So what’s the verdict
OK, here’s the latest.
We (myself & Julia) came up with a theory that maybe all of the alignments have been right, which would account for me saying that it feels better after ever alignment.
So here’s the question. My RV was up at the Spartan facility and did have a full 3 axel alignment (I’ve now seen the print out). They test drove the Rv and said that it drove very well “like a dream” was the expression used by Spartan. So I drive it 300 miles and it drive like a sack of SHI*. So I drive another 300 mile to an Alignment specialists who tells me that the alignment all all completely out.
Now long story short. After leaving one alignment shop with the alignment spot on I drive directly to another shop and guess what it’s out again. So basiclly the steering and or rear axels are floating around. To prove this theory when we arrived in Arizona I asked Spartan if they would pay for me to have another alignment just to prove this theory and yes it was out of align again…… That’s where we are at the moment.
Hello Globetrotters,
I like to thank you for your nice videos, we really love it!
Like to introduce me, we ar Robert and Ingrid Holsderver from Zweden and drive a Monaco Dynasty from 2001.
Like To tell you that I am suprised that Spartan das not give any service or bake up
I drive more than 35 years white trucks an rv in europa and usa, and can tell you, the best you can do is to bring the rv back and ask your mony back, this problem is normaly for spartan chassi and this problem never go a way! this I what I know from spartan chassi .
By the way, when you come to Zweden you are more than Wellcome for coffie.
Hope its co better for you, and thanks one more time for the nice video diary.
Best Regards Robert and Ingrid
Saying the steering problem is a normal Spartan problem is a gross over generalization and simply not true. We were just at Mayfest with 85 other Entegra coaches, all Spartan of course, and steering was not brought up by anyone. We have a 2017 Anthem 44B.
Well, wait a minute, or two, and I’m sure you will see this as an optional upgrade on all Spartan and Entegra product.
I guess the good news is if you are weaving in and out of traffic, you have documented proof to show the police it’s not your fault.
Who know this would turn into a full time job. Funny, most of the high end 5th wheels have an automatic systems to correct this in the rear wheels.
Seems very dangerous to me for you to be driving something that continues to have this saftey issue.. now this might be something the transportation board in the United States would be interested in, especially since Spartan chassis are use on a lot of emergency equipment operating at high speed.
Well, you wanted to see America, one repair facility at a time.
I’m laughing with you, not at you, hoping you get some satisfaction.
Ted
So why it snaps out of alignment every time? Is it a design problem or a fabrication/assembly mistake? I believe Spartan should answer that.
Love your blog/YouTube videos.
I’m a want-to-be RV owner, so have no experiences to offer but do have a suggestion. Greyhound has a lot of buses and experience with long haul driving. Have you reached out to them to see where they take their buses for alignment issues when on the road. They can’t have shops everywhere they serve, so might have some helpful suggestions for maintenance facilities that can help you. Just my 2 cents. BTY – did you do a video on the Grand Canyon?
These are the recalls from Spartan.
Spartan Motors USA (Spartan) is recalling certain model year 2004-2008 K2, K3 and MM motorhomes manufactured March 17, 2003, to March 15, 2007. In the affected vehicles, the engine cooling fan may separate from the fan drive while the fan is spinning. Spartan Motors USA (Spartan) is recalling certain model year 2004-2008 K2, K3 and MM motorhomes manufactured March 17, 2003, to March 15, 2007. In the affected vehicles, the engine cooling fan may separate from the fan drive while the fan is spinning. If the engine area is open and the cooling fan is operating and detaches, someone nearby may be injured.
Spartan will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fan and fan drive system, free of charge. Interim notices were mailed to owners on October 29, 2015. A second notice will be mailed when parts become available. Owners may contact Spartan customer service at 1-800-582- 3454. Spartan’s number for this recall is 15014.
Spartan Motors (Spartan) is recalling certain model year 2010-2013 Spartan K3 and MM motorhome chassis. In the affected vehicles, the flexible exhaust tube may tear allowing hot exhaust to blow against other components or materials.
Spartan Motors (Spartan) is recalling certain model year 2010-2013 Spartan K3 and MM motorhome chassis manufactured August 7, 2008, to June 4, 2013. In the affected vehicles, the flexible exhaust tube may tear allowing hot exhaust to blow against other components or materials. If hot exhaust gas contacts other components or materials, it can increase the risk of a fire. Spartan will notify owners, and dealers will replace the flexible exhaust tube with an improved one, free of charge. The recall began on October 14, 2015. Owners may contact Spartan customer service at 1-517-543-6400. Spartan’s number for this recall is 15020.
