Entegra Aspire

[michaeln4]

Have been thinking about a entegra Aspire, 42RBQ, does any one have any pros or cons about them, they seem like a well built coach, any information would be appreciated, we have a Tiffen Phaeton now but was wanting something a little larger.

[wnytaxman]

If you read down through the rest of this section you will see that everyone seems to rave about their Entegra. It seems that if there is a problem, then Entegra jumps up and takes care of it. Right now it looks like Entegra is doing the best job of both making the coaches and standing behind them.

[Cruzer]

Ditto on that. You'll find that the Aspire is both bigger and better than your Phaeton. It's a good choice. To see the improvements in construction details check out RVcruzer.com - Entegra Coach Construction Overview . It's an Anthem but the construction is the same and applies to all Entegras.

[Sledrider001]

My wife and I are in a similar place. We have been looking at the Winnebago, Itasca and the Entegra. We have heard "horror" stories about each but the common thread is that Entegra has "made it right" on every issue. Our concerns are, the fridge placement on the RBQ model and the loud steering on the Spartan chassis. Aspire, Anthem or Conerstone? Any information will be appreciated.

[Cruzer]

Loud Steering? I've driven all three of those coaches and never heard anything loud in their steering.

By fridge placement, if you mean it's up front, I agree with that. I don't like it there either. One of the features in the new floor plan that will be available in September takes care of that and puts it back farther.

[Ann n Gene]

I am not sure what the "loud steering on the spartan chassis" concern is. I have had two of them and do not have any loud steering noises. ON the choice of models it really is a matter of personal choice. The basic construction, cabinets and much of the interior appointments are the same across the line. The Aspire traditionally has no had the IFS but right now there are even a few of them available with IFS. The Aspire has a propane Aqua hot instead of the diesel model found on the Anthem and Cornerstone. The Aspire does not have the Girard Awnings that are concealed in the roof fairings but the other two models do. The Aspire has smaller front tires and uses Goodyear tires instead of Michelins, thus the carrying capacity is a little lower. The Anthem, like the Aspire rides on the Mountain Master Spartan Chassis but does have the IFS AND the 16600 lb front axle with the 315 Michelins instead of the 295 Goodyears. The main differences in the Cornerstone are the K3 Chassis with the 600 hp ISX engine, the chrome in the front and down the sides and two Girard awnings on top instead of one that are more useable and have a downward bend at the end to deflect wind and are thus more stable. There are some other, I consider minor, interior amenities in the Cornerstone. Otherwise most options are available on all three models. I am likely missing something here as I am doing it off the top of my head and that is very dangerous these days as I do not remember as well as I used to but those are th major changes. We chose the Anthem for several reasons, the big one being the diesel fired Aqua Hot and really do enjoy our coach. Whichever model you choose, the construction features are the same and you will have a great coach that will provide you with many years, miles and pleasant memories of great service. Good Luck and if you have specific questions fire away and some of us will likely be able to help some. All just my opinion.

on edit. We share your concern about the fridge placement on the rbq models. However, for us it turned out to be a moot point as we did not want so many square feet tied up in bathroom space as the bath and a half models do, we prefer more living area. Just our preferences. Also with the fridge placement the pull out cabinet with the drawers in the kitchen is much narrower and less useable in the rbq floor plan

[Sledrider001]

Thank you for the information. The sound we heard was like hydraulic fuild passing through the steering and it only happened when turning right. Stopped or driving did not change it. The service tech said this is common on the Spartan chassis. We don't know.

[Cruzer]

Can't say that I agree with the "common" thing. I've driven all of those coaches and done plenty of tight turns and never heard that. Plus, my own coach as over 45,000 miles on it and after 5-1/2 years I haven't yet heard that noise. It's a Spartan Mountain Master GT chassis, just like the Aspire and Anthem and it's been a flawless performer and has me convinced I'll never go back to a Freightliner again.

The hydraulic pump is attached to the engine and draws from the reservoir in the back of the coach. It powers the side radiator fan but it also provides hydraulic fluid to the steering mechanism. So, yes, the hydraulic fluid will be flowing through the steering mechanism. But, I've never heard anything out of the ordinary. Actually, the loudest I've had was a Workhorse W20 gasser chassis. That one would howl when you turned the wheel, especially when cold.

