Spartan vs Freightliner - The Battle Of The Motorhome Chassis Builders

[@Watch-Andrew-work]

We still ride on a 1992 Gulf Steam with a Spartan Chassis. Considering that it still has the old I beam setup and no Air suspension is very comfortable and smooth. We do have the Air over Hydraulic braking system with disc brakes all round too. I wonder if our chassis has a lifetime warranty being 31 years old? The chassis is in near perfect condition and this is in central Canada!

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

That sounds like a great older coach. I'm not sure what kind of warranty you have on that Spartan chassis but it must be in great condition to be performing so well this far down the road. Thanks for mentioning your experience with that Spartan chassis here!

[@Watch-Andrew-work]

@@RVInspectionAndCare Thanks for the reply. Enjoy your KZbin videos a lot. Have a great day.

[@mchurch3905]

Based on use most 18-wheeler freight trucks use Freightliner chassis I believe. Millions of miles of tests.

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

Thanks for watching the video and adding to the discussion.

[@tyflesh]

I've riden under a freightliner chassis but class 8 truck for 30+ yrs, And have never had a issue getting parts. The wife and I are looking at class A's and I think we will stick to what I know and have depended on all these years! Thanks another great informational video 📹 👍

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

That sounds like a great plan Ty. Thanks for watching and sharing your thoughts on the subject with us too!

[@ronalddiaz7032]

You didn't mention the problem with the spartan ball joint problem

[@kradwonders]

Freightliner has a large dealer network however, from personal experience not all Freightliner dealers will service a Class A diesel pusher. It’s kinda frustrating to pull into a Freightliner dealer with a problem and be told “we don’t work on motorhomes”. So just because you have a Freightliner chassis don’t think help is available at all dealerships.

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

Thanks for sharing your experience on the subject here. Safe and happy RV travels!

[@robertroth287]

Nice video.......learned some things

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

Glad you liked it Robert. Thanks for watching!

[@Michael.of.Barrett]

So for the airbags and air suspension - is that all on the model/manufacturer of the motorhome? I thought the air suspension was part of the chassis.

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

Hi Michael. Yes, the air suspension system is part of the chassis, but the manufacturer often has the chassis built to their specifications.

[@ronalddiaz7032]

I here that the spartan chassis has an inherent problem with the ball joints. I was surprised that it wasn't mentioned, its definitely can be a deal breaker.

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

I have not heard much about that myself. You have to be careful as there is a lot of misinformation spread online by some in the RV community.

[@jeandecker4073]

We had an old class a built on a John Dear chassis

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

Wow! Now there's a blast from the past! How did the JD chassis work for you?

[@jeandecker4073]

@@RVInspectionAndCare we had a choice of the John Deer with a Ford engine or a Chevy with a Chevy engine. I can’t remember any problems with the chassis but the Ford engine was a head ache.

[@boomersD9CAT]

I just retired, and I’m looking for a motor home. Does anyone know how reliable the Newmar Suparstar 4059 is. It’s a used 2022 with Cummings Engine on a Freightliner chassis. I’ve never owned a motor home, so this will be all new to me. I’ve driven tractor trailers my entire career, so I liked the cab design on this motor home.

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

The SuperStar is definitely on my recommended list. But don't buy any RV without getting a full inspection by a certified NRVIA inspector first to make sure it doesn't have hidden problems.

[@tjt4036]

Great video. Off topic question. What make and model of paper towel holder is that in this video? Where did you purchase it? Thanks and keep up the good work.

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

LOL .... we got it at Walmart. Cheri says it was a little over $6 total. Not sure about the brand. We love it though. It works great for us.

[@tjt4036]

@@RVInspectionAndCare Thanks for the info. I will have to look for it.

[@RickandDarcirvadventures]

We want a class a but we are not sure whether to get a gasser or diesel. The only thing that we worry about with diesel is the possible cost of maintenance or fixing the diesel engine.

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

Yes, that's a common concern for a lot of us. Actually, maintenance is not a major issue in my opinion. It may cost more with a diesel engine, but it usually doesn't have to be done as often. So it's kind of a wash there. But a major engine repair will be significantly more on a diesel than a gas engine. That's why I recommend an aftermarket service warranty on diesel engine Class As if you don't have the kind of money to be able to easily handle a major bill like that. Here is a video that I made about comparing the types of Class As that may be helpful too - kzbin.info/www/bejne/kGm2ZXmAepqln7s

[@discerningmind]

I hope this helps you. Though both gas and diesel are called Class-A, the similarity ends with that. The diesel pushers are a completely different coach and are the best to be had. As well, diesel pushers are easier to drive and ride better. While a gas Class-A is pretty much a chore to drive. And most Ford dealerships won't work on a motorhome unless a needed part can simple be plugged in like a light bulb. Unless your travels are regional and light, I strongly urge you to go with a diesel pusher.

