Community Forums

Skyskipper · 11-07-2020, 02:33 PM

We are considering getting a Dutch Star and towing a for F-150, but are not sure if the Dutch will have problems climbing hills or mountain. If you can shed light on this question that would be great. Also does the 40ft and 43ft Dutch ride the same? Thanks

NWIP · 11-07-2020, 03:48 PM

I had 4018 DS on FL chassis and 4369 on Spartan. I feel the 4018 ride was better both had Koni EVO front shocks. I think you’ll be fine pulling F150 with 4369.

ptw · 11-07-2020, 04:35 PM

We spent some time traveling throughout the Rocky Mountains with our Dutch Star 4018 towing a 4 door jeep at 4200 lbs. We had no problems on any of the mountains. We did slow down with the trucks but still could easily pass the slower trucks. Never had a problem with overheating. Just keep the RPMs up.

MJoyce · 11-07-2020, 05:03 PM

If you're worried about the mountains, get a shorter DS. Same engine, less weight. Still great coaches.

Skyskipper · 11-07-2020, 05:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NWIP

I had 4018 DS on FL chassis and 4369 on Spartan. I feel the 4018 ride was better both had Koni EVO front shocks. I think you’ll be fine pulling F150 with 4369.

Thanks for the info the 40ft vs the 43ft. The new DS has larger shocks 60mm vs 40mm I believe, would that help?

Skyskipper · 11-07-2020, 05:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NWIP

I had 4018 DS on FL chassis and 4369 on Spartan. I feel the 4018 ride was better both had Koni EVO front shocks. I think you’ll be fine pulling F150 with 4369.

Is it worth getting HWH leveling and Active Air put on it?

Dutch Star Don · 11-07-2020, 07:44 PM

I had a 2005 Monaco Diplomat that weighed in at 32K, towing a 6K Silverado. I had chipped the 400ISL to 450 HP. The coach was a rocket and pulled ALL the grades in California and Oregon at 55+mph, with the ability to recover if I loss speed because of traffic.

Fast forward to my 2014 Dutch Star 4018 and towing the same truck, I almost cried on the first grade I hit. The coach would only pull the grades at about 45mph. My 2019 Dutch Star 4018 at 48K with a toad handles the grades at about 40mph - 45mph. I know most are good with that speed and obviously, so am I as there is nothing I can change.

When I bought the Dutch Star, I wish I could nave afforded the 40' Mountain Air. The HP is only 50 more at 500, but the torque jumps to 1650 on a coach that weighs in close to the Dutch Star. I think the 400 pounds of extra torque and the addition of the Allison 4000 would be a big difference.

Canuck53 · 11-07-2020, 11:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Skyskipper

Thanks for the info the 40ft vs the 43ft. The new DS has larger shocks 60mm vs 40mm I believe, would that help?

The Spartan web site specs indicate 46mm shocks no 60 mm mentioned.

Johnsonk64 · 11-08-2020, 05:34 AM

I have a 2019 DS on a Spartan chassis and we either tow a GMC Denali 1500 pick up or a GMC Yukon. Although we have not been out west, we have been up and down I81 and I77 in VA and NC. We slow some, but run mostly with the trucks going up and down the hills without issue.

dontaylor · 11-08-2020, 07:41 PM

We pull a Suburban with our Mountain Aire 2021 and have no issues ata ll. You should be good with either.

Trapper2022 · 11-09-2020, 08:46 AM

Our Essex had a 500hp diesel. It pulled good up the mountains but still maxed out around 50 on the real long steep grades in colorado. In the end unless you plan on living in the mountains you send very little time in that type of area. Going up even at the slow truck pace is no big deal since it will be over soon. Buy the rig you love the interior in. It’s your home and that’s the important part. Safe travels

Enjoy the journey

ficodek · 11-09-2020, 11:26 AM

I've had both a Dutch Star 4081 and a Mountain Aire 4519 and can say you'll have no trouble with either of them. These are all made for travel all over the country but no RV is a hot rod.

Skyskipper · 11-10-2020, 03:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ficodek

I've had both a Dutch Star 4081 and a Mountain Aire 4519 and can say you'll have no trouble with either of them. These are all made for travel all over the country but no RV is a hot rod.

Thanks,
was it difficult just to driving a rig that is 5 ft longer?

ficodek · 11-10-2020, 07:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Skyskipper

Thanks,
was it difficult just to driving a rig that is 5 ft longer?

Not really. The 40' tag axle coach has very little overhang behind the tag axle, so it turns sharper and if you are also pulling a toad then it will track more sharply too -- but if you pay attention to your right mirror and make sure your wheels aren't too close to the curb you will be fine.

The 45' has longer rear overhang so dragging the toad over a curb isn't an issue, but you still need to pay attention to where the rear wheels are when turning right.

Otherwise, it is really easy moving from 40 to 45.