UFO Test Drive Results

[FLYTYER]

Today I had a test drive of the Workhorse UFO chassis at the PA RV & Camping Show at Hershey, PA. The motorhome on the chassis was a 35 ft Georgetown which is the first mfr to use the new chassis.

The test drive was great and better than expected. I was really impressed with the ride comfort, handling and steering response. The engine and transmission combo was super. I liked the acceleration and shift points of the Allision 6 speed...I barely felt the shifts.

The test drive was about 10 miles and included actual open 4 lane limited access as well as some tough traffic and parking lot conditions for turning around. The steering was sharp and enabled me to make turns in a parking lot without backing up.

The dashbord display was also great...very large digits and letters, plus color adjustments to suit your preference.

The push button transmission selection and grade braking were a surprise...2 neat features!!

I would recommend that the motorhome industry consider this chassis as their standard.

And yes I qualified for a $100 gas card for taking the test drive !!

[FLYTYER]

Today I had a test drive of the Workhorse UFO chassis at the PA RV & Camping Show at Hershey, PA. The motorhome on the chassis was a 35 ft Georgetown which is the first mfr to use the new chassis.

The test drive was great and better than expected. I was really impressed with the ride comfort, handling and steering response. The engine and transmission combo was super. I liked the acceleration and shift points of the Allision 6 speed...I barely felt the shifts.

The test drive was about 10 miles and included actual open 4 lane limited access as well as some tough traffic and parking lot conditions for turning around. The steering was sharp and enabled me to make turns in a parking lot without backing up.

The dashbord display was also great...very large digits and letters, plus color adjustments to suit your preference.

The push button transmission selection and grade braking were a surprise...2 neat features!!

I would recommend that the motorhome industry consider this chassis as their standard.

And yes I qualified for a $100 gas card for taking the test drive !!

[edgray]

FLYTYER: How was the sound level at highway speeds? Can you tell us a little more about the dashboard? sounds like what you saw is different than what we have had. ED

[Tom N]

Glad you did the test drive and report. We've been there the last 3 years but passed on the trip this year.

The push button shift pad has been an option on the W24 and W25.5 since they were introduced.

Hopefully the new dash display will carry over to the W chssis.

How did you like the 55 degree wheel cut? My W24 only has a 50 but that was a huge improvement over my old F53 chassis.

That rear end ratio is giving you the acceleration. It's almost the same as the W25.5. Before I bought my W24 I test drove a W22. I thought it had good acceleration until my W24 came in.

Any hints as to who else will be building on the gas UFO???

[FLYTYER]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by edgray:
FLYTYER: How was the sound level at highway speeds? Can you tell us a little more about the dashboard? sounds like what you saw is different than what we have had. ED </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

The noise level was very quiet.

The dashboard display was bold and bright. You can set the color you want. The digits were large and had high contrast...you have no trouble seeing them.

QUOTE]
__________________________________________________ _
Originally posted by Tom N:
Glad you did the test drive and report. We've been there the last 3 years but passed on the trip this year.

The push button shift pad has been an option on the W24 and W25.5 since they were introduced.

Hopefully the new dash display will carry over to the W chssis.

How did you like the 55 degree wheel cut? My W24 only has a 50 but that was a huge improvement over my old F53 chassis.
__________________________________________________ _________

From the conversations, I believe new dash will go into all of the W series and the UFO will slowly replace the present W chassis designs.

The 55 degree cut was great. It gave a lot of confidence when turning around in the shopping center parking lot.

I was told there were 4 other motorhome builders looking to use this chassis, but they would not name them.

One thing I forgot was to say that the rear suspension uses coil springs and this really helped the ride a lot. But I think I would add the Firestone Ride Rite air system to help on rough roads.

[DSouthw524]

Was the engine a gas or diesel? Since they intend to offer both it is significant.

[DriVer]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by DSouthw524:
Was the engine a gas or diesel? Since they intend to offer both it is significant. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>The current engine is the 8.1L 340HP Vortec V8 gasoline engine. (now)

The upcoming optional engine will be the Cummins 6.7L I6 TD engine HP as yet unavailable. (spring 2007)

The optional diesel engine will be the Maxxforce 6.4L V8 Turbo Diesel engine HP as yet unavailable. (fall 2007)

Both diesel engines are 2007 emissions compliant.

[Jestme13]

I also drove the UFO on Friday the 16th.

[edgray]

STEVE: I just KNOW you have an opinion lurking behind that statement. Please let it out before you explode ED

[Easyrider]

Yea, come on Steve, stop toying with us. I know you have been thinking of getting a new rig- how do you like the ufo?

[ruppr]

More importantly, will/does it burn spark plug wires!!!!

Hi Steve!


Best,

[DriVer]

I spoke with Steve yesterday and he's trying to recoup from the weekend. Just give him a little time and I'm sure he'll come up with something.

[Jestme13]

OK, OK, now that my back is killing me after 3 days of cruzzzzing the PA RV show. I did drive the UFO and the new FRED. Both are very nice chassis, and they both will do a fine job for whoever buys one. For my money I give the nod to the UFO for several reasons. 1. it runs down the road so smooth and quiet its scarey, what a ride. 2. the power was more then adequate for this coach, a GEORGETOWN 36', I'd swear it had an ultrapower kit! 3.the steering was spot on, no drift at all, great feed back, and the wheel cut had it doing donuts in a parking lot. without a doubt folks this IS the chassis of the future, and it will eat the FREDs lunch in any comparison you want to compare. the 8.1 out ran the cummins on the same grades, and would out accelerate it to. Both chassis were in very similar coachs, imagine that! I see no need for a diesel in this chassis unless your just looking for bragging rights, me I'd save the money and put it in the gas tank. Oh one thing that was very impressive about the FRED was the claimed 12mpg, that should be about 50% more then the 8.1. but that's to be seen. IMHO. WCC UFO

PS: for all you doubting Thomas's out there, the rear floor after a day of test drives was absolutly cool, not a sign of engine heat anywhere.

PSS: yes i'm keeping the gas card, t shirt and the freightliner straw hat

[Petro]

Thanks Steve for the report. You did it well. I have been patiently waiting for your report.