Would you buy a 2008 Grand Star FRED diesel?

[MERILEGS]

I am looking to trade in a 2002 Winnebago Journey DL. This Newmar we saw today.. Would you do it? I am not at all familiar with the FRED diesels and also the Grand Star. "Help, Help" she cried.

[don8ch]

Since I have a 2009, I would have to give a thumbs up for the Grand Star FRED. Ours is a 3752 and we love the floorplan. Ours was very well optioned with the wood floor, Precision Temp hydronic heating, sleep number bed and many more. When we were shopping we wanted the free standing table and chairs but our has the booth dinette. After 10 months of use we are happy with the booth because of the extra storage and the seat belts in the booths to allow our grandchildren to be buckled in close to where we are.

The Journey is a pusher, right? I have never driven (nore even rode) in a pusher with air bags but find the ride of the Grand Star to be pretty good. The lack of air brakes and suspension should save you some money in maintenance and repairs.

I could go on and on but perhaps you might want to fire off some questions and I will be pleased to answer them as I can.

Don

[Route 66]

How's the engine noise when driving?

There were front engine diesels 15~20 years ago and engine noise along with low power led to their demise.

[Tallyrver]

I traded in a 2007 Tiffen Allegro FRED , besides being too small of a coach ,the motor was very noisy .Mostly from the turbo noise . and I could not keep in in one lane.

["007"]

Merilegs welcome to the Newmar forum & irv2.
Here is a brochure for the Grand Star with Freightliner Fred option.
Here is the Owners Guide for Grand Star.
Freightliner Fred Chassis The engine is mounted low on chassis frame to cut down noise.
There are some owners on forum with the Fred and have not heard of complaints the engine noise is really cut down on Newmar coach, years ago 90's that was a complaint with a Fred they had back than.
Good luck in your quest maybe you'll be joining the Newmar family.

[Mr_D]

Quote:

Originally Posted by don8ch The lack of air brakes and suspension should save you some money in maintenance and repairs.

Not really that much maintenance with air suspension and brakes. In fact if you follow the recommendations on flushing and changing brake fluid vs changing the air dryer they come out about the same or even less with the air system. The new air systems have automatic drains and once the ride height is set you may never have to do another thing to the suspension. I know I haven't had to mess with the brakes or ride height once the new front axle was installed by Spartan in 2004.

[don8ch]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Route 66 How's the engine noise when driving? There were front engine diesels 15~20 years ago and engine noise along with low power led to their demise.

We were pleasantly surprised at how unobtrusive the engine is. When we asked the same question another Grand Star FRED owner told us that it was much quieter in the hills than their previous V-10 coach that sounded like it was revving itself out of its skin. Our previous RV was a 5th wheel that we towed with a 2005 GMC Duramax diesel. I would rate the engine noise about equal.

Don

[Dav5942]

Good to hear the Grand Star is not noisy. Just talked to a Tiffin Fred owner who was not happy with the noise and was in the process of getting rid of his unit.

Had a similiar experience with the Mid Engine-the Travel Supreme was noisy but the Newmar is not(drove 3 of each manufacturer). Obvioulsy better insulation, etc.