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

@@discerningmind Clearly this comment is made by a diesel pusher owner. But there are lots of gas Class A owners that I know who are very happy with their RV and would not choose diesel for several reasons. And one of those reasons is that it is often much easier to find someone who can work on a gas Class A than a diesel pusher, even if Ford dealerships won't. I own a diesel pusher myself but I try not to disparage gas Class As in any way because they have their place in the RV universe. And not everyone buys RVs for the same reasons.

[@discerningmind]

@@RVInspectionAndCare I think you might have scanned my comment rather quickly. The poster had sent out a call for help and I responded to that in a truthful and accurate manner, however, in a concise method to self-limit the space I would use. That may have been a mistake. I assure you that my message was from the heart in order to help out people. Perhaps my Connecticut Yankee hurry-up-and-get-it-done response smacked of being curt. I assure you that I had no desire to insult any person's RV or financial income, as the RVs chosen by people have many factors, and each of us does the best we can before signing in the business office. I believe that any version of camping apparatus that we implement, from the rattiest tent to a brand-new Newell Coach is significant because it meets the need for us to get out there to travel and camp. I'd like to note that people can even glamp in a ratty old tent, it's called shabby chic. God bless.

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

@@discerningmind Thanks for clarifying your intentions with your comment. It's hard to discern the true motives behind a comment sometimes and it looks like this is one of those times for me. Just to explain the reason for my response, I am very sensitive to the comments on my videos so that there will be no shaming or negative connotations. But here I think I jumped the gun and made a wrong assumption. And so thanks for clearing up your comment intent.

[@remizecman5535]

I have a Freightliner and I am still having Mutiple air leaks now going on 3 years. In fact, it is in service now. I am hoping that Freightliner will stand by its product and fix it so we can enjoy using our motorhome like we had plan to all these years. My rv airs down completely In 4 to 5 hours. This would effect our refrigerator and any stay overnight at rest stops and walmart ect. Other concerns are the air pump is constantly going on while driving. This will be major if it failed while driving.

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

Hi Remi. Air leaks can be tricky. I have had a few myself. My experience says that you can never eliminate them altogether. You just don't want them to be at an unsafe level. Thanks for watching!

[@mikemills5144]

Is this the case for all Class A's or just the Diesel pushers? I thought a lot of the gas Class A's were put on a Ford chassis.

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

Mainly just diesel pushers Mike. Most gas Class As use a Ford chassis these days.

[@Wanderingsomewhere145]

I was happy with my first pusher on a Freightliner chassis. My current rig is on a Spartan and ride is so much better. Frankly, it’s night and day. No problem with getting parts for either.

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

I'm glad you are enjoying your Spartan chassis.

[@marychristie6194]

Did you get a new RV? Your background looks different 😊

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

Good catch Mary. We bought a fifth wheel to put on our home base site in Arizona while we are here for the winter months. The Newmar is in storage for the time being until our next trip that begins in May.

[@joemiles6917]

Which chassis does your motorhome have, if you don't mind saying?

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

My Newmar has a Freightliner chassis Joe. Thanks for watching!

[@joemiles6917]

@@RVInspectionAndCare Thank you. I was just curious.

[@piushorning4869]

deal breaker for me on freightliner is rear mount radiator and the one filter they place between the rails under the frame. why anyone would want a rear mount radiator and a filter that only is next to impossible to change is beyond my way of thinking

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts on the subject.

[@skinnerMTB]

Because with my rear mount radiator I was able to use that back left bay for 1000+ aH of lithium without losing a bay 😁

[@markb9241]

Don’t forget Freightliner has Comfort Drive!

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

Thanks for mentioning that Mark. Safe and happy travels to you!

[@discerningmind]

I have the Freightliner and it's excellent. But the one thing that has always given me comfort is that Freightliner has a huge service network. So in the USA, if anyone happened to need chassis services, in all likelihood there would be a Freightliner network facility within a manageable distance.

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

Yes, that is a real consideration when choosing between these two chassis builders. Thanks for watching!