Need advice on a new DP

If you are going to order then I would chose Newmar. We chose things all across the Newmar line when we ordered ours. If you want one of a kind mods then tell them what you have in mind and they may do it. It is only $$$ and if you are going full time get like you want it. We like Newmar construction and the side radiator is a plus IMHO.

I would also vote for Newmar. Either of those manufacturers make good coaches but I believe the Dutchstar (and all models above that) have side radiators vs. every DP made by Winnebago has rear radiators. Now some folks may not think that is much of an issue but it is when you have to service stuff like belts, alternators, water pumps, etc. The side radiators provide much better service access and that may cost you less in labor costs over the life of the coach.

Also, side radiator coaches do not crud up the radiator/charge air cooler like rear radiator coaches do. Another potential advantage with Newmar is they use a 'hung-wall' style of wall construction vs. Winnebago's vacuum bonded walls. In the case of a water leak that goes undetected for some time, a vacuum bonded wall can delaminate where it is said that a hung wall cannot.

Just things to consider. Not show stoppers either way but things to consider.

Thanks for the advice so far!!

winnebago is reluctant to make any changes if that concerns you. they will do an original build, move it into a different area and rebuild it. when I ordered mine I just wanted the slide awnings left off and they would leave them off but I would pay for them.
bumpy

I have had a winnebago journey and now a newmar kountry star DP and I would do the newmar again. I shopped for a newmar for several years before i found Freedom RV in tucson AZ. Most impressive experience i found in traveling around the US. Owners name is Devin Murphy And the web site is freedomrvaz.com. Check them out. I have nothing to do witH this dealership other than being one of many happy customers

We received a lot of positive recommendations for Newmar when we were looking for ours nine years ago. It's a very stable company and one of few that hasn't had financial troubles. We have been extremely satisfied with our Dutch Star and would highly recommend it.

Being full-timers we didn't care where we bought it so we sent out emails to approx. 25 dealers throughout the country on exactly the specs we wanted. (We had added about 100 changes to the original model. Newmar is good for this, by the way.) We planned to go with the dealer that gave us the best price and that's what we did. We got -28%. Any dealer can do warranty issues and repairs so that was of no concern. Chances are that being a full-timer you wouldn't be near your original dealer anyway if a warranty issue is needed.

We are traveling full-timers and have even taken it to Alaska. It still looks and drives flawlessly. We both drive it and it handles very well. We especially enjoy the mountains and our 370HP handles them well although it's probably considered a 'baby' nowdays. :) We have Cummins/Spartan.

Since you're in Texas, we have heard excellent reports of Lee's in Oklahoma City.

Have fun planning for your new lifestyle. We've enjoyed it for 16+ years.