[Sledrider001]

This one was a loud "hissing" sound. Maybe it was a "fluke" and nothing to be concerned about. I know we really like everything else about the Entegra coaches.
Thanks everyone! I appreciate your knowledge and help.

[rvguy02]

I say just pull the trigger and buy! You know you want to

Are the Entegras perfect? No. However I feel they are miles ahead of their competition. If finances permit we will upgrade to an Anthem (from our Aspire) in a few years for our "final" MH purchase. I'm very interested in the 44 foot models. Then again if we stay healthy, who knows? Maybe there are two more MHs left for us. Perhaps in 8-10 years they will run hybrid engines, be constructed of carbon fiber, and get 20+ mpg!!!

[TerryO]

Originally Posted by Ann n Gene

I am not sure what the "loud steering on the spartan chassis" concern is. I have had two of them and do not have any loud steering noises. ON the choice of models it really is a matter of personal choice. The basic construction, cabinets and much of the interior appointments are the same across the line. The Aspire traditionally has no had the IFS but right now there are even a few of them available with IFS. The Aspire has a propane Aqua hot instead of the diesel model found on the Anthem and Cornerstone. The Aspire does not have the Girard Awnings that are concealed in the roof fairings but the other two models do. The Aspire has smaller front tires and uses Goodyear tires instead of Michelins, thus the carrying capacity is a little lower. The Anthem, like the Aspire rides on the Mountain Master Spartan Chassis but does have the IFS AND the 16600 lb front axle with the 315 Michelins instead of the 295 Goodyears. The main differences in the Cornerstone are the K3 Chassis with the 600 hp ISX engine, the chrome in the front and down the sides and two Girard awnings on top instead of one that are more useable and have a downward bend at the end to deflect wind and are thus more stable. There are some other, I consider minor, interior amenities in the Cornerstone. Otherwise most options are available on all three models. I am likely missing something here as I am doing it off the top of my head and that is very dangerous these days as I do not remember as well as I used to but those are th major changes. We chose the Anthem for several reasons, the big one being the diesel fired Aqua Hot and really do enjoy our coach. Whichever model you choose, the construction features are the same and you will have a great coach that will provide you with many years, miles and pleasant memories of great service. Good Luck and if you have specific questions fire away and some of us will likely be able to help some. All just my opinion.

on edit. We share your concern about the fridge placement on the rbq models. However, for us it turned out to be a moot point as we did not want so many square feet tied up in bathroom space as the bath and a half models do, we prefer more living area. Just our preferences. Also with the fridge placement the pull out cabinet with the drawers in the kitchen is much narrower and less useable in the rbq floor plan

Hey Ann n Gene, I just found out from our dealer, Pharr RV in Lubbock, that Entegra is changing out the 295's with 315's and new wider rims on our 2012 Aspire as soon as they come in. I don't know if all the Aspires are coming with 315's now or if this was just a recall on a few of which ours was one.

[Ann n Gene]

I knew that they were doing that on the Anthem, did not know about the Aspire. I have to take mine in to get them changed out right away. I think, with what you have said, that they must be shipping everything with 315s now. Another great move by Entegra.

[Sledrider001]

Originally Posted by rvguy02

I say just pull the trigger and buy! You know you want to

Are the Entegras perfect? No. However I feel they are miles ahead of their competition. If finances permit we will upgrade to an Anthem (from our Aspire) in a few years for our "final" MH purchase. I'm very interested in the 44 foot models. Then again if we stay healthy, who knows? Maybe there are two more MHs left for us. Perhaps in 8-10 years they will run hybrid engines, be constructed of carbon fiber, and get 20+ mpg!!!

After talking with my wife, we have decided to go with the Entegra now all we have to do is decide which model. I really like the Anthem and wonder if the Cornerstone is worth the upgrade.
Another question is where to purchase our MH? Does anyone have any insight to buying from "Camping World" vs a smaller shop?
Thanks in advance for all of your information.

[Mr_D]

On the Spartan chassis there is a pressure relief that comes into play at the extreme end of the travel. It's to release excess pressure, and it's adjustable. Maybe the one you drove needed adjusting?
I should probably have ours checked as I changed wheels and tires and I should be able to get another couple degrees turn angle.