Somehow, I think this page was posted prematurely

[FlyingDiver]

Originally Posted by motorhomeguy

With that said, would someone be so kind as to show me somewhere the true definition of a K-2 and a K-3 chassis is or is this just someone trying to say their chassis is better than another and unsubstantiated. If so, fine, go at it, but if there is fact to this I would like to see it. I've spoken to Spartan about this very issue a while back and they have assured me the Cornerstone is built on a "complete" and "true" K-3 chassis. Is this just your opinion or is there true fact to back it up, an industrial K-3 definition out there that Spartan or I haven't seen? If so would you pleased share it or are you just bashing another coach?

The K3 is whatever Spartan says. However, it's been around a long time, and was basically the same bridge-truss chassis for many years. The engine changed slightly, but was an ISX variant. The suspension varied depending on the OEM. Sometimes it was a 20,000# front axle, sometimes an 18,000# one.

Then the K3 Entegra came along, and it was NOT the same bridge-truss design. It looked more like the K2 chassis with an ISX and 20,000# front axle. Now we see evidence that Newmar is going to use the "new" K3 in the Essex for 2015.

BTW, for those who didn't grab copies of the 2015 brochures before they disappeared, I think the original K3 is being renamed the K3GT and the "new" one, which looks more like an upgraded K2, is being called the K3.

[The Okie]

Sure wish I had saved copies of to 2015 brochure. Hope someone did.

[FlyingDiver]

[The Okie]

I'm not surprised that Spartan is coming out with steerable tag. I also like the idea of the weighing system. We have used air weighing on large trucks for a long time.

[Route 66]

Links to the 2015 pages.

http://www.spartanchassis.com/rv/rid...r_kingAire.pdf

http://www.spartanchassis.com/rv/rid...wmar_essex.pdf

[FlyingDiver]

Originally Posted by nwokhunter

I'm not surprised that Spartan is coming out with steerable tag. I also like the idea of the weighing system. We have used air weighing on large trucks for a long time.

I'm sure the release of the steerable tag was a direct response to the FL chassis option for the Essex, which had it. Weighing system is nice, but not as important for an RV as for a OTR truck which changes weights more often (and has to pass through more weigh stations. )

[Cruzer]

The 2014 Essex is on the K2. The Cornerstone definitely is on the full truss-bridged K3. I've seen them both coming off the line at Spartan when I did the FMCA article and the way to tell the Cornerstone K3 apart from the King Aire K3 was the bigger fuel tank on the King Aire. And of course, Newmar's Comfort Drive was another difference, just not visible at first glance on the production line.

The original K2 came with the 10.5 liter ISM engine, which was discontinued and replaced with a reduced displacement version of the big ISX engine, the ISX12, when the EPA 2010 emissions came about. The K2 was upgraded a bit to handle the larger engine. If Spartan is planning a rename in the 2015 model year of the K2 to K3 and the K3 to a K3GT, I guess it's possible, but I have no firsthand knowledge of that. Possibly the the Essex is getting the truss-bridged K3 in 2015" Possibly the K3GT signifies the steerable tag axle option? Just conjecture at this point of time.

[FlyingDiver]

Originally Posted by Cruzer

The original K2 came with the 10.5 liter ISM engine, which was discontinued and replaced with a reduced displacement version of the big ISX engine, the ISX12, when the EPA 2010 emissions came about. The K2 was upgraded a bit to handle the larger engine. If Spartan is planning a rename in the 2015 model year of the K2 to K3 and the K3 to a K3GT, I guess it's possible, but I have no firsthand knowledge of that. Possibly the the Essex is getting the truss-bridged K3 in 2015" Possibly the K3GT signifies the steerable tag axle option? Just conjecture at this point of time.

See the links above. It's pretty clear that the new K3 (not K3GT) is NOT a truss-bridge design. It really does look like a rename for marketing purposes.

[redbaron73]

Here is the 2015 entegra cornerstone k3 information:
http://www.spartanchassis.com/rv/rid...ornerstone.pdf

[motorhomeguy]

Originally Posted by Cruzer

The 2014 Essex is on the K2. The Cornerstone definitely is on the full truss-bridged K3. I've seen them both coming off the line at Spartan when I did the FMCA article and the way to tell the Cornerstone K3 apart from the King Aire K3 was the bigger fuel tank on the King Aire. And of course, Newmar's Comfort Drive was another difference, just not visible at first glance on the production line.

The original K2 came with the 10.5 liter ISM engine, which was discontinued and replaced with a reduced displacement version of the big ISX engine, the ISX12, when the EPA 2010 emissions came about. The K2 was upgraded a bit to handle the larger engine. If Spartan is planning a rename in the 2015 model year of the K2 to K3 and the K3 to a K3GT, I guess it's possible, but I have no firsthand knowledge of that. Possibly the the Essex is getting the truss-bridged K3 in 2015" Possibly the K3GT signifies the steerable tag axle option? Just conjecture at this point of time.

Thanks Mark, exactly what I was seeking, fact rather than an opinion.

[bullheaded]

Compare the size of the frame rails.

[GaryKD]

I hope those who wanted the information downloaded what they wanted. The 15 information is gone. It has been replaced with 14 information.

[bullheaded]

Originally Posted by GaryKD

I hope those who wanted the information downloaded what they wanted. The 15 information is gone. It has been replaced with 14 information.

Gary look at post 19....it's still out there.

[GaryKD]

Hi bullheaded,
Thanks for the information. I was using the link in the OP. I'm sure once Newmar gets done thrashing Spartan over this the information will be unavailable. I'd like to have been a "fly on the wall" this morning when the you know what hit the fan.