Community Forums

Jthigh · 09-22-2019, 06:16 PM

It’s all about marketing. I’m sure there is a big price difference between the 43 and 45ft models. Easier to justify the price difference if you market it as a 2ft longer coach. Most people probably don’t look at actual specs and know that it’s only 1ft difference.

JMH · 09-22-2019, 09:57 PM

To Neal’s original post (boy us Newmar owners sure chase topics like a squirrel [emoji883] after shiny). Yes I like paying 43’ prices for a 45’ motor home. Research trumps market hype every time.

To the license question (or shiny nut) I seem to be able to drive my “43’” coach about as easy as my 26’ class C. Maybe I should have a class super x, secret committee, endorsement on my license.

But seriously, safety is important. But driving a commercial 75’ tractor trailer is worlds different than the skills needed to drive a motor home. And how the crazy “commercial” drivers I was around today (certified of course) can be said to safely drive their rigs is beyond my understanding. Although I am not so naive to think that cheating on tests does not happen.

No, and I mean no, DMV has a valid skills test for driving a motor home! When they do, then and only then will I consider believing a “special license” is worth a hoot. For example, in CA you have to back a rig up to a space within the lines without resetting your position. The course is designed for a tractor/trailer unit that has vastly different turning angles. That is just plain stupid. Why should you not recenter your rig if your first angle was off. The test is written by either people who have never driven a big vehicle, or are egotistical old nuts that require you to meet a standard of doing something they can’t do themselves, just to prove they are better drivers than you (even though they can’t pass the same test in your motor home). Ask them to try and see what happens.

On Winnebagophobia complex, those who do not drive RVs think we all drive Winnebagos, so get over it or get some therapy.

Tom, right as always. If Newmar had bought Winnebago, we would be lauding Matt Miller as a genius. Matt is a smart guy, but genius? Ok, another shiny to follow... the story continues for those not adept it ...

Johnontheroad · 09-22-2019, 11:02 PM

Getting back on topic, if you are an Entegra owner, the Aspire and Anthems are listed as 44 ft and the Cornerstone as 45 ft... but they have the same chassis and bodywork.

PanJH · 09-23-2019, 06:30 AM

Our 43 Dutch Star has the accordion option. Most of the time when making reservations it is 43' even though I know it's almost 44' . But sometimes, when making reservations in a park that has a 40' max length ( even though I know the sites are longer), the accordion option allows it to shrink to 40'

NealC · 09-23-2019, 07:04 AM

This doesn't seem like an economical decision. You'd think if they reduced the variations in chassis they could buy a larger quantity of one and save more money. I realize it's pass through but when you look at the number of chassis's, floor plans, models, and even now producing Class A and Super C it doesn't result in a better product for the customer in my opinion. Slightly off topic but in my opinion kill the 43 and go with the 44 or 45 whatever you want to call it. If the 40 is 40-10 then it should technically be a 44 with 44-10/11 dimensions. Then again, isn't it great to be an arm chair coach of a half billion $$$ company. Back to my chips and dip.

Filthy-Beast · 09-23-2019, 07:52 AM

the 43' is to hit a lower price point with smaller engine and lower payload. I think the 43' DutchStar is their bread and butter line? So if you want a bigger engine and higher payload you'll get a 45' and pay a lot more for it.

Stuart W · 09-23-2019, 08:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CaptainGizmo

And shall we talk about how ludicrous it is, that a Non-Commercial Class B License is NOT required of you have that “41 foot” rig, since it is “40 feet or less” in the DMV standards!!!!???

Don’t get me started on my opinion. Ok. Too late. This is probably some legal slight of hand, agreed. But, in my opinion, the driving skills needed for a 40.75’ are no less than that of a 43.75’ and, therefore, should require the same testing and license class!!

Interesting, there are no exceptions for the 40 foot models that exceed 40 feet. The law is the law and the 40.75 is subject to litigation just like the 43, just less likely that it will go there.

TJ · 09-23-2019, 08:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NealC

You'd think if they reduced the variations in chassis they could buy a larger quantity of one and save more money. I realize it's pass through but when you look at the number of chassis's, floor plans, models, and even now producing Class A and Super C it doesn't result in a better product for the customer in my opinion.

Be careful what you wish for, Neal! I suspect by 2027, you may just find fewer available options than there are now. You may have to start reconfiguring to the 2027 Winnie Aire...or Ventana Tour.

TJ

rlott2k · 09-23-2019, 09:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jthigh

It’s all about marketing. I’m sure there is a big price difference between the 43 and 45ft models. Easier to justify the price difference if you market it as a 2ft longer coach. Most people probably don’t look at actual specs and know that it’s only 1ft difference.

Yes, because nobody has 1footitis!

CaptainGizmo · 09-23-2019, 11:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stuart W

Interesting, there are no exceptions for the 40 foot models that exceed 40 feet. The law is the law and the 40.75 is subject to litigation just like the 43, just less likely that it will go there.

Exactly!

CaptainGizmo · 09-23-2019, 11:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NealC

I find it odd that the 40ft coach is 40' 10", 43ft is 43' 10" but the 45ft is 44' 10"

So it's only 1 foot longer than a 43, very odd!

And guess what?

If I were to pay for that extra foot, I’d get another 155 HP to pull it...how’s THAT for maddening!

450HP for 44’
605HP for 45’

Next time.

Filthy-Beast · 09-23-2019, 11:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CaptainGizmo

And guess what?

If I were to pay for that extra foot, I’d get another 155 HP to pull it...how’s THAT for maddening!

450HP for 44’
605HP for 45’

Next time.

you'll also get the 4000 trans instead of the 3000, longer wheel base, and higher GVWR.

redbaron73 · 09-23-2019, 11:34 AM

Unless it's a 45ft MADP...then its "only" 500HP

Quote:

Originally Posted by CaptainGizmo

And guess what?

If I were to pay for that extra foot, I’d get another 155 HP to pull it...how’s THAT for maddening!

450HP for 44’
605HP for 45’

Next time.

Stuart W · 09-23-2019, 12:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CaptainGizmo

And guess what?

If I were to pay for that extra foot, I’d get another 155 HP to pull it...how’s THAT for maddening!

450HP for 44’
605HP for 45’

Next time.

Let’s not forget the thousands of additional pounds of weight that come with that larger engine, driveline weight, luxury option weight etc. not to say there isn’t more power, just Net power gain after weight increase is less looking at power to weight ratio.