Spartan chassis owners, be aware.

[Neal]

I believe mine has one in the gen bay and the engine compartment, at least. I haven't looked further, no need to.

 

[Neal]

I don't have a Spartan chassis so I don't really have a part of this. But I my observation of the handling of this in so many regards is sad or shocking, I'm not sure what to make of it.

1. Facebook groups are for owners, Newmar has never had a hand in these that I know of. Yet I see posts in Newmar Owners group, Newmar Kountry Club, Newmar Buy and Sell, etc. and all seem to be getting directed to shut down commenting or posts are getting deleted. It's as if Newmar is heavy handing any Newmar related social media group.
2. From my military experience and experience with what I've observed of true leadership I would have expected a response such as: "We take this matter seriously and we will investigate completely to determine the legality and any corrective action we need to make to ensure the customers never experience a problem like what has been reported."
3. Further to number 2 above I would expect a statement that Newmar customers are our most valuable asset. Rest assured we will determine if there was any oversight on our part or Spartan RV Chassis and if so, we will inform our customers on how this matter will be resolved and expeditiously. We trust in your business as you trust in us in choosing Newmar.

In all I could gather in the various posts before being removed, I never got such sentiment from Newmar. It was instant defense mode just as if someone is being charged with a crime and the appointed attorney comes on TV and states the charges are wrong and my client is innocent.

It seems as if the CEO of Newmar has been put to a test in this matter and is not performing as one would hope in handling this matter in the best interest of their customers. I hope I'm wrong, but this is just my observation as to what I've gathered to date.

We, the Newmar customers, chose Newmar for the family experience the Miller's always offered. We knew the corporate culture with Winnebago ownership was going to be different. In the past we got numbers at the international rally each year on the number of coaches sold, by model. That doesn't seem to be available now. What is apparent is WGO's stock has fallen over 50% in the past year and something needs to change. We need and want Newmar to succeed, we know there are amazing people building these beautiful coaches. They need to keep their jobs and keep the pride in their craftsmanship they've had for many years in the making which made Newmar what it is as we know. Newmar customers were addicted to the brand, many going back for a new coach every 2-3 years. I think that time is no more.

Wishing for the best outcome to the Spartan owners and I hope you will be persistent in protecting your purchase and not fall for political corporate answers. Do your own due diligence.

 

[Neemer]

To put it simply, Newmar punted this one into the stands. Damnedest thing I’ve seen lately.

 

[AbdRahim]

Is
Newmar the only coach built on a Spartan chassis? Any other coach makers experiencing this problem?

 

[redbaron]

Is
Newmar the only coach built on a Spartan chassis? Any other coach makers experiencing this problem?

Entegra is confirmed, although they are no longer building.

I’m sure foretravel is affected.

 

[Suburbazine]

I must be missing something. If the stamp isn't on the rig, and it has to be to be legal, why the heck is anyone arguing about it? It may be unpleasant to fix the problem, but it will have to be done eventually anyhow. So call us in, install the tag, and let's get on with life. Why the foot dragging?

I just checked the engine compartment and didn’t find what I was looking for, at least not where it was on my previous Freightliner. I did see the VIN on a sticker inside on the cabinet door, but for legal purposes, that won't fly.

In North Carolina, we have to get vehicles inspected every year. It’s only $30, but dragging a 55K RV to a station and watching some kid who has no idea what he’s looking at is an unnecessary pain. Florida doesn't have such a stupid requirement, so when we bought property in Florida, we registered our London Aire there. Part of the process was either taking the RV to the DMV so they could visually match the VIN to the paperwork, or having a deputy come out to the house and inspect it.

I’m heading to Florida again in a couple of months and plan to register my current rig there as well, but I’ve got a feeling I may run into trouble. Not crossing the border trouble, but a problem all the same.

I almost had this issue when I registered in FL. The DMV lady said the door plate was not matched BUT I had the CoO documents in hand and they accepted the finished VIN as correct. I didn't know at the time that she was expecting a Newmar branded plate on the coach.

 

[AbdRahim]

It seems to me the simple solution would have been to make a tag with the vin number and send it up there. Then have a mechanic weld or rivet it on. Newmar has a record of coach number and vin number of the chassis. Spartan also has documentation of the chassis.

