Community Forums

Stuart W · 07-10-2017, 04:18 PM

Ok I read a thread that on the 2017/2018 43 tag there is a difference in wheelbase by 2 feet Fl 288 inches and Spartan 312 inches.
The Newmar information states they are both 288.
2 feet no way right?
So I happen to have vin numbers for two 4369's one FL and one Spartan, so today I called both company's and provided each the vin number and by vin number Spartan said 312 and FL said 288
It was also verified that the Spartan was Disc brakes on front and Drive axles and Drums on the Tag for 2018, Freight liner is disc front and drum on drive and tag.
Any information would be helpful

Mr_D · 07-10-2017, 04:25 PM

As I remember this was asked already someplace already. I'm betting it's about the same wheelbase but measured differently is all.

Stuart W · 07-10-2017, 04:28 PM

Funny you should say that I called both back an the techs both stated it is measured from the center of the front and drive axle. I'm with you it can't be true. I have studied pictures of both and they don't look different esp 2 feet different [emoji848]

Sicduc · 07-10-2017, 08:30 PM

I had the same question

http://www.irv2.com/forums/f103/whic...is-347863.html

Stuart W · 07-10-2017, 08:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sicduc

I had the same question

http://www.irv2.com/forums/f103/whic...is-347863.html

Yes it was your post I read, I will stay on this until I get an answer. Dealer is not far from me, planning to measure them both, including distance over pull out trays to the frame

BBelanger · 07-10-2017, 09:43 PM

I thought that one might measure to the drive axle while the other measured to the tag, but there's more than two feet difference there. I believe I asked this question a long time ago, the answer should be interesting. 43 feet plus 9 inches is 525 inches. 525 minus 288 leaves 237 inches to be split in the front and rear. 288 inches is 24 feet. The numbers don't add up to me.

Stuart W · 07-10-2017, 10:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BBelanger

I thought that one might measure to the drive axle while the other measured to the tag, but there's more than two feet difference there. I believe I asked this question a long time ago, the answer should be interesting. 43 feet plus 9 inches is 525 inches. 525 minus 288 leaves 237 inches to be split in the front and rear. 288 inches is 24 feet. The numbers don't add up to me.

I came up with that theory also so I called Spartan back
I asked that question about including the tag, the tech at Spartan said no, it's measured from the center of the front axle to the center of the drive axle. He was looking at vin specific data.. I agree it doesn't add up.

ghaynes754 · 07-11-2017, 09:10 AM

Just measured my 2017 Spartan DS4369. Front axle center to drive axle center is 288"(12ft). Drive center to Tag center is 48" (4ft).

Stuart W · 07-11-2017, 09:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ghaynes754

Just measured my 2017 Spartan DS4369. Front axle center to drive axle center is 288"(12ft). Drive center to Tag center is 48" (4ft).

Thank you for taking the time to measure, it had to be someone was wrong. Turns out Spartan has an information error. Has your Spartan been good for you? That's what I decided to order, could have purchased a FL out of dealer inventory. Brakes, wiring, service area, dust issues and lifetime warranty on the frame were factors. In addition to the FL tag alignment issues and the uncertainty of the correction. They all have some issues but the tag axle is a big one in my opinion.

Stuart W · 07-11-2017, 12:33 PM

Ok went to dlr and the two are 288. Also measured from the slide-out tray to bottom of the frame rail on both and they are the same .

Stuart W · 07-11-2017, 12:57 PM

Just got off the phone with Spartan. Here is the answer: FL measures from the centers of the front and drive axle and doesn't take the tag axle into the equation. Spartan measures from the front axle to the 1/2 way point between the Drive and Tag Axle which is 24 inches (288 +24=312) both would measure the same if you use either method.

ghaynes754 · 07-11-2017, 07:51 PM

Stuart probably to early to tell on whether my Spartan has been good to me. We did our FPU on June 12. Have about 3000 miles on it and it handles perfectly. Everything aligned and running well. Current trip first leg I got 7.3mpg Denver to Lusk, WY. 65mph most of the way, mix of interstate and state highways.

I went with Spartan for the same reasons that you mention.