Community Forums

mhouk49 · 11-03-2014, 09:31 PM

I am looking for some help from some of you experienced Spartan chassis owners. I am looking at a 2001 motor home on a Spartan chassis with 98,000 miles on it.

I have read some info on this site about the ball joints and boots so am prepared to have the ball joints replaced. I would like to know if you think that chassis can be driven another few thousand miles with out costing a fortune in maintenance. Below are the specs from Spartan:
Chassis Model – MM2242 (Spartan Mountain Master)
Engine Cummins ISC 8.3 Liter 330 HP- serial number 45997167
Transmission Allison MD3060 – 6 speed - serial number 6510261234
Front axle – Reyco Granning IFS1200 – 12,000 capacity
GVW 31,000
GCWR 41,000

Mr_D · 11-03-2014, 09:34 PM

Our 2002 has a 3000 MH Allison, they made the switch over in 2000 from the 3060 to the 3000. Surprised that the one you're looking at would have the 3060.

In fact our 2000 on FL chassis with CAT 3126 had a "changeover" Allison. Still designated a 3060 but was a 3060 MH. Verified this with Allison via the serial numbers. It had the higher HP/torque specs and warranty as the 3000 MH so I was happy.

Ramets · 11-04-2014, 06:38 AM

I hope you can get the maint. records. 98k miles wouldn't bother me if it's been taken care of. Our 2000 DSDP just rolled 93K, and were planning on going back to Alaska next summer. If you need peace of mind check into an extended warranty. www.wholesalewarranties.com is who we went with 2yrs. ago. Buying a 13yr. old coach is a crap shoot. Some owners insure themselves by setting aside a certain amount each month to cover anything that might go bad. But it would be hard to get enough in that kind of an account to cover an engine($30K), or a transmission. You might be one of the lucky ones and the ball joints will be ok...I wasn't.

mhouk49 · 11-04-2014, 11:47 AM

Thanks to Mr_D and Ramets for the replies. Regarding the 3060 verses the 3000 Allison, looks like Newmar built a 2001 Dutch Star on an older chassis that didn't get the 3000 transmission.
Ramets, I asked for service records but am not sure what I am looking for other than regular oil, filter, and air filter changes. What else should I be looking for? Do you know where I can view a service schedule for the 330 ISC Cummins?

Ray,IN · 11-04-2014, 11:03 PM

Service schedule will be found in the chassis owners manual. Mine is anyway.
re: the ball joint boots. Most of that era are nearly gone by now, completely cracked, torn, and falling apart. A recent thread hers addressing this describes , with pictures, how to use a gear shift boot to make a ball joint boot, with a zerk fitting in the side.http://www.irv2.com/photopost/showphoto.php?photo=25664

Ramets · 11-05-2014, 06:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mhouk49

Ramets, I asked for service records but am not sure what I am looking for other than regular oil, filter, and air filter changes. What else should I be looking for? Do you know where I can view a service schedule for the 330 ISC Cummins?

Pretty much records for any and all maint. Regular maint. will go a long way maintaining a coach. Oil/filter changes at correct intervals, fuel filters, chassis lubes. Don't forget to look at the build date on the tires. I would say anything over 7yrs. they should be replaced, especially if the unit has just been sitting where the suns UV rays can cook the tires. Try to find an RV tech who will go over the coach with a fine tooth comb for you. Since he'll be working for you he won't be beholding to the seller. I wish you luck. We bought our 2000 almost 5yrs. ago, and except for a few hiccups it's been great.