Travel Supreme or Beaver

[d.alcannon]

Sorry for another one of these "either or" threads but seems to be a wealth of knowledge here. Would appreciate your indulgence. I'm shopping for my first motorhome & at the top of my short list are travel supreme select & beaver marquis. My budget restraints restrict me to 2005-06 model years. I'm really partial to the ts select interior; real granite counter tops, marble showers, radiant floor heating & on & on. Very impressive!! Looks more like an upscale residence than an rv. And the exterior seems very current in appearance. I also prefer the cummins red top in this model but a cat c12 would certainly not be a deal breaker. My concern is the spartan k2 chassis. I've seen multiple posts on several sites referencing the undesirable flexibility of the frame under the massive weight of this 45' coach resulting in windshields becoming unseated & some less than perfect steering traits. I'm aware of the x bracing offered by precision painting but see varying opinions about totally satisfactory results. Summering in Alaska is on our bucket list. As well, our primary residence where it will be sheltered is a third of a mile off the road. While paved it is quite undulating. In addition, we'll occasionally be carrrying it to our vacation home that hangs on the side of some east tenn mountains with some steep switch backs & a pretty uneven entrance to the driveway. I'm concerned these conditions would be taxing on any large coach, much less one with possibly an inadequate chassis. Would love to hear from some of you ts owners. Am I unduly concerned over this issue? I think I would be very happy with the beaver marquis as well; beautiful cabinetry & a lot of nice features as well. Only problem is the fact that dw feels the interior is somewhat dated & the exterior is a little less attractive. Any opinions would be appreciated. Please Pardon my lack of brevity.

[MRUSA14]

I have an Entegra Anthem which is descended from the Travel Supreme line. My previous coach was a Beaver Monterey. Now I realize that my coaches are a step below the ones you are considering, but my Anthem with cross-bracing is MUCH more sturdy and solid than my Beaver was. I can't imagine why a cross-braced TS Select would not be likewise stiff and sturdy. If you like the TS better, I'd buy it and have it cross-braced.

[johnnyreno]

what mr usa said,,

[mojoracing]

Travel supreme all the way!

[d.alcannon]

Thanx folks. I'm leaning toward the ts (especially in light of dw's subtle prodding). Just looking for a little reinforcement.

[DA_BUS]

I think an x braced TS is going to be as good as any coach you buy. None of the bigger rigs are really designed for continued "off road" use. I believe I commented on another post you made....a tandem has a tendency to keep the back end anchored on the plane of the rear of the coach and cause more twist on a chassis than a single axle because the rig can't conform to the terrain as easily....so a tandem in general may be difficult on the not so flat roadways....I have had both a single axle and a tandem...and I am never going back to a single axle as the tandem is so much better than a single axle.... "drive carefully" and try and keep the rig on an even plane either side to side or front to back - my recommendation if it doesn't feel right to go somewhere...don't - once you twist it - you will say, why did I do that.

[bukzin]

Originally Posted by DA_BUS

I think an x braced TS is going to be as good as any coach you buy. None of the bigger rigs are really designed for continued "off road" use. I believe I commented on another post you made....a tandem has a tendency to keep the back end anchored on the plane of the rear of the coach and cause more twist on a chassis than a single axle because the rig can't conform to the terrain as easily....so a tandem in general may be difficult on the not so flat roadways....I have had both a single axle and a tandem...and I am never going back to a single axle as the tandem is so much better than a single axle.... "drive carefully" and try and keep the rig on an even plane either side to side or front to back - my recommendation if it doesn't feel right to go somewhere...don't - once you twist it - you will say, why did I do that.

Are you saying that a poor (off road) surface can twist the frame?

How involved is adding the X bracing folks have done?

Thx

[becks]

Originally Posted by mojoracing

Travel supreme all the way!

+1 TS has the edge.

[DA_BUS]

The proper term I should have used was flexed instead of twist - as a slight flex in the chassis will correct itself - however, a broke windshield or one pulled from its gaskets won't - until you fix it. If you previously owned a smaller motohome or a camper...don't plan on taking a tandem (any brand) into tight spots or those off the shoulder campsites...the secret is being carefull.

[Papa_Jim]

They are both wonderful coaches.

The Spartan chassis is very highly regarded. I understand that many of the Travel Supremes needed to have X bracing installed in the basement to stiffen the chassis.

The Beaver Marquis has the top of the line Roadmaster S-Series semi-monocoque tag axle chassis, which is a very rigid, very solid, very highly regarded chassis.

I think you really need to drive them both to decide which coach handles the way you like.

After that, I guess it really boils down to which coach you like the best.

Jim

[tankcj]

How did they drive?...Any noticeable difference in the way they handled?

[brobox]

I owned a TS for ten years and now moving up to an Entegra. With Jayco taking over the old TS line and now manufacture under the name of Entegra, the people from TS including the best parts manager in the business are now at Entegra. If you need a part, Jacob at Entegra can tell you where to get it.

The quality of the TS will outlast almost any MH built. I would add the cross bracing and go for the TS. If we weren't moving up to a larger MH, I would have kept the TS in a heartbeat.