Community Forums

buddy110 · 12-27-2016, 01:56 PM

Hi everyone,
We are moving from a Newmar Canyonstar gasser on a Ford Chassis to the new Insignia. Both have a solid front axle. Of course the Insignia is on a spartan chassis with air suspension. However because I did not test drive one (there were none on the lot) I am curious how the rides will compare. Being that both have a solid front axle should I expect to make constant steering corrections as I do with my CS? Or will it track better because of the tag?
I do have a safe T steer on the CS which can be moved over to the Insignia with a new mounting kit. It helped the CS a lot, Will I need it on the Insignia? IS the ride that much more compliant?

Thanks in advance

Cousin Ed · 12-27-2016, 02:16 PM

We just traded our Journey 40L for the Aspire. The Journey had a solid front axle and the ride was great. It was much better than the Suncruiser (Workhorse) we had before.....but the Aspire is something else the difference is unbelievable. I think most of that is the tag, x-bracing and the extra 10,000 - 15,000 pounds. I don't know how much the IFS has to do with the ride. I guarantee you will be pleased

HarleySG · 12-27-2016, 03:26 PM

X2 that!
I went from a workhorse P30 chassis to a solid steer axle. Love it. But, maybe i don't know what i'm missing not having IFS.

I don't think you'll be disappointed.

brobox · 12-27-2016, 03:29 PM

One thing that I found that really improved my ride was a set of Koni shocks. First thing to do upon deliver is to load the coach, get it 4 corner weighed and adjust the tire air pressure.

Do a complete lube job as Spartan does not grease the chassis as well as they should be greased. After loading with travel weight, I believe in a 3 point alignment even with a new coach. Your ride should be a big improvement over the Ford chassis.

Make a satisfied test drive part of your pre-purchase. Don't sign until you drive. Just my experience.

HarleySG · 12-27-2016, 03:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by brobox

One thing that I found that really improved my ride was a set of Koni shocks. First thing to do upon deliver is to load the coach, get it 4 corner weighed and adjust the tire air pressure.

Do a complete lube job as Spartan does not grease the chassis as well as they should be greased. After loading with travel weight, I believe in a 3 point alignment even with a new coach. Your ride should be a big improvement over the Ford chassis.

Make a satisfied test drive part of your pre-purchase. Don't sign until you drive. Just my experience.

Hey Chuck,

I'm in Denver, but who do you recommend or use, when it comes to 4 corner weighing. The OP may need this info as well as me.

Thanks!

brobox · 12-27-2016, 03:48 PM

Might try calling the DOT in Denver and see if they know of one. Also check with large RV dealers in the area. I had the fortune here in Ft Myers that DOT told me where they had portable scales setup that day when I weighed my Travel Supreme.

I did the Entegra the old fashion way....I use the State Truck Scales on 1-75 and Tucker Grade, weighed each axle and divided by 2. I have yet to get the Entegra 4 corner weighed. I have tried 5 times and the scales are either broke at the dealer or the vendor has not been able to set up at rallies. I need to call DOT here again.

HarleySG · 12-27-2016, 03:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by brobox

Might try calling the DOT in Denver and see if they know of one. Also check with large RV dealers in the area. I had the fortune here in Ft Myers that DOT told me where they had portable scales setup that day when I weighed my Travel Supreme.

I did the Entegra the old fashion way....I use the State Truck Scales on 1-75 and Tucker Grade, weighed each axle and divided by 2. I have yet to get the Entegra 4 corner weighed. I have tried 5 times and the scales are either broke at the dealer or the vendor has not been able to set up at rallies. I need to call DOT here again.

I'll give that a try, thanks for the suggestion.

buddy110 · 12-27-2016, 04:10 PM

I routinely corner weight and balance my race car to get equal corner weights which improves handling. So I understand the reasons. Why would I corner weight a coach?

brobox · 12-27-2016, 04:21 PM

Corner weigh for correct tire air pressure. If you are 500 lbs heavier on one side, you do not want to be under inflated on that side or you will have handling problems, just like on a race car. Inflate tires on both sides for the recommended tire pressure on the heaviest side.

My front axle weight is 16,480 lbs on a 17,000 lbs axle. The tire inflation charts put me at 125 PSI which gave me a harsh ride. Thanks to posts here, I changed to Koni shocks which greatly improved the ride for my weight.

buddy110 · 12-27-2016, 04:32 PM

Is there a chart or something to compare to?

Ann n Gene · 12-27-2016, 04:47 PM

Yes, most tire manufactures have load inflation charts on their websites. The Cornerstone uses Michelin 365s on steer and 315s on other axles and they are listed on the Michelin website.

2016 45 B Topaz Cornerstone
2014 MKT towed

royals1212 · 12-27-2016, 05:07 PM

I have a 2015 Aspire, classic model, which has the same chassis and straight front axle. I am perfectly happy with the ride and mine does not wander, drives pretty true. I have not made any modifications to ours either. I have driven 750 miles in one day, not by my choice, but it wasn't bad. Hope this gives you a reference point

lowejug · 12-27-2016, 05:49 PM

I test drove a 13 aspire before buying my anthem... in all honesty the straight axle front end seemed just fine. I drove it on the freeway and all around... ifs front end I know is better but that 13 drove pretty darn good
Compared to a gasser you will be in seventh heaven... welcome to Entegra.. the coaches that keeps giving for years😒

Mwoodofd · 12-27-2016, 06:07 PM

Congrats on your new coach.

I went from a F53 chassis on my Thor Challenger to the Aspire (2013 Classic), and there is no real comparison. You will be very happy with your new coach - The first time I drove the Entegra vs the F53 was the sound, or lack of it, from not sitting on the engine. Could hear the radio, and talk to the DW while driving. The air ride and power was the 2nd thing I noticed, and setting the cruise control without the dreaded down-shift to 5000 RPM. Like others have mentioned, get the corner weights, and set the tires according to the charts, and make sure the coach was greased properly. I have the Safe-T-Plus on mine, but mainly for front blow-out peace of mind.