The differences between this coach and Phaeton are many. Some are wonderful, some I haven't decided yet. The most dramatic is the ride and handling of this coach. I have to attribute it to the Independent Front Suspension (IFS) as opposed to the Freightliner solid front axle, the longer wheelbase, and the bigger motor. This rig has a Cummins ISL 450 HP and 1200 ft lbs of torque.
This suspension floats over most road imperfections, and the Freightliner "banged" over them. This rig will power up most grades without downshifting or slowing down. If I do slow it usually because traffic in front of me has slowed. But there is a price to pay for all that power, and that is usually reduced MPG. But would I give it back to get better MPG? Nope.
I love the added room inside the coach. It is just roomy. The Phaeton wasn't exactly small, 37'. But the extra 4' is noticeable, and I like it. It is noticeable when driving though. Mostly when turning tight corners. And when pulling out of a driveway onto a two lane road, I really need to clear traffic because I will be taking both lanes for a bit to get pointed in the right direction. Again, I still wouldn't go back to the smaller rig.
Lots of new storage space, but I had to figure out how to best use it. Every new coach I have ever had was always a puzzle to figure out how to fit stuff into. Now that I am getting it figured out, I have lots more outside room than I did before.
Lots more observations, but I don't want to turn this entry into a novel. But one more question I will address, because I think it is relevant. Yes, I truly believe that being there for the build and following it down the line made a huge difference. I chatted with the workers, smiled a lot and took a genuine interest in what they were doing. Most of them were extremely nice, and took a few minutes to explain the process of what they were doing. Every 4-5 "stations" had an inspector that met and chatted with. Their job was to scrutinize the build process, and identify and mark with a colored masking tape any slight imperfection they saw, and get it addressed immediately. Some marked dozens of slight adjustments that were addressed. Some I couldn't even see, and I am a critical son of gun for doing things right.
By the end of the 5 day build, I was totally satisfied that my coach was as good as it could be. When it got to the dealer, Sherman RV in Mississippi, their PDI was extensive. They had a 130 point inspection list that they do on every coach, and I saw mine. They told me that the PDI flew by because they found nearly nothing that needed addressed. My experience after delivery has been similar. I have addressed a few minor issues, tighten a screw, adjust a latch.
The issues I have had or still do are more to do with the function of a new system and learning how to make it work. There is a learning curve on any new or used rig. There has been a few systems that I will talk about in future post that I haven't decided about yet. But the overall impression so far is, I LOVE IT!