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11-16-2014, 02:58 PM
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#1
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Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2010
Posts: 401
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2015 Newmar Bay Star 22.5" wheels and heavy chassis
Were still evaluating 30-33' motorhomes and we like the idea of the heavier 22-26K F53 chassis with the Ford V10. For 2015 it looks like Newmar is building their Bay Star line on the larger chassis with the 22.5" wheels (were looking at the 3125 range) it seems to be a nice size and with the heavier chassis I am wondering if it handles better than the 2014 (and older) 20,000 # chassis with the 19.5" wheels. Also, I notice that the 3124 has a 200" wheelbase where other manufacturers have gone to 208, or 228" WB. Our sister in law has a 2007 Fleetwood Fiesta XL it is a 34N with the larger chassis and a 228" wheel base...I can really feel the solid feel of the motorhome even with out any levelers down.
So, if there is any 2015 Newmar BayStar owners out here tell us how it rides, handles and if it is stable from the Manufacturer with out the need for modifications.
I"m wondering if Ford is starting their F53 chassis now on the bigger platform with the 22.5" wheels and if anyone else (other than Tiffin) is using these in the Gas motorhomes in the 32/33' range?
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11-16-2014, 05:47 PM
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#2
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Senior Member
Join Date: May 2014
Posts: 3,059
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We have the 2014 Canyon Star on the 26k chassis and it drives great. I think the 2015 Baystars are on the 22k chassis. I haven't driven one, I have looked at them and they look great. I don't think you will be disappointed with any of the Newmars quality or ride, we have been very happy with ours and no major issues after 8,000 mikes and numerous trips.
__________________
Mike & Charlotte
2014 Newmar Canyon Star 3610
Orange County, California
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11-16-2014, 06:06 PM
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#3
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Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2010
Posts: 401
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HI Mike and Charlotte.... we are having a heck of a time trying to decide .. I shifted gears for a while, looking at some diesels but have decided although all the good things about them it probably is way overkill for us. We even looked at a few older models but when we look at the upkeep and issues with one sitting for extended time we just decided to go back to Gas.
That Canyon Star is a great looking coach and we have looked at them, but again, a bit more than what we need for our 100-200 mile range for camping.
We were just out to OC, (we moved from Coto de Caza in 2004 to Tennessee). we were visiting my sister in law that has the Fleetwood Fiesta LX on the 26k chassis with 22.5" wheels.
The Newmar dealer in Knoxville has a couple of the 3124's on the 19.5" wheels so they are 2014's hopefully they will get some 2015 3124's soon we can check out.
Since you have the Canyon Star, what kind of mileage are you getting on it? I've seen so many shorter coaches' that have such an issue with handling... everyday a new one pops up with another story...
Where did you purchase your Newmar?
By the way, Nashville temps this morning was around 28degrees.... Quite a different than our days in California..
Dave
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11-16-2014, 07:09 PM
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#4
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Moderator Emeritus
Nor'easters Club Workhorse Chassis Owner iRV2 No Limits Club
Join Date: Oct 2004
Posts: 30,785
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Mike maybe right 22,500 chassis. The 2007 coach maybe on the Workhorse chassis that had the 22.5 tires.
Here is a link to build your coach with the options and pricing with totals for anything you might want to price out for any Newmar coach.
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11-16-2014, 07:19 PM
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#5
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Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2010
Posts: 401
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OO7 Thanks for the input.. we have lots of learning to do, but slowly by surely were getting better ideas as to what we want... we had given great thought to Tiffin but the recent disasters I've read about I've moved away from them completely. I'd love to see the Newmar factory.. perhaps next spring when we drive up to see my brother in Canada we can make a side trip.. that would be a fun experience... hopefully we start to see some of the BayStars with the 22.5" wheels and how they handle... I've seen some 2014's and they are probably willing to dicker but the 22.5" wheels look so cool :-)
Dave
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11-16-2014, 08:32 PM
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#6
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Senior Member
Join Date: May 2014
Posts: 3,059
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Hi Dave, We went thru the same thing you did and somewhat started confusing ourselves. From the start I wanted the 22.5 tires because like you said they just seem to be a little more solid, and they look better. We went back and forth diesel vs gas, and when we decided on gas, we went back and forth 19.5 vs 22.5 tires. Alot of the dealers will tell you anything to get you to buy, we found a really honest dealer with integrity at Tom Lindstrom RV, in Moorpark Ca. He never pressured us, only gave us honest answers, and eventually a good deal that was several thousand less than the closest competitor. We did end up with Newmar because of Tom(he is the owner and only one you will deal with when it comes to price) and the quality he promised us. So far everything he told us has been true from quality, to the ride, to the actual use of the MH when we are camping. He really helped us identify the best MH for our needs. We have only had a few minor issues we had to take it in for which were taken care of while we waited for our MH and took it home they same day.
