Community Forums

mhudson · 10-29-2014, 07:42 PM

We're looking at purchasing a 05 American Tradition. If there are any items to look at specific to this MH on pre inspection please let me know. I am familiar with the basic house stuff but not with the Spartan chassis. Anything I should pay special attention to? I have found the threads about the ball joint boot problems. I'm a little nervous going from a gas chassis I could do about anything with to the Spartan. Have had various mid size diesel work trucks in the past but nothing like this! Any pointers would be greatly appreciated.
Mike

KIX · 10-29-2014, 07:52 PM

Spartan in Charlotte MI is very helpful. Suggest you get a chassis service diagram from them that shows the service points.
Other than the front ball joints we have been very pleased with our Spartan and communicating with Spartan too.

Jobert · 10-29-2014, 08:03 PM

The 05 should have the newer design front independent suspension. If it still has the balljoint IFS from pre-05, they will have to be replaced, not a matter of if, but when. Cost with alignment $2K +. Other than that, it is a very good chassis and a well put together house. We had an 03 40' 2 slide and liked it a lot. It had the 350 ISC but performed well. Hope this may help. Happy trails Bert

Gary RVRoamer · 11-03-2014, 09:36 AM

I have an '04, which is substantially the same coach but mine is on a Freightliner base rather than Spartan (they used both in 04 & 05). Very similar because of the way AC specs the chassis, but not identical.

There is a steering gear recall on most Spartan chassis. Contact Spartan with the chassis VIN to make sure it has been done if it is one of the affected coaches (I'm pretty sure it is).

A common issue with that year-range and chassis is corroded wires on a bulkhead connector mounted on the firewall. Water seeps in and corrosion interferes with the power on one or more circuits. Not really any way to eyeball it, but if there are chassis/body lights or chassis electric functions that don't seem to be working, it may be that reason rather than a fuse or bulb. Check everything for proper function.

Diesels have a lot of filters and fluids that your gas chassis did not. If you can't verify when they were last changed, plan on a substantial expense to get them all done so you have a new baseline for future service. Air dryer, oil & filter, hydraulic fluid and filter, fuel filter(s), tranny filters and maybe fluid (have a fluid analysis done first), coolant change, chassis lube, etc.

If you get the coach, there is an excellent American Coach owners group on Yahoo. Lots of tech hep there and I recommend you join if you go ahead with the purchase.