Community Forums

Winepress · 05-23-2017, 07:45 PM

My wife and I have spent the last year looking at new coaches. We drove the E's and the T's, won't go into all the details, but we decided on the 2018 4369 Dutchstar. We've looked over the order form and have picked the options that we want, that's the easy part.
Now I am searching and asking those who have ordered additional off sheet items for your DS, what were they? Would you order them again?
Thanks in advance

Hmf23 · 05-23-2017, 08:16 PM

Well you can just about do whatever you want. Just about, your dealers should be able to help you. But fabrics, flooring, countertops, back splashes, knobs and pulls, fixtures, bedding etc. Newmar just won't let you cross lines for on certain items. Like you can't get ventilated seats on anything except King Aire. You can add electrical both 110 and 12v and extra a/v cables so on and son. They are customizable for sure. We just ordered a MA and changed flooring to Essex, knobs and pulls to,be brushed out of New Aire and then faucets and shower out of Londn Aire also brushed. Added a few 12v usb and extra 110v to basement area.

tom chelbana · 05-23-2017, 09:49 PM

One of the biggest choices is which chassis to select and would recommend that to be a Spartan. It's the one with disc brakes on the drive axle and the higher GVW. There has been a lot on this Newmar forum about the advantages of the Spartan over the FL and would review those other posts.

sinjineer · 05-23-2017, 10:19 PM

We have a much smaller Dutchstar, 3736. But the two specials we love the most are:

Advantium convection/microwave.

Dropped the door side couch and replaced it with a buffet. Doubles the counter space and gives way more kitchen storage.

We also ordered different countertops, floor tiles, light fixtures and cabinet pulls to match our style. What I would not do again is order different soft goods...pillows, bedspread, etc. we ended up jettisoning that stuff early on.

Indy Glenn · 05-25-2017, 06:07 AM

You can use a dealer to request "Special" items from Newmar. They will submit them and send them off for an answer. As previously noted, it depends on what you want.

If you are going to invest this much on a coach, why not go direct to the factory, see how they are made, and make an appointment with Michelle and "build" your coach.

Michelle will tell you directly what "specials" you can and cannot have and do interior decorating to your liking without going through a middleman's speculation - the dealer.

The only thing Michelle will not do is give you a price.You take YOUR customized build sheet to dealers and then get a price.

Just a thought....I know it's a trip for you but what fun building your coach at the source.

Good luck........

g

Route 66 · 05-25-2017, 07:26 AM

I agree. Bypass the dealer and go to or deal with the factory on specials.

Don't be afraid to ask for anything.

Dizzee2020 · 05-25-2017, 05:28 PM

One special you might want is solid core doors separating the bedroom from the rest of the coach. The standard separating doors on the Dutch Star are hollow core doors. We have solid core doors on our older Mountain Aire and the bedroom is incredibly quiet. I've read posts here about this upgrade being allowed on ordered coaches.

Capt. Bill · 05-26-2017, 05:43 AM

Some I would think about- additional duplex 120V outlets in the kitchen, GE Advantium Microwave/Convection VS Std Whirlpool. Solid core sliding doors, Desk/dinette combo in eating area. Lifelins AGM batteries rather than those junk Chinese Made Discover batteries Newmar uses as Std. For sure get the heated floor option- best option we've had in any of our coaches! Run 120 V power & HDMI cable to peg board compartment- then you have the option of adding a second outside TV - great for tailgates or large get-togethers!

Happy Trails

Canuck53 · 05-26-2017, 06:24 AM

I keep hearing that the Lifelines have always been denied? I assume it is because the wiring between batteries is different and it is a part that is not used in any other coach.

Yianni · 05-26-2017, 07:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Canuck53

I keep hearing that the Lifelines have always been denied? I assume it is because the wiring between batteries is different and it is a part that is not used in any other coach.

In 2015 I had them installed as a "special" in my Tiffin Phaeton.
Now they are available on the option sheet.

If Newmar will do it I would highly recommend them for the maintenance free aspect alone.

Canuck53 · 05-26-2017, 07:44 AM

They install AGM's just not top of the line Lifelines. I assume if you are willing to pay Service would install but that would be expensive....

EZDZIT · 05-27-2017, 10:59 AM

Our 2012 DS was purchased of the dealer's lot. The Guaranty RV had optioned a window over the kitchen sink. They said they ordered that option on all display units. We love the ventilation and view.