Community Forums

JointVenture · 03-26-2023, 01:26 PM

We have decided to sell our fifth wheel and TV and travel full time, We think we would enjoy it far more in a MH and would like to purchase one built before all the emissions were added. Looking at a 2004 DUTCH STAR 4009 with the 8.9 Cummins 370hp with 45k miles on it. Pretty much has all we're looking for and just want input on quality and comfort level.

426smartin · 03-26-2023, 01:39 PM

Absolutely loved ours! --- open mouth sold it at our local campground--- lesson learned dont price something you dont want to sell!

twogypsies · 03-26-2023, 05:45 PM

We loved our 2004 40' DS. We were in the Rocky Mtns. all the time and never an issue with power getting up the passes. It handled beautifully on the highway with no wind effects from semi trucks. We traveled constantly and were full-timers for 8 yr. with it.

Swipular · 03-27-2023, 06:00 AM

I have a 2005 4023 with 140,000 miles on it. The build quality is fantastic. Do the maintenance on the engines and it will take care of you. You can still gets parts from Cummins and Newmar. They even built a new basement door for mine which is amazing that they still support it after all these years.

All of the issues we have had has been normal wear and tear. Fluids flushed and changed, and all filters changed when we got it. Since small issues like a low pressure switch on the dash ac and a new thermostat on the generator.

Lots to learn but the people here are very helpful and between Spartan and Newmar I've got the schematics and wiring diagrams on just about everything.

Enjoy your Newmar,
Kenny

dutchstr3884 · 04-12-2023, 10:22 PM

I have a 2004 38 ft Dutchstar, Spartan chassis with the same Cummins 370 BHp engine and 145,000+ miles. We have had it since 2014. We live in Colorado and it has seen plenty of Rocky Mountain passes pulling a toad. Engine has great torque and never had any power issues and has always run cool. Very few maintenance problems, mostly fluid and filter changes. Late last year had to replace the fuel pump and there was a technical bulletin to replace the pressed steel oil pan with a cast steel oil pan to correct oil pan gasket leaks. Cost was $6000 plus.

Something to remember -- A semi driving friend once told me you can go uphill too fast many times but you will only go downhill too fast once. He suggested using the same low gear you used going uphill to go down the hill on the back side and to use the transmission/exhaust brake and service brake to keep the speed down.

Safe travels!!