Community Forums

efstewart · 06-02-2023, 06:27 PM

I test drove a 2023 Newmar Baystar, model 3225 today, and thought the ride was decent, and the engine noise was minimal. A couple of big rigs passed us and I hardly felt a thing. I have owned a couple of Diesel pushers in the past so I was expecting much worse with the gasser, but it was OK.

The new one is way out of my budget, so I am shopping for a 2020 or 2021 model 3005 or other similar shorter model.

Based on my research, the 2021, model 3005, Baystars going forward have the new v8 engine with increased torque and horsepower. It also has standard electronic stability control, and new heavy duty sway bars.

The 2020 I am looking at does not, and it has the V-10. I also noticed the 2021 UVW is 18,881 lbs, with a axle ratio of 5.86, but the 2020 UVW is only 16,715 lbs. with an axle ratio of 5.38. Not sure why.

Am I right in thinking that the older units will have a less stable ride, more engine noise, and be a little harder to control?

Rescar · 06-04-2023, 01:28 PM

My D/W and I live/travel full-time in a 2018 Bay Star 3414 (24k# upgraded chassis but otherwise stock Triton V10 Ford F53; no changes to stock suspension or steering). Steering control with passing rigs is no issue as I can feel their bow wave creeping up from the rear of the coach; a touch of steering into the bow wave as it passes and that's it. Wife and I have normal volume conversations except when I use the transmission to downshift and rev the engine on steep downhills. We are very happy with the proven V10 and older chassis.

Do some research on the first-year V8 Godzillas. Ford was still having some issues that, hopefully in a used purchase, will already be solved for you.

Regardless, enjoy whichever Bay Star you select and we'll see you on the road.

OB1KC · 06-08-2023, 08:04 AM

We have a '22 3226 (similar to 3225) built and delivered last year and really enjoy it. We traveled in the coach for several multi-months long trips lasting 6 months. This is our first coach as all other units were towable RV's. Reading comments from others who have had the older v10 chassis, I do believe the V10 chassis ride and drive differently than the newer V8 chassis. I also believe driving experience is widely variable depending on the tire pressures, weight, load distribution, environment etc. In other words, each person and coach is different, and even the same coach will drive differently depending on those factors. While it took a while for me to get "dialed in" to driving a motorhome, I actually enjoy driving ours. My advice is to judge each coach on its own and get into the floor plan that fits you and your budget.

Jabber Jaw · 06-08-2023, 10:13 AM

My advice (for what its worth) is to first select the floorplan that best suits your wants, needs, & desires!
Next would be to then search for a unit with that floorplan, which fits your budget.
Then you would need to drive the unit to see if it is satisfactory, & meets your real world expectations.
At that point...make a decision....BUY..or KEEP SHOPPING!

A recommendation would be to get a coach that is preferably on a 26,000GVWR F-53 Chassis. A 24,000GVWR chassis would be acceptable! This recommendation has to do with ultimate ride, drive, handling, & load carrying capabilities.

We have a 38' Newmar Canyon Star "3710, which is a 2020 model, but built on a 2019 Ford F-53, 26,000GVWR chassis, with the tried & true "V-10" engine! I added the Saf-t-Plus, Koni shocks, an Ultra-Trac rear track bar, & Sumo front springs. These significantly improved the ride, drive, & handling; but I wanted something better!
Ultimately, I installed Liquid Spring front/rear suspension, which provides the ride, drive, & handling of a "DP", or like a big "SUV"! This was expensive, but well worth it to me. We have traveled over 13,000 miles and have been totally satisfied! The coach is smooth, very few rattles, etc, but a bad pothole, or big bridge transition, will still make a bang & is harsh! But, that happens to most "DP's" too!

Best of Luck, hope you find the perfect Coach for your wants needs, & desires!

efstewart · 06-08-2023, 08:30 PM

Thanks for all your advice. The Canyon Star has our favorite floorplans but we would want to go no longer than 35' or 36" feet. I have seen some good used ones out there, but not sure if I want to have the v10, and then have to add the needed upgrades to the steering and suspension. We will see. Should be making decision soon within a couple of weeks.

Jabber Jaw · 06-09-2023, 06:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by efstewart

Thanks for all your advice. The Canyon Star has our favorite floorplans but we would want to go no longer than 35' or 36" feet. I have seen some good used ones out there, but not sure if I want to have the v10, and then have to add the needed upgrades to the steering and suspension. We will see. Should be making decision soon within a couple of weeks.

Just a couple added comments:

Bay Star "3609" has the same bath & 1/2 floorplan as the Canyon Star "3710". You may want to look at it. They have only two slides though, & may feel less roomy to you. But it also has the highest "load capacity" of the Bay Star & Canyon Star models.

Also, Canyon Star has a model "3513", 35-36' coach & a nice roomy floor plan, but a single bath, & it does have a full wall slide.

The "V-8" or "V-10" is a decision only you can make. To me, they are comparable in ride & drive, but the V-8 may have a bit of an edge!

The new Bay Star models have had some nice upgrades, in quality and upholstery, & is a fine coach!!

Enjoy the experience, and buy a model that you will enjoy!

Allan