Spartan vs Freightliner

[BBorgo]

Awwww, com'on Tom, just when it was gettin' real interesting.....say... what do you guys think of starting a "which oil is best" thread?

Bob

[nursecamper1]

We park 1 hour from a FL shop and 2 hours from a S shop. We still go to Gaffney, go figure. Same, same, but different.

Drive Newmar!

[botiemad]

Originally Posted by wade5979

I'm sure this has been discussed before but I am ordering a new Essex and the question has come up Spartan or Freightliner. Any feedback would be much appreciated.

Having owned both, I would prefer the Freightliner chassis simply because of the incredible number of service facilities for them vs the Sparten.

[Ga.Gator]

The pros for Freightliner are their truck dealerships usally have an RV section. Parts accessablity good. Cons they have a lock on their parts if their out of stock you can't get anywhere else not even vendor of part. Been there done that. Needed shocks called Billstein they said they had but the parts were locked by Freightliner could not sell to me. I told them I was a shop doing repairs still no sale.

[redbaron73]

Originally Posted by Ga.Gator

The pros for Freightliner are their truck dealerships usally have an RV section. Parts accessablity good. Cons they have a lock on their parts if their out of stock you can't get anywhere else not even vendor of part. Been there done that. Needed shocks called Billstein they said they had but the parts were locked by Freightliner could not sell to me. I told them I was a shop doing repairs still no sale.

Get Koni EVO for front, FSD for rears.

[Alex00]

Without trying to reignite the entire debate, my one very specific question about Freightliner v Spartan is about steering angle. For 2019 FL is listed as 52* on 43’ chassis while spartan is listed as 55*. When you do the math [WB/sin(steering angle)] the Spartan theoretically has a 2 foot smaller turning circle.

For those that have done comparison, is that the real world experience? For 2019 do the Spartans actually turn tighter than the Freightliner?

[Stuart W]

Originally Posted by Alex00

Without trying to reignite the entire debate, my one very specific question about Freightliner v Spartan is about steering angle. For 2019 FL is listed as 52* on 43’ chassis while spartan is listed as 55*. When you do the math [WB/sin(steering angle)] the Spartan theoretically has a 2 foot smaller turning circle.

For those that have done comparison, is that the real world experience? For 2019 do the Spartans actually turn tighter than the Freightliner?

You will also notice that on the exact same floor plan, example 4369. They both (FL & SP) list a different wheel base even though the two units physically measure the same. FL measures WB from center of the front hub to center of the driven hub. SP engineers calculate the center from the center of the front hub to the center point between the driven and tag axle centers. May not be your answer but hard to compare the figures.

[tom chelbana]

The Spartan chassis has better access to the engine then the FL. FL put the coolant tank right in the middle of engine opening area. Tow Haul is another Spartan feature that is great to have if you are going with a air operated brake system for your tow.
Newmar Man

[TJ]

Six pages and the Freightliner vs Spartan debate continues to roll on. Silly!

Each marque has features that some like and some don't. We've owned both and they are both quality platforms upon which to build a motorhome.

Pick the features you like and balance them against those you don't. Life is full of compromises, folks!

TJ

[redbaron73]

Why exclude the workhorse chassis? Is this thread assuming diesel is better than gas?



----after stirring the pot, RedBaron sits back to enjoy the fruits of his evil deed.

[Alex00]

I knew better than to ask. I’ll just go to the dealer with a tape measure and spin donuts for an afternoon. Like I said, wasn’t trying to re-hash. Red, I appreciate your answer. Jim, I’m sorry for poking the bear.

[redbaron73]

Originally Posted by Alex00

I knew better than to ask. I’ll just go to the dealer with a tape measure and spin donuts for an afternoon. Like I said, wasn’t trying to re-hash. Red, I appreciate your answer. Jim, I’m sorry for poking the bear.

That is actually a very good idea. If they are the same length, then the test would be the most accurate way to get the answer.

My bet is the difference is not discernable.

[NealC]

Just be careful in your test that the parameters including speed are the same as the steerable tag comes into play.

[wade5979]

Pleas don't hesitate to post your findings after your test I am just seeking all the information I can find to make my decision heck with the firestorm.