2018 Freightliner vs Spartan DS 4369 -my observations

[Contender]

20018 Freightliner vs Spartan DS 4369 observations
Looking to purchase a 2018 4369 Dutch Star on a Spartan or Freightliner chassis. Have been reading for months about the plus and minus of each and decided to do a same day comparison test drive on 2018 4369 Dutch Star on Spartan Chassis followed by same day drive on same route with Freightliner DS 4369. Route was 20 min. driving - smooth highway, bumpy country roads, and finally a large parking lot to simulate driving in and out of my 28 ft driveway onto my 24-foot street at a right angle. On the highway, both were similar. Freightliner had more fan noise on start up to 30 mph. Spartan seemed to porpoise on bumpy roads, RR tracks, and while coming to planned quick stops for test purposes. Noticeable difference but very slight and not uncomfortable at all. Braking same on both, and solid. Coming out of my simulated ‘25 foot driveway’ onto a ‘24-foot street’ the Freightliner turned almost 2 feet tighter, noticeably more turn while watching the tag. Salesman reassured me that the Spartan ball joint problems and older Freightliner tag alignment issues have been resolved over the past 1-2 yrs. My experience has been driving class C coaches. Have tested now 6 Newmars, DS & VT 37-43'. My many hours of reading strongly suggest I should go Spartan, but other than the fan noise I preferred the Freightliner ride slightly that day. Appreciate your thoughts,.and I greatly appreciate all the experience and knowledge on this website !

[tom chelbana]

There has been a lot of information the last couple months on which chassis to select. The Spartan chassis does have disc brakes on drive axle and FL still has drum brakes on drive axle. The FL chassis has 5/16 frame rails and the Spartan has 3/8 thick frame with more frame supports. All the Spartan chassis I have seen have the better Alcoa wheels and FL has Accuride. When it comes to wiring Spartan has labels on all chassis wiring which is better then FL. As a 20 year Newmar owner with a 18 London Aire to me the best choice is Spartan. Really like there service and there service centers.

[fsudelt]

Originally Posted by tom chelbana

There has been a lot of information the last couple months on which chassis to select. The Spartan chassis does have disc brakes on drive axle and FL still has drum brakes on drive axle. The FL chassis has 5/16 frame rails and the Spartan has 3/8 thick frame with more frame supports. All the Spartan chassis I have seen have the better Alcoa wheels and FL has Accuride. When it comes to wiring Spartan has labels on all chassis wiring which is better then FL. As a 20 year Newmar owner with a 18 London Aire to me the best choice is Spartan. Really like there service and there service centers.

Freightliner has same Alcoa wheels, which I love as they are so easy to keep up & keep wheels shining!

[NealC]

I was just at FL and questioned the tag axle issue to Pat, my tech, and the factory tour. It's confirmed a dead issue, it was a specific manufacturer for the tag which is no longer used. My 2017 is not affected and is perfectly aligned.

I love my FL and intend to stick with it. Great service, many reasons beyond that. Sadly Spartan came in 3rd place in this article I got today, FL took the GOLD.

2017 MotorHome Readers' Choice Award Winners | Motorhome Magazine

[pasdad1]

Just for thought....

I believe you would have seen more difference in the ride if the coaches were at “normal” cruising weight. They were probably very light.

Typically dealers have the coaches with very little fuel in them and no water...that alone adds up to 1400 lbs of 100 gallons of diesel and 100 gallons of water.

Plus none of your “stuff” was in them which could add several more thousand pounds. They are designed to ride well when loaded......

....also did you check the tire pressures of each? This can have marked effects on drivability if they were substantially different.

[Kimik]

You are very lucky to be able to test drive both back to back. We ordered a new 2018 DS back in August ( for March delivery) and our local dealer only had a FL in stock to test drive. I read all the posts and did consider a Spartan but ultimately choose a FL due to lack of Spartan service center in my city ( there is a FL one). I’m sure you will be happy with your coach regardless of the chassis under it. Safe travels

Mike

[judgebobk]

