Prevost XLII Monarch Summit

Bus conversions are considered the piece de resistance of the motorhome industry, the
epitome of technological superiority and luxury. Known for their elegant exterior profiles,
world-class touring capabilities and sumptuous living accommodations, these stunning
coaches are a personal statement that one has achieved a level only inhabited by a lucky
few. Several years ago, Country Coach, of Junction City, Oregon, set out to redesign its
bus conversions to rival and compete against the top converters in the country. In doing
so, the company paid close attention to input from customers and dealers of highline
products such as Buddy Gregg Motor Homes. Along the way, it also lined up some of the most
innovative features and systems in the industry. A graphic example of Country Coach’s
reinvigorated conversion process is the 45-foot Monarch Summit floorplan. A skillful
melding of both form and function — and decked out with $81,725 worth of options — the
bottom line on this extraordinary coach totals an almost surreal price of $1,420,395.
Country Coach conversions begin with a new Prevost LeMirage XLII double-slide bus shell,
built by Prevost Car of Sainte-Claire, Quebec, Canada. These shells possess impeccable
structural integrity and make an excellent foundation on which to build the ultimate in
motorhomes. To get a sense of the power and adeptness of the coach, we motored around some
challenging surface streets, ranging from open parkways to areas that were seriously under
construction. With its independent front suspension, the coach handled like a unit half its
size. Decor, fixtures and appliances can only be described as “understated elegance.” Most
buyers who pre-order their coaches will be able to work with Country Coach decoration and
design experts, and have a hand in choosing fabrics, counter surfaces, cabinetry and other
amenities. Bus-style motorhomes such as Country Coach’s 45-foot Prevost conversion may not
be to everyone’s taste, but it’s a top-notch way to travel if you can afford it. Built with
a host of electronic amenities, lush decor treatments and a commercial chassis and
powertrain estimated to last two million miles, it’s like having your own private railroad
car — only you are the engineer, and can go wherever you wish. For details and full test
impressions on the Prevost XLII Monarch Summit, pick up the November 2005 issue of
MotorHome magazine on the newsstand — then subscribe to MotorHome so you can
stay informed on the latest motorhome tests, previews, technical information, products,
travel destinations and more.