OTR Diagnostics, DEF, Derate Faults

[MapNerd]

That said, I almost always have a workaround for them when I sit down with them to explain the problem and if I don’t, it’s just because I haven’t had the time to develop one for them yet.

the lack of a workaround here or any sort of guidance on what to do is the real head scratcher for me.

It sounds like they are quite literally advising people drive their coaches until they derate and strand them in who knows where. That’s pretty dangerous advice imo.

 

[sheridany]

This can turn into a PR problem for Spartan very soon. Especially given no one really knows what is going on and why it is happening articulated by @Neal. I sure hope they have a crisis management plan because it seems headed in that direction.

 

[Neal]

While Newmar's sales aren't affected NOW it will catch up with them. I can tell you ONE sale they've lost. I'm probably not the only one that will rethink their decision for their future coach.

 

[MapNerd]

So I guess in the spare parts bin under the coach, SP owners might want to add 5-6 DEF heads

 

[ARD]

This is a very bad situation for Spartan, and Spartan-chassis owners. It is apparently time to park our coaches with a Spartan chassis. We are seriously thinking of doing so...permanently.

It is not just Spartan. A friend of mine who has a DS on a freightliner chassis was recently flat bed towed. She received a red, stop engine light without ever getting a yellow, check engine alarm first. They replaced her DEF header and she is back on the road. I feel bad for all the new 2021 owners who have been told not to travel. Absolutely, crazy.

 

[Neal]

So I guess in the spare parts bin under the coach, SP owners might want to add 5-6 DEF heads

I hear they are approximately $1k each. Not verified.

 

[MapNerd]

It is not just Spartan. A friend of mine who has a DS on a freightliner chassis was recently flat bed towed. She received a red, stop engine light without ever getting a yellow, check engine alarm first. They replaced her DEF header and she is back on the road. I feel bad for all the new 2021 owners who have been told not to travel. Absolutely, crazy.

I did not want to know this @ARD. Now I am patiently awaiting my turn in the barrel

 

[MapNerd]

I hear they are approximately $1k each. Not verified.

That’s all? I think all buy up the supply. Who needs a DEF head? $4k each. Special deal for RVF members, just $2500!

 

[ARD]

In @ARD’s case they are asking her to drive over the Rockies where you have steep grades, narrow roads and few turnouts to get off the road.

This is the part I am most nervous about. I have 2 check engine alarms right now and the first several miles of my trip are uphills and descents of 6-8% grades. Was going to leave today, but have a delivery on Friday so will leave on Monday. ??

 

[Neal]

When fueling do not shut your engine off. I actually did this my last few legs mainly to keep A/C going as it was so hot. I think with the SP/Shaw issues if I was on a SP I'd limit my engine cycles.