Bounder vs kountry Star, 05-08 vintage

Not sure about the reliability and quality of one compared to the other. Just be aware that 2003-2008 coaches are at risk for paint checking - a condition for which nothing can be done without great expense.

You are comparing Chevy(Bounder) to a Buick/Oldsmobile(KS). Doug

I REALLY do like my Bounder.:)

Newmar is a very well built quality Class A MH.

IMO, they both hit the mark of what the manufactures were trying to achieve within their line ups. Assuming by your statement, that you were referring to DP's?

For Fleetwood, this was their entry level DP. Typically had a smaller Cummins engine in it.

For Newmar, this was I believe also their entry level DP (Could be wrong on this, but believe it was slotted below the Dutch Star DP's(?).). In some years it could be found with a Spartan Mountain Master chassis, and the ISL.

I would rate the Kountry Star a notch above the Bounder in quality and components.

Here is an example of one Kountry Star in the range you mentioned.

https://www.rvtrader.com/listing/2006-Newmar-KOUNTRY-STAR-3910-5000406192

As I read your post. This would be a go use it now coach, and then closer to retirement, you might be buying a retirement rig(?).

I think your logic is sound, and probably either one of these units would do what you wanted them to do. Layout and condition in relation to price, would be the main deciding factor.

Another consideration, is to stay within your budget and drop years and purchase a higher up the food chain coach. Say in the 2000-2005 range.

Best of luck on your decision,
Smitty

Smitty77 wrote:
IMO, they both hit the mark of what the manufactures were trying to achieve within their line ups. Assuming by your statement, that you were referring to DP's?

For Fleetwood, this was their entry level DP. Typically had a smaller Cummins engine in it.

Smitty

My Bounder (2007) actually has the 350 Cat C-7, 300 hp. eng.

My wife and I have owned 2 diesel MHs....First one was a Bounder 39Z, the second (and current) one is a Kountry Star 3916. No contest....pick the Kountry Star. While we loved our Bounder, the Kountry Star is much higher build quality than the Bounder. Examples: side radiator, hung wall construction (no delamination), more solid cabinetry, slide mechanism is more robust.

fuzzyface wrote:
My wife and I have owned 2 diesel MHs....First one was a Bounder 39Z, the second (and current) one is a Kountry Star 3916. No contest....pick the Kountry Star. While we loved our Bounder, the Kountry Star is much higher build quality than the Bounder. Examples: side radiator, hung wall construction (no delamination), more solid cabinetry, slide mechanism is more robust.

I would also add full pass through basement, IFS suspension (depending on year), ISL available, Comfort Drive if it's a 2008 or newer, and more.

We're on our 3rd Newmar, if we ever buy again it will be another Newmar. We owned Fleetwoods before going to Newmar but that was a long time ago.

Not sure about the Newmar BriteTex roof or the basement air. Looks like they gave up on the basement air in 08. Agree Newmar is a better choice...side radiator and 400 ISL option.

malexander wrote:

Smitty77 wrote:
IMO, they both hit the mark of what the manufactures were trying to achieve within their line ups. Assuming by your statement, that you were referring to DP's?

For Fleetwood, this was their entry level DP. Typically had a smaller Cummins engine in it.

Smitty

My Bounder (2007) actually has the 350 Cat C-7, 300 hp. eng.

Yes sir, they for sure have some Bounders moving down the road with the C-7's:)! And I meant to add, my wife always enjoys seeing the combo of Blue/Grey painted Bounder's as we run across them:)!

Our first coach was a Bounder, on F-53. Wish we'd kept it to tow behind our County Coach - would have been a great Man Cave!!!

Best,
Smitty