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JayKay100 · 10-07-2015, 11:12 AM

We may be in the market for a wheelchair accessible class A motorhome in the near future and we've been considering two possibilities. The first is a new Newmar Canyon Star 3911 gas motorhome. This unit comes from the factory fully wheelchair accessible and would cost around $150K after discount. The second is a 2006 to 2008 Fleetwood 39V diesel. There are various models on the market that can be had for $80K to $100K. This would require around $30K to $40K after purchase to make it wheelchair accessible for a total cost of $110K to $140K. Even so, it still would not be laid out as well as the Newmar. We are not new to camping, having had a trailer for four years. Among the problems we are trying to solve by moving to a motorhome are the rough ride of the truck used to pull the trailer, the limited range on a tank of fuel and the lack of a generator.

Newmar also offers the Ventana 4311, which is wheelchair accessible, but we like the Canyon Star better for various reasons. Guess this is kind of a new/used/gas/diesel question, but with a twist and pertaining to two specific models. Which one should we get?

unw1red · 10-07-2015, 11:15 AM

Having had a gasser and now a DP Ventana LE, I am partial to the DP drive and ride. The rear engine allows for a quite coach while driving and the air ride makes it enjoyable as well. I know that economics always is a consideration, but the longevity of the diesel would far surpass the gasser. I think they are both great products from Newmar, but I believe the diesel makes for a longer enjoyment if there will be a lot of travel involved.

Just my opinion...of course.

Pirate · 10-07-2015, 05:15 PM

Since you said wheelchair access, I will point out that lifts can be put in but having travel room inside can usually only be done at factory. Our first RV we had to move the slideout out a couple inches everytime the wheelchair needed to move aft. With our current rig, it was designed at factory for wheelchair movement with slide in or out. Shower size is another thing that you just can't make larger. Look at rvtrader.com, use keyword "wheelchair", disabled dealer, or even craig list to search for wheelchair rv's. I see some nice ones every now and then. Really like that Canyon Star but don't like side TV's and they don't offer twin beds in rear. Winnie makes some too but I don't like how they make their showers.

Jim T. · 10-07-2015, 05:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JayKay100

We may be in the market for a wheelchair accessible class A motorhome in the near future and we've been considering two possibilities. The first is a new Newmar Canyon Star 3911 gas motorhome. This unit comes from the factory fully wheelchair accessible and would cost around $150K after discount. The second is a 2006 to 2008 Fleetwood 39V diesel. There are various models on the market that can be had for $80K to $100K. This would require around $30K to $40K after purchase to make it wheelchair accessible for a total cost of $110K to $140K. Even so, it still would not be laid out as well as the Newmar. We are not new to camping, having had a trailer for four years. Among the problems we are trying to solve by moving to a motorhome are the rough ride of the truck used to pull the trailer, the limited range on a tank of fuel and the lack of a generator.

Newmar also offers the Ventana 4311, which is wheelchair accessible, but we like the Canyon Star better for various reasons. Guess this is kind of a new/used/gas/diesel question, but with a twist and pertaining to two specific models. Which one should we get?

I own a Newmar 3911, a 2013 model. We bought it new from a dealer in NE FL. We traded a 34 foot 2003 Winnebago Brave on a Workhorse chassis that had been modified to be wheelchair accessible by Winnebago. We have been extremely pleased with our Canyon Star and Newmar's customer service has been outstanding. This is our first class A on a Ford chassis. We're also very satisfied with its performance. The wheelchair accessibility was very well thought out by Newmar. I've posted several times about my 3911. Do a search & review them.

Jim & Shirley & Abbie (Scottie)
2013 Newmar Canyon Star 3911
2005 Dodge Grand Caravan Toad

JayKay100 · 10-07-2015, 06:12 PM

The 39V floorplan from Fleetwood has a full body slide on one side and a bedroom slide on the other. There's a 2006 39V in Las Vegas with a lift installed that I may check out. But is a 10 year old diesel that's been converted for a wheelchair worth $140K? That's almost as much as the CS brand new, and the CS comes from the factory built for a wheelchair from the ground up.

Pirate, are you talking about the televator? The Canyon Star comes standard with a TV in the front overhead, but the televator is a popular option. That's one of the reasons we want to order one new. My wife can't be close to the television because it bothers her eyes.

I wish Newmar offered their wheelchair accessible floorplan in one of their shorter diesels (under 40'). Going over requires a class B license in California and restricts the roads you can use.