King Aire Test Drive

cwg · 02-19-2008, 04:07 PM

As Paul has written previously, he and Jill are looking at the possiblity of purchasing a new King Aire. So today the Three Amigos gathered together and went for a pretty good test drive up I-75. Paul wanted some input from those who have a K-2 chassis to see the response and handling of a K-3, and, of course, the extra 100 horsepower.

This was our second test drive for a King Aire, all courtesy of Northtrail RV in Fort Myers. The first one occured several weeks ago on secondary roads and did not include the higher speeds of the interstate. John was absent on that one. Paul wanted another objective test which would include weaving in and out of traffic on the superslab, plus pure acceleration and torque response.

This is how I call it, and the two tests resulted in the same feeling for me (the other amigos can report their own subjective observations):

The extra weight of the coach is not felt; the ride is translated into a very smooth transition down the road. Ken Williamson from Newmar had previously remarked that it is surprising how well the extra poundage moves...the larger UVW helps smooth out the road bumps and bridge strips.

The 600 hp Cummins was the real performer. Entering a ramp to enter the interstate is much quicker and the rig was sooner up to speed for merging. None of us were expecting the difference in acceleration at nearly any point in the torque band...this is not a dragster, no 45 foot rig is, but there is a perceptible difference from the ISM 500.

There is so much to like about the KingAire.... with little downside. John decided to use discretion and not pilot it, knowing these test drives can be very contagious. He chose to observe from the passenger side of the equation.

I say full speed ahead, Paul and Jill.

cwg · 02-19-2008, 04:07 PM

As Paul has written previously, he and Jill are looking at the possiblity of purchasing a new King Aire. So today the Three Amigos gathered together and went for a pretty good test drive up I-75. Paul wanted some input from those who have a K-2 chassis to see the response and handling of a K-3, and, of course, the extra 100 horsepower.

This was our second test drive for a King Aire, all courtesy of Northtrail RV in Fort Myers. The first one occured several weeks ago on secondary roads and did not include the higher speeds of the interstate. John was absent on that one. Paul wanted another objective test which would include weaving in and out of traffic on the superslab, plus pure acceleration and torque response.

This is how I call it, and the two tests resulted in the same feeling for me (the other amigos can report their own subjective observations):

The extra weight of the coach is not felt; the ride is translated into a very smooth transition down the road. Ken Williamson from Newmar had previously remarked that it is surprising how well the extra poundage moves...the larger UVW helps smooth out the road bumps and bridge strips.

The 600 hp Cummins was the real performer. Entering a ramp to enter the interstate is much quicker and the rig was sooner up to speed for merging. None of us were expecting the difference in acceleration at nearly any point in the torque band...this is not a dragster, no 45 foot rig is, but there is a perceptible difference from the ISM 500.

There is so much to like about the KingAire.... with little downside. John decided to use discretion and not pilot it, knowing these test drives can be very contagious. He chose to observe from the passenger side of the equation.

I say full speed ahead, Paul and Jill.

CSX4350 · 02-19-2008, 05:14 PM

What is the UVW of a KADB?

If you buy one Paul, just know that I hate you....

cwg · 02-19-2008, 05:30 PM

It is between 44,400 lbs and 44,700 lbs depending on which floorplan is chosen, according to Newmar.

Don't hate him, just call him King Paul in his King Aire!

**Route 66** · 02-20-2008, 02:47 AM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Paul wanted another objective test which would include weaving in and out of traffic on the superslab </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Paul, being from New Jersey, would have a special interest in this ability.

Lane · 02-20-2008, 02:51 AM

I went along for the ride just because the other two amigos sometimes need adult supervision. But the KADP got my attention very quickly - smooth, quiet, comfortable, powerful are just some of the adjectives I would use to describe it. I opted not to drive because the last time I test drove a coach I bought one. That history cannot be repeated plus I already had a big fall this week.

Lug_Nut · 02-20-2008, 03:59 AM

Hmmmmmm........I wouldn't know. I didn't get invited to the test flight.

Peter

rebelsbeach · 02-20-2008, 04:04 AM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Lug_Nut:
Hmmmmmm........I wouldn't know. I didn't get invited to the test flight.

Peter </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Guess they figured the "mixologist" wasn't needed, based on the open container laws in the Florida Vehicle Code....

Lane · 02-20-2008, 04:21 AM

Just felt and heard the sonic boom from the space shuttle and then watched the landing. Got flashbacks to yesterday's test drive.

Jetsmania · 02-20-2008, 06:32 AM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Just felt and heard the sonic boom from the space shuttle </div></BLOCKQUOTE>
Hi! I was wondering what that was this morning.

I thought I was having flashbacks to when John smoked a car on 41 passing him on a 2 lane highway with his coach!

Paul

Jetsmania · 02-20-2008, 06:37 AM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">I didn't get invited to the test flight. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>
Hi Peter! HUGE MISTAKE.

I blew that one. We would have been able to have the best input of all from you! Sorry Amigos, but Peter is better at technical than the three of us together!

Well add that one to the misadventures of the 3 Amigos (er,stooges) Paul

rebelsbeach · 02-20-2008, 05:28 PM

Paul, I have to admit I was perplexed at why the mixologist wasn't "in" on that trip.... You can put what technical knowledge the three invalids have between you in one of Peter's cup holders!!

Being our resident techie mixologist, Peter would've been one of my first calls..... for before AND after the test drive!

Jetsmania · 02-21-2008, 08:18 AM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">I have to admit I was perplexed at why the mixologist wasn't "in" on that trip </div></BLOCKQUOTE>
Hi! So was I. As I said before I just plain forgot. John could have picked him up and bought him with him. It was a last minute thing that I messed up.

So you guys can just keep piling it on.

BOB, check your voicemails! Paul