Freightliner XC vs. XCS Chassis for 09+ models

[Manke]

Hello all,

I am having a hard time getting a straight answer from anyone with Winney or Freightliner as to my questions about this area.
We're looking at a 2009 Journey/Meridian 34Y.
Comes with XC, allison 3000, listed exhaust brake, and 350 hp.

The new 2010 Journey/Meridian Express 34Y comes with the Freightliner XCS chassis, allison 2500, just says "air brakes w/ABS", and 340 hp.

The reduced hp is because of the 2500 tranny. The list is about 20k less for the 2010 vs. the 2009, so I know they cut costs somewhere. Does anyone know the difference between these two chassis?
Storage is more in the 2010, cost is less, but if loaded to gvwr max, then you can only tow 5k. With the 09, you get less storage, the bigger tranny, bigger sticker, but can tow up to 10k if needed.

I believe the old XCS there were issues with and it was definitely a cheaper chassis, so I am looking for info on this "new" XCS they are putting in the new 2010's vs. last years coach.

Any insight here would be much appreciated

[jjr4]

Manke,
We are also looking at a 2010 Journey 34Y. I cannot comment directly on the chassis difference but there are also a number of items that came as standard on the 09 that are not available OR added cost options on the 2010.
We would much rather have the 350HP/3000 allison combination of the 09 but we like the larger window by the dinette and retractable TV option of the 2010.
Jeff

[rickandcheryl]

Also looking at these models and would appreciate any information. Thanks

[Always-RVing]

Freightliner XC chassis comes in 4 types: XCS (S=Straight Rail), Lowered, Raised Rail and Tag. I think variations of these are custom chassis for specific MH manufactures.

http://www.freightlinerchassis.com/p...ochure2008.pdf

[bsedor]

I am going through the same analysis!

Originally Posted by Manke

Hello all,

I am having a hard time getting a straight answer from anyone with Winney or Freightliner as to my questions about this area.
We're looking at a 2009 Journey/Meridian 34Y.
Comes with XC, allison 3000, listed exhaust brake, and 350 hp.

The new 2010 Journey/Meridian Express 34Y comes with the Freightliner XCS chassis, allison 2500, just says "air brakes w/ABS", and 340 hp.

The reduced hp is because of the 2500 tranny. The list is about 20k less for the 2010 vs. the 2009, so I know they cut costs somewhere. Does anyone know the difference between these two chassis?
Storage is more in the 2010, cost is less, but if loaded to gvwr max, then you can only tow 5k. With the 09, you get less storage, the bigger tranny, bigger sticker, but can tow up to 10k if needed.

I believe the old XCS there were issues with and it was definitely a cheaper chassis, so I am looking for info on this "new" XCS they are putting in the new 2010's vs. last years coach.

Any insight here would be much appreciated

[porscheracer]

In an '09, check to see if you can get to the bathroom with the slides in. It's VERY tight between the kitchen countertop and the bathroom wall. The problem was fixed in the '10 model by redesigning the bathroom.

[Manke]

Originally Posted by porscheracer

In an '09, check to see if you can get to the bathroom with the slides in. It's VERY tight between the kitchen countertop and the bathroom wall. The problem was fixed in the '10 model by redesigning the bathroom.

You can get into the bathroom with the slides in, really not that bad walking from front to back with the slides in.
We'll probably see a 2010 model this weekend and compare.
Thanks so far for the responses, still nothing concrete, but hopefully we can get a breakdown of the 09 XC vs. the '10 XCS from someone....

[bsedor]

Thanks. The bathroom door does not open fully but it is workable for my wife and me. At least until I gain more weight!

Originally Posted by porscheracer

In an '09, check to see if you can get to the bathroom with the slides in. It's VERY tight between the kitchen countertop and the bathroom wall. The problem was fixed in the '10 model by redesigning the bathroom.

[rickandcheryl]

Went to the Pomona, Ca. big RV show yesterday to see a new Journey Express and was very disappointed to find out they won't even start production of this model until around the first of the year. At least that is what the dealer told us. Has anyone seen one of these?

[ramwheel]

I believe your also tallking about two different engines and big cost and weight difference.

[Manke]

Originally Posted by ramwheel

I believe your also tallking about two different engines and big cost and weight difference.

??? What do you mean by this post ramwheel? No offense intended, but I haven't a clue what you're getting at....

[becks]

As ramwheel states, two very different motors. One Cummins 6.7 L ISB 340HP and only 660 lbs torque. Other motor is the ISC 8.3 L, 360HP with 1050 lb torque.