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06-28-2016, 01:31 PM
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#1
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Member
Newmar Owners Club
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Fernandina Beach, FL
Posts: 81
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Upgrade? Newmar vs. Entegra
Hi, we currently have a 2011 Phaeton and find the floor plan uncomfortable. We want to upgrade to either the Dutch Star or the Anthem. (Had a Mountainaire gasser in 2004 and loved it, but hubby had to have a diesel)
Anyway, we are Very hesitant to put out $$$ for what appears problem coaches.
I have been following both the Newmar and Entegra forums.
What concerns me on the Entegra is getting one of those lucky Spartan chassis that cannot be aligned properly....
then you have the Newmar with its weight and FWS issues. If ordering the Dutch star, I would do so on a spartan, ( hubby prefers) however being same K2 as the Entegra Spartan, who's to say they aren't going to have steering and alignment problem as well as the FWS problems.
Looking for your opinions! THX!
Ed & Doreen
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06-28-2016, 01:32 PM
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#2
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Senior Member
Country Coach Owners Club Solo Rvers Club iRV2 No Limits Club
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Vancouver, WA
Posts: 37,725
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Looked at both and having had two previous Dutch Stars I would have gotten another one. In fact that's what we should have done rather then buying the Magna.
The plus for Newmar is that they will do a lot of customization that Entegra won't.
But none of us can make the buying decision for you. My DW looks at the cosmetics and I look behind everything at the construction.
Entegra makes a heck of a good rig, if you can live with their choices of floor plans, if you want walls and doors removed like we did then go with Newmar.
__________________
2009 45' Magna 630 w/Cummins ISX 650 HP/1950 Lbs Ft, HWH Active Air
Charter Good Sam Lifetime Member, FMCA,
RV'ing since 1957, NRA Benefactor Life, towing '21 Jeep JLU Rubicon Ecodiesel
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06-28-2016, 04:17 PM
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#3
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Member
Foretravel Owners Club
Join Date: Apr 2016
Location: Springfield MO.
Posts: 35
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This should be an interesting thread. I'm almost ready to order a new coach and looking at the Dutch Star and the Anthem. I prefer the exterior paint and graphics on the Entegra and like their reputation for having a very quiet coach while driving. I like the ability to customize with Newmar and the comfort drive system but don't like to read about the wind noise from the mirrors or front doors or FWS problems and not sealing properly. Cant deal with wind noise and rattles etc. going down the road. Any input from current owners on these issues would be appreciated.
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06-28-2016, 04:24 PM
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#4
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Senior Member
Newmar Owners Club
Join Date: Feb 2016
Location: Ocala, FL
Posts: 323
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You might consider talking to a "reputable" dealer who carries both Newmar and Entegra in inventory. They may provide the help you need to sort through the differences and strengths and weaknesses of the 2 manufacturers.
This coupled with other independent research will go a long way towards helping you make the right decision for you.
__________________
Kirk & Vicki Leavy
Ocala, Florida
2020 Dutch Star 4369 - 2019 Ram 1500
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06-28-2016, 05:26 PM
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#5
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Senior Member
Thor Owners Club Newmar Owners Club Freightliner Owners Club
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: FL
Posts: 1,286
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Bowl300
Hi, we currently have a 2011 Phaeton and find the floor plan uncomfortable. We want to upgrade to either the Dutch Star or the Anthem. (Had a Mountainaire gasser in 2004 and loved it, but hubby had to have a diesel)
Anyway, we are Very hesitant to put out $$$ for what appears problem coaches.
I have been following both the Newmar and Entegra forums.
What concerns me on the Entegra is getting one of those lucky Spartan chassis that cannot be aligned properly....
then you have the Newmar with its weight and FWS issues. If ordering the Dutch star, I would do so on a spartan, ( hubby prefers) however being same K2 as the Entegra Spartan, who's to say they aren't going to have steering and alignment problem as well as the FWS problems.
Looking for your opinions! THX!
Ed & Doreen
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Doreen,
What weight and FWS have you heard about on a 2017? For that matter after the original front axle weight problem, which has been corrected on every coach, what problems have you heard of on the FWS 2016's? The only FWS problem was some slope in the slide floor when it was out but that has been taken care of as well.
You are worrying about non existing problems at this point.