Originally Posted by Contender

20018 Freightliner vs Spartan DS 4369 observations
Looking to purchase a 2018 4369 Dutch Star on a Spartan or Freightliner chassis. Have been reading for months about the plus and minus of each and decided to do a same day comparison test drive on 2018 4369 Dutch Star on Spartan Chassis followed by same day drive on same route with Freightliner DS 4369. Route was 20 min. driving - smooth highway, bumpy country roads, and finally a large parking lot to simulate driving in and out of my 28 ft driveway onto my 24-foot street at a right angle. On the highway, both were similar. Freightliner had more fan noise on start up to 30 mph. Spartan seemed to porpoise on bumpy roads, RR tracks, and while coming to planned quick stops for test purposes. Noticeable difference but very slight and not uncomfortable at all. Braking same on both, and solid. Coming out of my simulated ‘25 foot driveway’ onto a ‘24-foot street’ the Freightliner turned almost 2 feet tighter, noticeably more turn while watching the tag. Salesman reassured me that the Spartan ball joint problems and older Freightliner tag alignment issues have been resolved over the past 1-2 yrs. My experience has been driving class C coaches. Have tested now 6 Newmars, DS & VT 37-43'. My many hours of reading strongly suggest I should go Spartan, but other than the fan noise I preferred the Freightliner ride slightly that day. Appreciate your thoughts,.and I greatly appreciate all the experience and knowledge on this website !

Appreciate your observations. A 2019 DSDP to replace the 2016 after an Alaska trip is planned. I've had a lot of issues with FL but I'm leaning on another simple because a service facility is close. It's a tough choice you've made easier.

[Rd1]

If you had a chance, you might want to consider looking at the bear chassis from both manufacturer. It may be just as valuable as your back to back test drive.


FR chassis have been dominant in entry level (lighter) coaches and they work well enough. I have had a couple of those before. I don't think they had much presence in the hi-lines. I do not know where DS stands vs MA, LA and EX. The hi-lines are much too heavy and also very top heavy for FR. With all the baby boomers buying Rvs and the hi-lines sales rising, FR has jumped into that market as well. Probably the reason for some of their growing pains.


Just as a comparison, here are the A-arm and toe link design on SP vs FR. You can expand and look for yourself. One peculiar issue to observe, the bent toe link on driver side FR chassis. You just have to wonder, why would any engineer design a chassis from scratch with a bent toe link? That will make the front toe alignment kinda interesting, though, not impossible.


I do not know if DS uses the same chassis as MA, LA and EX. Next time at your dealer, you can turn the wheel all the way to the left to get a full view of the A-arm and toe links and compare the two chassis designs. On FR, the toe link is located in the front of the wheel assembly. SP has the toe link in the back side of the wheel assembly.

pics are from a 17LADP FR and a 17 EXDP SP.

[taratiffin]

I drove a Tiffin Phaeton(06) for 45,000 miles on a Freightliner; then a Tiffin Phaeton(08) tag on a Spartan for 65,000 miles. I can say that I really could not tell a lot difference in the 2 except for the tag. I now have a Freightliner 2017 with comfort drive and all I can say is wow what a difference. I don't know if the chassis have improved that much since 08 or if it is the comfort drive. I can say that my tag Freightliner is a real pleasure to drive compared to my earlier MH's. Good luck with your search, either chassis will serve you well. Bill

[FLJOE]

Originally Posted by pasdad1

Just for thought....

I believe you would have seen more difference in the ride if the coaches were at “normal” cruising weight. They were probably very light.

Typically dealers have the coaches with very little fuel in them and no water...that alone adds up to 1400 lbs of 100 gallons of diesel and 100 gallons of water.

Plus none of your “stuff” was in them which could add several more thousand pounds. They are designed to ride well when loaded......

....also did you check the tire pressures of each? This can have marked effects on drivability if they were substantially different.

I agree with this 100%. In the last 3 years we have done a lot of research on different coaches and went through two. Many test drives in gas and DP from 38' to 45'. Once loaded you are changing the ride completely, plus most new factory coaches are out of alignment in the front when delivered to dealers. I think it would be extremely hard to pick based on driving two new empty coaches.

[NealC]

Out of alignment? No. They are aligned off the line at build by the chassis manufacturer.

[tom chelbana]

Some owners add 3 to 4 thousand pounds to their coach with add on items and supplies which does effect alignment.

[pasdad1]

Originally Posted by NealC

Out of alignment? No. They are aligned off the line at build by the chassis manufacturer.

A naked chassis can’t be properly aligned ....it’s naked and doesn’t even have the “house” on top of it yet !

...yes both front wheels are pointing somewhat straight......but that is far from being aligned properly after there are many thousands upon thousands of pounds riding on the chassis.

[Gordon Dewald]

Are we talking air ride when talking about adding all this weight or referring to loading up springs?

Comparing two empty coaches will be similar to comparing two loaded coaches. The ride height compensates for the load difference.