Community Forums

HarleyOutlaw · 05-12-2016, 09:06 AM

Currently researching for a DP in the 45'+tag axle range.

Can someone please offer a comparison between these 2 chassis?

1. Which offers the better ride quality?
2. Would you choose one over the other?

One manufacturer I'm looking at offers the Spartan, the other offers the Freightliner as standard with the Spartan as an option which leads me to think it's an upgrade.

Thanks in advance

LVRVLUVR · 05-12-2016, 09:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HarleyOutlaw

Currently researching for a DP in the 45'+tag axle range.

Can someone please offer a comparison between these 2 chassis?

1. Which offers the better ride quality?
2. Would you choose one over the other?

One manufacturer I'm looking at offers the Spartan, the other offers the Freightliner as standard with the Spartan as an option which leads me to think it's an upgrade.

Thanks in advance

spartan

freightliner is not even in the game

Gordon Dewald · 05-12-2016, 09:32 AM

There are a number of threads on the forum that discuss this topic at length. There are proponents for both with many subjective views to support their choice.

It is like the gas vs diesel debate. Needless to say most will support the chassis they are using unless they had a negative experience.

HarleyOutlaw · 05-12-2016, 10:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gordon Dewald

There are a number of threads on the forum that discuss this topic at length. There are proponents for both with many subjective views to support their choice.

It is like the gas vs diesel debate. Needless to say most will support the chassis they are using unless they had a negative experience.

Pardon me for wanting information that isn't 2 model years old. I did a search and the newest inflo is from 2015.

LVRVLUVR · 05-12-2016, 10:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HarleyOutlaw

Currently researching for a DP in the 45'+tag axle range.

Can someone please offer a comparison between these 2 chassis?

1. Which offers the better ride quality?
2. Would you choose one over the other?

One manufacturer I'm looking at offers the Spartan, the other offers the Freightliner as standard with the Spartan as an option which leads me to think it's an upgrade.

Thanks in advance

spartan is independant frt suspension and has better air ride....

it cost more cause it is better

Cat320 · 05-12-2016, 10:46 AM

I've had both. For me, the chassis would be part of the buying equation, but not the deciding factor. Spartan is mostly on the high end coaches, where Freightliner is on coaches from entry level to high end. Either will do fine.

pasdad1 · 05-12-2016, 10:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cat320

I've had both. For me, the chassis would be part of the buying equation, but not the deciding factor. Spartan is mostly on the high end coaches, where Freightliner is on coaches from entry level to high end. Either will do fine.

X2. Spartan builds firetruck chassis and military vehicles....they "over engineer" things....FL builds to make a profit.

Both can provide you with good service....but I would prefer a Spartan.

If you go to any of the bigger RV shows, both companies have a bare chassis on display so you can inspect every detail. Even though I don't know all the nitty gritty details, it's easy to see quality of welding, attention to detail, how much thought was put into placement of components, etc.

HarleyOutlaw · 05-12-2016, 10:59 AM

Thanks for the info.

I didn't want to start a "mine is better" thread. Just looking for owners and real world experience.

My search led me to believe Spartan was the better choice if it was available. Just wanted to back that up.

LVRVLUVR · 05-12-2016, 11:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HarleyOutlaw

Thanks for the info.

I didn't want to start a "mine is better" thread. Just looking for owners and real world experience.

My search led me to believe Spartan was the better choice if it was available. Just wanted to back that up.

the way to tell the differance is in the ride,,... they all ride good on smooth roads...

**JMonroe** · 05-12-2016, 02:12 PM

The most recent thread on this topic can't be more than a couple weeks old.

The difference may depend on the price point and specific chassis model you're talking about. Spartan was an extra cost option on our Newmar London Aire and I felt it was worth the difference. That said, Freightliner has made improvements since spinning their RV chassis design into a separate division.

Tell us what chassis is under the rigs you're considering and we may be able to help you identify specific differences.

LVRVLUVR · 05-12-2016, 02:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JMonroe

The most recent thread on this topic can't be more than a couple weeks old.

The difference may depend on the price point and specific chassis model you're talking about. Spartan was an extra cost option on our Newmar London Aire and I felt it was worth the difference. That said, Freightliner has made improvements since spinning their RV chassis design into a separate division.

Tell us what chassis is under the rigs you're considering and we may be able to help you identify specific differences.

I bought a new 2014 freightliner...they need independant front suspension..

nice ride on smooth road..

HarleyOutlaw · 05-12-2016, 03:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JMonroe

The most recent thread on this topic can't be more than a couple weeks old.

The difference may depend on the price point and specific chassis model you're talking about. Spartan was an extra cost option on our Newmar London Aire and I felt it was worth the difference. That said, Freightliner has made improvements since spinning their RV chassis design into a separate division.

Tell us what chassis is under the rigs you're considering and we may be able to help you identify specific differences.

Looking at Entegra and Newmar. Pretty much ruled out Tiffin at this point.

**JMonroe** · 05-12-2016, 05:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HarleyOutlaw

Looking at Entegra and Newmar. Pretty much ruled out Tiffin at this point.

Which models? The chassis is different as you go up the food chain.

JFXG · 05-12-2016, 05:12 PM

I have very little skin in this game. I drive a FL chassis, and I'm quite happy with it and with the company. But I've never driven a Spartan so I have no basis for comparison.

However... not for nuthin, but as of last year Freightliner chassis owned a 37% share in the HDT market, 70% of the walk-in vans, and north of a 75% market share of Class A diesel motor homes. 75%. Now, certainly price point can be a factor in these figures, but by the same token you don't enjoy year upon year of consistent, healthy share growth and reach that sort of numbers by producing an inferior product.

John & Diane, fulltiming since '12
'02 DS, FL, Cat, '04 Element
NHSO RVM103