What else to look at??

[mc4fun]

So we just finished or trip out west and low and behold the DW stated that as great as out PA is ( it ran like a champ- love the W-22) we need more room.
She pointed to a unit we walked through a year or so ago

Entegra 44DLQ I believe it was.

So my question to you guys is this, to make sure we look at all options, not excluding any manufacturers what other models have similar features

To the Entegra crowd, what engine is in the 44DLQ unit.

Looks like we will be seriously looking at a 1-4 year old unit in the next few months.

Any pros and cons would be great, especially as it comes to chassis ( first DP for us)

Comparably we would like to stay at the Anthem level so what are we looking at with other manufactures at that "level"

[jacwjames]

There may be differences of opinion on lots of things but one thing I would recommend is a side radiator unit.

[wnytaxman]

We have been researching a move upward for the last several years. For us the search has narrowed down to the Entegra Anthem and the Newmar Dutch Star. The two units are comparable with pluses and minuses with both. We are leaning mostly toward the Dutch Star at the moment because of the various different configurations that can be done with the floorplans but I still like the two year warranty of the Entegra. A final decision should be made soon as we will be empty nesters in a few months and I'm ready to go.

[Dakrism]

There are so many things to consider but I will second the opinion on the side radiator and I would certainly look for a unit with Aqua-Hot.

We saw the new 2016 Holiday Rambler Scepter in May and I can't believe that HR went back to a rear radiator on the Scepter.

There are a slew of wonderful used units out there less than 5 yrs old. Look for complete maintenance records and a trustworthy dealer.We used Lazydays in Tampa.
Some people will disagree but we were treated great and they took great pains to make sure we were happy with our Beaver when we bought it.Im sure there are other honest dealers out there but go to one that gives you some kind of warranty period. At least 30 days. That way you have time to find all the little ticky-tack things that may be loose or broken or not working that you can get fixed.

[Gary RVRoamer]

Entegras are really nice, but so are the high end Newmars and American Coach (Revolution/Tradition/Eagle/Heritage). Or a Tiffin Allegro Bus.

I note that she said you needed more room, but it also sounds as though she wants more luxury too.Nothing against your Pace, but you are looking at a huge step up in both length and amenities. We made a similar leap in 2006, going from a 36 foot top-end gas model (W22 chassis) to a 40 foot luxury-class pusher. No comparison at all!!!

[PDR John]

The coaches at the same price range as the Entegra Anthem are:

Newmar Dutch Star

American Revolution

Tiffin Allegro Bus

Winnebago Grand Tour/Tour

Itasca Ellipse Ultra/Ellispe

Monaco Diplomat

I'm not sure about Thor offering at this price range.

All of these use the same Cummins ISL 450 HP engine and very close in MSRP.

[mc4fun]

Great feedback guys. Thanks for the compatible breakdown as well.

Side Radiator for sure ! Thanks for feedback on that

The Newmar Dutch Star, and Alegro bus are also in consideration.

Not sure about the rest of the guys on here. I am more a 4 foot down guy.

Aqua hot is on the list as well as in motion.
I will need to Lear about the battery and inverter actions.

What would be the use of having Propane in the unit? Is it worth the hassle.
We currently have Propane but find we Run the Genny 95% of the time anyways to keep coach/dogs cool.

Chassis ?????

And I do not want to start a war here....

Is the comfort drive from Newmar a Deal maker?
Is it worth to get hydraulic leveling with Air ride?

Is there REALLY a big difference between Freight Liner and Spartan chassis( I know both have plus and minus)

Engine
Ease of work. Can I do most of my own maint on a 450 Cummings or is it dealer only?

We briefly looked at a 600 HP Travel supreme 45.

But the DW raised the National Park question and length restriction?
Not sure where we stand on this.
I know I do not plan on hitting all luxury resorts as they are to restrictive for the dogs.
We are more a good Sam, KOA kinda crowd.

[PDR John]

Originally Posted by mc4fun

Great feedback guys. Thanks for the compatible breakdown as well.

Side Radiator for sure ! Thanks for feedback on that

Only a couple on the list above don't have a side radiator.


The Newmar Dutch Star, and Alegro bus are also in consideration.

