2010 Phaeton Chassis selection??

[bigdomino]

Planning on ordering a 2010 42 foot Phaeton with the tag axle. Talked to Tiffin yesterday and I can not get the powerglide with the tag yet on the Phaeton. So, it is between the Freightliner and the Spartan.

I have a 2008 Monaco with a great chassis that has 8 air bags. So, I know how this one rides and handles. I am concerned that the Freightliner might not do as well and not sure about the Spartan. Dealer suggests the Freightliner. Tiffin guy said there are more repair facilities with Freightliner.

We are full timers and I want a coach that will handle and ride well. One that will hold up!

Any comments, experiences or with these chassis's????

Steve__

[wagon217]

Have had one of each. There is probably an up charge for the Spartan Chassis, as they are truly custom built. As far as service, Cummings Coachcare centers are an authorized Spartan repair facility. So I don't think service would be an issue. The tag axle will provide 6 air bags and is more stable on the turns, bumps, and handling on the road.

[bigdomino]

Which chassis did you like best and why?

[historyljc]

Steve,
This is a good question to ask over at A Part of the TiffinRVNetwork • Index page. You should have a lot of experienced people there that will chime in for you to make an evaluation.

[Raca-roni]

I've had one coach on a FL chassis and three on Spartan chassis. I would go with the Spartan hands down. A couple of things that are different are things like cooling system is larger as well as the brakes plus some other things. I've never had a problem contacting spatan for a service call etc. FL, now that's another thing.......

[Gary RVRoamer]

You can't really generalize much about Spartan vs Frieghtliner. When configured similarly, they are pretty much the same in handling and reliability. I've got a FL under my American tradition, an option that was available for a couple years on my coach. I have hada few problems that the Spartan-equipped dod not seem to have, but the Sparatans have issues that I do not. Doesn't seem to be a whole lot of difference in the bottom line.

If properly configured for the weight and length of the motorhome, either one will do a fine job.

By the way, the 8 air bags of your Monaco Roadmaster chassis are a necessary aspect of it's design, It has nothing to do with better ride or handling, despite what the salesmen like to claim. I'm not knocking Roadmaster - it's a fine chassis, but don't worry that 4 air bags might only be only half as good as 8. It just isn't so.