Newmar Dutch Star v Entegra Aspire v Forest River Charleston

[Big_Baldy]

Hi everyone: I'm in the preliminary research stage of deciding on my next RV and my first DP. My search has so far narrowed to these three tag axle DPs. Right now Comfort Drive is giving Newmar a slight edge. If you have the time and inclination I would be interested in your thoughts on these coaches (or any others you think are worthy of consideration). I'd also be interested in any first hand experience with Comfort Drive. I'm probably about 9-12 months out from purchasing.

Thanks in advance.

[Big_Baldy]

Living out west I've had my fair share of windy drives. Seems like it's impossible to avoid and CD appears to be a big advantage in windy conditions.

I'm not sure what I think about the lighted edge countertops in the new Entegras. I assume they can be switched off?

Our oldest daughter lives in Elkhart so the idea of a factory delivery in Nappanee sounds good.

[Bruce_Brown]

IMO Comfort Drive is the difference maker and seems to be the best kept secret in motorhomes today. We have over 30,000 miles of Comfort Drive enjoyment and it truly is amazing. I've learned that never is a really long time, but I never plan on owning another coach without Comfort Drive.

The real advantage of Comfort Drive can't be told on one test drive either. Do a few hours on the gusty, windy days and you'll know. It took me around 2,000 miles to unlearn my old driving practices and learn to really relax and enjoy the trip.

I thought our first DP was amazing - and it was, Comfort Drive takes it to another level.

Having said that, if Entegra offered CD as an option they would also be in the running. They took all of the goodness of Travel Supreme and didn't seemed to screw it up.

Honestly, if we were looking today those would be the only 2 brands I'd even consider, with the nod going to Newmar.

[Deano56]

DSDP Don wrote:
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.

when my wife and i took the Nemar tour we saw the tile floors in the slide out, it was nice and I believe it drops down even with the main floor once the slide is out. Maybe I am wrong but that's what i thought it looked to do

[wnytaxman]

We have narrowed our search to the Dutch Star and the Anthem. There are pluses and minuses with both coaches. The Dutch Star has gone up in price but it is still slightly less than the Anthem. However, I should note that dealers appear to have better margins with the Entegra and your net may be the same between the two coaches on a trade or a clean deal. The Entegra has a two year warranty while the Newmar has one. Our big difference that pushes us to the Newmar is the variety of floor plans available with Newmar. For 2016 Newmar has also added the steerable tag and an emergency exit door in all rear bath models. Those two changes are huge for me.

If you want to consider Tiffin I would suggest you check out the Tiffin RV Network forum. For us the issues with Tiffin and the need (desire?) of many Tiffin owners to seem to have to visit the factory in Alabama for repairs turns us away from considering a Tiffin.

[Big_Baldy]

I think the MSRP of the Dutch Star is about $70K less than the Entegra Anthem and only about 15K higher than the Aspire.

[bullydogs1]

I just saw the 2016 Newmar and the changes....man they are one strong manufacturer..to the point where the 4018 Dutch Star is making me think.....Newmar vs Entegra...what a choice to consider...

[bsinmich]

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.

[rvbmw94]

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

[old_guy]

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

[DSDP_Don]

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.

[Big_Baldy]

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.

[Richert]

1. Newmar 2. Jayco 3. Winnebago

[bullydogs1]

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..

[smlranger]

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.

[sch911]

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