Community Forums

Desertboyz · 08-04-2015, 10:57 AM

We've driven neither to this point but really love all that Entegra offers. I think we're finally focusing in on what we want after years of "thinking about".

Driving back-to-back is the ride & handling noticibly different between the two?

jbhobbs54 · 08-04-2015, 11:13 AM

We have an 2015 Aspire and I can't speak to the Anthem handling, but I can speak to the handling and the ride of our Aspire. So far it has been wonderful, we arrive comfortable and relaxed.

Cruzer · 08-04-2015, 03:04 PM

I've driven all three of the Entegras during road tests and reviews. I'm also familiar with other brand coaches with both solid I-beam front axles as well as IFS. The tweaks that Entegra does to their chassis, such as the X bracing, etc do make a difference.

As to the solid axle versus IFS, there isn't as much difference as you might think. There are benefits to IFS but there is nothing wrong with a solid front axle if the coach is setup properly with good weight distribution, etc. On a good smooth road you won't know the difference between the two. IFS really shines when you get into less optimal conditions. With IFS your suspension has less weight to handle when you hit bumps or potholes. With a solid axle you need to control the entire axle and that extra mass means it will transmit a bit more shock than with IFS. If you travel beat up roads you will notice a difference. Another advantage to IFS is that it's easier to control if you ever have a steer tire blow out. Lastly, when you enter a driveway approach at an angle or encounter speed bumps at angle it tends to rock the coach from side to side. This is less noticeable with IFS than with a solid axle because each wheel can be controlled independently without affecting the opposite wheel. But in 95% of your driving conditions you won't notice a difference. While IFS is nice I wouldn't make it a must-have if an Aspire is more in your price range. Drive the Aspire and you'll see how good it is.

hogdriver · 08-04-2015, 08:16 PM

I've owned a 13 Aspire and a 14 Anthem. The Aspire road nice. Nicer than my old Monaco (single axle vs tandem axles)but the Anthem is just a bit smoother. It also does better on concrete roads with harmonic bumps and tends to pull less on those highways under construction with uneven edges. On a smooth road you can't tell the difference.

wmpbauer · 08-05-2015, 04:04 PM

I agree...your actual driving experience isn't very different. The RIDE is the same as well. Your steer tire blowout is a bit harder to control with a straight axle, which is why I put a Safe T Plus ($795) on my Aspire.

Pat

Pat Bauer, President
Entegra Coach Owners Association
2013 Aspire DEQ
Ford Edge

Desertboyz · 08-06-2015, 04:30 PM

That's all very helpful information as we zero in on what will be best for us. Budget matters. We're not ready to buy, but I wish we were! There are some very nice leftover 2015's with heavilly subsidized discounts available now. The time will be right in 2016.

classicalgas · 02-12-2016, 05:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wmpbauer

I agree...your actual driving experience isn't very different. The RIDE is the same as well. Your steer tire blowout is a bit harder to control with a straight axle, which is why I put a Safe T Plus ($795) on my Aspire.

Pat

Pat Bauer, President
Entegra Coach Owners Association
2013 Aspire DEQ
Ford Edge

When I was looking at the Newmar I was interested in their Comfort Drive system, but forgot all about it when buying the new Aspire. Does Safe T Plus cause any low speed maneuvering issues for you?
Greg

Dieselgem · 02-14-2016, 01:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by classicalgas

When I was looking at the Newmar I was interested in their Comfort Drive system, but forgot all about it when buying the new Aspire. Does Safe T Plus cause any low speed maneuvering issues for you?
Greg

I have not noticed any on ours, it does stiffen the steering. My wife drives too and loves it. If it is not adjusted right when installed it will tend to pull a little. The tech support is great.

BrianGlenn · 02-14-2016, 01:54 PM

2017 Aspires now get IFS on front as well, Link to thread here.

Possibly now the same setup and handling between both models???

Brian

wmpbauer · 02-19-2016, 09:05 PM

Does barely stiffen, but the biggest change is when parking, the Safe-T Plus will assist the steering return to center.

Pat Bauer, President
Entegra Coach Owners Association
2013 Aspire DEQ
Ford Edge