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Old 01-10-2009, 08:02 PM   #1
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In our plans to move up from a fifth wheel to a motorhome, the three motorhomes we are looking at all have different chassis manufacturers. Can anyone suggest what considerations we should take into account? The three chassis manufacturers are
Freightliner, Spartan and Roadmaster.
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Old 01-10-2009, 08:02 PM   #2
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In our plans to move up from a fifth wheel to a motorhome, the three motorhomes we are looking at all have different chassis manufacturers. Can anyone suggest what considerations we should take into account? The three chassis manufacturers are
Freightliner, Spartan and Roadmaster.
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Old 01-11-2009, 01:04 AM   #3
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The new ones of today are all much better engineered than those of a few years back. Are you looking at new? If not what range of years? Have you also asked this in the various chassis owners forums? You should also do a search the "Find" button and unchecking the box to expand the search to the full forum. Good luck in your research.
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Old 01-11-2009, 05:41 AM   #4
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RV Wizard,

Thanks for the direction on the chassis forums. I didn't realize that there were so many. I'll have lots to research before I post.
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Old 01-11-2009, 02:01 PM   #5
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<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Freightliner, Spartan and Roadmaster </div></BLOCKQUOTE>
Well, Freightliner & Spartan are independent chassis manfacturers while Roadmaster is unique to Monaco. You won't find a Winnebago, Fleetwood, Newmar, etc on a Roadmaster chassis.

I can't speak about a Roadmaster as I have never owned a Monaco product. Spartan is higher end than Freightliner ... perhaps like Lincoln vs Ford or Cadillac vs Chevy. But Freightliner still makes a good chassis. There are some variations of both Spartan and Freightline chassis's depending on the invidual motorhome mfg'er, what they ordered from the vendor, and exactly what they did with what they ordered.

My coach has a Spartan chassis, further customized by Winnebago (they bought both ends from Spartan, then added a unique middle section). I love the ride, and have no need for steering enhancements, stabilizers, etc like I hear some folks spending lots of money for.
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Old 01-11-2009, 04:01 PM   #6
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<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Freightliner </div></BLOCKQUOTE>
I would go for the Freightliner chassis with the Cummins 350 Diesel. The Cat engine is "cold" (takes too long to get to operating temperature).

Whatever you do don't buy a Workhorse gas chassis. They have numerous unexplained brake problems.
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Old 01-11-2009, 04:33 PM   #7
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<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Dunda:
In our plans to move up from a fifth wheel to a motorhome,...... </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

I don't want to start a chassis war so I will not recommend one brand over another. As a general rule, the longer and heavier a motorhome is the better it will ride and handle. I see you are coming from a 5th wheel to a motorhome. We did the same thing and were not prepared for the difference. Make sure you drive each unit before you make up your mind and don't be surprised if they don't handle as well as your 5th wheel and truck. We traded our first motorhome after 3 1/2 months because we could not resolve bad handling issues.

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