Community Forums

Bchtravlr · 06-17-2017, 02:25 PM

I hope to test drive both Newmar and Entegra in the next few weeks. Does anyone have experience between the two? There are a lot of very favorable testimonials on the ease of driving of the Newmar DP's with comfort drive.
[Mod Edit after move]

LJowdy · 06-17-2017, 02:40 PM

My friend has an Entegra Anthem, I have a 2016 Dutch Star. He wanted to drive my coach to see the difference so I let him. He was very impressed and said it drove much easier. Along with the Comfort Drive he liked that the tag axle would steer at low speeds.

I haven't driven his coach as there's no reason since I have the Comfort Drive.

AndyE_ · 06-17-2017, 03:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bchtravlr

I hope to test drive both Newmar and Entegra in the next few weeks. Does anyone have experience between the two? There are a lot of very favorable testimonials on the ease of driving of the Newmar DP's with comfort drive. Obviously this forum consists of those that chose Entegra over other options.

On two separate occasions I drove, back to back, Anthem and Dutch Star. I felt that the DS set at 3.25-3.5 was the way the Anthem was all the time. Needless to say I bought the Anthem. I find a passive Tag is not really necessary. 5 want it and 5 don't, ho hum.

Cousin Ed · 06-17-2017, 03:37 PM

I think the Newmar has a slight edge with the comfort drive, but there are other things to consider. We bought the Entegra but would have been happy with a Dutch Star too.

Brian W · 06-17-2017, 05:57 PM

I own an Entegra and my job allows me to drive Newmars a lot. IMO, the Newmars handle better. Comfort Drive is a very nice feature.

Dutch Star Don · 06-17-2017, 08:02 PM

I don't think you can go wrong with either coach. With that said, the Comfort Drive is not something you can appreciate in a test drive. You won't the value of Comfort Drive until a long day of driving, especially in windy weather. It's then that you'll realize that you aren't worn out at the end of the day.

Ahall · 06-18-2017, 05:52 AM

I have owned two Entegra's without comfort drive and was never disappointed that I didnt have it, I thought they drove fine. Now having the column drive which is branded comfort drive by newmar I fully understand the difference. I think it's like hot water, you don't have to have it,but you certainly do appreciate having it. I agree with other posters you need a day long test drive with a cross wind to really see the difference. It's incredible.
Having said all that, there is a lot to be said about not missing what you don't have. I don't think with those two manufacturer choices you can go wrong. Look at the whole package and value of each .

hogdriver · 06-18-2017, 07:31 AM

I have driven both. I like both. I would be happy with either. I think if Entegra offered a Comfort Drive-like feature, I'd order it, but don't make your decision solely based on that. I really like he high end Newmar's on a Spartan chassis but they are out of my reach. The Spartan chassis on the Entegras is excellent.

If you can drive both RVs with the same engine and body size, I'd see which one you enjoy, and can afford, more. IMHO both tag axle brands drive fine and Comfort Drive is somewhat overhyped.

Crasher · 06-18-2017, 11:30 AM

Any tag coach with IFS on a Spartan, Freightliner, or Powerglide chassis will be a dream to drive. With proper alignment and wheel balance, they will all be a "Two Finger" ride. Comfort Drive might have a benefit in a steady wind condition in the open, but the wind needs to be over 20 mph for me to notice on our Powerglide chassis. Both the Newmar and Entegra are well built and comfortable coaches to drive and live in. The one that offers the most "Living Comfort" is the one to choose, as you will only drive it less than 10% of the time you spend in it.

Dutch Star Don · 06-19-2017, 01:27 AM

There is some information being missed regarding Comfort Drive. It not only corrects for wind (constantly) it also corrects for road crown. It doesn't matter what coach you have, it's going to move in the wind and it's going to follow road crown.

Obviously, quality handling coaches have been around for years. My Diplomat handled very well, but once the wind started blowing, you had to "drive" the coach. I added TruCenter to my Diplomat and it completely changed the fighting of the wheel. TruCenter is the manual version of Comfort Steer.

I wouldn't necessarily pass on a new coach like an Allegro Bus or Entegra, because it didn't have Comfort Steer, but I don't think you can provide a true and valuable opinion if you don't have it!