FCCC launches SL Series motorhome chassis

In an effort to meet the demands of motorhome owners for more power and performance, Freightliner Custom Chassis Corporation (FCCC) today introduced the FCCC SL Series motorhome chassis at the 2011 National RV Trade Show.

The FCCC SL Series chassis, offering unmatched driver comfort and dependability, is the first and only Class A motorhome chassis to be equipped with the Detroit DD13 engine featuring BlueTec Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) emissions technology. Combined, the chassis and the engine offer great fuel economy without compromising a smooth, comfortable ride for passengers.

“We are pleased to launch the FCCC SL Series motorhome chassis with the Detroit DD13 engine to the RV market because combined, the pair offers unparalleled power and performance,” said Bob Harbin, FCCC president. “We listened to our customers, and we’re now delivering on the culmination of two years of planning, design and engineering.”

Heavy-Duty Engine Provides Premium Performance for FCCC RV Chassis
The DD13 from Detroit is a 13L diesel engine offering 500 hp and 1,650 ft/lbs torque for maximum power and performance. Ideal for RVers traveling in all regions, the DD13 offers a powerful yet fuel-efficient design, integrating an Amplified Common Rail System (ACRS) to optimize each injection event and improve fuel economy.

Offering the longest service intervals in the industry and easier engine serviceability, the DD13 will help FCCC SL Series chassis owners maximize their investment and protect their dollars.

“FCCC wanted to bring its own heavy-duty engine to the RV market to serve a premium segment of our customers needing a chassis that is fuel-efficient yet powerful,” said Jonathan Randall, director of sales and marketing for FCCC. “Our partnership with our sister company, Detroit Diesel, allows FCCC to meet those needs, while also offering an exclusive product to the motorhome industry.”

The DD13 engine utilizes BlueTec SCR emissions technology, which is proven to meet long-term EPA 2010 emissions requirements by dramatically reducing nitrous oxide (NOx), particulate matter and fine particle emissions all while maximizing fuel efficiency.

Designed to deliver advantages that matter the most to RV owners, the ribbed cast-iron engine block was specifically designed to reduce engine noise and vibration for a quiet, comfortable ride. The ACRS and an advanced cooling system minimize fuel consumption without sacrificing vehicle performance.

“We are pleased to partner with Freightliner Custom Chassis Corporation to expand our offerings to include the motorhome market,” said Brad Williamson, director, engine and component marketing for Detroit Diesel. “The DD13 will offer motorhome owners a unique driving experience. The quietness of the engine coupled with the smooth ride of the chassis will prove to be a quality traveling experience for the RV owner.”

The DD13 also offers Virtual Technician, which integrates GPS technology with engine diagnostics. Should the “check engine” light come on in the RV, the data is sent to the Detroit Customer Support Center. The information is then sent to the customer, along with a choice of authorized service outlets and the opportunity to schedule a repair.

Virtual Technician also alerts the service outlet as to which parts are needed, shortening the wait time for the RV owner.

FCCC SL Series Chassis Combines Smooth Handling with Driver Comfort
Equipped with an Allison 4000 MH transmission, the FCCC SL Series motorhome chassis boasts the same reliability, durability and maneuverability customers have come to expect from an FCCC product.

The FCCC SL Series offers a standard ZF independent front suspension handling a Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) of 14,600, 16,000, 18,000 and 20,000 lbs. The 18,000 and 20,000 GAWR suspensions include an assist steering cylinder to achieve a greater wheel cut and to reduce the steering effort needed by the driver. The result is a smoother, more comfortable ride.

The FCCC SL Series also boasts an optional ZF ITAG independent tag axle with passive steer to improve the turning radius of the motorhome by up to 5 percent compared with a fixed tag axle.

Recognizing that maneuverability is a primary concern for RV pilots, the FCCC SL Series chassis features up to a 60-degree wheel cut depending upon tire size, allowing drivers to maneuver through tight spots, including parking lots and inner-city travel.

Bendix ADB22X air disc brakes, which boast a shorter stopping distance than traditional foundation drum brakes, come standard on the FCCC SL Series chassis. The Bendix VORAD Collision Warning System and SmarTire Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) by Bendix CVS are optional.

The Bendix VORAD Collision Warning System is a radar-based collision warning system used by commercial vehicle original equipment manufacturers, major trucking fleets and specialty vehicle manufacturers. It provides following distance alerts, collision alerts and stationary object alerts to help drivers better understand that a situation has developed in front of the vehicle that may require immediate attention. The SmarTire technology monitors the pressure and temperature of each tire on a vehicle to provide real-time tire status information to the driver or maintenance technician. The technology is designed to warn the driver of tire-related problems, such as low pressure and high temperatures, before they become dangerous. The system reads pressure and temperature information from inside the tire and communicates wirelessly to an on-board receiver.

Durability tested and validated at the Bosch Proving Grounds in New Carlisle, Ind., the FCCC SL Series chassis is available in a raised- or modular-rail configuration.

Production on the FCCC SL Series chassis will begin in April 2012.