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Mapnerd · 10-09-2018, 10:57 AM

So, DH and I are evaluating MHs. Of course after reading all of the rave reviews of Newmar support on this forum, we started looking into them and found that we really liked their Diesel lineup. Dutchstar and Ventana with 4310 floorplans, specifically.

However, there are two options that other RVs have which are absolutely must haves for us.

U-Shaped Dinette
Overcab Bed

The U-shaped dinette we found on a Discovery LXE 40G. The Overcab Bed we've seen on tons of models. We didn't see either of this options on Newmar's website.

So here's the question - Is it possible to get Newmar to provide this options for us if we do a build-to-order? If not, are there aftermarket options for these two specific things?

Norm Mac · 10-09-2018, 02:18 PM

I don't think you will find an over-cab bed in a front door diesel coach.
I am not sure how that would work as the drop down bunk would block entry and egress from the coach.

Mapnerd · 10-09-2018, 02:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Norm Mac

I don't think you will find an over-cab bed in a front door diesel coach.
I am not sure how that would work as the drop down bunk would block entry and egress from the coach.

They're out there. Just seem to not be as popular as I'd like. Maybe you were just referring to Newmar in particular?
Forrest River Berkshire XL w/ Overcab Bunk

Thor Aria 4000 w/ Overcab Bunk

I agree though, having the bed down certainly impedes egress, but I wouldn't say it blocks it. You can still crawl underneath. Also, Emergency Windows.

saddlesore · 10-09-2018, 03:06 PM

The "drop down" bunk is available on DP coaches that have the "mid door" option..DP Front door coaches not so much..

Carefree · 10-09-2018, 03:18 PM

We had a drop down bed in our Thor Palazzo - never, ever again. It's a rattle box the likes you've never encountered before. It was so bad that for longer distances I had to wear noise canceling headphones - I kid you not.

Mapnerd · 10-09-2018, 05:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Carefree

We had a drop down bed in our Thor Palazzo - never, ever again. It's a rattle box the likes you've never encountered before. It was so bad that for longer distances I had to wear noise canceling headphones - I kid you not.

Wow thats good to know. Especially given what others on the forums have said about TMC service and support (or lack thereof).

Thanks for posting

Mapnerd · 10-09-2018, 05:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by saddlesore

The "drop down" bunk is available on DP coaches that have the "mid door" option..DP Front door coaches not so much..

Gosh, I really feel like i’m missing something. Norm Mac said the same thing. Are you referring to this regarding Newmar specifically? Because the Thor Aria and Forrest River Berkshire XL are both front door coaches unless i’m seriously misunderstanding what that means.

fsudelt · 10-09-2018, 05:44 PM

Just curious why those 2 items are must haves. What are your thoughts to them? We have a 2017 Dutch Star 4310 so any questions at all feel free to reach out to me. We came previously from a 38 ft Tiffin diesel bunk model. Loving the Dutch Star so far after 2 years & 14,000 miles.

Regarding dinette, the booth that comes has 2 additional chairs & a leaf standard if you are needing additional space.

Mapnerd · 10-09-2018, 06:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fsudelt

Just curious why those 2 items are must haves. What are your thoughts to them? We have a 2017 Dutch Star 4310 so any questions at all feel free to reach out to me. We came previously from a 38 ft Tiffin diesel bunk model. Loving the Dutch Star so far after 2 years & 14,000 miles.

Regarding dinette, the booth that comes has 2 additional chairs & a leaf standard if you are needing additional space.

For the overcab bed, I sometimes snore and DW is a ridiculously light sleeper. On occassion if i dont stop after getting a few kicks from her I will go sleep in one of our spare bedrooms. In moving to an RV, i would like to have a reasonably comfortable alternative to the main bed. I dont consider the dining table or sleeper sofa to be good ‘middle of the night alternatives’ because they require setup which would make a lot of noise when im trying to be quiet and get back into bed asap. They’re fine if you know in advance and its only for a night or two (guests) but otherwise its a hard pass for me. The overcab bed seems like a decent solution because I figure (correct me if Im wrong) I can drop a tempurpedic mattress on it and whenever i need it, just drop it down quickly and quietly in the middle of the night. Everything prepped just crawl in and back to sleep, everyone’s happy.

As for the U-Shaped Dinette, we have young kids and the standard and euro-style booths seem like they can become quite cramped with four people at the table. The U-shape seems to afford a good deal more elbow room, without having to use extra chairs or extend a leaf, which is why we really like it.

If it comes down to it, I suppose we could do without the U-Shaped Dinette. I wouldn't let that stop me from going with Newmar. An overcab bed is a hard requirement though. Im not sleeping on the dining table or fold out sofa.

I emailed Newmar to see if there is any way to get either of these items. Will post their reply if I get one.

Dutch Star Don · 10-09-2018, 07:52 PM

I'm going to throw out my two cents and PERSONAL opinion about the overhead bed. It's a gadget that many companies selling a lesser product throw out there to entice people to buy. You don't see Tiffin, Newmar or Entegra offering them, because it's just not a desired or really practical option. Typically, people looking for extra space in a DP buy a bunk house model.

In your situation, you really have a need for it, but it's just not popular enough to dedicate a floor plan to it. Maybe the best bet is for your wife to buy another pillow and use it as needed when you snore.

tim494 · 10-09-2018, 08:12 PM

Super C?

https://www.renegaderv.com/renegade-...otorhomes-2019

TJ · 10-09-2018, 08:24 PM

Sounds like it may be time for a CPAP machine! Not joking.

I used to snore like a D8 pushing stumps. My doctor recommended a sleep study and the result was a CPAP. I didn't think I could be comfortable with one, but after a couple weeks, I was fine. Now, I don't feel right without it at night. And, it really does improve your quality of sleep.

And...no...I don't sell CPAPs or have any financial interest in that industry.

TJ

fsudelt · 10-10-2018, 04:52 AM

As for the U-Shaped Dinette, we have young kids and the standard and euro-style booths seem like they can become quite cramped with four people at the table. The U-shape seems to afford a good deal more elbow room, without having to use extra chairs or extend a leaf, which is why we really like it.

[/QUOTE]

I can only speak for us, but we have 3 smaller kids ) 7, 5, 1. The standard booth dinette is comfortable for my wife & I and the 2 older kids to eat at together. Right now our youngest is in a camping version of a high chair. Once he’s older we’ll use an extra chair at end of table or use leaf as well. I will say a lot of times when camping we don’t always all eat together at booth but everyone is different. Sometimes we are eating outside when nice or kids eat first, etc. I understand your bed issue but would be shocked if Newmar built a forward cab bed as special. I will say the air bed in couch does blow up very fast & our guests each time so far have said it’s comfortable.

jerome951 · 10-10-2018, 05:32 AM

I suggest you try the U-shaped dinette to see how functional it will be with 4 plates and glasses on that small table. You may be better off with freestanding chairs and a larger table surface. Just a thought after looking at that Discovery picture with only 2 bowls on it.