Since the customer already paid for the coach, Newmar and Spartan should provide the customer with a similar coach and the companies can solve the problem with the govt. agencies. This is not the customer’s battle. Winnebago, Newmar and Spartan have bigger pockets than the best of us. The customer should not be penalized financially, whether or not Newmar or Spartan are at fault. Too many big heads at the table, to come up with a simple solution that would avoid public embarrassment, and making both companies, and Winnebago look foolish and uncaring.

 

[Palehorse89]

New info.

Couple With $1.35M Newmar RV Stumbles Upon Huge Possible Lawsuit, Government "Is" Involved

This recent RV nightmare reveals that Newmar isn't placing VIN in a compliant fashion and is rumored to now be under investigation by the US Government

www.autoevolution.com

 

[GUS2000]

This looks like a play by play transcript of the Liz Amazing video..

but here are some points to consider in this process.. a manufacturer cannot simply just throw a vehicle on the road without approval to do so from outside agencies..

When Newmar, Entegra, or any RV manufacturer readies a new model for release, there are multiple layers of outside inspection and certification before it can be legally sold in the U.S.

1. Federal Oversight​

• NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration)
  
  • Ensures compliance with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS).
  • Covers crashworthiness, lighting, brakes, VIN placement, seat belts, tires, and labeling.
  • The manufacturer must self-certify compliance, but NHTSA can audit and test at any time.
• EPA (Environmental Protection Agency)
  
  • Certifies engines and emissions systems (important if chassis/engine are modified or sourced).
  • Diesel and gasoline engines must meet emissions requirements before being sold.

2. State & Provincial Agencies​

• State-level DMV / Registration offices
  
  • Before retail sale, the RV must be titled and registered, which requires proof of compliance with federal safety and emissions rules.
  • Some states (e.g., California with CARB) impose stricter emission standards.

3. Industry Certification & Labels​

• RVIA (Recreational Vehicle Industry Association) Seal
  
  • Nearly all major RV manufacturers (including Newmar and Entegra) are RVIA members.
  • RVIA inspectors regularly visit factories to check that units meet ANSI A119.2/A119.5 standards for plumbing, electrical, propane, and construction safety.
  • Without the RVIA seal, many states won’t allow the RV to be sold or registered.
• CSA (Canadian Standards Association)
  
  • If the RV is sold in Canada, it must meet CSA standards for propane, electrical, and construction.

4. Chassis & Component Certifications​

• Chassis Manufacturer (e.g., Spartan, Freightliner)
  
  • Chassis itself is pre-certified to FMVSS before Newmar/Entegra builds on it.
• Third-party component certifications
  
  • Appliances (refrigerators, furnaces, water heaters) must carry UL or CSA marks.
  • Propane systems inspected for leaks and safety.

5. Pre-Sale Inspections​

• Final PDI (Pre-Delivery Inspection) by dealers
  
  • Dealers perform functional and safety checks before handing over to customers.
• DOT Inspections
  
  • If the RV exceeds certain weights, it may require DOT compliance inspections for commercial use.

 

[redbaron]

With all of those checks and balances, for over 25 years, Spartan has not been compliant and no one noticed.

I find that fact alone amazing.

 

[GUS2000]

you stated a key fact.. 25 years and no issues.. nothing has changed.. I will hold judgement until the final review is completed.. i have a feeling that there is more to this story than we are all aware of.. i think its unfair for everyone to make snap judgements without all the facts and the back story..

 

[Neal]

All we can do now is wait. My hunch is Newmar/Spartan will offer to install VIN tags like FL installs. Seems like the simple fix.

 

[GlampDaddy]

you stated a key fact.. 25 years and no issues.. nothing has changed.. I will hold judgement until the final review is completed.. i have a feeling that there is more to this story than we are all aware of.. i think its unfair for everyone to make snap judgements without all the facts and the back story..

A YouTube blogger fanning her flames of click-bait may not be the best source of information...and seldom is. I'm in favor of waiting to see how this actually plays out, whether through a settlement, a court case, or just an objective reporting of the facts. Let's stay tuned.

 

[Texas Clodhopper]

I will be at the Freightliner Service Center in Gaffney in a few weeks, and you can bet I will have them show me the VIN.

I can only wonder why Spartan has been quiet.

 

[Richpatty]

I will be at the Freightliner Service Center in Gaffney in a few weeks, and you can bet I will have them show me the VIN.

I can only wonder why Spartan has been quiet.

We both have 2017 Ventanas….i found a pair on the back above the radiator… I know there are others, just not sure where.