The nice thing is the Canyon Star (and Baystars as well) are built with the same quality that Newmar puts into their diesel lines. The decision for us came to gas as there is less maintanance with the gas(I like to do all the maintanace I can) and the Ventanna with the same equipment and size that we bought was about $90, 000 more. We drove both the Canyon Star and Baystar and I liked the ride of the Canyon Star better and it had a bigger NCC than the Baystar, and had the 22.5 tires. The new Baystars now have the 22.5 tires so that may make a difference. We also wanted the bath and a half, which is a great feature no matter how many people go with you.
We get about 8 mpg as an average, we have gotten as low as 6.5 in really hilly terrain( Cajon pass/Baker Grade type areas), and as high as 10mpg on long flat routes( I-40 to Laughlin), but for the most part we can count on 8 mpg. I wouldn't buy a smaller MH just based on how far you are going to travel to camp. Look for the floorplan you love, all the amenities you want/need, and the ride you are looking for. The more you drive it the farther you will want to go, maybe even all the way back to California, they are alot of fun to travel in. As far as gas mileage, when you are spending this much money on a luxury the difference in gas mileage between the different Class A models is not going to be enough to worry about the cost. If you drive 1000 miles a year the difference may cost you up to $60, and then multiply from there, so if you drove more, lets say even 10,000 miles it would only be around $600 for the year, so buy what you really want and will enjoy. Ours drives great, tracks well, does not get pushed around by big trucks and is nice and quiet for a gas model. Take your time looking and do your research like you are doing now, and remember looking for your new MH is half the fun.
Re the weather, just a little different, we have the Santa Ana winds right now and it was windy and got up to about 80 today. But I would like to see some of the seasonal weather you guys are getting too. Good luck in your search and if you have any questions send me a message....Mike
__________________
Mike & Charlotte
2014 Newmar Canyon Star 3610
Orange County, California
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11-16-2014, 08:47 PM
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#7
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Moderator Emeritus
Nor'easters Club Workhorse Chassis Owner iRV2 No Limits Club
Join Date: Oct 2004
Posts: 30,785
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David yes the 22.5 will make for a better tracking coach and the new Ford chassis is now a RV chassis not like the truck chassis' I had years ago. To bad they do not have the Allison trans but they improved theirs.
The 22's also give you bigger storage compartments on passenger side and access to above the chassis rails easier for storage of chairs and tables etc, etc.
I had 4 Fords but must say the WORKHORSE was the best, even with all their problems they had, never had real problem and got new brake system before their demise.
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11-17-2014, 08:18 PM
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#8
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Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2014
Posts: 168
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We currently purchased a 2015 Bay Star 2903. Just the right size for us. The 22000 lb chassis as far as I am concerned is a jewel to drive. Not much bouncing or tracking. The ride is actually smooth. Just love it and there is no concern over overweight chassis problems.
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11-18-2014, 07:04 AM
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#9
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Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2010
Posts: 401
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Zrobotman, thanks for contributing .. that is great that you are finding your 2903 stable... I"m just guessing with the heavier chassis with the 22.5" wheels you can't go wrong! Were still up in the air on the model.. were thinking perhaps the 3124.. If I could I'd love to go to the Canyon Star, 3424 but that might be a stretch to get my wife to buy in to that :-) The closest dealer to us is 3 hours away one way... so, were waiting for him to get in some of the specific models before we make the drive... so I have to hear what users here are finding and so far, so good... Thanks so much for your input.
