Community Forums

ryant858 · 02-24-2015, 05:25 PM

I'm narrowing my search to a 2014 or 2015 Allegro Bus or Dutch Star. Still a bit torn between 37' and 40' but one huge advantage of the Dutch Star (I believe !?!) is that it's available in the tag axle at 40, the Bus does not and we don't want to go longer than 40'

Seems like the tag is a huge benefit, and is what's leaning me towards Dutch Star over Allegro Bus. Each has floor plans that are good for us.

This seem like a big plus?

Old Car Nut · 02-24-2015, 05:30 PM

Cargo Capacity and distribution of weight are the biggest advantages of a TAG.

They track better when a semi or coach passes you going the other way too.

Won't own a coach without them anymore.

Waterview202 · 02-24-2015, 05:31 PM

The tag takes up two bays of storage,I would go with the 43 ft,for more storage

lanerd · 02-24-2015, 06:05 PM

Even my 42.5 LH has less storage than a 40' Phaeton. You do lose storage with the tag.

But....the cargo capacity is much more and it handles and rides much better than a 40 footer.

We went from a 36' to a 42.5" and there is a huge difference in everything. The tag (and longer wheelbase) did take a little getting use to, but not long.

Ron

Clayobx · 02-24-2015, 06:13 PM

We went from a 39' to our present 43' coach with tag. You do loose some storage and I would look carefully at the bay areas but don't forget to assess the interior as well. The handling with the tag is superior coupled with another axle and brakes. Both good coaches but I'd have to go with the DS.

Dutch Star Don · 02-24-2015, 08:23 PM

I narrowed down my search to the same two coaches. The deciding factor for me was that a tag axle was on my must have list. The tag does take up storage space. We previously had a 36 DP, and the 40' Dutch Star only added about 3/4 of a main bay additional space. I'm very good about making things fit in odd spaces and have plenty of space.

The Dutch Star also has the Comfort Drive system. Many will poo poo it because they don't understand it, or have it. The Comfort Drive isn't magical when you test drive it, but it sure makes for a relaxing drive that you notice at the end of the day.

The Comfort Drive system adjusts for road crown and wind push about every 20-30 seconds. You can be pushed by constant winds and never know it. On both windy days and crowned roads I've let go of my steering wheel for 1/10th to 2/10s of a mile and the coach holds it's course. The amount of steering input (strength to turn the wheel) is adjustable. The system also returns to center automatically. In a campground, you can turn the steering wheel with one finger. It's a big plus.

Both coaches are REALLY nice, but the tag and Comfort drive was the deciding factor for me.

Medico · 02-25-2015, 11:45 AM

The Allegro Bus is a somewhat higher level coach with a higher price point. I do like both coaches, but I would also definitely go with a 43 foot coach. A little more weight and a tag. Will definitely ride better.

You will loose storage with a tag on a 40 foot. If you are PT, not a big problem. If you are FT it could be a problem. We needed all the storage we could get as FT.

Gary RVRoamer · 02-26-2015, 10:25 AM

Agree with the others - the tag is an advantage only if you need the extra weight carrying capacity. Otherwise, it just costs space. A tag in a 40 footer is a major disadvantage, in my opinion. You can build a heck of a nice 40 footer without one, and not come up short on weight either. But if you want the tag, go for something over 40 feet.

Dutch Star Don · 02-26-2015, 01:07 PM

I know everyone loves what they bought and why they bought it, me included, but I would disagree that a tag is a disadvantage. Yes, it does lose some storage space, but the handling characteristics, tuning radius, load capacity (especially that shifted off of the front axle) and ride are improved over a 40' without a tag.

SGTrvlr · 02-26-2015, 07:27 PM

Get the Tiffin and you will always have need to go someplace...Red Bay for repairs.

tomakat · 02-27-2015, 01:30 AM

I narrowed down my choices to the Allegro Bus 37AP (~39 ft) and the Dutch Star 4018 (~40 ft) and these were some of the things that I took into consideration based on my personal needs (not a full timer):

DS 4018
- Tag Axle (stability, NCC) / loss of basement storage
- Comfort Drive
- IFS
- Side mounted radiator
- 105/65/45 (FW/G/S)
- 100 gallon fuel
- 44,600 GVWR
- 10,000 lb hitch
- 8,000 kw generator
- 2 ACs
- Bath and 1/2
- Full wall slide / more open feel
- a variety of customization options (inside/outside)
- Bigger tires
- Quality and Service Reputation

AB 37AP
- Side mounted radiator
- IFS
- More basement storage
- integrated driver/passenger seat belts
- 90/70/50 (FW/G/S)
- 150 gallon fuel
- 37,600 GVWR
- 15,000 lb hitch
- 10,000 kw generator
- 3 ACs
- 1 Bath / Dual Sinks
- MobileEye
- bedroom fan
- roof ladder option
- air and hydraulic leveling
- service reputation

In the end I went with the Newmar Dutch Star. That being said, my wish list for the DS would be: 3 ACs, 10,000kw generator, bedroom fan, MobileEye. I'm looking into getting MobileEye installed as an aftermarket item.

-Tom

ryant858 · 02-27-2015, 06:03 AM

tomakat - my comparison couldn't be any closer!

I'm heading out tomorrow to drive both. I'm very curious how much of a difference the tag will make on ride quality. I'm pretty much a weekend warrior for family trips, so the storage difference won't matter.

I didn't realize the hitch difference... That could be important. Also am surprised the DS doesn't have a 3rd AC. I wonder if that's a big deal.

fla tom · 02-27-2015, 08:11 AM

The valid air system and the powerglide chassis make for a great driving experience it also alieviates wind push and road crown(if newmar would add this to coaches bellow the essex level they would have a one up) Look close at the build of each ie slides slide seals and take a tape measurer to cabinets and storage areas

Gary RVRoamer · 02-27-2015, 08:11 AM

Quote:

but the handling characteristics, tuning radius, load capacity (especially that shifted off of the front axle) and ride are improved over a 40' without a tag.

I'll grant the ride is a bit smoother and rear axle weight capacity is improved, but turning radius improved? A tag axle increases turning radius unless it is one of the self-steering types, and in that case the steering feature merely recovers the extra radius the tag caused in the first place. Even Freightliner's new UltraSteer tag only claims to reduce turning vs competitors tag and not against non-tag rigs. The only way to reduce the turning radius is to shorten the wheel base or increase the front axle wheel cut. There ain't no free lunch.