Community Forums

jerald · 02-20-2011, 07:59 AM

I am interested in purchasing a 2011 Newmar Kountry Aire Fifth Wheel, Does anyone have advice for me? I am interested in a better quality Fifth Wheel than my present one. This purchase would would be my 3rd last, if I proceed!!! Any Pro's and con's would be most helpful.

Parkerrs · 02-20-2011, 01:31 PM

I owned a Mountain Aire 5th wheel from 1998 when new until 2009. I never had a single problem with the unit. I replaced the tires once and the living room TV once, other than that no problem. The camper was as good when traded as it was new, stored inside when not in use. It crossed the country 3 times along with parts of Canada, good solid unit.

"007" · 02-20-2011, 08:59 PM

Welcome jerold to the Newmar forum & irv2.
Here is a brochure for the Kountry Aire there top of the line 5th.
I you go to the Newmar Corp link sticky above you have videos of how Newmars are built.
We have a 5th Wheel group that you can find on this link, a pretty quite group enjoying their 5th's.
Enjoy the forums and good luck in your hunt.

Shaun and Amy · 02-22-2011, 06:28 AM

Jerald,

Our first Newmar was a custom ordered 2000 Mountain Aire, which we had till we ordered our new 2008 Kountry Aire. We loved the Mountain Aire and also are VERY happy with our Kountry Aire. One of the big selling points for us were the tandum dual wheels. We've only had the little issues that all RV's have.

With all that said, we have recently been looking at the DRV Suites and even had the chance to visit their factory. We are very impressed with the Mobile and Elite Suite. Our family size has changed and we're looking for a larger living room area and a stand alone bathroom and more interior storage area that the Elite Suites can give us in their 43' models. I also, think that since Newmar has reintroduced the Kountry Aire, there are some things they have eliminate on them to save money. Some of the nice things that make a luxury coach, a luxury coach, like decorative lighting in the ceiling and crown molding on the cabinets. Plus other things I've noticed. Another thing that makes me lean towards DRV Suites, is that they only make fifth wheels. So, all of their concentration and efforts are put into that. At Newmar, I sometimes feel that more attention is put into their motorhomes and that the fifth wheels are just a side thing. This is just my opinion.

BUT....still with all THAT said, we are very happy with our Kountry Aire and Newmars workmanship.

Good luck with you search.
Shaun

MT flyfisher · 02-23-2011, 09:57 AM

We, too, have a 2008 Kountry Aire, and have been quite satisfied with it, although we have had a few more problems with it than many other Newmar owners customarily do. that being said, one of the primary reasons why we picked Newmar over other brands was their reputation for service, and they certainly have fulfilled that reputation from my perspective -- although I will say with the cutbacks they have made during the past couple years (same as all RV manufacturers) I have found it has been harder to get answers from them recently.

The 2011 Kountry Aires have been skinnied down on their luxury features, compared to those from a couple years ago, but you can come pretty close by adding options I think.

I hope ours lasts a few more years, but I'm kind of in the same boat as Shaun. I would love to have another Newmar 5th wheel, but because they have downgraded (and downplayed their 5th wheels) I'm afraid we'll be looking at other manufacturers. The only other one for us at this time would probably be a New Horizon - I can give you lots of reasons why I have ruled out all the other 5th wheels in the market, but my reasons may not be relevant to you or others.

John

jerald · 02-28-2011, 08:03 AM

Thanks for the comments on the Kountry Aire. Now after further research my wife and I have started to have a better idea of what may work for us. We are now thinking of the Kountry Star Fifth Wheel. There is a floor plan we like and the posted tow weight is several K's lighter than the Aire. We live in and travel in the Oly. Peninsula [PNW] and need to tow mountain passes, so weight is a factor. My other problem is there are NO Newmar Fifth Wheel dealers in the PNW and so this present a few other problems. I see where Newmar may have a factory delivery program and am checking this out.

All helpful comments and pro's and con's are greatly appreciated.

Regards, Jerry

MT flyfisher · 02-28-2011, 08:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jerald

Thanks for the comments on the Kountry Aire. Now after further research my wife and I have started to have a better idea of what may work for us. We are now thinking of the Kountry Star Fifth Wheel. There is a floor plan we like and the posted tow weight is several K's lighter than the Aire. We live in and travel in the Oly. Peninsula [PNW] and need to tow mountain passes, so weight is a factor. My other problem is there are NO Newmar Fifth Wheel dealers in the PNW and so this present a few other problems. I see where Newmar may have a factory delivery program and am checking this out.

All helpful comments and pro's and con's are greatly appreciated.

Regards, Jerry

Jerry -

I know it is quite a haul for you to get from your home to the Newmar factory in Nappannee, IN, but I would give serious consideration to taking delivery of the trailer at the factory.

That way you can order it through any dealer, and then pick it up at the factory. There is a nominal charge for this service, but they will take time to explain all the trailer's functions to you, and if you stay there (or closeby) for a few days in you trailer, they can fix anything that you might find needing repairs before you leave for home.

In hindsight, I wish we had done that when we bought our Kountry Aire 3 years ago.