Community Forums

Scottybdivin · 07-25-2013, 06:17 AM

For the life of me, I can't figure out why they would quit building the FRED's. That'a a deal killer for me. I'm drifting toward truck conversions now.

Scarab0088 · 07-25-2013, 10:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scottybdivin

For the life of me, I can't figure out why they would quit building the FRED's. That'a a deal killer for me. I'm drifting toward truck conversions now.

The demise of the FRED Chassis was caused by the old rule of "supply and demand" - complicated by a lesser known rule in manufacturing called "the economy of scale."

Supply and demand:
The Front Engine Diesel was only "Required" for a Class A RV with something in the rear that prevents the engine from being mounted there...like the toyhauler. Less were ordered = lower demand.

Economy of scale:
Because the FRED chassis was not a high demand item (compared to rear engine Diesel) the cost was higher to produce (per unit) compared to than those that were made in large volumes. Higher costs = less buyers.

The Front Engine Diesel RV is not gone...like said above, they are available in every brand of "Super Class C" with the MDT and HDT Truck Cab Chassis.

Class dismissed

BpK9Miami · 07-25-2013, 08:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scarab0088

The demise of the FRED Chassis was caused by the old rule of "supply and demand" - complicated by a lesser known rule in manufacturing called "the economy of scale."

Supply and demand:
The Front Engine Diesel was only "Required" for a Class A RV with something in the rear that prevents the engine from being mounted there...like the toyhauler. Less were ordered = lower demand.

Economy of scale:
Because the FRED chassis was not a high demand item (compared to rear engine Diesel) the cost was higher to produce (per unit) compared to than those that were made in large volumes. Higher costs = less buyers.

The Front Engine Diesel RV is not gone...like said above, they are available in every brand of "Super Class C" with the MDT and HDT Truck Cab Chassis.

Class dismissed

Wow.

I be educated now.

Seriously, quite well said.

Scottybdivin · 07-25-2013, 08:51 PM

Nice explanation. I guess that I thought the FRED was just built on a production model commercial chassis. More "off the shelf" and less proprietary. It seems like nearly all the commercial MDT's are diesels.

DGShaffer · 07-26-2013, 07:28 AM

That Steve is a Schmart one indeed

Scarab0088 · 07-29-2013, 03:56 PM

HEY!! I just noticed that this thread went over 200 posts - WooHoo

THANKS to all that have posted here.

Scarab0088 · 07-29-2013, 10:07 PM

Please note a correction to page 1 of this thread about the Newmar Canyon Star 3920 Toy Hauler...

I just recently learned how NADA Guides can be a helpful reference. It is not perfect, and has some missing data, but still.

According to NADA, Newmar is reported to have made the Canyon Star 3920 as a 2009 model:
2009 Canyon Star Price, 2009 Canyon Star Values & 2009 Canyon Star Specs | NADAguides

Safe travels to all

Scarab0088 · 07-30-2013, 02:23 PM

There's a group of owners here.

http://www.irv2.com/forums/f103/new-...up-120271.html

Safe travels

Sanbessey · 08-05-2013, 12:58 PM

Thanks for setting up this thread!

We presently drive a 38 ft Fleetwood Discovery and love the Class A experience.

Insead of towing a trailer, to haul our motorcycles, we are interested in trading up to a toy hauler. My initial research pointed to the Travel Supreme ME model, which is no longer in production. The inclusion of the back bedroom is primary appeal of this model...which we appreciate more than the loft style found in other models.

What suggestions can you throw our way? Are the Travel Supreme MEs still available for sale? What other diesel options are there?

Thanks,

Sandra and Lew
Alberta/NL Canada

Scarab0088 · 08-05-2013, 01:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sanbessey

Thanks for setting up this thread!

We presently drive a 38 ft Fleetwood Discovery and love the Class A experience.

Insead of towing a trailer, to haul our motorcycles, we are interested in trading up to a toy hauler. My initial research pointed to the Travel Supreme ME model, which is no longer in production. The inclusion of the back bedroom is primary appeal of this model...which we appreciate more than the loft style found in other models.

What suggestions can you throw our way? Are the Travel Supreme MEs still available for sale? What other diesel options are there?

Thanks,

Sandra and Lew
Alberta/NL Canada

The Travel Supremes were more of Toy Trunks' from my research and are available on the used market. See post #8 of this thread:
http://www.irv2.com/forums/f258/clas...ml#post1250918

If you are sure you want a Diesel powered RV and want a full garage, then you will have to also look at used Class A's with the Freightliner Front Engine Diesel (FRED) like the Outlaw and Bounty Hunter or the Newmar AllStar's with a Spartan mid-engine Diesel...and maybe some other rare set-ups.

With the garage in the back, the engine pretty much must be forward = no Diesel Pusher.

For new, the 3 Class A Toy Haulers currently being produced are only available in gas.

If the dedicated bedroom is the BIG must - look at the Newmar Canyon Star 3920. Also, the new for 2013 Thor Outlaw 37MD has a room in the same location as the Newmar but with a Sofa Sleeper, so the room is a dual purpose space as Lounge and Bedroom.

There are also Super C's with Diesel power on MDT cab/chassis.
See: MDT Conversions - iRV2 Forums
That's a whole different forum, so I do not know if any are currently being built as a Toy Haulers, but they are under names like Dynamax, Enduramax, Jayco Seneca and others.

Finally for Diesel, there are Super C's on HDT cab/chassis, like Showhauler and Toterhome. - These are typically mostly custom built.
See: HDT Conversions - iRV2 Forums

Best of luck

Y Roadrunner · 08-05-2013, 09:53 PM

I was sold on the Canyon star 3920 until I found out about the Allstar. I think the side entrance will work perfect.
We looked at the new Outlaw 37MD but couldn't walk around the bed.
Then 2 weeks ago my husband had emergency heart surgery. Now I am glad we don't have to climb up to a loft to sleep.
There is a difference if you are just using the RV for weekends or full timing. Some thing to consider.
Now to pay off the wing so I can buy an Allstar!

ensiv · 08-10-2013, 04:53 AM

Finally had the opportunity to see the Outlaw 37LS. I think we are changing direction and going ahead with a Newmar. I really like the bunk over the drivers area and the party deck tailgate but the loft is too small. I was hoping to at least be able to sit up on the bed and I am only 5'9".

I know this is common with all new deliveries but I am really blown away at the lack of inspection before these new rigs leave the factory. This is the second Outlaw we have seen and just a mess of problems. I have heard that all manufacturers are guilty of this with some worse than others but it still blows my mind especially with some of it being so simple to correct.

ensiv · 08-15-2013, 10:21 AM

Just got a call from North Trail RV that said they just ordered 2 3921's which should be delivered in about 60 days. Evidently Newmar corrected whatever engineering changes they had to and are going back to production.

Scarab0088 · 08-16-2013, 10:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ensiv

Just got a call from North Trail RV that said they just ordered 2 3921's which should be delivered in about 60 days. Evidently Newmar corrected whatever engineering changes they had to and are going back to production.

Please post some pics of it even if you don't end up getting it!

http://www.newmarcorp.com/motor-coac...floorplan-3921

That mega slide looks awesome!
Safe travels