2004 ksdp 3905

[Maddawgs]

Hi,
I looked at one of these yesterday and I'm kind of confused. This coach has a 2003 Spartan MM (MountainMaster?) chassis (this is on the sticker behind the driver's seat) with a Cummins 330hp engine. I have the brochures for the 2003-2005 model years and the Spartan is not listed as an option until 2005. Are there any known issues or problems with this 2003 chassis engine combination? I'm assuming it a 2003 chassis with a 2004 body. This KountryStar looks and feels new and only has 5600 miles on it. Any info would be appreciated.
Thanks, Todd

[bigskymt]

The Mountain Master is the ISC Cummins 330 HP. (MM GT was ISB). We have '04, KSDP 3904 Freightliner/Cat. I'm impressed by Newmar fit and finish as well as factory support.
I also noticed the Spartan was not offered until 2005.
NADA lists anything over 37' in '05 was a Spartan Chassis. They also show in '03&'04 the 3905 as a Freightliner w/330hp (3904 also 330HP).

[GaryKD]

Hi Maddawgs,
We have an 05 KSDP on a Spartan MM chassis with the ISC 330 HP engine. There are a couple of things I would recommend you do.

1. Drive the coach. Not just down to the next exit on the interstate. Drive it at your interstate cruising speed until a truck or two passes you. Drive it on some two lane roads. Drive it on roads with undulations. Determine if you like how it handles. It cost me over $8K of my money to get the Spartan MM chassis squared away, so it handling is acceptable to me.

2. The engine may qualify for Cummins recall campaign 926. Avoid this campaign. Do not let anyone install the after treatment device on the exhaust system.

3. Listen for a cracked exhaust manifold. Have it checked out. The ISC engine is noted for this.

Being an 04 you, most likely, have the green coolant. That will need to be changed immediately. Green coolant requires SCA checking once a year. Consider flushing all the green out and replacing it with Extended Life Coolant (red). With the red coolant, there is no need to check the SCA level and it is good for 6 years (with a quart of extended added at 3 years). The green coolant needs to be replaced every 3 years and requires an annual SCA check.

Don't forget the generator. Do the same for it as you do for the engine.

Other than that, I have 64K miles on my 05 with only routine maintenance.

["007"]

Welcome Maddawgs to the Newmar forum & irv2.
Check things out as Gary said with that low mileage you almost have a new coach.
Check the MFG date on tires and good luck in your quest.
Enjoy the forum and do post with questions.

[Maddawgs]

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigskymt The Mountain Master is the ISC Cummins 330 HP. (MM GT was ISB). We have '04, KSDP 3904 Freightliner/Cat. I'm impressed by Newmar fit and finish as well as factory support. I also noticed the Spartan was not offered until 2005. NADA lists anything over 37' in '05 was a Spartan Chassis. They also show in '03&'04 the 3905 as a Freightliner w/330hp (3904 also 330HP).

Hi Bigskymt,
Is there any difference between the ISC and the ISB?
Todd

[Route 66]

ISB = 5.9 liters

ISC = 8.9 liters and more HP and torque

[Maddawgs]

Quote:

Originally Posted by GaryKD Hi Maddawgs, We have an 05 KSDP on a Spartan MM chassis with the ISC 330 HP engine. There are a couple of things I would recommend you do. 1. Drive the coach. Not just down to the next exit on the interstate. Drive it at your interstate cruising speed until a truck or two passes you. Drive it on some two lane roads. Drive it on roads with undulations. Determine if you like how it handles. It cost me over $8K of my money to get the Spartan MM chassis squared away, so it handling is acceptable to me. 2. The engine may qualify for Cummins recall campaign 926. Avoid this campaign. Do not let anyone install the after treatment device on the exhaust system. 3. Listen for a cracked exhaust manifold. Have it checked out. The ISC engine is noted for this. Being an 04 you, most likely, have the green coolant. That will need to be changed immediately. Green coolant requires SCA checking once a year. Consider flushing all the green out and replacing it with Extended Life Coolant (red). With the red coolant, there is no need to check the SCA level and it is good for 6 years (with a quart of extended added at 3 years). The green coolant needs to be replaced every 3 years and requires an annual SCA check. Don't forget the generator. Do the same for it as you do for the engine. Other than that, I have 64K miles on my 05 with only routine maintenance.

