Let me apologize right now for such a newbie question. Hahaha So, what items are normally a chassis (Freightliner) issue or engine (Cummins) issues? I think the engine issues should be pretty obvious. Are there any issues that are pretty common that we should be aware of?
bjoyce said
08:19 PM Feb 15, 2015
The big Freightliner places can normally handle everything on the engines, so one stop shopping.
RonandBee said
09:48 PM Feb 15, 2015
So what, mechanically, is associated with the chassis?
Bill and Jodee said
09:59 PM Feb 15, 2015
Our chassis manual covers engine, transmission, tires, brakes, etc.., and the coach manual covers the "house" systems. I wouldn't have thought of "them" separated like that but I suppose it makes sense .
Terry and Jo said
11:17 PM Feb 15, 2015
Chassis items could also include the suspension systems of the RV's.
Terry
RonandBee said
11:45 PM Feb 15, 2015
Well thank you very much! That does clear a few questions up for me!
Terry and Jo said
05:36 AM Feb 16, 2015
Regardless of the type of RV, the "chassis" components make up the very foundation of the RV. For those planning to full-time in their RV, it is important, some say critical, to insure that the components be of good quality. It is also important to remember that overloading of some of those components can lead to some major problems, so that makes it doubly important to pick one with a good system.
Terry
bjoyce said
08:04 AM Feb 16, 2015
Look at the photos on Freightliner's webpage, http://freightlinerchassis.com/RV-Chassis/rv-chassis-article/menu-id-150.html, to see what Freightliner supplies. You will see the frame, suspension, tires, steering wheel, and a few other items. The motorhome manufacturer adds to the chassis. Water, grey and black water tanks, any leveling jacks, and about everything on top is put on by the motorhome manufacturer. Most of the time some of the dash instruments, the hitch, engine air filter, and dash heat/ac, are also put on by the motorhome manufacturer, but not always.
rocknb said
09:22 AM Feb 16, 2015
Howdy RonandBee,
I normally always agree with "bjoice" on about every subject, but not this one. And I'm not saying that Freightliner cannot fix a Cummin's or a Cat, and even though they own the Detroit, IMO if you have engine problems - take the unit to that specific Manuf. Even the Detroit. Again, just my opinion, but after after 40 yrs of trucking and being a owner/operator at least half of those years. It is still my opinion - only.
-- Edited by rocknb on Monday 16th of February 2015 09:23:56 AM
-- Edited by rocknb on Monday 16th of February 2015 09:24:41 AM
bjoyce said
11:05 AM Feb 16, 2015
Spartan Chassis has sent us to Freightliner a couple times when there was no Cummins close by. Freightliner is the competition. Sadly, now that we are out of warranty, we have had better experiences from independent diesel mechanics than Cummins places, including Cummins Coach Care.
rocknb said
08:39 PM Feb 16, 2015
I understand fully when Cummin's or any other engine Doctor is not available. Then you do what you have to do. And as Bill says sometimes the private shops can help and not weakin' your wallet as much as the Big Guys. Been there - done that also.
But, again, Warranty Work is a different story all together.
RonandBee said
10:26 PM Feb 16, 2015
I can't thank all of you guys enough. For some reason when I hear the word "chassis", all I think about is the frame, and that's it. I was having a hard time grasping that the chassis actually included several mechanical systems and components. The way all of you explained it makes a lot more sense to me now and I feel much better about it. My apologies if this seemed like a total newbie question, but then again, being a newbie I guess all questions appear that way...hahaha
TRAILERKING said
11:06 PM Feb 16, 2015
"Chassis" is the complete Frame, Suspension, Engine, Trans, Differential, Brakes. The "Builder" builds their box on that. If the Chassis is a Diesel Pusher, the power train is basically the same as any HDT or Tour Coach(Bus).
Let me apologize right now for such a newbie question. Hahaha So, what items are normally a chassis (Freightliner) issue or engine (Cummins) issues? I think the engine issues should be pretty obvious. Are there any issues that are pretty common that we should be aware of?
Chassis items could also include the suspension systems of the RV's.
Terry
Regardless of the type of RV, the "chassis" components make up the very foundation of the RV. For those planning to full-time in their RV, it is important, some say critical, to insure that the components be of good quality. It is also important to remember that overloading of some of those components can lead to some major problems, so that makes it doubly important to pick one with a good system.
Terry
Look at the photos on Freightliner's webpage, http://freightlinerchassis.com/RV-Chassis/rv-chassis-article/menu-id-150.html, to see what Freightliner supplies. You will see the frame, suspension, tires, steering wheel, and a few other items. The motorhome manufacturer adds to the chassis. Water, grey and black water tanks, any leveling jacks, and about everything on top is put on by the motorhome manufacturer. Most of the time some of the dash instruments, the hitch, engine air filter, and dash heat/ac, are also put on by the motorhome manufacturer, but not always.
Howdy RonandBee,
I normally always agree with "bjoice" on about every subject, but not this one. And I'm not saying that Freightliner cannot fix a Cummin's or a Cat, and even though they own the Detroit, IMO if you have engine problems - take the unit to that specific Manuf. Even the Detroit. Again, just my opinion, but after after 40 yrs of trucking and being a owner/operator at least half of those years. It is still my opinion - only.
-- Edited by rocknb on Monday 16th of February 2015 09:23:56 AM
-- Edited by rocknb on Monday 16th of February 2015 09:24:41 AM
I understand fully when Cummin's or any other engine Doctor is not available. Then you do what you have to do. And as Bill says sometimes the private shops can help and not weakin' your wallet as much as the Big Guys. Been there - done that also.
But, again, Warranty Work is a different story all together.