Freightliner or Spartan on new 40' Dutch Star

[3882DOUG]

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?

[ct1964ups]

Mile High wrote:

dons2346 wrote:
Don't think you will find any tag axle coaches with a rear radiator.

Interesting...........Well I did find at least one in my garage:

We had 3 DP on Spartan's....reading all the Entegra problems on spartans and talking to some owners...then this past may took ours to Spartan for service...it probably was the worst service I've had on on motorhome.....the tech did almost nothing i asked to be checked.....now going to a Freightliner....C

[RayChez]

Spartan used to be the better of the two, but Freight liner has passed it with new up grades and Comfort Drive.

Spartan has had lots of problems with ball joints. There have been several recalls on joints from Spartan.

Both have side radiators on your bigger coaches, so who ever said that Spartan was the only one with side radiator does not know what he/she is talking about.

As far as the ride, I do not believe you would be able to tell the difference between the two.

[ldm468]

The 2017 Spartan Chassis has disc brakes on all axles vs Freightliners front disc and rear s-cam drums.

http://www.spartanmotors.com/rv-range/newmar-dutch-star-45-k2-450-chassis/

For me, the improved brake performance all disc brakes on the Spartan chassis make this the better chassis. Unfortunately, there are some rumors that the rear axles will be going back the S-cams drums for 2018. A call to the dealer will confirm the Newmar's current plans.

[Blaster_Man]

FL has a number of different chassis. Most DPs have the XCM, higher end models get the SLM.

[mtrumpet]

smlranger wrote:
Based on the varied problems I've seen reported by Entegra owners on their Spartan chassis, I don't see where there is any real advantage to having a Spartan over the FL. Maybe some years ago but it seems FL has caught up.

I tend to agree. At one time I would have not considered a rig with a FL chassis. However, now I wouldn't think twice about one if the rig was right for us and met our punch list.

[smlranger]

Based on the varied problems I've seen reported by Entegra owners on their Spartan chassis, I don't see where there is any real advantage to having a Spartan over the FL. Maybe some years ago but it seems FL has caught up.

[Mile_High]

dons2346 wrote:
Don't think you will find any tag axle coaches with a rear radiator.

Interesting...........Well I did find at least one in my garage:

[Bruce_Brown]

I think I'd lean toward the Freightliner for the taller rear end gear. The Spartan will get you off the line quicker, the Freightliner should get you better MPGs.

As far as service, we've had both, both have been excellent.

[hanko]

Mile High wrote:
I think the bigger sell point on the Spartan is the side radiator.

all dutch stars are side radiator

[bullydogs1]

Don't think you will find any tag axle coaches with a rear radiator.


oh yes you will, Monaco Diplomat, Tiffin Phaeton, Winnebago Tour/Grand Tour and host of others...

[dons2346]

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]

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]

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]

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.