2004 Signature Conquest 45' Turning Radius

[Lee Smith]

I just bought the above Signature.
I need to figure out if I can turn it onto my rural gravel driveway from the 18' wide street.
I am currently storing it an RV park while I try to figure it out.
It will be a left turn onto a 12' wide driveway with a 30' apron.
Any information on my turning radius would be greatly appreciated.
The Signature brochure states it has a 50 degree turn ability and a 278" wheelbase (I presume the drive axle not including the tag).
Thank you in advance for your help.

[bpperk]

Should be able to do it but expect to practice to be perfect. Post pictures of your rig. 

[Ivan K]

Specs for 2000 models

[Doug J]

It helps significantly if you raise the tag before the sharp turn. Reduces turning radius significantly.

[Lee Smith]

31 minutes ago, bpperk said:

Should be able to do it but expect to practice to be perfect. Post pictures of your rig. 

Picture post.

25 minutes ago, Ivan K said:

Specs for 2000 models

This is just what I was looking for.
Thank you very much.

[RIPPPA]

I’m not sure if you can drive it in and stay on the pavement. I back my 40’ from a 24’ wide street on to a 10’ wide driveway with a 20’ wide approach. It takes a couple zig zags to get lined up. Probably the only way to know is to try. 

[vito.a]

Wow, what a great find!  The Monaco Signature is a great coach.  

I think you'll be fine turning into the driveway from the far side of the street.  The challenge is when you want to back it in or out!  And then it get's even harder at night.  Like Doug said, slow way down and flip the tag lift rocker switch down (on drivers left console) before you get there as the owners manual says it takes 20 sec to lift.  You must also be under 5mph. 

Watch your rear "swing" as the overhang behind the main drive axle will swing out in sharp turns.  

From the owners manual:

TAG AXLE SWITCH:
Raises and lowers tag axle. Switch illuminates when the headlights are on.
Raise the tag axle when making sharp turns under 5 mph.
When using tag axle switch:
• Tag axle is down when switch is not illuminated.
• Tag axle is in up position when the “Function On” indicator is illuminated,
or headlights are on when the Icon is illuminated.
NOTE: DO NOT drive the motorhome over 5 MPH with the tag axle
raised. The manufacturer will not be held responsible for damage that
may occur from driving with the tag axle raised.

Edited May 4, 2022 by vito.a

[Lee Smith]

4 minutes ago, vito.a said:

Wow, what a great find!  The Monaco Signature is a great coach.  

I think you'll be fine turning into the driveway from the far side of the street.  The challenge is when you want to back it in or out!  And then it get's even harder at night.  Like Doug said, slow way down and flip the tag lift rocker switch down (on drivers left console) before you get there as the owners manual says it takes 20 sec to lift.  You must also be under 5mph. 

Watch your rear "swing" as the overhang behind the main drive axle will swing out in sharp turns.  

From the owners manual:

TAG AXLE SWITCH:
Raises and lowers tag axle. Switch illuminates when the headlights are on.
Raise the tag axle when making sharp turns under 5 mph.
When using tag axle switch:
• Tag axle is down when switch is not illuminated.
• Tag axle is in up position when the “Function On” indicator is illuminated,
or headlights are on when the Icon is illuminated.
NOTE: DO NOT drive the motorhome over 5 MPH with the tag axle
raised. The manufacturer will not be held responsible for damage that
may occur from driving with the tag axle raised.

Great advice.
Thanks.

[jfbolkovatz]

Be sure to raise the tag before entering the corner. Also the turn radius is based on tire/axel distance. Remember the front will be 4-5 ft. in front of the front axel assembly. Ours is 250 inches for a 40ft. 41',5'' actual.

[Ivylog]

Do a 2 point turn…overshoot the turn with the nose over and pointing into the ditch/grass past the driveway. Turn the wheel all the other way and backup. Now you should be able to complete the turn with plenty of room. 
I rarely raise my tag as it doesn’t make much difference.

[Lee Smith]

All of the advice and technical details are spot on.
Based on all of the information everyone provided, I went out and did a new radius review.
I have decided to do a 5' extension of my culvert and an associated apron adjustment.
Just to be on the safe side.
Thanks to all for the great help.
 

[waterskier_1]

18 hours ago, Ivan K said:

Specs for 2000 models

Not sure where you got this, but it is old.  I don't recall the last year that they made that short of coaches.  For reference, I've attached the Spec Sheet for my 2005 Exec, and you can see the wheelbase distance is different for that year.

[Ivan K]

2 hours ago, waterskier_1 said:

Yes it is old and I said that it is for yr 2000 models. Could be used for estimation. Posted it for reference until someone comes with something newer which so far hasn't happened. It came from Monaco,  see the full page if you want to know.