I purchased our 1997 beaver patriot motorhome used in october 3, 2006. On our maiden trip the passenger front windshield broke due to a bad front shock allowing the front of the unit to bottom out. Two months later we were traveling in arizona on I-10 and heard a thumping noise. It was the passengers front shock mount - it had torn from the frame a was hitting the frame. After call the manufacturer I was told nothing they could do, take it to a frame shop and have it re-welded on and replace the shock. Three months later traveling over loveland pass in colorado the drivers front shock mount tore from the frame and took out the front brake line going to the caliper leaving me with no front brakes. Again I was told nothing could be done by the manufacturer. I have done a internet search finding out that this has been a problem with this design and to correct it a second set of shocks were added in models after 1997 (1 shock per air bag). Others that had the problem while under warranty the factory repaired with the second set of shocks to both front and rear. I now have had to change the front tires because the shock have failed again causing the tires to cup. Monroe, bilstien and koni (shock manufacturers) won't warranty their shocks because they show that this motorhome needs 4 shocks per axle and I only have 2, so it is failing because of improper use. Monaco purchased beaver in 2000 and claims its not their problem. It is a safety, handling, braking and tire issue. One couple had their front tire blown out when the shock mount tore from the frame. Hopefully no one has been injured or killed because of this. 30,000 lbs of vehicle traveling on the highway you can't control or stop is a problem. Seems to be a product liability for monaco.
The worst 1997 Beaver Patriot problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
- Body1
- Suspension1
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Body1
- Suspension1
Recalls 2
Equipment: recreational vehicle/trailer
- What is wrong
- On certain motorhomes, fifth wheels and travel trailers equipped with norcold refrigerator cooling units model numbers 1200lr and 1200rim, these refrigerators can experience low cycle fatigue failure which can lead to the liquid solution slowly leaking from the sealed, pressurized cooling unit through a small crack.
- Risk
- If a leak occurs and the unit is continually operated, hydrogen gas may be expelled and can be ignited, resulting in a fire, possibly causing serious injury or death.
- Remedy
- Norcold will notify its customers and provide a replacement cooling unit free of charge. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact norcold service center at 1‑800‑667‑3005 or monaco at 574‑862‑7211.
Recall number 03V166000 · Recall details
Equipment: recreational vehicle/trailer: lpg systems: furnace
- What is wrong
- Vehicle description: motor homes equipped with aqua-hot heating systems, model 431-3 zone with engine loop. Fiberglass insulating material located under the burner head on the floor of the heater enclosure, can become soaked with fluids (ethylene glycol and/or diesel fuel).
- Risk
- If an electrical short occurs, a fire could result.
- Remedy
- Vehicle systems inc. Will conduct the owner notification for this campaign. Dealers will remove the insulation from beneath the diesel heating unit as well as from behind the control thermostat and air-conditioning heating element access covers.
Recall number 98V167009 · Recall details
What 1997 Beaver Patriot owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
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Questions about the 1997 Beaver Patriot
Is the 1997 Beaver Patriot reliable?
Owners have filed 1 complaint about the 1997 Beaver Patriot, fewer than a typical Patriot model year.
What is the most common problem with the 1997 Beaver Patriot?
Body and structure, with 1 complaint. Next is suspension (1).
How many recalls does the 1997 Beaver Patriot have?
2 recalls, covering equipment.
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