Need advice on a new DP

[cathy97]

My husband and I are getting ready to retire and go full time. We have narrowed our choices to two models, an Itasca Ellipse or a Newmar Dutch Star.
If we choose to order a Dutch Star, is there a dealer anyone would recommend? It does not have to be local. What would I expect to pay percentage wise MSRP for a Dutch Star ordered new? We would be paying cash, no financing. Any advice would be appreciated!

[jeepin]

Newmar would be my choice in Motor Homes, and Steinbring RV in Garfield MN would be my choice in Newmar Dealers.


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X2, John and Lee are great people to deal with.

[Westenthal]

Newmar would be my choice in Motor Homes, and Steinbring RV in Garfield MN would be my choice in Newmar Dealers.

[kjburns]

We have a Winnebago, sister to the Itasca, but I'd take a good hard look at the Newmar now. Our coach has some design and build quality issues and the newer ones sound worse. It seems that Winnebago is struggling to keep up with demand. I love the floor plan of the 42QD, but there are some obvious flaws that I overlooked when I bought it.

Newmar might be running into the same problems where quality control slips to meet demand. It's something to keep an eye on and research before writing that check.

The 42QD floor plan was something special when it came out. Nobody had anything that I considered comparable. Now, almost everyone has a variation or copy of it. I have to give Winnebago credit for that. They created a mobile version of what we have at home. It's a very livable place to be.

[2gypsies1]

We got our '04 Dutch Star -28%.

The 42GD Ellipse floorplan is nice and it looks like the Dutch Star's 4374 is very similar.

[cathy97]

I do like the construction of the Newmars. The Eclipse has a floor plan that I love, the 42GD. Newmar has a video on their website that shows the construction. If I had more time (still working too many hours) I would try to tour the factory. Any suggestions on a price? I am not sure what percentage off MSRP is reasonable.
Thanks again for all the advice!!

[2gypsies1]

Thank for the info about Lee's He was getting up in years...hadn't heard a recent report.

OP: Here's a link to Newmar dealers:

Newmar Dealer Locator

Also, there's a very active 'newmarowners' group on Yahoo Group if you'd like to join and ask some questions there.

Good luck!

[metlmn]

Lee's RV in Okla City sold out to Camping World. They sell Fleetwood now and service is not very good.

[wnytaxman]

Have you looked at the Entegra Anthem or Aspire? They tend to be less $$ than the Newmar and they have a two year warranty. Almost everyone I have talked to who has one just loves them.

[J-Rooster]

cathy97 wrote:
My husband and I are getting ready to retire and go full time. We have narrowed our choices to two models, an Itasca Ellipse or a Newmar Dutch Star.
If we choose to order a Dutch Star, is there a dealer anyone would recommend? It does not have to be local. What would I expect to pay percentage wise MSRP for a Dutch Star ordered new? We would be paying cash, no financing. Any advice would be appreciated!

When it's time for me to buy a new DP the Itasca Ellipse would be at the top of my list!

[ncrowley]

I would also go with Newmar. I love their customer service and mine is very well made.

[wallynm]

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.

[smlranger]

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.

[cathy97]

Thanks for the advice so far!!

[Bumpyroad]

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