Re: Allure > Intrigue > Magna > Affinity - Chassis Differences?
Reply #5 –
Yahoo Message Number: 95565
Thanks for the info sharing from all. I had first looked at Damon R.'s history site, but it does not go into detail on chassis specifics. I also used this site when working out the weight differences between rigs, as the high level numbers are available. But a good example where it does not go detail enough even on weight, is when looking at say the Intrigue (this was the sweet spot model we had been targeting). We were looking for 2002-2006 era coaches, and screening 2006 to eliminate the later year models that had the new 2006 smog ruled engines. The Intrigue in 2004, doing a direct comparison to the 2004 model my wife loved the galley in, had a stock ISL400, but could be had with the BIG CAT. Well that BIG CAT comes with much more weight, heavier 4000 Allison, and heavier axles and differentials and cooling to handle all of that extra power. So when looking at the weights listed on Damon's History site, I assumed the weights listed were for the BIG CAT option.
There has never been any question in my mind that the higher up the food chain you go, the more 'goodies' you get with content. The weights bare that out, as each ladder you climb in models, reflects higher weights. For example the Magna of 2005 (a unit we looked real close at) also has the higher capacity dual electric element Hydro Hot, and that also weights a bit more. Also the higher models had a KW Generator then our QD8000, so yep more weight.
We had narrowed it down to three coaches, 2004 Allure 40' High Cascade, 2004 Intrigue 40' BIG CAT, and the 2005 Magna 40'. The Intrigue had the best Power To Weight Ratio of these three, as it was lighter weight than the Magna, and had the BIG CAT. The Allure (ISL370) was just about equal on Power To Weight Ratio with the Magna, so close it was a wash. Mechanically I wanted the Intrigue (had had the PTO and a new Radiator installed), it was the highest miles of the three at 74K on it. The Magna had no history of maintenance available, and did not reflect very good overall care. (The son was selling it out of his Mom's Estate. And the story was his Dad had died about 4 years earlier, and the coach had been left parked at a site for his Mom to go use when she wanted. Did not trust the person selling it, and the priced did not reflect the undocumented condition.)
Very long story, but circling back to the chassis, I felt both the Allure and Intrigues front ends were both in need of attention. Found out later it was the Koni's were not up to the weight for these coaches. But both coaches seemed to 'handle' about the same, IMO. I drove the same routes on all of the coaches I test drove over the months, the Intrigue with BIG CAT did have more hill climbing power for sure, and when you hit High Jake on that coming down a steep hill in the San Diego area, it really did feel more braking HP then the ISL coaches.
I thought the Allure and Intrigue had the same number of air bags, and I could not detect any differences with the Magna having two more in the rear. Of course, it is a heavier unit, so that may have been why.
They all seemed as quiet and solid as I drove them...
Appreciate the info, just thought maybe I had missed something extra special on the higher models in regards to chassis. And yeah, I knew about the Drum vis Disc brakes based upon model year. But the budget range we were hunting in, kept me in the model years with mostly drum brakes. And, they sure stop better than our old F53 Chassis:)!
Best to all,
Smitty
04 Allure 31017
Topic: Allure > Intrigue > Magna > Affinity - Chassis Differences? (Read 2820 times)
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