2005 Mountain air vs Essex

[Ken326]

Anyone tell me what the difference is between 2005 mountain air vs Essex. 45 ftr with tag axle. Is there any major differences other than interior layouts?Thanks
Ken

[Jeff Regan]

2005 Mountain Aire was built on a Spartan Mountain Master chassis with Cummins ISL400, 40'-43'. I believe it was also available on a Freightliner XC chassis with ISL400. Essex was built on a Spartan K2 chassis with Cummins ISM 500, 41'-45'.

Floor plans are different, basement height is different, generator is larger in Essex and it was available with all electric option. Essex is a high line model, top of the Newmar line at the time. I always told my customers, when selling the models, that the Mountain Aire was more practical, had more storage, better for full timing.

[Ken326]

So your opinion is the MA is better?

[Route 66]

IMHO, the Essex is far better, but at a price.

It all depends on if you want to spend the extra money for the upgraded rig.

We're comparing apples and oranges, as they are two very different rigs at two different price points.

[Ken326]

Ok so can you explain what makes it better?

The upgrades etc?

[Jeff Regan]

Originally Posted by Ken326

So your opinion is the MA is better?

All depends on the definition of better. Essex is a true high line coach, Mountain Aire in 2005 wasn't that much different than a Dutch Star of the same year--they shared the Chassis and engine type. Essex is a whole different chassis, drive train, much more heavy duty, more axle capacity, tow capacity, very powerful engine and transmission combination.

Essex was the first of the Newmar coaches to feature polished porcelain tile and polished counter surfaces, very detailed woodwork, ceiling details, but the galley is smaller, less cabinet storage, more things to go wrong due to high line electronics/appliances.

You need to decide what priorities you are looking for in a coach, how much money you are prepared to pay, and what coach repair resources are available--high line coaches require some pretty qualified repair facilities.

[Route 66]

You can see the brochures here.

["007"]

You can see Owners Guides.

Mountain Aire
Essex

The Essex would have many higher quality options and appliances but the MA might have them upgrade from Essex if owner was going to pay for them.