Not sure about the rest of the guys on here. I am more a 4 foot down guy.

Aqua hot is on the list as well as in motion.

All above will have hydronic heat/ hot water.


I will need to Lear about the battery and inverter actions.

What would be the use of having Propane in the unit? Is it worth the hassle.
We currently have Propane but find we Run the Genny 95% of the time anyways to keep coach/dogs cool.

We went all electric and have zero regrets. Won't have another coach with propane, absolutely no need for it.

Chassis ?????

Only 2 players in that game now.

And I do not want to start a war here....

Is the comfort drive from Newmar a Deal maker?


This is a personal thing. It is for some not for others. I like it, I get to choose how the steering feels anytime I want it to.

Is it worth to get hydraulic leveling with Air ride?

Air leveling can be added to any coach.


Is there REALLY a big difference between Freight Liner and Spartan chassis( I know both have plus and minus)

10 years ago, yes. Today is a bit different, Freightliner made some changes and builds a awesome chassis. Sapan's reputation stands for it's self.

Engine
Ease of work. Can I do most of my own maint on a 450 Cummings or is it dealer only?


Many do. I just changed my alternator.


We briefly looked at a 600 HP Travel supreme 45.


Would be a super nice coach. They are the predecessor to Entegra, in case you didn't know.

But the DW raised the National Park question and length restriction?

Most of the list will be tight in those parks.

Not sure where we stand on this.
I know I do not plan on hitting all luxury resorts as they are to restrictive for the dogs.
We are more a good Sam, KOA kinda crowd.

We've not had any serious issues finding a park to hold a 43'. Couple tight spots, but we still made it.

[mc4fun]

Last night I head to bed and my DW is on her IPad. I ask what she is doing, her answer... I am looking at RV's for sale on that app I downloaded.
After 20 years there are not many surprises left, however that one qualified as one of those moments👍.
After talking to her looks like she really likes the 1.5 bath options. She also stated she likes some of the ones with the table and 2 chairs (she was not of fan of these in the past) however these may give more room for the dogs.
She is also a big fan of the pull out counter space.....
Makes me very happy to see her getting involved. Just thought I would share 😃

[Schoolsout2]

We just upgraded to a DP from a Winnebago Adventurer. While I narrowed down the choices, she saw one that she really liked and 2 days later we purchased. Happy wife, happy life. She showed little interest and then she saw this unit.

[Cat320]

Most that length should have a side radiator, Aqua Hot, Ind Front Suspension, no less than an 8.9L ISL 450 HP, be all electric, have AGM batteries, etc. JMHO, of course, but for that kind of money, I'd check out the higher end Monicos, Newmars and American Coaches. You could get a luxury coach, loaded, that's a year or two old, for the same money.
Plus the bugs would be worked out of it.

[Pa Miller]

1999 Country Coach Affinity 40 Priced at $ 85500 not as new but nice

[Dutch Star Don]

"PDR John" answered a lot of your questions, but I'll add in a little more. You're currently in a 37' coach and looking at 44'. We went from a 36' to 40'. For us, we knew that we could get in easily to places like Yosemite and other State and National parks with our 36' coach. Having years of experience at the various places, we also knew could get a 40' to fit, but nothing larger.

One of my requirements for a new coach was a tag axle. We narrowed down our search to an Allegro Bus or the Dutch Star, but only the Dutch Star comes with a tag in a 40'.

If you drive a Newmar with Comfort Drive, you'll like it, but you may not be immediately impressed. The Comfort Drive is great for crosswinds and road crown, but you don't see it's advantages until the end of the day. That's when you realize that you're not exhausted from spending the day steering the coach, especially in windy conditions.

We bought our coach off the lot and it was not all electric. After using it a few times and with only the two burner cooktop requiring propane, we realized it was kind of a waste to have propane, lose the space of the propane tank and carry an extra 350 pounds. I removed the tank, added an Inductive cooktop and converted our coach to all electric. We're like you and rarely are without electricity.

I think in the past Spartan was the cream of the crop, but in the last few years, I think the technology has made them pretty even. I do all of my own servicing and the side radiator makes it pretty simple.

[mc4fun]

Thanks for taking the time to add to the list.
Great feedback so far