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11-28-2014, 06:28 PM
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#10
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Junior Member
Join Date: Apr 2014
Posts: 26
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We just put a deposit down on our first Newmar, a 2015 Baystar 3124. We'll be flying out to pick it up in 2 weeks. We decided to switch to a gas unit from our previous 2001 HR Endeavor for a host of reasons and we chose the 2015 over the 2014 specifically for the larger chassis and tires (among other changes).
We test drove the exact same model locally and were amazed at the ride and handling. It drove easier then our diesel and handled extremely well. Yes, it was louder but considering that the engine is up front versus back, we expected that.
So, after 3 years of research we pulled the trigger and found our next dream motor home. Eventually we may go to a larger Newmar diesel or a Canyon Star, but for now the Baystar has exactly what we were looking for and we're very anxious to pick it up.
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11-28-2014, 07:13 PM
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#11
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Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2010
Posts: 401
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A big congratulations and how exciting... that is a great story and the kind of feed back I was looking for... we are looking at that model as I said.. there are lots of them in the 2014 models but we didn't find a 2015 locally.... so, thanks for posting that.
Where are you flying to pick it up and how far will your drive back be? I'm looking forward to hearing your experience on the pick up and drive back. How did you find the dealer you purchased it from? Did they have it in stock?
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11-28-2014, 08:58 PM
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#12
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Member
Join Date: Mar 2012
Posts: 93
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Quote:
Originally Posted by chowder
We decided to switch to a gas unit from our previous 2001 HR Endeavor for a host of reasons and we chose the 2015 over the 2014 specifically for the larger chassis and tires (among other changes).
We test drove the exact same model locally and were amazed at the ride and handling. It drove easier then our diesel and handled extremely well. Yes, it was louder but considering that the engine is up front versus back, we expected that.
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Good choice. We have the Canyon Star with 22.5' wheels and the 26k chassis. One of our neighbors has a different brand of RV on a Ford Chassis with 19" tires. She says it's a white knuckle experience when trucks pass her on the highway. It's very rare a passing truck has any influence on my RV, and I think the Bay Star on that chassis will be quite similar. Enjoy it.
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11-28-2014, 09:17 PM
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#13
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Moderator Emeritus
Nor'easters Club Workhorse Chassis Owner iRV2 No Limits Club
Join Date: Oct 2004
Posts: 30,785
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Welcome Chowder to the forum and irv2.
Here is a Brochure and Owners Guide for you so you will be on board when you get your coach.
Below in my signature you will find many links in those links for your new Newmar.
Congratulations many safe travels ahead and welcome to the Newmar family.
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11-29-2014, 06:48 AM
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#14
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Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2014
Posts: 647
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As an example:
The GVWR and GCWR for all the new Bay Stars and Winnebago Sightseers are the same: 22,000 and 26,000 on the F-53 chassis. I test drove a 33 Winnebago over rough roads and it road the same, yes equally good, as the 34 Forza diesel, both very smooth, but the Forza quieter.
I think the more recent research and more recent experiences will bear out that the F-53 rig chassis will be equal between those two similar gas lines (but dissimilar interior quality). And that the gap between gas and diesel experiences have significantly narrowed. And that how you use the rig is still the big issue and your attitude toward it.
The low miles put on most of these rigs seemingly don't justify all the soul searching when looking at the super duty class A motorhome chassis. I think many of the old gas suspension stories are now outdated and misleading, but highly entertaining with compassion. But as always, complex and difficult buying decisions made worse by outdated misdirections and personal-served justifications of past buying decisions by piles of owner experts.
And the trends are interesting, but digging for understanding still challenging. As some of us stay alive and continue getting older, downsizing continues, even down to 24 feet from 45 feet. Just amazing that it is not all one way as often argued = longer and longer, gas to diesel.
I was committed to buying an older longer 39 Newmar diesel with comfort drive, really an excellent sweet spot, but I have been thinking more lately along the zrobotman line as I really like mobility, less planning, and I don't plan putting 8 to 10 hours on the road daily to try to squeeze a lot into a few days. But this is personal, when all is said and done.
And when you drive these models, it adds perspective.
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