Community Forums

Theluckys · 09-09-2012, 02:11 PM

Hey all, I'm comparing these two 40' MH's.

The floor plans are almost identical - the Beaver has a pull out queen bed on the passenger side with the Dutch Star has 2 recliners. Other than that the slides postions are identical.

Milage is 78K for the Beaver and only 33K on the Dutch Star.

Both look like quality MH's to me but the Beaver cabinets are really upgraded compared to the Dutch Star.

My concern is this: Beaver isn't in business anymore; Newman is. Suppose something goes wrong with the Beaver who do I go to, other than the local dealer for parts?

BTW the asking price for both units is about the same as well so do I stay in the Newman family or just to the Beaver? Any comments are appreciated.

Clayobx · 09-09-2012, 02:56 PM

Beaver at that time was a step up from the Dutch Star, maybe two steps. Newmar has just re-invented the Dutch Star, looks real fine! Newmar is a great company as rv manufactures good customer support is readily available. I would not be concerned about parts as most of a motor home is assembled from mulyiple suppliers, ie, diesel, slide motors, step motor, frig, jacks, chassis and so forth. If you like the floor plan, have the coach inspected by a WELL qualified tech, indepents of seller of course, I would not hesitate to buy the Beaver. In fact I have a fellow rv'er that we wintered with that owns a beaver very nice coach. But hey, Newmar is great!

Route 66 · 09-09-2012, 03:09 PM

I believe the Beaver is on a proprietary chassis and the Dutch Star is on a Spartan or Freightliner.

Also, you can always go to the Newmar factory for service, a big plus.

szy · 09-09-2012, 07:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Route 66

I believe the Beaver is on a proprietary chassis and the Dutch Star is on a Spartan or Freightliner.

Also, you can always go to the Newmar factory for service, a big plus.

Having just gotten a Newmar some things were new to me

I called Newmar spoke with a real person
did not have to go through 20 minutes of press 1 for this and 2 for that
was spoken to with respect and helped out a bunch with follow up calls

Newmar CS is first class in my book ...............

just saying

Gary RVRoamer · 09-09-2012, 07:54 PM

Beaver is now part of Monaco and has been for a dozen years or so. The 2004 is on a Monaco Roadmaster chassis, though earlier years used the Safari Magnum chassis (Beaver was a division of Safari before Monaco bought them both out). Yo would go to Monaco (Navistar) for chassis parts. Most any other parts would be industry standard stuff, e.g appliances, water system, etc. Available anywhere.

You are right - the Beaver cabinetry sets it apart from the Dutch Star of the same year. Depending on how important that is to you. I might opt for the lower mileage of the Dutch Star. Not an engine concern, but a lower mileage coach has probably had less overall wear and tear.

Marshmellows · 09-10-2012, 08:02 AM

I vote for the Beaver.

datrbone8 · 09-10-2012, 08:19 AM

We just looked at both the Beaver and Newmar coaches, although we were looking at older models (late 90's). They are both nicely thought out and put together. The mechanicals were equal but Beaver did seem to have nicer cabinetry. In the end for us it came down to the individual coach rather than the brand. The Newmar was a one-owner unit seemingly well maintained and upgraded. It also was a bit less money than the Beaver. Since purchase we've had time to live with it a bit and are very happywith out choice. We've had contact with Newmar customer service that has been excellent. They have archived information on their coaches going back to when they rolled out of teh factory, including any warranty repairs that may have been needed. The Freightline customer service has also been very helpful as we become acquainted with the RV

I don;t think you can go wrogn with either. Choose the one you like

Theluckys · 09-11-2012, 05:31 AM

So if I understand correctly:

1. There isn't much to be concerned about buying an 'orphan unit'

2. Comparing these two units is an apple-apple and not apple-oranges

Gary RVRoamer · 09-11-2012, 09:25 AM

Right - most orphan units contain either industry standard components or custom things that are not available post-production anyway, e.g. cabinets and such. Any 2004 is pretty much an orphan anyway, since the factory is no longer building models like it and generally does not stock parts for older models anyway.