Spartan Motors USA (Spartan) is recalling certain model year 1997-2005 MM and K2 motorhome chassis.
The affected vehicles have a steering gear mounting bracket that may crack, causing a loss of steering ability. Spartan Motors USA (Spartan) is recalling certain model year 1997-2005 MM and K2 motorhome chassis manufactured January 20, 2003, to May 16, 2005. The affected vehicles have a steering gear mounting bracket that may crack, causing a loss of steering ability. A loss of steering increases the risk of a crash. Spartan will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering gear mounting brackets, free of charge. An interim notice was mailed to owners on December 4, 2015. Owners may contact Spartan customer service at 1-800-543-4277. Spartan’s number for this recall is 15022.
Spartan Motors, Inc. (Spartan) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Gladiator, DR, K2, K3, MetroStar, MM, and NVS vehicles equipped with certain Wabco Quick Release Valves with Double Check. In the affected valves, the rubber diaphragm may be damaged by sharp edges on the valve seat ribs, reducing the available air pressure in the air tanks. Spartan Motors, Inc. (Spartan) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 Gladiator, DR, K2, K3, MetroStar, MM, and NVS vehicles manufactured December 14, 2011, to October 21, 2014, equipped with certain Wabco Quick Release Valves with Double Check. In the affected valves, the rubber diaphragm may be damaged by sharp edges on the valve seat ribs, reducing the available air pressure in the air tanks. The reduced air pressure levels may reduce braking performance and/or the parking brakes could reapply, increasing the risk of a crash. Spartan will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the valve, free of charge. The recall began January 22, 2015. Owners may contact Spartan customer service at 1-517-543-6400. Spartan’s number for this recall is 14021.
Spartan Motors, Inc. (Spartan) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 K2, K3 and MM chassis. In the affected vehicles, the fasteners that attach the stay rod (v-rod) to the rear drive axle may not have been installed with thread locker or tightened in the correct sequence.
Spartan Motors, Inc. (Spartan) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 K2, K3 and MM chassis manufactured October 2, 2013, to April 2, 2015. In the affected vehicles, the fasteners that attach the stay rod (v-rod) to the rear drive axle may not have been installed with thread locker or tightened in the correct sequence. If the fasteners come loose, the stay rod may disconnect from the rear axle, resulting in a loss of control, increasing the risk of a crash. Spartan will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fasteners using thread lock, tightening them in the proper sequence and with the required torque values, free of charge. The recall began on August 11, 2015. Owners may contact Spartan customer service at 1-800-582-3454. Spartan’s number for this recall is 15010.
Spartan Motors, Inc. (Spartan) is recalling certain model year 2015 K3 chassis manufactured February 28, 2014, to October 21, 2014. In the affected chassis, the tag axle suspension hangers may move allowing the tag axle assembly to shift off center.
Spartan Motors, Inc. (Spartan) is recalling certain model year 2015 K3 chassis manufactured February 28, 2014, to October 21, 2014. In the affected chassis, the tag axle suspension hangers may move allowing the tag axle assembly to shift off center. If the tag axle moves off center, vehicle handling may suddenly be affected, increasing the risk of a crash. Spartan will notify owners, and dealers will weld the tag axle suspension hangers to the main frame, free of charge. The recall began on April 17, 2015. Owners may contact Spartan customer service at 1- 517-543-6400. Spartan’s number for this recall is 15001.
Glen, you also mentioned in one of your videos (generator issues) that you were going to ask the Cummins repair shop to check into the engine because it was a “real dog” in the mornings. I never heard any more about the outcome of your engine concerns.
Best of luck,
I believe they should disconnect the outer tie-rods and check for seized king pins.
mine were seized they could not move the wheel assembly left or right by hand. two days to free them up and lubricate the drive is not choppy. before this was completed it felt like the rear end (when looking through mirror) wanted to drive in its own path while compensating with the steering wheel. you see Glenn the seized king pins were steering but were sticking very hard in whichever direction they were last steered, causing steering wheel fight.
If I was going through a long curve or bend it felt great because all free-play in all components were being consumed in one particular direction. when the bend straightened out then the choppy steering started once again. The drive back from spartan was a dream after that fix no alighment was needed. I am located not far from Niagara Falls Ontario so it was about a 400 mile drive. Hope this helps.
Hi Kevin
Thanks for your input, I also am a believer that chassis are delivered to Entegra from Spartan without any grease at all. I say this because we have already had 2 ball joints replaced one of which was after just 2 weeks. That would indicate that no grease was applied when the chassis was made. So your theory about the king pins may well be correct. I will pass this info on to Spartan but I doubt they will take any notice as according to them I haven’t got a problem !
G