Freightliner chassis

[tvfrfireman]

We have been RVing since the eighties and have alway had trailers and fifth wheels. We are now in the market for a diesel pusher. We have landed on one brand that had everything we were looking for and like the floor plan and the companies very good reputation. After searching for weeks, I have noticed some owners who seem to detest Freightliner chassis that is used in our choice of motorhome. One said he would rather walk and others with some horror stories how Freightliner wouldn't help them now that their motorhome was off warranty. I will tell you that I am not a mechanic or mechanical engineer and now feel as though we might have to start all over again in our search. If what they say is true then what chassis do we look for?.We have owned a few lemons in our day and I am worried if I get another, that my wife will put an end to our travels. I would love to have someone with some knowledge in chassis weigh in and tell me how to determine what chassis is sturdy and trouble free if there is such a thing. Thanks in advance....

[Ro_n_Joe]

Bruce Brown wrote:
^^^ On the steering column, are you referring to Comfort Drive or something else? I don't believe Daimler had anything to do with Comfort Drive. I could be wrong.

No not referring to Comfort Drive. The CD settings (along with a lot of other features) are changed via the steering wheel buttons on left side and setting shown on Dash. The gear selection is located on right side of column along with 3 stage Jake Brake selection. There are videos on line showing the system.

[Shot-N-Az]

I had a choice between Spartan and FL when ordering my new Dutch Star. I chose FL.

[Branson_N_Tucso]

Just like the above responses, have a 2003 Fleetwood DP. Freightliner been no problems for all these years. Only wish you old girl had thur bay areas.

[Bruce_Brown]

^^^ On the steering column, are you referring to Comfort Drive or something else? I don't believe Daimler had anything to do with Comfort Drive. I could be wrong.

[Ro_n_Joe]

Very pleased with our Freightliner. Love the new DriveTech digital dash and steering column which was designed by Mercedes-Benz. Daimler owns Freightliner.

[grldst]

I am currently driving a 2000 Freightliner chassis RV. This summer I had the AC compressor lock up. I went to the nearest Freightliner dealer, I was in Bismarck, ND, gave them the last 6 digits of my serial number, they had all the info on my chassis, including the part number for the AC compressor. Had the compressor over nighted for a total cost of 260.00.

It would be very tough to beat the freightliner support network.

[Big_Katuna]

I’ve had a FL chassis new since 2005. Great service, great support.

So no chassis mfr make all of the components. The trans is Allison, the engine is CAT or Cummins, airbags, rear end ,brakes, filters, air systems are all sourced from third parties.

FL makes different levels of chassis. Entry level is solid front axle, drum brakes, etc to high end independent front suspension with disc brakes and big engines.

The FL factory service center in Gaffney SC is a joy to deal with and I won’t use anyone else if I can get there

I’m not a huge fan of your local semi truck centric Freightliner service centers. They are competent but a tad expensive and not thorough.

Buy with confidence.

[chuckftboy]

I have owned 3 class A's on Freightliner chassis and never had issue but if I ever do I'll take comfort in their huge network of service dealers throughout the US.

[tvfrfireman]

Thanks to all of you for your responses. I will consider it a non issue and keep looking.

[hypoxia]

tvfrfireman wrote:
I have noticed some owners who seem to detest Freightliner chassis that is used in our choice of motorhome. One said he would rather walk and others with some horror stories how Freightliner wouldn't help them now that their motorhome was off warranty.

It's similar to the Ford, Chevy, Chrysler argument.

With the Freightliner Serial Number they can get every chassis part in short order. Their parts and owner support is excellent. I wish I could say that about my Monaco.

[PCarnathan]

Freightliner. All day, every day.

[fcooper]

We had a 2000 Holiday Rambler on the Freightliner chassis for 12 years. Very reliable, and their free help desk is a great resource. 1-800-FTL-HELP.

[Flute_Man]

Mine is on a Freightliner chassis and I am very happy with it. I would definitely buy it again.What brand of motorhome are you considering?

[hotjag1]

I always take our coach(freightliner chassis)to a Cummins Coach Care facility. They work on all chassis related repairs and service and have always done competent work and fair priced. There is probably a Coach Care facility near you.
I should mention that the only problem I've ever had with the chassis was an air bag and an air line leaking which for a 2003 is understandable. The other shop times were just annual service work. It drives great with little effect from passing semis.