All Star Toy Hauler or Canyon Star?

[stoynbj]

New to this forum, and looking for some help and perspective. We're looking to become 1st time motorhome owners. Have rented 30' C-class for vacations, and have driven a friends Fleetwood Discovery on a long trip (Sturgis Bike Rally). Really want a class A toy hauler with a bedroom to take our two motorcycles with us. Seems the only option is Newmar, which also has a very good reputation. The All Star with the rear full door (model 4257), seems the logical choice. The most flexible and many had the powered dual bunkbeds that lower from the ceiling to turn it into another bedroom. Since Newmar is no longer making them, have been looking for a used one or leftover with no luck. I have found the 4155 All Star version that has the dual slide outs with ramps for 2 motorcycles. It seems less flexible and too complicated. Is it? Anyone here have one? Any way to use as a bedroom? How can you close off sides with them open?

The other option is the gas powered Canyon Star toy hauler. It has the same rear door garage set-up as the 4257, with optional bunk beds and its own a/c and heat. It's a nice unit, but I just hate the idea of compromising on the ride, reliability, and mileage.

Appreciate any insights or thoughts from experienced Newmar owners. Thanks.

Stoy

[GaryKD]

Hi Stoy,
Welcome to iRV2. Go to:
All Star 2009 4257 Toy Hauler it looks like they have what you want.

The Canyon Star toy hauler is one of the most popular units for Newmar in 2009. If I was in the market for a toy hauler, the Canyon Star would be at the top of my list. Unless you are going to put lots (>15K/year) of miles per year on the coach, I wouldn't worry too much about having a gas coach vs a diesel. Just make sure the GVWR and GCVWR are okay for your use. Enjoy.

[stoynbj]

Gary,

Thanks for the reply. The All Star you linked to is sold, as have all the others (about 5) we have found in the last month or so. Should have started looking sooner. You're right about the Canyon Star. It's not a bad second choice, just seems a bit on the lighter duty side. We checked one out and really liked the layout. It does have one obvious design flaw, with the main slide in, you can't open the door to the toilet. Got to believe there'll be a fix for it soon.

I think we'll continue to wait and look for a used All Star 4257 for a couple more months. No rush on the Canyon Star, since there seem to be plenty out there.

Stoy

[DandS]

Toured a new 3920 Canyon Star being finished up at the factory when I was there to watch mine being built. Seems to be a pretty cramped floor plan for it's size, but of course with a 12 foot garage, you're only dealing with a 27 foot coach.

["007"]

Here is a LINK to allot of used Motor Homes but no All Stars, looks like the owners do not want to give them up, this link does take in Newmars so you never can tell when one might show up.

[becks]

Stoy....Check with Steinbring Motorcoach in Minn. They had ALL Stars recently. Good luck.

[stoynbj]

Becks,
Thanks, we have talked to Steinbring. They had 4 and sold them all a couple months ago. They're going to talk to Newmar and see if they can convince them to build a few more this year. Seems they've gotten requests from other folks as well.

Stoy

[GaryKD]

Future AllStars all depend on Spartan. From what I understand, they want to cut the ME chassis from their list of products. The bottom line is volume. Without volume, there can be no product (or not at a reasonable cost).

["007"]

2008 All-Star

ALL STAR FLOOR PLANS

2009 ALL STAR http://www.aloharv.com/database/inventory_new.asp

[Dav5942]

Another choice would be a used 4153 AllStar. I would not hesitate to go with the Canyon Star as the garage/bedroom layout is quite flexible/useful.

[stoynbj]

Can the 4153 be fitted with the bunkbeds? Does the garage have heat and a/c? Thanks for your perpsective. We are leaning more and more towards the Canyon Star. Great garage system coupled with an affordable price.

Stoy

[edgray]

Quote:

Originally Posted by GaryKD Future AllStars all depend on Spartan. From what I understand, they want to cut the ME chassis from their list of products. The bottom line is volume. Without volume, there can be no product (or not at a reasonable cost).

GaryKD: according to the Newmar website, the 2010 model lineup does not include the AllStar product, nor the Grand Star product even though it has been reported that company management told the NKK members at the International Rally in Goshen there would be no changes from 2009. Color me confused and disappointed. ED

[GaryKD]

Hi edgray,
The comment refers to what is left in the line up. For 2010, what is in the line up is the same as 2009. The products that had the lowest volumes have been eliminated.

[edgray]

Quote:

Originally Posted by GaryKD Hi edgray, The comment refers to what is left in the line up. For 2010, what is in the line up is the same as 2009. The products that had the lowest volumes have been eliminated.

Yes, so I understand, but "they" didn't make that distinction very clear, IMO. I guess they were just trying to keep things sounding positive in these difficult times. I think that is just marketing speak in lieu of "full disclosure", which is pretty commonplace these days.

I am still confused by your statement "Future AllStars all depend on Spartan.", since the AllStar's fate has apparently already been sealed by Newmar's decision to drop the product. I agree that both Newmar and Spartan would be happy to continue these products if consumer demand was sufficient. Regards, ED