Spartan vs. Freightliner

[sevenmacs]

Why is the Spartan better than frieghtliner ?, whats the difference between them on a 06 Fleetwood Excursion ?

[RobRV]

Are You trying to start a fight? There are likely an equal number from Both Sides, sort of like Chevy Vs Ford.

[sevenmacs]

Thats why I posted it here, thought it would avoid the debate and just present the facts, lets see

[Tha_Rooster]

I have a Spartan they are both good chassis, test drive if possible I did. On Spartans web site under recreation "how to buy a Rv" may help.

[Mr_D]

On our 2000 DSDP there was quite a difference in price with the Spartan weighing 4-500#'s more and having IFS which the FL didn't have. I drove two DSDP's and I could tell the Spartan w/IFS was smoother but not worth $5,000 more.
Now some of the FL's come with IFS and I haven't driven a new DSDP with FL.

[powerboatr]

both have considerable rv chassis and heavy service chassis experience

looking at the sheets they look the same.
the how to buy an rv link is spot on.
buy what suits you and your needs

research and more research then make an informed decision.

[Mr_D]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr_D On our 2000 DSDP there was quite a difference in price with the Spartan weighing 4-500#'s more and having IFS which the FL didn't have. I drove two DSDP's and I could tell the Spartan w/IFS was smoother but not worth $5,000 more. Now some of the FL's come with IFS and I haven't driven a new DSDP with FL.

I worked for Freightliner but bought a Spartan when we got our 2002. At that time the FL only came with the 3126 with 860 ft lbs torque and no reasonable uprates. I wanted the Cummins ISC 350 with 1050 ft lbs and possible uprate to 1200 with the Banks kit along with IFS. That only left the Spartan. Now you can get both with the Freightliner.

[Elkhartjim]

With all else being equal, does Spartan have a 24/7 1-800-FTL-HELP line?

[Mr_D]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Elkhartjim With all else being equal, does Spartan have a 24/7 1-800-FTL-HELP line?

Why would Spartan use a Freightliner phone number?

Spartan shows calling Coach-Net on their web site. Coverage is provided as part of the Spartan Warranty.

• Day & Night Customer Helpline: 800.393.8861
  (Spartan Associates are available 7am - 11pm EST/7 days a week)
• *Coach-Net available giving you 24/7 access to 15,000 additional service locations and includes the following emergency roadside services: towing, flat tire assistance, emergency fluid delivery, jump-starts, lockout service, mobile mechanic and appointment assistance.
  *Provided as part of Spartan warranty.
• Spartan Factory Service by ASE Certified Technicians

[Ann n Gene]

Biggest difference for me was my experience trying to get service at freightliner shops. We had some over the road trucks in my other life and freightliner shops were always very busy and tough to get a unit in, serviced and out. This was generally though not univerisally true across the country. Therefore when we got ready to get a motorhome it HAD to be a Spartan because we did not want to be sitting at a freightliner shop for weeks at a time. All just my experience and for ME, I would have a lot of trouble talking myself into a freightliner chasis for this single reason.

[Mr_D]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ann n Gene Biggest difference for me was my experience trying to get service at freightliner shops. We had some over the road trucks in my other life and freightliner shops were always very busy and tough to get a unit in, serviced and out. This was generally though not univerisally true across the country. Therefore when we got ready to get a motorhome it HAD to be a Spartan because we did not want to be sitting at a freightliner shop for weeks at a time. All just my experience and for ME, I would have a lot of trouble talking myself into a freightliner chasis for this single reason.

I found that to be true also. They will take the OTR units first as they're trying to earn a living and sitting, waiting for repairs while an RV gets worked on doesn't sit well with driver/owners even if you were there first.

[DriVer]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr_D Why would Spartan use a Freightliner phone number?

Mr_D, I read it as Jim asking a question as to whether or not Spartan has a 24/7 technician manned help line and not making a statement. Does Spartan have a 24/7 help line that is manned by a Spartan technician or a call taker?

[Mr_D]

Quote:

Originally Posted by DriVer Mr_D, I read it as Jim asking a question as to whether or not Spartan has a 24/7 technician manned help line and not making a statement. Does Spartan have a 24/7 help line that is manned by a Spartan technician or a call taker?

That's what I answered

Quote:

With all else being equal, does Spartan have a 24/7 1-800-FTL-HELP line?

No, they have their own help line not a FTL-HELP number.

Quote:

Spartan shows calling Coach-Net on their web site. Coverage is provided as part of the Spartan Warranty. Day & Night Customer Helpline: 800.393.8861 (Spartan Associates are available 7am - 11pm EST/7 days a week) *Coach-Net available giving you 24/7 access to 15,000 additional service locations and includes the following emergency roadside services: towing, flat tire assistance, emergency fluid delivery, jump-starts, lockout service, mobile mechanic and appointment assistance. *Provided as part of Spartan warranty. Spartan Factory Service by ASE Certified Technicians

[Elkhartjim]

Thanks Driver. I'm glad my question was clear to someone.

The answer is Spartan does not have a 24/7/365 Spartan associates manned help line. Between 11p and 7a they (Spartan) depend on Coach Net. Of course I'm glad they (Spartan) doesn't have a 1-800-FTL-HELP number as they wouldn't have a clue where my ignition relay is located and what color the wires are...