Looking for 98-00 Model 3865

[wagatlen]

We are searching for a 98-2000 Model 3865 Pusher. We must have one with a driver door. We like the kitchen behind the driver and the shallow slide.

I would like to hear from owners about which chassis is the best, Spartan or Freightliner and I know that is opening a can of worms but a pro and con of each would be appreciated.

Any information on mileage to be expected at 60-65 miles per hour would be appreciated.

Also, any pros or cons on this model if you have the time.

Thanks for any info you can provide.

[Romeo]

I cant give you any real information on the best chassis because I am bias to Spartan. And that will be my next chassis. We are currently looking a couple of newer rigs for an upgrade and I am bypassing all coaches that don't have the Spartan chassis.

I can give you information on fuel mileage, however. I recently installed a SilverLeaf engine monitor and when I brought up the display it showed lifelong stats; total mileage and overall average fuel mileage of 8.5 mpg. Our engine is a Cummins 300hp.

BTW, ours has the driver door, and what I think is the best kitchen setup... kitchen on the passenger side.

Again, I am bias, but think you wont go wrong with a 38' Dutch Star.

["007"]

Bill welcome to Newmar forum. CLICK on this link when it appears than click on the Technical Reference section and than brouchers for models and years your interested in.
Most on this forum would go with Spartan and mileage would be similar on both chassis.
People lately have been picking up your year coach's in both chassis's so should get some more answers.
Good luck in your quest.

[Norm4015]

Quote:

Originally Posted by wagatlen We are searching for a 98-2000 Model 3865 Pusher. We must have one with a driver door. We like the kitchen behind the driver and the shallow slide.

A friend with a 2000 DSDP had a driver's side door and he complained about wind noise and water leaks. Just want to make you aware of that. Look very carefully for leaks and listen for wind noise when you do a test drive.

Quote:

Originally Posted by wagatlen I would like to hear from owners about which chassis is the best, Spartan or Freightliner and I know that is opening a can of worms but a pro and con of each would be appreciated.

During those years the Spartan chassis was much better than Freightliner. The Spartan chassis with a Cummins engine was a $5,500 upgrade option over the standard Freightliner chassis with a CAT engine. I had a 2000 Spartan/Cummins and a friend had a 2000 Freightliner/CAT. In 2001 we traveled together 158 days and he often complained about wind moving his motorhome around when I never felt the wind. During our travels he had to stop at Frieghliner shops three times for repairs while I never had a Spartan problem the 5 1/2 years I owned mine.

Be aware the 2000 DSDP was actually two models - an early version 2000 and a late version. During the model year Newmar made several changes and raised the price accordingly. They upgraded the tires form 255/80 to 275/80 and increased the CCC, they increased the engine horsepower from 300 hp to 330 hp, they upgraded the transmission from a MD3060 to a MH3000, and they installed a BriteTek roof. So if you are looking at a 2000 DSDP be aware of the different models - early 2000 and late 2000.

Also, the standard generator in 1998-2000 was a LP generator with two upgrades. The first upgrade was a PowerTech and the more expensive upgrade was an Onan. You do not want a LP generator and many owners had problems with the PowerTech - noisy and surging.

Quote:

Originally Posted by wagatlen Any information on mileage to be expected at 60-65 miles per hour would be appreciated.

I had a 2000 DSDP Spartan/Cummins with 300 hp and I towed a Honda CR-V. During 66,000 miles of driving I averaged 8.3 mpg using the pencil and paper method of figuring.

Quote:

Originally Posted by wagatlen Also, any pros or cons on this model if you have the time. Thanks for any info you can provide.

Good Luck