Hi Everyone. Well, after 15 years the RV-Dreams Community Forum is coming to an end. Since it began in August 2005, we've had 58 Million page views, 124,000 posts, and we've spent about $15,000 to keep this valuable resource for RVers free and open. But since we are now off the road and have settled down for the next chapter of our lives, we are taking the Forum down effective June 30, 2021. It has been a tough decision, but it is now time.
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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?
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 .
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
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Terry and Jo
2010 Mobile Suites 38TKSB3 2008 Ford F450 2019 Ford Expedition Max as Tag-along or Scout
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.
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Bill Joyce, 40' 2004 Dutch Star DP towing an AWD 2020 Ford Escape Hybrid Journal at http://www.sacnoth.com Full-timing since July 2003
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
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Larry & Brenda Burton + Skeeter the Toy Poodle
FT'in since Thanksgiving 2014
2006 Newmar Scottsdale 32' for sale or trade for at least
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.
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Bill Joyce, 40' 2004 Dutch Star DP towing an AWD 2020 Ford Escape Hybrid Journal at http://www.sacnoth.com Full-timing since July 2003
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.
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Larry & Brenda Burton + Skeeter the Toy Poodle
FT'in since Thanksgiving 2014
2006 Newmar Scottsdale 32' for sale or trade for at least
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
"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).