__________________
Vinny, Sandy, JD (10.01.13 - 06.20.20) and our present Portuguese Water Dog "Viking"
2016 Dutch Star 4018 Newmar #605899
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06-28-2016, 06:09 PM
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#6
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Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2014
Posts: 2,515
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I agree it appears the 2017 look corrected. Need some real life weights but all appears great including the 365 tires. The FWS had the slope but it was also mentioned about a gap on the top of the slide. Maybe that was corrected with the flattening of the floor?
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06-28-2016, 06:44 PM
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#7
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Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2015
Posts: 103
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Quote:
Originally Posted by VP Chianese
Doreen,
What weight and FWS have you heard about on a 2017? For that matter after the original front axle weight problem, which has been corrected on every coach, what problems have you heard of on the FWS 2016's? The only FWS problem was some slope in the slide floor when it was out but that has been taken care of as well.
You are worrying about non existing problems at this point.
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With all due respect, from the point of view of one who is also shopping, when I read about the weight issue on the forums, it was a real head scratcher wondering how they got out the door without being noticed. It made me question shopping for that brand.
From the posts I read the Spartan issue, I truly feel sorry for those who have coaches with this problem. Nobody should have to spend this kind of money and have to keep taking it back and forth to the shop for same issue.
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06-28-2016, 07:29 PM
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#8
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Senior Member
Newmar Owners Club
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Portland
Posts: 211
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[QUOTE=PBG;3137118]With all due respect, from the point of view of one who is also shopping, when I read about the weight issue on the forums, it was a real head scratcher wondering how they got out the door without being noticed. It made me question shopping for that brand.
What exactly do you mean by "getting out the door". None of the coaches were overweight when they left the factory. Some models did exhibit overweight issues with full fuel and water. Knowing that corrective action was take to fix the issue is what you should be looking at in my opinion. The added weight of the STAR chassis, hydraulic slide and raising the towing capacity, all a big improvements, added to the issue needing corrective action.
I will soon be ordering but will be holding off on the Spartan chassis. Spartan is a great company but never buy the first year product. I know that it isn't new but a returning option. F/L has made dramatic improvements in customer service from what I read. It will be nice to see over the next couple of years is Spartan is equally liked.
__________________
Randy & Cheryl
Full timing in our 2017 Dutch Star.
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06-28-2016, 08:56 PM
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#9
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Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2015
Posts: 103
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[QUOTE=fixit1957;3137188]
Quote:
Originally Posted by PBG
What exactly do you mean by "getting out the door". None of the coaches were overweight when they left the factory. Some models did exhibit overweight issues with full fuel and water.
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Huh? Didn't the manufacturer understand those pesky details such as fuel and water can affect the weight of a motorhome? If I was the buyer and I was told that it's fine as long as I only used 1/4 tank of fuel and barely enough water to flush the toilet three times, I think I'd be a bit upset too.
As stated, it's a head scratcher!
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06-28-2016, 10:00 PM
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#10
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2011
Posts: 121
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Bowl300
Hi, we currently have a 2011 Phaeton and find the floor plan uncomfortable. We want to upgrade to either the Dutch Star or the Anthem. (Had a Mountainaire gasser in 2004 and loved it, but hubby had to have a diesel)
Anyway, we are Very hesitant to put out $$$ for what appears problem coaches.
I have been following both the Newmar and Entegra forums.
What concerns me on the Entegra is getting one of those lucky Spartan chassis that cannot be aligned properly....
then you have the Newmar with its weight and FWS issues. If ordering the Dutch star, I would do so on a spartan, ( hubby prefers) however being same K2 as the Entegra Spartan, who's to say they aren't going to have steering and alignment problem as well as the FWS problems.
Looking for your opinions! THoX!
Ed & Doreen
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I follow both forums also. If you have seen the same information as I, you might want to hold off on your purchase for the 2017 models. As stated already Newmar has addressed the weight issues that affected some models in their Dutch Star line with the next model year changes. On the Entegra side there are significant changes in their 2017 models - enough that a 2017 Aspire would be close to past years Anthems in many standard features ( IFS, diesel AquaHot, and a few others I don't remember).
Even though I am not purchasing in the near future, I watch both forums often. Either manufacturer will provide a quality product, and both have good reputations. There is no wrong choice in this case, simply what is the best choice to your requirements and pocketbook.
