definitely delivers, helping melt the miles with multipositional seating (cockpit chairs can swing around to visit with folks in the living area), an active but uncluttered dashboard, and a host of gadgetry designed to keep your focus on the road. Sun visors deploy at the touch of a button. Electric windows and side mirrors reduce fumbling with settings while on the go (and eliminates two of my ultimate pet peeves). Temperature controls and vents are easy to use and within reach. I always appreciate cruise control when I can get it. Interestingly enough, a driver’s side door can be had as an option. The co-pilot, however, has no such luck.

Fortunately, if you should lose the fight for the keys, life is pretty good riding shotgun. The passenger’s area is one of the nicest and most functional spots I’ve found in any motorhome. There’s tons of legroom, the seat is comfortable and reclines to a pleasing angle (although somewhat blocked by the recliner behind you), and all the must-have ingredients – CD player, cup holders, and storage – are close by. At the heart of it all is an expanding workstation, which slides out of the expansive dash to provide a level surface to work, pay bills, or write the Great American novel. There’s even a 12-volt outlet, phone jack, and a standard 110-volt outlet are installed at ankle level to perpetuate the office-like atmosphere. It’s just a hunch, but something tells me the ever-changing views found here are just a tad better than those back at the your 9 to 5 gig.

A small console, with two cupholders (yes, it can fit your lucky mug), two additional 12-volt ports, and a perfect spot for sunglasses or a cell phone rests in between the driver and passenger.

By placing the 25" color television in the cockpit area, Monaco designers accomplished two very important things. For starters, it guarantees a great view from anywhere in front half of the coach. No matter where you are – preparing dinner in the kitchen, horizontal on the coach, or playing cards at the dinette – your favorite show is always within sight. But just as important, such clever placement frees up crucial storage space in other areas. In this case, a sizable pantry was the most likely benefactor.

The TV’s positioning appropriately represents what appears to be Monaco’s master plan, to never compromise the storage factor. Even the most casual of observers knows that lack of storage space is a chronic lament from RVers everywhere. From pop-up owners to those driving half-million dollar Class A’s, everyone is agreed: you can never have enough space for all one’s must-have gear. From the looks of things, the company has heard the chants of RVers everywhere.

Spacious overhead cabinets line much of the interior. Each and every room boasts at least one heavyweight compartment capable of doing the yeoman’s work – the aforementioned living room pantry, a jumbo linen closet in the bathroom, two huge wardrobes and underneath-the-bed storage in the master suite. The same commitment is seen outside. Cavernous exterior compartments house everything from golf clubs to suitcases to that set of World Book Encyclopedias (if you’re so inclined). A number of pass-through bays solve the dilemmas of where to stick fishing poles and canoe paddles. The only drawback is that compartments underneath the deployed living room slide-out are difficult to access.

Although I’m usually impressed with Monaco’s choice of colors and fabrics, I wasn’t wild about the Palm Garden color scheme. Put this in the "to each his or her own" category. Two other color designs are available, including the irresistible "Bisque" and soothing "Tea Rose." Nevertheless, the quality of the materials as well as the Western oak cabinetry is obvious, as it always is in Monaco products. Overall, the interior was very pleasant, aided by lots of windows and skylights to brighten the inside.

The star of the main living area is, of course, a monstrous, fast-moving slide-out, with a sleeper sofa and dinette and chairs along for the ride. The room is spacious and uncluttered enough that you won’t really need to deploy, but go ahead, indulge yourself. I’m also glad to report that the slide-out’s overhead cabinetry – strangely only decorative in many coaches – is fully functional.

The street-side sleeper sofa passed both tests, first as a couch, and secondly as a bed. In either state, it was big enough to support my 6’ frame, thus avoiding critical RV pet peeve number two. If I had been an inch or two taller, it might have led to the dreaded hanging feet syndrome, so keep that in mind if your NBA pals spend the night. The bed itself is plenty big for two adults and, thankfully, gone is the insomnia-producing metal bar that always seems to find my middle of my back when I’m relegated to the sleeper bed. A number of lights are within easy reach.

Those who like a little freedom in arranging their floor plans should enjoy the dinette and freestanding chairs. If you should require a little extra room – for a baby’s crib, for instance – the table folds away and the chairs can be removed altogether. The chairs are sturdy and comfortable, and Velcro to the table leg so they don’t skip town while in transit.

The leather recliner (a pricey, but oh-so pleasing option) off the entry way is the most comfortable piece of furniture in the RV. Any RV, for that matter. It turns, it rocks, it reclines – it’s like a guilty pleasure tucked in the corner of the living room. Unfortunately, the cream color is a dirt magnet and the closeness of the adjacent co-pilot chair does cramp your style somewhat, but I managed. A small, fold-up table waits eagerly nearby – a nice thought, but the area is just too congested for any added furnishings.

