The world can look pretty good from the top of the food chain, and even
being a couple of steps down isn’t bad. There are just two models above
the new Dynasty in the Monaco Class A lineup and – despite being the
smallest in the series – the Bishop IV floorplan does a good job of
living up to its lofty position.
While smaller than the other 44- and 45-foot Dynasty models, the 39-foot
Bishop IV is built on the same Roadmaster S-series semimonocoque
chassis as its larger brethren. Our display coach was fitted with the
optional 500-hp Cummins ISM engine ($30,380), but for those who don’t
need the extra stump-pulling power, the standard powerplant is the
425-hp Cummins ISL engine. Both are mated to an Allison 3000MH six-speed
transmission. An array of 10 air bags and 10 shock absorbers make up
the suspension while front discs and rear drums with ABS provide
stopping power. Automatic traction control helps reduce drive-wheel spin
on slippery surfaces.
A stroll around the outside reveals the usual Class A features,
including smoothly integrated compartment doors concealing pass-through
basement-style spaces and grouped services such as a shore hookup
utility compartment.
The interior décor and materials set the luxury stage with the
optional natural cherry woodwork ($5,754) that displays a lot of grain
character, passenger-side leather furniture ($1,106) and tile flooring
throughout the living area ($1,050). Overhead there’s a tasteful
wood-trimmed decorative element.
A simple but effective dash faces the driver, who in turn
enjoys a great view out of the Panaview one-piece windshield. The large
dual slideouts up front include a familiar arrangement of a sofa bed and
dinette streetside and another sofa bed and the galley curbside. The
woodwork is so warm and interesting-looking that it really adds to the
residential feel of the area. At TV time, the optional 37-inch flat
screen ($3,507) swings down from its in-ceiling storage spot and is fed
by the standard home-theater system or the optional in-motion satellite
system ($2,618). It’s kind of nice that the main TV is hidden when not
in use.
Likewise, the homestyle refrigerator ($1,050) bumps the galley
quality up several notches. Solid-surface countertops with integrated
sinks and residential faucet hardware further improve the kitchen’s
appeal. The compact-seeming dinette expands to accommodate an extra pair
of diners who can sit on the collapsible chairs, which match the
standard two chairs and are stored under the bed when not in use.
Bishop IV users have plenty of power to handle all of the
motorhome’s accessories. From the optional 12.5kW AC generator ($3,360)
and solar panel setup ($1,617) to the 2.8kW inverter and quad
house-battery package there’s always enough juice for your goodies.
Farther back, the walk-through split bath has the toilet and
vanity sink in a curbside enclosure facing the large, rectangular
shower. There’s a pocket door to isolate the bath and bedroom suite from
the front of the coach. While the toilet enclosure vanity and sink are
the only such facilities in the coach, there’s enough standing space to
not feel cramped.
The shower is large enough to accommodate most full-size users.
Darker-shade hardware is a different cosmetic touch than the chrome or
brass look we’re accustomed to. We found there’s also dressing room to
spare in the open floor space between the queen bed and curbside dresser
unit, both of which are in slideouts. Across the aft wall there’s the
usual wardrobe and a separate washer/dryer cabinet housing the optional
stacked Maytag units ($1,778). For entertainment, there’s also an
optional 26-inch LCD TV in the bedroom ($735).
A look in the wardrobe reveals the main circuit breaker box and
fuse panel center, which neatly organizes these functions into an
unobtrusive location. Another great bedroom feature is the optional
See-Vision with monitor ($3,080), which ties into the backup camera and
side-mounted cameras visible to the driver. A small TV monitor near the
bed allows a look around the outside of the coach while lying in bed.
It’s handy for security-challenged areas.
All told, the Bishop IV offers the high-end features a buyer
wants in a package that’s aesthetically pleasing and very functional.
