2019 Dutch Star reliability

[J Oliveira]

Longtime RVer, selling my 2005 Prevost Liberty and wanting to get a 2019 Dutch Star (4018) 40' w/tags. I've read some terrible reviews but I believe those were issues when new. After 5 years are these coaches getting more reliable?

[passerby]

I’m also interested in the Dutch Star 4018 and problems that owners have experienced.
Getting ready to retire and planning to upgrade 2nd home, traveling for 4 months each year. I Know there is no perfect MH but doing due diligence on different brands to make a decision.

[d23haynes57]

Originally Posted by J Oliveira

Longtime RVer, selling my 2005 Prevost Liberty and wanting to get a 2019 Dutch Star (4018) 40' w/tags. I've read some terrible reviews but I believe those were issues when new. After 5 years are these coaches getting more reliable?

That seems like a huge leap down. Why a Dutch Star? Have you test driven any of them? You will likely miss the feel of the big engine and transmission combination.
In my opinion, if it is heavy enough to really need a tag axle, then it also needs a 4000 series transmission and matching engine. I think the newer Dutch Stars get the ISL tweaked to 450 HP. Especially if it will also be towing a larger vehicle.

[Mr. T]

What would your definition of problem be? It looks like you have experience with motorhomes and know issues come up.
We've not had any chassis/engine issues. One thing that I recently discovered is the adhesive that holds the membrane covering on top of the kitchen and bedroom slide is beginning to separate and I'm having that looked at when we get to Arizona. But, we're currently on an East coast trip and all (knock on wood) is going great.
At 2019 your in the window to have new tires so I would request that. Also, with any major purchase like this spend the extra money to have an independent inspection.

[purrin along]

I think 2019 is a good choice, with most of the bugs worked out from a big change in 2016.

[hogdriver]

DS4018 vs others….

My wife and I drove a DS4018 and we loved it, but in the end the lack of closets, kitchen storage and basement compartments drive us to a DS4369. I loved the 4018 maneuverability and pep, and it has 90% of the features we now have, but I guess I carry too much junk. We do travel about 5 months a year so we take everything from beach wear to heavy jackets.

I do like those 40ft tag axle RVs

[J Oliveira]

Yes. but a commercial bus is much higher maintenance and I'm getting older so a 40' coach would be a bit more comfortable. As for tags, they increase stability and reduce sway which is very appealing to me (especially in days of high wind). It's coming down to a Super C or Dutch Star. Reliability is top priority. Just don't have as much fun out traveling when plagued with coach problems

[d23haynes57]

I'm turning 64 on Friday! I admire Prevost/Newell coaches but hey.
Anyway, recently did this exercise and first thought for a tag axle was to get another pair of brakes. Due to budget moved from new or near new econo coaches and started looking at older but well built. Came across a few 37-38 footers with tag and the ISL or other 400HP engines. Was OK but not impressed. Then I looked at and test a 40 foot Foretravel with the 450 HP ISM, tag, and disk brakes. OK, got hooked.
So last march took home a 2008 42 foot Nimbus with the ISM 500. It's addictive in a just over 40K pound coach.

While 450 does not sound much different than the 500 HP or so you have now the way the power is produced and delivered makes a big difference in the feel. The construction of the coach body is a major factor in the ride quality. Do some serious test driving. Pay attention to heating, cooling, and generator capabilities.

I'm very happy with my choice so far but getting the taste and looking for more.

[Dutch Star Don]

I don't know where you're reading about all kinds of issues. I bought my 2019 DS new. It's never left me stranded. It's never been in the shop for longer than a day, for a recall or small repair.

Personally, I think the 2018, 2019 and 2020 Dutch Stars were some of Newmar's best built coaches.

When my coach was delivered new, it had one AC that wasn't cooling, a small dent in the refer door where the logo resides (I moved the logo) and an armrest on the driver's seat that didn't look good.

I know some have had leather issues, but mine still look like new.

In six years, I've replaced two relatively expensive items where I did the labor, the HWH pump, ($1300) driver's door awning motor, ($1100).

There were two recalls, and a trans cooler replaced under warranty. The trans cooler was an industry wide Allison issue.

[ViperJD]

J Oliveira, hope you have driven a Super C. We traded in our 2003 DS and considered both a longer tag (we bought it) and a Super C. The Super C was shorter, much louder in the cockpit and didn't turn as well at slow speeds. You are right, the tag axle has really relaxed my driving (normally on interstates) so much easier to track in wind and passed/passing conditions. All the best,

[L Wagner]

I traded in a 2018 Newmar Dutch Star, and purchased a 2007 Liberty Coach. I’m still working through some bugs, mostly lack of maintenance from the previous owner. But you’re gonna have that also. You will not like the squeaks and rattles in the Newmar. And the Prevost bus frame drives a lot better. Even though I went backwards, 11 years, the water systems, and the liability of this coach is way above a production coach.
Make sure you get an inspection. And I would definitely go for new tires and batteries. The one thing I had to deal with on my Dutch star, was the DEF head. If that blows, it’s about $2500 plus towing.
Just my two cents, everybody is different.

[dbteam]

We got ours new and it has been EXTREMELY reliable. I think we lucked out when I go to Newmar events and listen to newer Newmar owners and it just "feels" like the "Newbago" ones are not as good. We've put 35000 miles on ours and we've had the following: 1) Step Motor 2) Oasis fan 3) AC Fan 4)Macerator mounting screws were rusted 5) Crown Molding fell after giant pot hole strike 6) Windshield crack when we first drove it 7) Windshield ding from rock while traveling 8) Lightning strike while camping 9) Digital Dash display has "bubbles" in it (it works, just annoying, but not annoying enough for freight liner $4300 repair cost.
10) paint issues (fixed under warranty) and 1 foggy window (fixed under warranty) 11) Bathroom door needed to be re-hung (we missed the part in the manual to keep closed while underway) Some Dutch Stars are pretty "loaded" with nice creature comforts. While not as luxurious as your previous coach, the Dutch Star is IMHO, a great balance of practicality with elegant creature appointments. We tow Jeep and don't even feel it. Highly recommend a 2019!!! And one of the best parts of owning a 2019 Dutch Star is Dutch Star Don on this IRV2 is an absolute guru on this coach and is overly generous sharing his knowledge with our owners.

[RollingCones]

Love our 22 Dutch Star 4369. Very few problems in 3 years, all minor.

[DutchStarMrk]

We have a 2017 Dutch Star 4018 and other than scheduled maint the only issues have been the hot water loop pump went out and the def system gave us a $5k issue. We do all the recco services on the system. Some I do myself thanks to all the posts on this site and some I hire a professional. We recently upgraded to Lithium batteries and changed all the ties. Just hit 40k miles and agree that the Dutch Star is a great overall value.

We are seeing an issue with the chassis batteries not charging while plugged into shore power so I am beginning to research why that is

I highly recommend Newmar products and plan to keep ours for a long time.