Spartan Gas Chassis - it is still alive!!!

[tuffr2]

I heard this from the Spartan Rep at the Tampa Show that the large gas engine on a Spartan Gas Chassis should come to market in 3rd or 4th quarter 2014. Yes, later this year!!!

That this project is not dead!!! Cool.

[Scarab0088]

The Extol or the Revel? Did the rep mention any specifics?
See: Spartan Chassis

I hope the rep is right. The 8.8L equipped Extol is really needed IMHO to provide an upgrade to the monopoly that Ford has.
2014 Ford Stripped Chassis F-53 Class A Motorhome | See All The Stripped Chassis F-53 Class A Motorhome Highlights | Ford.com

Getting the engine an EPA cert was the issue in the past. But even after it comes to market, then the RV builders will have to risk ordering and offering the Spartan option.

Thanks for the news.

[tuffr2]

The rep told me that the Class 'C' chassis was ahead of the class 'A' chassis. He implied the Class 'C' chassis was already being offered.

It is the 8.8 litre class 'A' chassis that is still alive.

To me, a 5th wheel owner, this is a big deal because in 3 to 5 years I just might switch to Class 'A' gas if there is a better option than Ford.

[edgray]

Originally Posted by tuffr2

I heard this from the Spartan Rep at the Tampa Show that the large gas engine on a Spartan Gas Chassis should come to market in 3rd or 4th quarter 2014. Yes, later this year!!!

That this project is not dead!!! Cool.

I sure hope your source is correct, but when I asked the guy occupying the Spartan chassis display at the TSS about the likelihood of the Extol chassis being used, he opined just the opposite. At first he acted like he had never heard of Extol, but after I refreshed his memory, he said "that was a pre-mature announcement that should never have been made". I wish I had written down his name......and I sincerely hope he was as mis-informed as he appeared to be.

Any idea which coach builder will be the first to market?

[tuffr2]

I hope that is not true. The consumers really need another chassis option other than Ford.

The Rep at Tampa knew exactly what I was talking about. Said the smaller class 'C' chassis was already in the market. Does anyone know about it? Who is going to use it?

I sure hope the larger class 'A' chassis makes it to market too.

[edgray]

Originally Posted by tuffr2

I hope that is not true. The consumers really need another chassis option other than Ford.

The Rep at Tampa knew exactly what I was talking about. Said the smaller class 'C' chassis was already in the market. Does anyone know about it? Who is going to use it?

I sure hope the larger class 'A' chassis makes it to market too.

IF the class C chassis is the "REVEL", I've not seen any builder advertising it. Likewise, I've not seen any on-road application of the 8.8L motor advertised. I would think that would be "big news" if somebody was using it.

[Scarab0088]

Just looking a the PSI website, while I have not seen any "breaking news" about an EPA approval, they are listing the 8.8 as a On-Highway engine option(?)

See: On-Highway Engines | Power Solutions International, Inc. – Cleantech Engine Manufacturing

I would think the EPA cert would need to come before listing as such...but I am no expert in these matters.

Safe travels

[purduepete2]

I'd like to see one of these under a Newmar Ventana.

[edgray]

Originally Posted by purduepete2

I'd like to see one of these under a Newmar Ventana.

Newmar would likely use this front engine chassis under their canyon star product, IMO.

[purduepete2]

That's OK by me too! If they can use a floor plan like the Vetanna with camp side dining and bedroom slides and midship TV that's viewable from couch, front seats and dining booth I'm all for it. I'd like to move up to 30-34 ft Class A gasser on something other than the F 53 that needs all the modifications to make it drivable and 4400 rpm to get the torque needed to get it over the mountains. JMHO

I would also like to see an Extol with duel fuel gasoline/CNG and no Propane.

Pete

[Smitty77]

Originally Posted by purduepete2

That's OK by me too! If they can use a floor plan like the Vetanna with camp side dining and bedroom slides and midship TV that's viewable from couch, front seats and dining booth I'm all for it. I'd like to move up to 30-34 ft Class A gasser on something other than the F 53 that needs all the modifications to make it drivable and 4400 rpm to get the torque needed to get it over the mountains. JMHO

I would also like to see an Extol with duel fuel gasoline/CNG and no Propane.

Pete

Hi Pete - While I admit I have not, I was wondering if you have driven a newer higher end gasser on the F53 chassis? I also admit that in my entry level Bounder on a 99 F53 chassis, I did have to make quite a few suspension mod's to enjoy the handling/ride of the coach.

The manufacturers of RV's that spec the 26K F53 Chassis, usually have them equipped with the Ford good suspension parts. Including the rear panhard and adequate sway bars front and rear. They're reported as much improved on the handling front, from the earlier F53 V10 chassis's.

I'd still add the Safety-T-Plus for emergency handling during a blowout.

But, I wonder if you did a test drive on a higher end gasser with proper F53 chassis - if you would find it all that lacking? The 5spd auto gets good reports, just about eliminating the advantage Workhorse had with the 8.1/Allison combo.

Speculation on my part, but if I were shopping for a new gasser - I would check out the improvements.

Best to you, and all,
Smitty

[edgray]

Originally Posted by purduepete2

That's OK by me too!...............

I would also like to see an Extol with duel fuel gasoline/CNG and no Propane.

Pete

I recently read where Spartan has hired a guy specifically to develop their "specialty vehicles" RV business. Here is a partial paste of the article published by RVB:

QUOTE>Spartan Chassis Inc., a business unit of Spartan Motors Inc., announced the addition of Timothy Hamm as vice president, sales and business development, specialty vehicles. According to a press release, the hiring of Hamm demonstrates Spartan Chassis’s continued commitment to the recreational vehicle industry.....<END QUOTE

Maybe if enough RVers let Mr. Hamm know of their desire for an alternative to Ford's F53 he will be able to convince a few coach builders to offer it. Unfortunately, the article did not include his contact info.

[Scarab0088]

Originally Posted by edgray

I recently read where Spartan has hired a guy specifically to develop their "specialty vehicles" RV business. Here is a partial paste of the article published by RVB:

QUOTE>Spartan Chassis Inc., a business unit of Spartan Motors Inc., announced the addition of Timothy Hamm as vice president, sales and business development, specialty vehicles. According to a press release, the hiring of Hamm demonstrates Spartan Chassis’s continued commitment to the recreational vehicle industry.....<END QUOTE

Maybe if enough RVers let Mr. Hamm know of their desire for an alternative to Ford's F53 he will be able to convince a few coach builders to offer it. Unfortunately, the article did not include his contact info.

Here is Timothy Hamm's Page on "LinkedIn" (I think).
Tim Hamm | LinkedIn

I am not a member of LinkedIn - so I can't read the full Profile.

Safe travels

[edgray]

Originally Posted by Scarab0088

Here is Timothy Hamm's Page on "LinkedIn" (I think).
Tim Hamm | LinkedIn

I am not a member of LinkedIn - so I can't read the full Profile.

Safe travels

My wife won't allow me to have any more "links", either