Dutch Star Questions

[Rv4Travel]

I am going to buy a new 3736 or 4018. They are both basically the same floor plan and are close in price. The 4 foot difference gets a king bed, another cabinet in the kitchen and a place to put a drink between two recliners. We really could live with either.

So it’s down to driving and drivability. The 40 has the steerable tag Axel. Is it easier to drive with the extra wheels. We only had 30 minuets behind the wheel so input would be appreciated. This is our first RV and are hoping to get it right the first time.

We drove the 4369 and my wife felt that was too long. She couldn’t see the back when she turned. I have read that the tag axel adds stability to the ride.

The other question is which chassis. FL or Spartan. Any ideas which is better and why.

Thanks for your input

[ghaynes754]

Tag axle will improve handling. Personally I would pick Spartan if you have a choice.

Once you have driven the coach for awhile you really won't notice the length.

[Spirit2020]

We own a 2015 Dutch Star 3736. We downsized from a SOB 42’ and still had more room to put our stuff. Plenty of room for wife, me, dog and cat. The Cummins 450 has no problem towing our Grand Cherokee and carrying a full load. The couch has a bed so when grandkids come with us we have the room. One of them likes sleeping on an air mattress in bedroom floor and there is room, but every now and then you have to deflate it or prop it up to get around.
In 2016 Newmar came out with pantry, so you will have plenty of storage space in kitchen area.
Are you going to have them build you one or buy off lot?
If building one, then there are many options you can order. Like free standing table, non motorized shades, colors and fabrics, paint, there is a lot of stuff you can do. Also, 6 tires on 3736 versus 8 tires on 40 footers and up.
40 footers and up give you more room and bed space for the kids and grandkids.
Lots to think about and take in and a lot more opinions coming your way. Good luck.

[Carefree]

we struggled with the same issue, The deciding factor for us was handling in strong winds. When we took both coaches for a test drive, we had winds of upwards of 40mph here in Phoenix. The tag axle made a significant difference in handling those conditions. Don't get me wrong, the smaller coach still handled better than any other Class A we had driven before. Unless you plan on camping lots of time in state and national parks I would go for the 4018.

[Stretch]

Agree with the others we have a 17 DS4369. Handles very well and tag axle takes part of glory. I CAN see the rear of coach in a turn. Spartan over Freightliner easily.

[SWag]

Originally Posted by Carefree

we struggled with the same issue, The deciding factor for us was handling in strong winds. When we took both coaches for a test drive, we had winds of upwards of 40mph here in Phoenix. The tag axle made a significant difference in handling those conditions. Don't get me wrong, the smaller coach still handled better than any other Class A we had driven before. Unless you plan on camping lots of time in state and national parks I would go for the 4018.

If the 37' floor plan is better for you, you could have the HWH Active Air system added and it will drive like it has a tag axle. My first coach was a 39' Ventana LE, I didn't enjoy driving that coach above about 62-63 mph, I didn't feel I was in full control above that speed. I added Active Air to that coach and there was an amazing difference in handling, so much so it was hard to believe, it didn't feel like the same motorhome.

[kpecks]

Originally Posted by SWag

If the 37' floor plan is better for you, you could have the HWH Active Air system added and it will drive like it has a tag axle. My first coach was a 39' Ventana LE, I didn't enjoy driving that coach above about 62-63 mph, I didn't feel I was in full control above that speed. I added Active Air to that coach and there was an amazing difference in handling, so much so it was hard to believe, it didn't feel like the same motorhome.

Do you know what years and/or Newmar models they install active air on? I'm looking at a couple 2015 preowned Newmar dutch stars.

[ghaynes754]

HWH Active Air is an add on done at the HWH factory. Not available on a any of the coaches direct from the factory.

[Canuck53]

Newmar does not install Active Air on DS. Only installed at HWH.

[Stuart W]

You should also look at outside storage between the models, going from a 40 to a 43 is a substantial increase in storage, along with 50 more gallons of fuel. Look at them from all angles. Oh and Spartan if you go 40 or more...good luck

[snowhawk2]

We have a 43' Ventana tag axle and our previous coach was a 40' single rear axle, both Newmar's. Our steerable tag axle steers much better in tight places and corners than the 40'. The ride on the tag axle is much smoother and better in all ways. Hands down go tag axle if you can make it work. Also you don't even notice the length of the coach because they are all big! With a steerable tag, getting a 43' isn't an issue because it handles better than a shorter coach and in all driving conditions. Plus it has much more storage. Don't rule it out is all I'm saying.

[enjoyrv]

I don’t believe the 37’ DS comes with the Spartan option. 40’ does.

[tom chelbana]

To get the better Spartan Chassis you need to have a 40 foot or longer coach. The Spartan chassis has disc brakes on the drive axle which the FL doesn't. The chassis has a thicker frame and supports then the other chassis. Plus a 40 feet and up you get the tag axle for a better ride, carrying capacity and braking.

[Rv4Travel]

Originally Posted by ghaynes754

HWH Active Air is an add on done at the HWH factory. Not available on a any of the coaches direct from the factory.

I’m new here so don’t laugh. On the link about abbreviations is say HWH is hot water heater but that doesn’t fit. So what is HWH?