Looking at 2009 Newmar Grand Star

[don8ch]

My wife & I are seriously looking at a 2009 Newmar Grand Star FRED. We think we would be getting a good deal but we would certainly welcome any input that members of the forum could provide. It is a model 3752 pretty well loaded with Hydronic heating, 4 door Norcold fridge, pillow-top number bed and ultra-leather couches. It is a 1-owner with approx 20k miles and the owner tells me it is well maintained and will provide the records to prove it.

This would be our 1st coach as we currently have a 33' 5th wheel towed by a 2500 diesel.

Any assistance or advice would be greatly appreciated.

Don

["007"]

Welcome don8ch to the Newmar forum & irv2.
Here is a Grand Star which had the Fred as a option on Workhorse W-24 chassis a very good chassis by the way and a heavy duty braking system.
Scroll down in link for options.
This model was discontinued when Newmar changed their models and cut models because of the down turn in economy.
Someone on forum may have the model to give you more info, enjoy the forums and do post often.
Welcome to Newmar family.

[GaryKD]

Hi Don,
Welcome to iRV2. I have a friend that has a Grand Star FRED. The only chronic problem has been with the Power Gear jacks. Other than that, it has been just the usual stuff. For me, I'd personally work the jacks several times before buying the coach. Newmar worked a deal with my friend to put HWH jacks in the coach. Also, Newmar no longer uses Power Gear jacks.

[don8ch]

Thanks for the info. GaryKD: I had seen the issue discussed in this forum when I was doing a search. That, slide rollers and generator exhaust pipe location seem to be the only recurring issues.

I would like to hear from owners about ride, driveability and overall satisfaction with their units.

Don

[don8ch]

Quote:

Originally Posted by GaryKD Hi Don, Welcome to iRV2. I have a friend that has a Grand Star FRED. The only chronic problem has been with the Power Gear jacks. Other than that, it has been just the usual stuff. For me, I'd personally work the jacks several times before buying the coach. Newmar worked a deal with my friend to put HWH jacks in the coach. Also, Newmar no longer uses Power Gear jacks.

I got a bit of a surprise. Vendor reports that unit is equipped with Atwood jacks. I knew they made a lot of components but didn't know that levelling jacks were included in their repertoire. Live and learn.

[cmac41]

I have an 08 Grand Star 3750. Ride and handling is good. Interior workmanship is super. The generator mounted behind the right rear wheels is terrible. I rarely take a trip that I don't drag the plate that is supposed to protect the gen set. I have not yet torn off the gen exhaust pipe but have broken it loose. I think it is lousy engineering. Another problem is the motor AC. Apparently the condenser coil is mounted on the frame on the drivers side and does not get enough air to cool. Freightliner will fix the problem. It requires moving the coil to another location. I also have a problem with the right rear of the RV sagging. I fixed this by installing a Timbren Suspension Enhancement System (SES). These are solid rubber devices that provide additional capacity and level the load. Timbren makes a model specifically for RV's, model OSHRV. The are relatively easy to install if you are physically flexible. If I were buying another diesel, I would get a pusher.

[Luv2go]

Quote:

Originally Posted by don8ch I got a bit of a surprise. Vendor reports that unit is equipped with Atwood jacks. I knew they made a lot of components but didn't know that levelling jacks were included in their repertoire. Live and learn.

Don, we have the Atwood jacks on our Canyon Star. So far they have been trouble-free. Maybe Newmar switched to them after having trouble with the Power Gear.

Stewart

[don8ch]

Quote:

Originally Posted by don8ch I got a bit of a surprise. Vendor reports that unit is equipped with Atwood jacks. I knew they made a lot of components but didn't know that levelling jacks were included in their repertoire. Live and learn.

Well, as an update, the vendor had called Newmar about the jacks and it was them that told him they were Atwood. Wrong! They are Power Gear per today's inspection. I hope that they are okay as we agreed to a deal today. We are soon to be the proud owners once all of the steps of a private purchase/sale are completed.

Don

[WVCoalminer]

Our Grandstar 3750 has the powergear jacks, so far no problems, keeping my fingers crossed. The generator is a problem, but we are moving the exhaust pipe. The motorhome ride is a little firm, but tire pressure might need some more adjustment. Build quility seems to be good. Engine noise is not bad for a front engine. MPG has been around 8-9 in the mountains of WV, 10 -12 in flat land. I was not in the position to buy a diesel pusher, too many "$$$$$$". We bought ours new for almost 45% off. My wife and I really like the floor plan on the 3750, its like a little house when set up. Over-all, we like our Newmar Grandstar fred and wish you the best of luck with yours. Hope to see you on the road sometime.
Bill & Julie

[GaryKD]

Hi Don,
Congratulations on purchasing a Newmar coach. Welcome to the Newmar family. If you would like information on the Newmar Kountry Klub (Newmar owners' social Klub) go to Welcome to Newmar Kountry Klub or PM me. There is also a NKK events section on iRV2.

["007"]

Congrats on your new Newmar, Don.
Many safe miles for you.
In case there is a problem this PDF should help, maybe a little knowledge about them could help.
Not sure you have electric or hydraulic so here is the other Hydraulic.
There is more info on Google that will help you maintain your jacks.
It doesn't matter which system you may have they all need maintenance.

[don8ch]

Thanks all for the replies and encouragement.

Thanks 007 for link. I downloaded the pdf and have added it to my growing library of "Grand Star info"

Don