Community Forums

wnytaxman · 01-03-2014, 03:29 PM

I have read over and over that Spartan is a superior chassis to Freightliner, but being a bean counter and not an engineer, inquiring minds want to know what makes them better. I know I prefer their week long classes to Freightliner's two day classes, but other than a better education experience, what makes Spartan better than Freightliner?

DSL417 · 01-03-2014, 04:12 PM

Inquiring minds want to know...I'm told Freightliner is significantly less expensive. With Newmar moving to Freightliner, Monaco going back to Roadmaster for 2015 Dynasty(see latest FMCA Jan issue), etc I have to wonder. But Newmar prices are not going down, and the 2015 Monaco seems high compared to the Cornerstone.

The Spartan CEO said at Summerfest that they were going to get real competitive to win back lost business in 2014. Doesn't seem to be moving that way.

Unfortunately, I haven't seen or heard of any of the reviewers doing an article on same...my guess is it would be tough to do for a non-engineering type.

GaryKD · 01-03-2014, 05:00 PM

Hi wnytaxman,
You ask a good question. For me there is no difference. Floor plan and a number of other items are on the list of show stopper items to a purchase decision. The chassis, I could care less.

nforus · 01-03-2014, 05:54 PM

Hi DSL417,
A couple of questions on your post. I know Newmar is offering a Freightliner option on the Essex, but have not heard that they are making a full changeover away from Spartan, is that the case? I also saw the new Dynasty in the FMCA magazine, and that doesn't look like the old Roadmaster Chassis's that we owned. It looks like a Freightliner with some marketing thrown in. I am also pretty indifferent as to chassis MFG as long as the storage compartment height is the same or better than on the K3

Traps90 · 01-03-2014, 08:14 PM

The new Monaco chassis while still tagged as a Roadmaster Chassis, will be built using Freightliner front and rear clips, with their own (ASV / Monaco) bridge type construction connecting the clips.

Quite different than the RR 8 & 10 airbag chassis, the Freightliner will have there 4 large air bags.

DSL417 · 01-03-2014, 09:01 PM

Not a Newmar expert, but my understanding was their line was on Spartan, then DS and MA went to Freightliner. Now Essex offers that as an option (with Detroit Diesel engine???). I only offer that as the Spartan guy I know suggested they were going to try hard to win back all the Newmar business. As far as Monaco, just passing on what was in the FMCA mag yesterday (but as an aside, you can get the ISX with 600 HP engine/1950 ft lbs of torque in a Cornerstone for the same price versus 500 HP).

It would seem to me that the Mountain Master chassis is a tried and true platform for mid-range priced DPs, and the ISX package for Cornerstone (and KA) seems top of the line before you go proprietary. So bottom line...I'd like to know what the differences are, beyond price. If there is none, Spartan is a candidate for buy out or on its way out (I hope not).

wnytaxman · 01-04-2014, 07:36 AM

Dave,

Maybe I need to ask this question on the Entegra forum and see if Cruzer will respond. I know a lot of folks say they "have to have a Spartan chassis" but I'm just curious as to what makes Spartan better.

Ed

Tha_Rooster · 01-04-2014, 07:45 AM

I owned a Chevy then a ford before the rev. in 2008 we test drove a new MH on a freightliner hit the concrete freeway and took it back. Test drove our rev. next on a spartan no comparison I don't no why but it just rode a lot smoother. That's why my best advise to anyone is a good test drive.

MRUSA14 · 01-04-2014, 08:06 AM

I had a similar experience in 2002 when I was shopping for a Dutchstar. At that time, Newmar offered it both ways. The standard was Freightliner, and Spartan was an optional upgrade for several thousand dollars more. I drove both and it was night and day. The Spartan rode and handled much better.

tmw188 · 01-04-2014, 08:19 AM

I'm a newbie to all this information. How many different chassis are there? I'm assuming that the two previously mentioned are maybe only on DP's or no?

DSL417 · 01-04-2014, 09:39 AM

In the referenced posts, all are talking DPs.

Freightliners, Spartans, Roadmasters, Prevosts and Newells and Foretravels (proprietary). I'm sure there are others. In new coaches, Detroit Diesel ad Cummins engines. Some of the high end use Volvos, I think.