Mike and Trish
Mt. Airy, MD
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Joined: 03/02/2008
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Having just come from Camp Freightliner (their two-day course on
chassis operation and maintenance), I'm heavily biased in their favor. Also, consider that they have well over a 50% share of the DP market -- I would say that's not by chance.
Also, I love the ride and handling of my Freightliner chassis, and would have to be convinced to switch to anything else.
Mike and Trish
2008 Mandalay 43A
2008 Jeep Liberty on Blue Ox towbar
Yorkiepoos - Janis and Jimi
Winter - the rescue kitty
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TDInewguy
Minneapolis, MN
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Joined: 02/15/2006
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The problem with your existing coach may be the steering box... if it's too loose - that would make for a lousy drive.
I had a loose steering shaft on my 1966 GTO and it SUCKED to drive. Got it tightened up and it's GREAT to drive. There was about 2" of slop in the steering wheel. that is GONE now.
SSSStefan
2002 Itasca Horizon 39QD with the Fatboy tires on the back!
2009 VW Jetta TDI Sportwagon - toad!
Aluma 24' Enclosed car hauler
1966 GTO - super cool car as seen on Driven1
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JIH
Roseville, CA
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Joined: 09/30/2007
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Quote:We are selling our '98 Rexhall 32' Airbus motorhome, gas chev motor on P32 Chassis due to its tendency to wander across the road despite new tires, heavier sway bar, air bags on rear axle, new wheel bearings replaced and other attempts at obtaining a stable handling driving experience. This coach is unable to maintain a straight line course with out constat steering corrections, and is downright dangerous in a cross wind! We're giving up on it!
This sounds very familiar with my new to me 2000 Southwind with F53 chassis. Purchased in Mar and after 3000 trip to CA I was ready to trade. Hard to keep in a single lane, really scary in crosswinds and would sway and move side to side when trucks passed. I estimate I was in control only about 50% of the time. Then I put on a heavy duty replacement sway bar on the front. An "additional" heavy duty sway bar on the rear. Replaced shocks with new Monroes. The number one improvement was front and rear Trac Bars.
Before the mods 4 to 8 inch steering wheel corrections were needed all the time. Trucks passing would push me out and then suck me in. After the mods the steering wheel corrections are rarely over 1". Without a crown in the road it will track straight hands free. Trucks passing do not move the MH at all. Since the mods I have done a 4000 mile trip that was completely enjoyable. One day I drove for 13 hours and was less tired than a six hour day before the mods. Way cheaper than trading up. Of course I want to trade up for other reasons now. It never ends does it?
2000 Southwind 36Z
2004 GMC Canyon, Toad
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Dog Trainer
Richmond Mi.
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Joined: 08/17/2006
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My 17 year old Spartan chasis is still very nice to drive. Spartan still has all the info by serial #. I just call them and they have all the details. Also a very easy company to communicate with. I have no input on the Freightliner.
93 Airstream 35' Dp
5.9 230 uprated to 300 HP
Allison MD 3060
Dutchess and Shadow Golden's Daktari Cavalier King Charles (fur Bearing Children)
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sp8gold
Colorado Springs, CO
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Joined: 08/27/2004
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We've had both. I like the Spartan better but did not have a problem with Freightliner. One thing I did like about Freightline, lots of shops to get it worked on it needed.
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wny_pat
Western NYS
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Joined: 08/11/2007
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Spartan would be my preference, but without the Alfa. Alfa is not only a orphan, but a orphan with problems.
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66zoomie
Tx
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Joined: 09/29/2005
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I've had both (Freightliner and Spartan) chassis. Both will drive much better than the one you have. I don't think you go wrong with either. It's kinda like Chevy vs Ford, Cat vs Cummins.
Joel, Lynette & Katja (Samoyed)
06 Dutchstar 4320, Spartan, ISL 400
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Snomas
Arvada, CO
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Joined: 01/28/2001
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I drove a 96 chevy P chassis and had the same trouble. My Dutch Star has spartan and there is a world of difference. Most Mfgr's charge more for a spartan chassis for a reason!!! Most Fire trucks are on a spartan chassis.
2002 DutchStar 350 Cummins/Spartan Chassis, Toad 04 Odyssey
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Allred
Riverton, Utah
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Joined: 11/13/2006
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Thanks to all who have responded. I appreciate the insights and reports. Not sure what direction to go, but now feel confident that either the Freightliner or Spartan would be suitable for us.
However, I think I'll make one more effort to tame the P32 chassis before making the step up....
Wish me luck!
Allred
Allred
1998 Aerbus
Riverton, UT
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