Newmar Dutch Star v Entegra Aspire v Forest River Charleston

I just sold my Mountain Are 2 months ago and really hate to part with it. I could not do the 6 steps up get in it. It was the best coach we ever had and we have had many since '69. If I could get into a Newmar I would still have it.

msturtz wrote:
I have personal experience with Jayco the maker of the Entegra line. Stay far away from any Jayco / Entegra products. My list of problems was long but the unethical way we were treated was shocking.

I agree the Forest River is not in the same league as the Newmar and Entegra.

I've had my Aspire for years and never had the experience msturtz has. I in fact, would be 180 degree away.

Monaco is not there yet. Maybe in a few years if they are still in the business.

You can no longer compare the Aspire to the Dutchstar. The prices of the DS went up huge. Better to compare the DS to the Anthem.

Drive both, I have and personally do not put much value in the Comfort Steer.

There is no "Wrong" move when comparing these to brands.

Rob & Victoria
2011 Entegra Aspire 42RB

newmar makes a great coach. I have been looking at them recently.

Big Baldy....Don't forget, the 2016 Dutch Star now comes with a new steerable rear tag and the tile floor has now been extended into their slides with an all new slide set up and cross brace framing to support it.

I would also exchange your Forest River selection (not the same class coach) and insert the Tiffin Allegro Bus as the top three contenders.

Thanks for the replies.

The independent front suspension was the reason I was considering the Dutch Star over the Ventana. I can't imagine that even with the tag, the Entegra will drive as well as the Dutch Star which has the tag, Comfort Drive, and the independent front.

As far as Monaco goes, I didn't realize the new Diplomat was out. I had looked at the Dynasty, but that is out of my price range. I will check it out.

I live in Las Vegas. Unfortunately there are no local dealers for any of these brands, so trying to get a firsthand look or a test drive is problematic.

1. Newmar 2. Jayco 3. Winnebago

You need to drive both the Newmar and the Entegra...note that Entegra is a 2 yr warranty vs the one....and is on the Spartan chassis. (all except one floor plan which is a non tag)...The Charleston has a rear radiator whether tag or non tag. Either way, they are two of the best coaches out there...Monaco is also introducing the Diplomat but that is a rear radiator as well. Newmar also has the shortest tag available with the 4018 floor plan..

I would suggest you join/visit irv2.com forums and read both the Newmar and Entegra coach owners forums. IMO, both Newmar and Entegra make great DP's. Entegra did have some real quality of build issues about a 1 1/2 years ago but, according to what I have read on those forums, they have addressed that.

The Aspire does not offer IFS (independent front suspension) and I believe that is standard on the Dutch Star. I've had DP's with both and, IMO, IFS provides superior ride and handling. Some folks swear by comfort drive but with most tag axle coaches, unless you have some suspension issues, they generally handled very well.

Newmar does offer factory delivery for a new coach and I don't believe Entegra does at this time. IMO, factory delivery is the best way to buy a DP. Also, any of them build a dog once in a while so be prepared to spend the first year getting the bugs worked out of any new coach.

Finally, I don't believe the last brand you mentioned is in the same league as either Entegra or Newmar.

You can't go wrong with Newmar or Monaco, but I don't see Monaco on your list...

I have personal experience with Jayco the maker of the Entegra line. Stay far away from any Jayco / Entegra products. My list of problems was long but the unethical way we were treated was shocking.