Although I’m more likely to cook meat du jour over the campfire, I know a nice kitchen when I see one. For most of us, it boils down to the three C’s – counterspace, cabinets, and cooking functions. The LaPalma scores well in each category. I did a double-take straight out of a Three Stooges skit when I saw the cultured marble (yes, marble) countertop. Impressive, but probably a weighty extravagance. It’s the same material used for the sink and range covers, which creates a even, luxurious feel. There are no less than nine storage compartments and cabinets – and big ones too – in the galley alone. A nearby exhaust van has settings to pull air in (on a hot day) or blow air out (to hide the evidence of that burned soufflé.)

Classic RV pet peeve number three was avoided in the galley as well, thanks to two sinks deep enough to hold a few dirty plates and pots. The double-door refrigerator is spacious, boasting many small compartments. It’s far superior to any fridge found in any of my first three apartments. The freezer with ice maker is a nice perk, and roomy enough for a pint of ice cream for every member of your crew. The convection microwave does it all and is a real space saver; a three-burner stove and oven round out the list of appliances.

A small hallway leading into the bathroom/shower area is home to the coach’s information console. While it might be overload for some, to me it’s like a trip to Disney World. What can I say, I’m entranced by blinking lights. A thermostat controls the twin air conditioners, which worked in tandem to cool down the coach in a matter of minutes on a fairly hot day. Of course, it might have worked faster had I not left all the windows open. Curious travelers also quickly learn the exact status of house and coach batteries, activate the water pump and heater, gage tank levels, and activate the slide-out. You can also keep tabs on the standard 5.0kw generator for roughin’ it. Fifty-amp service and a 1,500-watt inverter should be considered "no-brainer" options.

You thought life onboard was good before, now it gets better. Start your day off right in a cavernous glass-enclosed shower. It’s plenty tall and wide, and there’s even a ledge if you’d just like to look up through the wide skylight and wave at the passing 747’s. The sink area is small with limited counterspace, but a large medicine cabinet and storage area underneath (lacking most of the plumbing fixtures usually found there) adequately do the job. The toilet is sequestered in its own room curb-side. It’s spacious enough to avoid feelings of incarceration and yes, an obligatory storage cabinet can be found here as well.

The bedroom features the unit’s second slide-out. Although much more narrow and not nearly as deep as the living room version, its presence is far more important to make this room the private sanctuary that it is. The bed is supremely comfortable, plenty long and wide enough for two. The storage space underneath causes the mattress to sit higher, giving sleepers a kind of regal feel. A second, well-positioned TV mingles with the cabinetry directly across from the bed.

Designers used great sense is equipping this room. Not only is there a staggering amount of storage place for clothes, they even added places in the main wardrobe for shoes, and – gasp – for both him and her. There are matching ledges bedside for alarm clocks, glasses, and a good book. Controls to lighting are within reach when lying down, and there are outlets where you would expect them. A vanity area is equally useful for family photos or displaying your hard-earned bowling trophies.

The LaPalma demonstrates everything it needs to be a winner in a competitive Class A marketplace. Call it the three S’s of success – size, storage, and good sense. Designers have equipped the unit smartly and put things were they need to go. Dual slide-outs and nearly 37 feet of living space create more than enough elbow room for full-timers and families alike. And, oh that storage, the fastest way to a serious RVers heart. Believe me, it wasn’t tough to write something nice – for a change.

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Monaco LaPalma 36WDD
Engine: 8.1L V-8
Chassis: Workhorse
Storage tanks (gallons):
Fuel: 75
Fresh water: 55
Black water: 42
Gray water: 42
Water heater: 6
LP gas 33
Length: 36’6"
Exterior height: 11’9" (w/ AC)
Interior height: 78"
Exterior width: 100.5"
GVWR: 22,000 lbs.
GCWR: 26,000 lbs.
Wheelbase: 228"
Standard features: CD player/radio, cruise control, 25" TV, 13" TV, 13,500-BTU and 11,000-BTU air conditioner, 35,000-BTU furnace, in-floor ducted heating, ABS brakes, hitch receiver (rated for 4,000-pounds), winterization valving system, Onan 5.0 kW generator, power entry step, lighted exterior compartments, heated side mirrors, rear ladder, double-door refrigerator, TV antennae, mini blinds, hide-a-bed, queen-size bed, computer work station, slide-out awnings
MSRP: $115,661 (as tested)

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