Looking at 05 Kountry Star 3910

[Don and Kim]

Considering moving up from a gas coach. Looking for feedback on potential issues to look for. It has a 330 Hp Cummins on a Spartan chassis.
Thx, Don

["007"]

Here is some general information on 2005 KSDP.
Here is a brochure for 2005 KSDP.
The 3910 was a popular model have a few on this forum that will be helping you so stay tuned.
Good luck in your quest.

[charlieman]

We have an 06 3910. Can you share some details such as: How many miles? Where has it been stored? What engine? Can you get maintenance records?

Charlie Williamson
06 KSDP 3910

[GaryKD]

Hi Don and Kim,
I have an 05 3910.

The only chronic issue I have has is delamination (that's what I call it) of the basement doors when they are in the raised position and exposed to direct sun light. After having the doors replaced several times (not cheap) I carry old bath towels and place them on the doors if I will have them raised in direct sunlight. This will look like waves in the door when looked at from a 45 degree angle.

The chassis on my coach was terrible to drive. It took me 2 years and about $8K of my money to get it corrected.

There are two recalls on the engine. One is for a fuel line (get this one done). The other recall is for emissions (Cummins campaign 926 I think). Stay away from this one. They will put an "after treatment device" on the exhaust. It is an aircraft carrier size muffler. It will lower the MPG by about .6 MPG.

Other than these items there is just the ordinary stuff to maintain. The engine is adequate and the tranny bullet proof. Traveling at 60 MPH and towing 5200 lbs. I get about 7.8 MPG (GCW is over 37K lbs.)

[Don and Kim]

It has 30K miles on it. Currently its stored indoors, but I don't believe they are the original owners. Major maintenance was done last spring as well as tires. I had a couple of questions..... Its a Spartan chassis, but does it have IFS ( independent front suspension) ? Also, its listed as a 330 HP, but I can't seem to find the torque rating? Pretty sure its a Cummins, did Newmar use Cat's also?

Gary, I gotta ask what finally fixed your ride/handling issues?

Don

[read & learn]

Hi Don and Kim
I, like GaryKD, also have a 05 3910
I have really not had any major problems with it other than a Fiber glass problem a few months ago. This problem happens only with Dark colors that have been exposed to 100+ degrees for a couple of days, mine was sitting in 103+ for a week in Yuma, AZ.
Just look at dark colors and if you see what looks like 3/8 or 1/2 inch pieces of lint have some check it.
Would I buy another 05 3910 YES.
NEWMAR was great about working with me on replacing it [out of warranty]. There was a charge for this work and after talking to a few Major RV repair shops Newmars price was at least $20,000-25,000 cheaper.

Now, if you buy this rig, there is no one better to ask questions of than GaryKD and I do ask him.

[05kstar]

Read & Learn,please clarify,20 to 25k to replace or repair what? Am I mis-reading your post ?

[GaryKD]

Hi Gail & Joel,
The 05 KSDP 3910 Spartan Mountain Master chassis has an IFS front end. It is the Granning 1260 front end. It is easy to check. Turn the front wheels all the way to the left or right. On the side of the coach where the rear of the front tire is pointing outward (away from the coach), lay on your back and look behind the tire and at the front axle. You will not see an I beam running between the front wheels. You will see the wheel has its' own large piece of steel on the top and bottom going to the chassis frame.

The wandering was fixed with the addition of the Howard Precision Steering System. To complete getting the chassis to perform the way I want it to, I added a Roadmaster anti sway bar (Newmar put a track bar on at the factory), Super Steer Motion Control units and Koni shocks.

[read & learn]

NEWMAR cost to me for the replacement of all the fiberglass, except for the caps [different MGF], repainting the entire 40 Foot Motor Home, including labor was $8500.
I do not know if this policy is still available, but I know of one DSDP in the factory being done right now.
I also had other work done while I was there and if it had anything to do with the removal and/or replacing of objects you just pay for replacement parts. EX: Had slide toppers replaced. cost the price of the toppers, no labor charge.
They give you a breakdown in the bill showing man hours for what they do, and Newmar is losing money on this.

[read & learn]

Spoke to Matt Miller yesterday and he told me that this program is still in effect.
Matt Utley is still handling it.