Hi Gary,
Thanks for all the info. What mods did you need to make? I plan on test driving it in about two weeks. I'll be doing at least a 60 mile test drive covering both highway and residential streets so I shouls get a good feel for the handleing. This is a 2 slide model so I'm thinking that the balance should be pretty good. One thing I did notice was that the exhaust pipe that you could see when the battery compartment door is open seem to be severly rusted. I don't know if that is normal for a 7 year old coach. This would be my first diesel of any kind (and first motorhome) so I'm not sure what a cracked manifold would soundlike. I have read a lot on these blogs so I know to get the coolant changed. The first real shakedown trip would include a visit to the nearest Speedco for a full fluid change and analysis.

[Maddawgs]

Quote:

Originally Posted by "007" Welcome Maddawgs to the Newmar forum & irv2. Check things out as Gary said with that low mileage you almost have a new coach. Check the MFG date on tires and good luck in your quest. Enjoy the forum and do post with questions.

Hi 007,
Thanks for the welcome. I've been lurking and learning for several months. The tires are original to the chassis and although I could see no cracks they were discolored (brownish areas). Yes body/house wise this is pretty much a new coach. Everything is tight, all outside compartment doors open and close with good resitance, and a good wash and wax would bring the "masterpiece" paint back to showroom condition. Ther is no "dark paint" so no cracks.On the inside there is almost no wear on the furniture or floors, all cabinets look and work like new, the stove top and convection oven look like they have never been used. I noticed that you're in the Nor'easter's club. Would you know of any qualified house and chassis inspectors in the Mass, Conn, RI area? I've looked everywhere and can't seem to find anyone. The seller is offering a 30 day 100% fix or replace but it would be nice to know of any issues prior to purchase.
Thanks, Todd

[Maddawgs]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Route 66 ISB = 5.9 liters ISC = 8.9 liters and more HP and torque

Hi Route 66,
Thanks for the fast reply. A 3L difference has got to be better. Is the 5.9L the same one they put in the Dodge trucks?
Thanks, Todd

[Route 66]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Maddawgs Hi Route 66, Is the 5.9L the same one they put in the Dodge trucks? Thanks, Todd

Yes, the same basic engine.

[Maddawgs]

Hi Eveyone,
Thank you all for the replies. You have given me a lot of informtion. I should let you know that this probably won't be the coach we buy (unless it is around in 6 months). We are currently in what I would call the "seriously looking" phase where we start test drives. We won't be ready to buy until around March. I will be financing so we are trying to build up a good down payment. Of the coaches that I like for top quality that we can afford the Newmars are our first choice. Our plan is to buy our last coach first, go with the best quality and drop back in years to find affordabilty. I'm finding that in the 100k range there are a lot of 2003-2005 coaches to be found. Ant way, I just wanted to say thanks, this is a great site with a lot of helpful people.
Todd

[GaryKD]

Hi Todd,
The mods I made to the chassis were:
1. Howard Precision Steering System (a steering stabilizer)
2. Anti sway bar (This is a really large sway bar.)
3. Air bag restrictors.

Prior to that I had all the basic adjustments done by Spartan. This included:
1. Air bag pressure
2. Ride height
3. Two axle alignment (front and rear)

["007"]

Todd, Newmar dealerships are hard to find in N.E. area but this link can find some that can check out Spartan chassis.
Arlington RV was a Newmar dealer and Dave's RV in CT. is a Newmar dealer plus you have a Newmar dealer list in sticky above..
If you go to Quick Tips & Mods link below some Spartan info on coaches and the Spartan forum may answer your questions plus you have some members here that are up on the Spartan chassis's.

[Maddawgs]

Hi 007,
Thanks for the info. I had done pretty much that same search and got pretty much the same results. One of the links is the seeler. I have checked the quick tips section and there is a lot of great info there. I also lurk on the Cummins and Spartan boards a few times a week. There is a lot of good information on these boards. I think what I'll end up doing is try to work out something with seller where I could bring it to a Cummins/Spartan shop for a pre purchase inspection.
Being from this area would you know of any other Massachusetts rv insurers other than Progressive. I have been searching for several months and they're the only ones I can find and like Harry Stamper said in Armaggedon, "that's not a choice, it's a lack of options". Again thank you for the info and your help.
Todd