Community Forums

Snowy Owl · 05-15-2010, 12:23 PM

My wife and I are looking at purchasing our first Class A motorhome and have narrowed it down to a 2006 Newmar / Gas / Scottsdale / 3201. In our research, we were reading up on wheelbase ratio % and with the 200 " WB and 32 ' length, it comes to 51 % which is classified as unsafe or
" fatiguing ". Has anyone had or heard of any major concerns with the safety and reliability of this model ? We are also trying to get info on
" highway rating ". How is that decided on ? They say 80 and above is good but anything under 70 is not ! Only other question is re: overall weight and not being able to load much. Any problems re: overweights on the axles ? We love the model we found and the price is good. We just need a few more questions answered prior to making an offer. Really appreciate any thoughts or feedback anyome may have. Thank you.

"007" · 05-15-2010, 12:40 PM

Welcome Snowy Owl to irv2.
Here is a link for recalls on the Scottsdale you are looking at.
Here is a link for used pricing that maybe helpful.
Here is a link to your model 3201.
Information on WH chassis.
'' " Ford chassis
You need to drive both chassis they may already have toque bars installed.
Come join us down in the Newmar Owners Forum for any more questions.

TXiceman · 05-15-2010, 02:49 PM

The length to wheelbase is just a guideline. Units that do not meet this requirement tend to be more of a problem with handling than units that have a better ratio. But they don't all fit the rule.

Some chassis do better than other chassis. If you are serious about a coach, get it out for an extended drive. Get it on the highway at highway speeds, some smaller roads and city streets to see how it handles. You do have to remember that it is unloaded at this point and can change once loaded or overloaded. Make sure the tires are aired to the pressure recommended by the manufacturer.

I would get the rig weighed to see just how much real load capacity you have remaining. There were class C's built that with a driver and passenger in the front, the front axle was over rating.

Ken

ralper · 05-15-2010, 10:57 PM

You will be putting about 2000 Lbs. of stuff in the rig. Be sure it is rated to carry that much. If you are going to "full time" in it the figure raises to 3000 Lbs or so for two people.