New Spartan NGP Chassis (Next Generation Platform)

[Jim Stewart]

Found this on another thread:

Spartan Chassis | Everything's Riding On It.

This is a really interesting concept. The Chassis Manufacturer would essentially manufacture and provide a "Cutoff (out)" chassis for a Class "A" Diesel Pusher in a format similar to a Cutoff (Out) Class "C".

The specs for overhang when combined with the wheelbase would seem to limit it to a 34 footer. The GCWR weight limits with an assumed 5,000 towing limit and 3,000 Cargo Capacity would limit the Unloaded Vehicle Weight Limit to approximately 25,000 lbs. With a 340 HP DP, it would be peppy for a MH and should get decent mileage.

It comes with the front cap, seats, auto style dash, power front windows, storage bays laid out with holding tanks and etc. It leaves the manufacturer to concentrate on floor plans and improved quality for the house portion.

I like the concept very much. The quality would be significantly improved and many things now become standard. The manufacturers could concentrate on improving their quality and taking the weight out through new construction techniques.

The market is definitely headed toward smaller Coaches and with unique floor plans, could even suit the full timer. I'm impressed but would like to see a discussion on this concept, knowing that many will say it's just too small. Let's start thinking outside of the box! It's apparent that Spartan did!

Jim

[bcbounders]

Jim,

I gotta say... I LIKE IT!

I'm very intrigued by the idea. Have been since I first heard about the concept, but this is the first info I've seen. I give Spartan kudos for thinking outside the box and trying to offer a more complete chassis/framework. And I'm hopeful that it (1) is successful and (2) allows some manufacturers to get more creative with (i.e. invest more money into) new "house" designs and layouts.

It will be very interesting to see who takes Spartan up on this and starts offering coaches using the chassis.

The PDF brochure they have put together has some interesting points/ideas. Seems like they're targeting manufacturers who don't have a presence in the motorized segment... offering this chassis as a means for them to apply their existing "expertise" in manufacturing the "box". And they make the point of saying that, while exterior design needs to be enticing to get people interested in looking at a coach, it is the INTERIOR/FLOORPLAN that seals the deal. Thus, while the playing field will be reasonably level for all manufacturers utilizing this chassis (i.e. how different can the coaches look if they've got the same front end?), the ability to focus on offering novel/unique floorplans and layouts could help them carve a niche for themselves. Intriguing.

Another interesting thing... the layout of the chassis support structure itself. Seems like they've gotten robust-looking length-wise support using more support beams that aren't as tall, but maybe a but wider than a traditional "raised rail" chassis. I'd be interested to find out more about how rigid this frame is. Etc.

I'm intrigued. And very excited that Spartan is continuing to innovate. I hope they succeed with this!