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06-28-2016, 10:34 PM
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#11
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Member
Newmar Owners Club
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Fernandina Beach, FL
Posts: 81
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Upgrade? Newmar vs. Entegra
Reputable information from the dealership? unfortunately, there is 1 Newmar and 1 Entegra dealer out here in So. cal. We have talked with both and attempted to get a test drive.
The fast talking Newmar sales guy never heard of FWS issues even on earlier models and knew nothing of front weight problem on the 2016 when we asked him if the issue was rectified on their units.
He would not let us test drive, unless we were gonna buy and told us they have no issues on their units as they "drive them around the lot changing positions with slides out"! And that the "Dutch star is the quietest driving motorhome on the market" Hmmm....
The Entegra dealer also fast talked us, nothing wrong with their chassis, and when asked for test drive, HE did the driving. And maybe the door wasn't closed tightly, but wind noise was heard at 40 mph.
I'm not complaining, but just saying not all dealers are reputable and honest. But still trying to make a good decision on which one! Hubby wants Entegra, I want Dutch Star. Unfortunately, I refuse to spend $$ without knowing how they drive....don't know how these places sell anything.
If there are no further issues of slide problems on the Newmar, great, that's why I am trusting you great people on the forum as you have the knowledge and experience, not the sale people. Also I know the FL chassis weight issue has been rectified for 2017. But I may get a 2016, that's what I was appealing to those that have 2016/2017 if slide issues continue.
Doreen & Ed
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06-28-2016, 10:59 PM
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#12
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Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: Graham, WA
Posts: 224
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We previously narrowed our search down to the 2015 Newmar Ventana 4002 and the 2015 Entegra Aspire 39TK. We felt there was no bad decision as they are both top notch quality coaches. The tag axel and Comfort Drive swayed our decision to the Newmar. We have had no significant issues and are very happy with our choice. At the end of the day this is really a personal decision and you need to focus on the positives of each coach, not the overblown negatives you pointed out.
__________________
Mike & Mary Favors (RUNAWAY)
2018 BayStar Sport 2812 -Replaced 2015 Ventana 4002
Emma, Margarita, Cami & Noel (Furry kids)
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06-29-2016, 09:11 AM
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#13
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Senior Member
Thor Owners Club Newmar Owners Club Freightliner Owners Club
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: FL
Posts: 1,286
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Bowl300
But I may get a 2016, that's what I was appealing to those that have 2016/2017 if slide issues continue.
Doreen & Ed
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Doreen,
The original 2016's had a weight problem. Well not really as bad as some made it. There are a lot of coaches out there with worse weight problems on the road everyday. But it caused enough clatter that Newmar addressed it by changing out the front axle on all 2016 that were effected with an axle that has 1,000 lbs higher capacity than the original. Problem solved. BTW any 2016 built after Mid December had the axle changed at the factory during production. All prior 2016 builds were to be done by a Freightliner dealer free of charge. Even after all of this was done at no charge there were some that were not happy. Mostly folks that have SOB and just need to bitch.
The new slide has had no problems that I'm aware of. Other than when it was extended the outside edge was not level with the main floor. Some folks never even noticed but as in all things some did and again Newmar and HWH came up with a repair that is now available. In 2017 the problem does not exist it is handled in production.
So if you are considering a 2016 there isn't anything to worry about if the front axle has been changed and the slide has been modified.
As to how they drive. Here is a fact. Comfort Drive is a Newmar only feature. Nothing drives like Comfort Drive period. Sorry Tiffin, Entegra and everyone else. It is just a fact. So if how it drives is way up on your list you have no choice but Newmar.
I have heard all the wind noise complaints about the mirror and for the life of me don't get it. I have a 2015 and it is as quite as can be. Sure in some conditions the wind noise from the mirror on the drivers side is there but get real. If it really bothers someone that much then they can only drive with the wind at their back and it goes away. Let me know how that works out for. The door on the 2015 is quite if adjusted properly.
Find a dealer that will allow you to drive the coach. Tell them you are ready to buy if you need to. You didn't start the lying game you are just a player in it. Once you drive it you will be an owner anyway.
__________________
Vinny, Sandy, JD (10.01.13 - 06.20.20) and our present Portuguese Water Dog "Viking"
2016 Dutch Star 4018 Newmar #605899
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06-29-2016, 10:56 AM
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#14
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Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2013
Posts: 1,216
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The big problem with the Anthem is that it is a Jayco. Blast them out the door fast and let someone else fix all the problems.
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