K-2 VS K-3 Chassis

[DSL417]

Originally Posted by Avspaces

The '15 LADP is on the Freightliner SL chassis similar to the '14 Essex option. Engine is the cummins ISX15 Diesel with 600HP and 1950 lb/ft torque. Same as the KADP and ES Cornerstone. Allison 4000MH six-speed trans. ZF 20K LB Front axel. Just configured a '15 LADP and it was $15K Retail more than a Cornerstone with almost every conceivable option including a $12K upgrade to the Girard Nova awnings. Much better value IMHO.

These are all great inputs to the uninitiated. I would expect the KA to be the soundest undercarriage as you are paying for it as well as the added weight carrying capacity. Not sure which one you mean is the greater value for the dollar...I do know that I like Saprtan chassis better than Freightliner, but...I like the multitude of floor plans available with London Aire. In any event, I wonder if we'll be able to see pictures, color choices, specification, etc on either line before January next year:(

[loisjop]

Originally Posted by DSL417

Thanks...there you go...dad gum mechanical engineers...versus us fluid engineers. You probably made more money than I did as well.

[Avspaces]

I think the LADP is a better value than the Cornerstone. The KADP is worth the money if you want/can afford it. I am disappointed that the LADP is not on a Spartan chassis but if you look at the difference between the K3 on the KADP and the Cornerstone, not all chassis created equal. I know Newmar wouldn't release a luxury model like the LADP on a freight liner chassis if they didn't feel it was up for the job, especially with the ISX15 in the back.

[Avspaces]

Originally Posted by DSL417

These are all great inputs to the uninitiated. I would expect the KA to be the soundest undercarriage as you are paying for it as well as the added weight carrying capacity. Not sure which one you mean is the greater value for the dollar...I do know that I like Saprtan chassis better than Freightliner, but...I like the multitude of floor plans available with London Aire. In any event, I wonder if we'll be able to see pictures, color choices, specification, etc on either line before January next year:(

What specs are you interested in on the LADP. I might have the answers you seek.

[FlyingDiver]

FYI - King Aire is KGDB, not KADP. KA is Kountry Aire.

Not sure if the "new" London Aire is LADB or LADP. The original (on the old K3 Chassis) was LADB.

[Avspaces]

Thanks for the 411. I will make sure to update my vocabulary. :-)

[jd956jd956]

Noticed the London Aire on Freightliner chassis with the 600hp Cummins has "1680 cubic inch, side mounted radiator" while the Essex on Spartan chassis has "1891 square inch" side mounted radiator with same engine. Is this a significant difference??? (Numbers from each chassis-maker website)


Jeff on Lake Conroe
1997 American Eagle
2013 FJ Cruiser 4x4 Toad

[DieselTech39]

Originally Posted by Avspaces

I know Newmar wouldn't release a luxury model like the LADP on a freight liner chassis if they didn't feel it was up for the job, especially with the ISX15 in the back.

Follow the money!!

[DSL417]

Originally Posted by Avspaces

What specs are you interested in on the LADP. I might have the answers you seek.

I have the build sheet...I am just frustrated about the web sites for both company's. Seems if you can sell them, you ought to be able to see what the offering is.

[slabman]

Sorry to mess with your evaluations, Dave. I know you are pulling your hair out, trying to figure the best bang for the buck. And you don't want to leave any detail uncovered, lest you'll get mad at yourself after the purchase. I used to have my own rule....do NOT buy anything at a show. But when we walked into this Essex at the Tampa Show, the wife sat in the new L-shaped LR couch and said "Gee, I could see myself in this one"....or something to that effect. Of course, my radar turned up and I got to thinking maybe this one is worthy of breaking my rule, for certainly if I passed this one up she'd lose interest after we walked away. I thought I knew most of what was in this coach and how it worked, but found out later how many things I had to give up compared to my old one. Still, I do love the way Newmar works their business....the service, support and communication is surprisingly good from dealer to factory to customer.

Unfortunately, all these coach builders use the same or similarly-built components which are not really that well designed and built....mainly due to competitive pressure from that big country we buy so much from. So the mfr. is faced with a decision of either building it right and it may not sell or....build it cheap and hope not too many come back under warranty. And we, as consumers, certainly hope we don't get some of those in the coach we just bought. Such has been the case with my first months' ownership and I certainly hope more of this stuff begins to perform as intended, for I certainly don't want to live at the dealership. My two day research project at two dealerships helped verify the decision I made and hope you can come to grips with what is best for you, Dave.

[FlyingDiver]

Originally Posted by FlyingDiver

Not sure if the "new" London Aire is LADB or LADP. The original (on the old K3 Chassis) was LADB.

I just saw a reference to the new London Aire on a price sheet. It's LADP. So at least there's that differentiation.