Community Forums

GWBGE · 05-03-2021, 07:37 AM

Does the FL have the equivalent of Comfort Steer? CS saves a a lot of wear and tear on the driver.

Dutch Star Don · 05-03-2021, 10:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GWBGE

Does the FL have the equivalent of Comfort Steer? CS saves a a lot of wear and tear on the driver.

Comfort Steer is a Newmar product and on both chassis'.

Rev. Roy · 05-03-2021, 11:28 AM

I have heard that, if you buy the longer warranty on the Freightliner chassis to match the standard one on the Spartan, the difference is not that much. The one observation I have made is that the high end production coaches on Newmar and many other companies are all on the Spartan chassis. Another observation is that there seems to be fewer numbers of recalls on the Spartan.

tom chelbana · 05-03-2021, 01:38 PM

Just as there is a difference between a Newmar and a Tiffin there is a difference between a Spartan and a FL. Just like Newmar's saying " When you the difference" there is a difference.
Newmar Man

Chargersrt8 · 05-03-2021, 05:01 PM

Sort of like like Ford versus Chevy, BMW versus Audi... They are different but the same... We have had both, each one had its pluses and minuses. Our current coach came with the Spartan, was not a decision point for us. We just wanted a Newmar for the quality....

jrs · 05-03-2021, 05:14 PM

I really love the DriveTech system on our FL. This is our 1st RV so don't have any experience with Spartan. All I can say I will purchase another FL again if we purchase another Newmar.

ptw · 05-03-2021, 05:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rev. Roy

I have heard that, if you buy the longer warranty on the Freightliner chassis to match the standard one on the Spartan, the difference is not that much. The one observation I have made is that the high end production coaches on Newmar and many other companies are all on the Spartan chassis. Another observation is that there seems to be fewer numbers of recalls on the Spartan.

It was around $1700 to extend the warranty from 3 years to 5 years on the chassis and 7 years on the axles for my 2017 Dutch Star. If you purchase the warranty after 12 months and less than 18 months there is a $400 extra charge.

We are very happy with our Freightliner and the excellent service we get in Gaffney every year.

BBelanger · 05-03-2021, 07:49 PM

Go visit a Freightliner service facility, then go visit a Spartan service center. Then make your decision. Ive had both and if they finally fixed the dust storm of the FL chassis, the service facilities will make your choice easy.

Bill Belanger

Ann n Gene · 05-03-2021, 09:06 PM

I have had 4 Spartan chassis coaches and 2 Freightliner. Not much difference except Freightliner has placed huge emphasis on their dealers paying special attention to RVers. Many have built separate check in and servicing facilities with RV service managers, writers and techs and many have full hookups. They call this “The Oasis FreightlinerService Centers”. The president of FCC in Gaffney has told me twice that if I am told a part will not be available for anything over a few days or they can’t work us in for an extended time to call Gaffney and they will intervene. My 2019 New Aire had a power steering pump break before delivery. There were no pumps in the entire Freightliner parts supply line. Dealer called Gaffney, they took one off the assembly and literally flew it to Dallas First Class! True story. I was very anti Freightliner and pro Spartan until I experienced Freightliner first hand. I love my New Aire on a Freightliner and really do not care to go back.

tom chelbana · 05-03-2021, 09:10 PM

Bring up visiting their service centers reminds of the Spartan service center on our Newmar's that has the fuel filter, air drier, air governor and engine batteries all in one simple to use location.
Glad there are two chassis companies because we RV diesel engine owners get a better chassis by having competition. Many items like engine, trans are the same so they are more similar then different but there is differences.
Newmar Man

**TonyDi** · 05-03-2021, 09:13 PM

I had a Spartan on my DS and now a Freightliner on my LA. I haven’t noticed a big difference. I can comment on Freightliners CS. I am about 50 miles to the nearest dealer and the two times I’ve been there I’ve been treated like royalty. The also had me in and out quickly.

PaulKC · 05-03-2021, 09:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Winger2

You are wrong, no Ventana's have TPMS.

Thank you for the clarification!!

deandec · 05-03-2021, 09:18 PM

Spartan trucks were well regarded for hauling fire apparatus around the city streets with a long wheel base and heavy loads (think water tanks).

Freightliner trucks are very highly regarded as a road tractor hauling cargo, livestock and other heavy items in the attached trailer weighing 60,000#.

Neither was designed to carry human passengers in serious comfort.

But each adapted to the market.