Community Forums

oldeguy · 11-13-2019, 10:03 AM

Looking for my first diesel pusher. found a 38DS04 model, looking for a sales literature to see floor plans and how it's built. Can't find in my searching so far...help? looking for help on the chassis model, I was told it's a 4 bag chassis. Does this also the steering gearbox issue as the 8 bag chassis. thanks, BnL

rag_ftw · 11-13-2019, 06:24 PM

This is all I could find on steering box issue.
http://www.irv2.com/forums/f274/stee...es-352621.html

I REALLY like my 38DS04!

Here's the brochure.

sailor_lou · 11-14-2019, 05:43 AM

I believe all 38' TS's were built on the Spartan Roadmaster chassis and all have 4 air bags. I always understood the 8 bag configuration was unique to the Monaco RV products. Spartan had some issues with ball joint and steering component rubber boot failures, but I don't recall reading of any steering box issues.

Good luck with your RV search.

Lou
05 Travel Supreme Envoy 38DS04

Airboss68 · 11-14-2019, 05:43 AM

A lot of reading but well worth it.

http://www.irv2.com/forums/f274/some...ne-429467.html

oldeguy · 11-14-2019, 06:12 AM

Thanks for the file. I found out with this brochure that it's not a DS04...it's only got 3 slides, so a DS03 model? I like the bath set up better on the 04 unit better. A question for you since you own one of these coaches, How does your drive? I've never driven a diesel pusher so I'm not sure what would be good vs bad.

Currently I'm driving a ram dually pulling a 16,000 # 5er and it handles great even in high crosswinds.

oldeguy · 11-14-2019, 06:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sailor_lou

I believe all 38' TS's were built on the Spartan Roadmaster chassis and all have 4 air bags. I always understood the 8 bag configuration was unique to the Monaco RV products. Spartan had some issues with ball joint and steering component rubber boot failures, but I don't recall reading of any steering box issues.

Good luck with your RV search.

Lou
05 Travel Supreme Envoy 38DS04

Owner states that the joints have been replaced at his purchase of the DS04 at Spartan in MI. in 2014....

sailor_lou · 11-14-2019, 06:59 AM

Ball joints replaced by Spartan in 2014 is a big plus. For the most part, the model number corresponds with the number of slides (ie: DS03 has 3 slides and DS04 has 4 slides). However, TS was pretty inconsistent with model names and numbers so you will see numerous exceptions.

Regarding your question on how does it drive. This is not an easy question to answer because the term "handling" means something differently to each person based on their driving experiences. A motorhome is a big square box and obviously will not handle anything like your truck and trailer. It will be impacted by the crosswinds, trucks passing you and you will also see that many small things will have an affect on the handling (ie: rig loading, tire age and pressure, shocks, axle configuration- solid axle vs independent front suspension, etc). What I can say with confidence is that a heavy diesel chassis with an air bag suspension will be more comfortable and quieter than a similar rig with a gas driveline. If you are comfortable driving a large truck/trailer combo, I am confident you will find driving a DP pretty easy is short order.

The best thing to do is get out there and drive a few rigs. I think you will find that TS built a quality rig and despite being a few years old they are well worth consideration. Good luck.

Lou
05 Travel Supreme Envoy
38DS04 (with 4 slides)

oldeguy · 11-14-2019, 07:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sailor_lou

I believe all 38' TS's were built on the Spartan Roadmaster chassis and all have 4 air bags. I always understood the 8 bag configuration was unique to the Monaco RV products. Spartan had some issues with ball joint and steering component rubber boot failures, but I don't recall reading of any steering box issues.

Good luck with your RV search.

Lou
05 Travel Supreme Envoy 38DS04

My research on rr8r Chassis (the 8 air bag) had a lot of discussion on gearbox replacement and X bracing of rear drive axle to get chassis to handle well.

sailor_lou · 11-14-2019, 07:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by oldeguy

My research on rr8r Chassis (the 8 air bag) had a lot of discussion on gearbox replacement and X bracing of rear drive axle to get chassis to handle well.

My bad, I meant Spartan Mountain Master (MM) chassis not Roadmaster. The RR8R chassis is made by Roadmaster (I believe it was Monaco's own design) and has nothing to do with Spartan's Mountain Master.

oldeguy · 11-14-2019, 07:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sailor_lou

Ball joints replace by Spartan in 2014 is a big plus. For the most part, the model number corresponds with the number of slides (ie: DS03 has 3 slides and DS04 has 4 slides). However, TS was pretty inconsistent with model names and numbers so you will see numerous exceptions.
If you are comfortable driving a large truck/trailer combo, I am confident you will find driving a DP pretty easy is short order.

The best thing to do is get out there and drive a few rigs. I think you will find that TS built a quality rig and despite being a few years old they are well worth consideration. Good luck.

Lou
05 Travel Supreme Envoy
38DS04 (with 4 slides)

Sailor_Lou...thanks much for the good explanation of the driving of the RV...

Bodean56 · 11-19-2019, 11:43 AM

I too have a 38DS04 which I purchased a little over a year ago and I am very pleased with the way she drives. This is my first DP and from what I have read over the past couple of years the Travel Supreme MH was a very well built piece of machinery. Purchasing a newer MH was well out of my price range so I did take a chance in an older unit and I’m certainly very happy with mine. I honestly don’t have any experience with other manufacturers of MH but I feel this will be the one I own for a very long time. Good luck in your search and happy travels!