Community Forums

Rododavs59 · 12-04-2015, 11:32 AM

We are seriously looking to replace our 2006 Signature with a 2016 Essex on a Freightliner chassis. However we are hearing about chassis issues with the Freightliner specifically fan clutch problems, now yesterday we became aware of a 2016 London Air that had a coolant line let go, then the same coach discovered a severely frayed Alternator belt while fixing the coolant hose issue.
I donot know any more details of either problem, but am now thinking about a Spartan chassis. Any comments regarding Spartan versus Freightliner would be much appreciated.

Ron & Dona
Summer in Damascus, Oregon
Winter: Motorcoach Country Club Indio, California

stik · 12-04-2015, 11:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rododavs59

We are seriously looking to replace our 2006 Signature with a 2016 Essex on a Freightliner chassis. However we are hearing about chassis issues with the Freightliner specifically fan clutch problems, now yesterday we became aware of a 2016 London Air that had a coolant line let go, then the same coach discovered a severely frayed Alternator belt while fixing the coolant hose issue.
I donot know any more details of either problem, but am now thinking about a Spartan chassis. Any comments regarding Spartan versus Freightliner would be much appreciated.

Ron & Dona
Summer in Damascus, Oregon
Winter: Motorcoach Country Club Indio, California

If you are looking for a perfect chassis that NEVER has any failures or problems, you are in for a very, very, very long and unsuccessful search.

Keep in mind that what you see on most forums is reports of trouble. Hundreds of thousands of owners that have had virtually no problems don't normally post. Just sayin' . . .

JMonroe · 12-04-2015, 12:52 PM

I started a "Freightliner vs Spartan" thread quite some time ago. I had just started my research. If you'll scroll down to post 22 in that thread you'll see an update I made after our visit to Nappanee.

In a nutshell, I have specified the Spartan chassis on our London Aire order. I feel it well worth the approximately $5500 (after discount) upcharge. Freightliner has made good headway, but I in my opinion the Spartan remains the better choice.

Steve Ownby · 12-04-2015, 01:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rododavs59

We are seriously looking to replace our 2006 Signature with a 2016 Essex on a Freightliner chassis. However we are hearing about chassis issues with the Freightliner specifically fan clutch problems, now yesterday we became aware of a 2016 London Air that had a coolant line let go, then the same coach discovered a severely frayed Alternator belt while fixing the coolant hose issue.

I donot know any more details of either problem, but am now thinking about a Spartan chassis. Any comments regarding Spartan versus Freightliner would be much appreciated.

Ron & Dona

Summer in Damascus, Oregon

Winter: Motorcoach Country Club Indio, California

You will find issues on both chassis. If you look over on the Entegra forum, you will see problem after problem with radiator failures. One owner is on his 4th radiator. Several issues with rear axles. I consider the problems you list with the Freightliner to be easy fixes. Obviously should haven't happened but I'll take those over radiators anytime.

You are probably trading out of a better coach/chassis than you are getting. It may not affect the Essex line but Newmar is on the cusp of a full revolt from the Dutchstar owners regarding overloaded steer axles.

RayJr · 12-04-2015, 01:27 PM

Well if you feel better with a Spartan chassis then that's the one you should get. I just need to mention that on the 2 coast to coast trips I made in my Freightliner from NJ, without any issues, I don't ever remember seeing a Spartan chassis repair/parts center. I did see a load of Freightliner centers some open 24hrs. Good luck and Happy Trails to you!!

Rododavs59 · 12-04-2015, 01:56 PM

Thank You for your input, very much appreciated.
Ron

Rododavs59 · 12-04-2015, 02:00 PM

We have owned Monaco coaches since 1995, believe me I know nothing is perfect,
issues arise all the time. We have always had roadmaster chassis under the Monacos. I am trying to head off potential problems by doing a bit of research.

Ron

GaryKD · 12-04-2015, 02:05 PM

For me FL or Spartan is no difference. Go to Spartan Chassis to see where the authorized Spartan service centers are located. In a nutshell there are plenty of service centers (over 600). However, I'd rather make a decision on performance. For me, there is no difference. I would not pay extra for either chassis. Both will have their issues, from time to time. Neither chassis has any chronic/systemic issues. Both use industry standard parts. Both of these chassis are like toasters. They just quietly do their job each and every day. This assumes one completes the maintenance schedule and does not overload the chassis. Consider focusing on,
1. floor plan
2. will the coach carry you, your family and all your stuff
3. will the coach tow what you want to tow