Community Forums

CTrina · 01-02-2021, 09:27 AM

I know this has been debated before, but I would love to hear some real-life views and opinions.

My wife and I are committed to buying either a Newmar 40 or 43 ft unit in the next 9 months. The 40s are actually all 40' 10'' and the 43 are actually 43' 9''.

We are leaning toward the 40s since we do a lot of national and state park/forest camping and want to fit as many sites as possible. But, there are ALOT more used 43s on the market and in many cases priced better!

What are we giving up, from a campsite perspective with the 43 vs the 40. Obviously the 43 has more storage and nicer main baths...

All thoughts and experiences are appreciated. This will be our first step into a motor home after having 3 prior pull behinds.

Thanks!

zman62 · 01-02-2021, 09:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CTrina

I know this has been debated before, but I would love to hear some real-life views and opinions.

My wife and I are committed to buying either a Newmar 40 or 43 ft unit in the next 9 months. The 40s are actually all 40' 10'' and the 43 are actually 43' 9''.

We are leaning toward the 40s since we do a lot of national and state park/forest camping and want to fit as many sites as possible. But, there are ALOT more used 43s on the market and in many cases priced better!

What are we giving up, from a campsite perspective with the 43 vs the 40. Obviously the 43 has more storage and nicer main baths...

All thoughts and experiences are appreciated. This will be our first step into a motor home after having 3 prior pull behinds.

Thanks!

You will get a tag with the 43 ft which will be a night and day difference over a non tag coach. Personally I think 40ft is too big for a non tag coach. You get a lot of sway especially on a worn or grooved freeway.

Canuck53 · 01-02-2021, 10:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zman62

You will get a tag with the 43 ft which will be a night and day difference over a non tag coach. Personally I think 40ft is too big for a non tag coach. You get a lot of sway especially on a worn or grooved freeway.

NEWMAR 40 are tags.

JMH · 01-02-2021, 10:22 AM

I can see an issue deciding between a 35/37’ and a 43’, but for camp sites 40 or 43 fit in the same sites in my experience. YMMV. We have owned 26’ class C which fit everywhere, 37’ Newmar that fit in about half the sites we wanted to go, and now a 43’ that fits in most spaces we could get out 37’ in. IMHO the sizes in between 30’ and 40’ don’t buy you much in additional parking availability.

So my advice is get the floor plan you like in either and enjoy. If you have to fit in any spot out there go 26’.

**pasdad1** · 01-02-2021, 10:47 AM

I also think that a 43 will basically fit anywhere a 40 will. Get the extra 3 feet.....we have never regretted owning our 43....

DebnDan · 01-02-2021, 11:20 AM

If you can get a 40 footer in you can get a 43 footer in. I usually lie to the parks and say we are 40’. When we had a 37 footer I always said 35’. Been doing it that way for decades never have I had a problem. Lastly the 40’ Newmars now do have tags, I assume steerable tags, but you give up a toon of storage for that tag. Don’t get me wrong the tag makes a huge difference in handling buys I bet you loose 25 - 30% of the basement storage.

redbaron73 · 01-02-2021, 11:50 AM

I am the opposite. I always tell the parks I am bigger. 45' is the size I give for my 43. If the 2ft makes a difference, I don't want the site.

I have traveled with a group that is mixed between 38 and 45, and never had a situation where the 38 had an advantage or disadvantage.

Choose the floorplan you like. Don't stress over the 3-6ft. Once you exceed 24ft, there is diminished site availability, and most national parks are out of reach. There are exceptions, but not many.

C.Martin · 01-02-2021, 11:58 AM

I have found a few times...where my 4037 barely fit. As a matter of fact I wish I had traffic cones to alert people not to hit my mirrors. For the most part 40, 43, 45...they’ll all fit.

Longer coach may give you more basement storage...basement storage is always a good thing. Consider storage vs side radiator vs length...

I’ll tell you one thing. When it is time to wash and wax...you’ll wish is was 20 ft... ��

wam16 · 01-02-2021, 01:29 PM

We had a 40' Dutch Star for 3 years and absolutely loved it. We now have a 43' Dutch Star and love it more. The larger bath and especially the large shower is worth the price of admission. Have never had any problems getting into any sites with either coach. We stay outside the parks and have enjoyed our stays just as if we were staying in the parks. Being outside the parks allowed us to experience more of the local area and local restaurants.

nomad bull · 01-02-2021, 01:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Canuck53

NEWMAR 40 are tags.

My 40 is not a tag.

redbaron73 · 01-02-2021, 01:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nomad bull

My 40 is not a tag.

40ft dutchstar are tag

NWIP · 01-02-2021, 02:26 PM

We originally bought 2017 4018 DS because I didn’t want to exceed 40’ for same reason you list. After 2.5 years I realized a 43’ wouldn’t hinder us anymore than 40’. Ended upgrading to 2020 DS 4369 and glad we did.

TravlinMac · 01-02-2021, 04:11 PM

We were looking at Dutch Star 40 footers, and had two separate dealers tell us “it’s just three more floor tiles!” SO glad we got the 43! Better bath, pantry, basement storage. As full timers, we love it. Any National park we can’t stay in has a commercial camp outside with better hookups! Go 43!

PandS · 01-02-2021, 04:47 PM

I've never talked to anyone with a 43 footer who said they wished they had bought a 40 footer. I have talked to plenty who wished they had a 43 footer after buying a 40 footer.

Do your research and drive both. Compare the livability between the available floor plans. Knowledge is power.

good luck in your search! -Paul