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3882DOUG's avatar
3882DOUG
Explorer
Feb 14, 2017

Freightliner or Spartan on new 40' Dutch Star

AXLE TAG GVWR GCWR UVW NCC
FRTLINER 4.63 10000 47000 62000 36700 10300

SPARTAN 4.78 12000 49000 64000 7300 11700

Both chassis are the same price. Have not had the chance to drive either yet. I do not know what difference the axle ratio will make on power or mileage and am wondering if the extra carrying capacity of the Spartan will result in a noticeably rougher ride. We will not need the extra capacity. Any thoughts?
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  • dons2346's avatar
    dons2346
    Explorer
    Feb 14, 2017
    Don't think you will find any tag axle coaches with a rear radiator.
    I wold go with the Spartan. Just look at the weights, that makes it a no brainer
  • Mile_High's avatar
    Mile_High
    Explorer
    Feb 14, 2017
    missnmountains wrote:
    Mile High wrote:
    I think the bigger sell point on the Spartan is the side radiator.


    Our freightliner has a side radiator.

    Ken
    Ah your right. I was focused on what we looked at last year.
  • Two_Jayhawks's avatar
    Two_Jayhawks
    Explorer
    Feb 14, 2017
    missnmountains wrote:
    Mile High wrote:
    I think the bigger sell point on the Spartan is the side radiator.


    Our freightliner has a side radiator.

    Ken


    They will both have a side radiator. My FL chassis is fine but I would probably choose the Spartan based on the higher capacity.
  • Blaster_Man's avatar
    Blaster_Man
    Explorer
    Feb 14, 2017
    The coach brand would not affect my decision. I've had a Spartan on a 41' coach and a FL on this 45' coach. Both have IFS and side radiators. Both are fine, drive them, you won't be able to tell the difference.
  • missnmountains's avatar
    missnmountains
    Explorer
    Feb 14, 2017
    Mile High wrote:
    I think the bigger sell point on the Spartan is the side radiator.


    Our freightliner has a side radiator.

    Ken
  • mtrumpet's avatar
    mtrumpet
    Explorer
    Feb 14, 2017
    Same engine on either chassis?
    I would lean toward the Spartan. It's unlikely that you would feel any difference given the extra weight capacity. Having said that, you really couldn't go wrong with either one.
  • Trumpet_Player's avatar
    Trumpet_Player
    Explorer
    Feb 14, 2017
    Owned a Spartan then a Freightliner. Could not wait to get back to a Spartan. IMHO, the the ride on the Spartan chassis far outperforms the Freightliner.
  • tropical36's avatar
    tropical36
    Explorer
    Feb 14, 2017
    3882DOUG wrote:
    AXLE TAG GVWR GCWR UVW NCC
    FRTLINER 4.63 10000 47000 62000 36700 10300

    SPARTAN 4.78 12000 49000 64000 7300 11700

    Both chassis are the same price. Have not had the chance to drive either yet. I do not know what difference the axle ratio will make on power or mileage and am wondering if the extra carrying capacity of the Spartan will result in a noticeably rougher ride. We will not need the extra capacity. Any thoughts?

    Do both have a side radiator and a real deal breaker for me?
    Even if this is present on both, my vote goes to Spartan.
  • Mile_High's avatar
    Mile_High
    Explorer
    Feb 14, 2017
    I think the bigger sell point on the Spartan is the side radiator.

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