Mountain Aire handling

[ahrma175]

We are going to check out a 2001 Mtn. Aire MACA 3798 The wheelbase is 234" giving a 51% length to WB. According to the RV.org database it will have "difficult handling characteristics under normal driving conditions and be extremely dangerous under adverse conditions"
If anyone out there has this model I would like to hear your opinions, experience. Thanks

[Mr_D]

I always get a laugh ot of those so called "reviews". You do realize that they never even drive the vehicles, in fact in most cases they never even see the vehicle. There is no way to rate handling without actually driving the vehicle. The weight distribution alone will change the handling characteristics.

["007"]

If its on a Ford chassis of any MFG, of that period, there could be some handling problems.
It would require adding additional leaf springs or air bag system to the suspension to carry the Newmar coach box.
I had two, KS & MA that these corrections were made and the coach's were excellent for driving after.
The 37' coach's all were extended on wheel base, over hangs on any MFG coach you would have to be aware of.
The Newmars were not that troublesome as other MFG coach's I have owned.
Tail wagging the dog from passing trucks and buses can be corrected with a rear track bar on rear axle which I have had on all my coach's.
The Workhorse tracks true with hands off wheel.
Now if its on a Workhorse chassis it will be a different experience, support of coach box was excellent but that chassis had a porpoise problem and was corrected by the addition of good shocks, and there is a recall under way for new brake calipers, which I just had done yesterday.
Only cost to you maybe turning of disks and new brake pads which more than likely need to be changed.
I wouldn't give up my Workhorse for anything, but than again I'm to old to look for a new coach.

Welcome to the forum & irv2.

[Steve N Sal]

Both responses that you have already rec'd have some very valid points. You have to drive the rig to determine things for yourself. What feels comfortable and safe to you may terrify the next person. Your biggest concerns will be when loading. You have to distribute that weight evenly for a unit to handle properly. Newmar makes one HEAVY box that they put on those chassis and though CCC may be a bit light for ones liking you have to deal with that. We for one carry less water when on the road to accomodate a few other items we may want to take with us. All in all I've learned how to load and ours handles like a dream on the road and there is not one modification done to the chassis. Hope this helps a bit and wish you the best in finding the unit you can enjoy. Good Luck!

[Afubar]

I have a 1996 MA3760 with the tag. It is a dream to drive. I was at first worried how this behemoth would handle after driving a 1974 Winnebago Indian (24ft). Every time I drove that Indian, I would have white knuckles from the sway caused by passing semi's. Not so with the MA. I drive that baby with one hand on the wheel, don't know if it's the tag that makes the difference, but man is it sweet. Sure glad I didn't read the reviews, I'd have been more afraid to buy it and would have missed out on a great MH.

["007"]

Afubar, the tag was not just for carrying the extra weight of the coach box but with 6 wheels on ground pointed it as a straight arrow.

[Afubar]

"007" - Whatever the reason it's there (tag), the six wheels on the Newmar MA make it a dream to drive. The first outing, coming home, I noticed that some of the weeds beside the road where bending over, what! Wind?, never felt a thing in the MH, and that was a side wind. Later found out the wind was gusting anywhere from 20 to 35 mph. Had that been in the Indian, I'd have pulled over and waited it out.

[ahrma175]

There is no tag axle on this one.

["007"]

In case you do not have this information in brochure will give tank sizes and weights plus. Both gas & DP are in same.
This is the Owners Guide for that year.