Newmar or American Eagle?

[KnightsWatch]

All other things being equal (mileage,condition, slideouts, etc., would you go for a 2001 Newmar 3858 or a 1999 American Eagle 39.8" for $13K more? Both are Cummins on Spartan chassis. We live in Alaska and don't have that many used coaches around to be able to check them out. I know that the American Eagle would be fancier, but how about the reliability of the different year engines, trannys, and chassis? Thanks.

["007"]

Welcome to irv2.
I guess you would guess what I would recommend The Newmar may have better insulation package for the cold weather you may have in Alaska one of my favorite states.
Here is a Brochure and a Owners Guide to get you started.
Newmar construction has been pretty much the same over the years with improvements naturally.
There is a moderator that owns a AE and I am sure he will fill you in on that coach which by the way are two of the best you are looking at.
Good luck in what ever you decide and when that is, safe travels.
Maybe you can join us down in the Newmar forum.

[Mr_D]

Originally Posted by "007"

Newmar construction has been pretty much the same over the years with improvements naturally.

And copied by others!

In 2000 Newmar offered an extra roof insulation package that we ordered on our DSDP 3865. Was less than $100 and couldn't be added after construction. We have it on our 2002 also. It does make a difference too. You'd need to get the unit number and call Newmar to find out if it has it. They might even be able to send you the build sheet listing all the options too.

[Ramets]

With them both being on older Spartan chassis' they'll probably need Ball joints, but I wouldn't let that deter you. I have a 2000 Dutch Star that we like very much. As a matter of fact we spent last summer in Alaska and loved every minute of it. Except for what 007 said about the insulation I believe they're very comparable coach's. Have them both checked by a RV tech from top to bottom. If they both pass muster, then the ultimate decision will be how much you like the floor plan, and how livable it would be for the way you'll be using it. Good luck on your choice.

[FormerBoater]

The 99 Eagle will have the first generation of the ISC engine. Don't know about the Dutch Star, but it will definitely have an ISC mated to an Allison 3060 transmission so engines, transmissions and chassis are basically the same.

As an Eagle owner, I am not objective but here are the features that have made owning our 98 so enjoyable:

-Large tankage (150 gallons fuel, 40 propane, 110 fresh water, 60 grey, 40 black) It takes quite a while to empty a tank or fill a tank.

-Excellent thermal and acoustical insulation

-Pantograph cargo doors with sliding luggage trays make loading and unloading a breeze.

-Large Cargo Carrying Capacity

-Very well thought out logical design...everything is one big "Easy Button"

-Independent Front Suspension-drives like a dream and is not impacted by passing semi's or cross winds on the highway.

-Beautiful interior woodwork and the fit and finish of the interior and exterior make it a great place to spend time when we are not rolling down the road.

Good luck in your evaluation. Whatever you do, buy the one your wife likes best!

Dave
1998 American Eagle 40EVS

[JoeMoe]

I just purchase a 98 American Dream, I would of like to fine a Eagle, however at the time I was not able to fine one in the condition and price range I wanted to pay. My two cent worth, I would prefer the 99 American Eagle, as for the Cummins engine you would have the first year of the full electronic ISC Engine, which turn out to be a good engine. My 98 is Semi Electronic, which is the basic Mechanical engine with outside Electronic components. As for the Eagle is have ton of storage space with the Pantograph doors, slide out Generator which I don't have and would like to have, Fiberglass Roof intend of Rubber roof and very well build Wide Body Frame. My is 15 years old with 67,000 miles and still as solid as the day it was build.

[JoeMoe]

Just to add to my earlier post, No matter what you buy, that it be the 99 American Eagle or the 2001 New mar, if it a unit that seen a lots of road salt, Check the rear wheel well and compartment for sign of rust. You should check out Owners Forums Fleetwood Products, there a M. H. Huester that have a 2000 Eagle with Major Rust Problem. For that raison we I purchase my 98 American Dream I made sure it was from down South where there no road salt. It very easy to tell them apart by looking the undercarriage, if it all rusty with all the paint off the suspension, it been in salty road. One that haven see salty road will still have most of it black paint on it under carriage.

[TRAILERKING]

Originally Posted by JoeMoe

Just to add to my earlier post, No matter what you buy, that it be the 99 American Eagle or the 2001 New mar, if it a unit that seen a lots of road salt, Check the rear wheel well and compartment for sign of rust. You should check out Owners Forums Fleetwood Products, there a M. H. Huester that have a 2000 Eagle with Major Rust Problem. For that raison we I purchase my 98 American Dream I made sure it was from down South where there no road salt. It very easy to tell them apart by looking the undercarriage, if it all rusty with all the paint off the suspension, it been in salty road. One that haven see salty road will still have most of it black paint on it under carriage.

Second that!

[Gary RVRoamer]

The Eagle is a higher class coach than the Dutchstar, you would have to move up to a Mountain Aire to be comparable to the Eagle.

That said, both Newmar and American Coach build very, very well and the Spartan chassis are very similar (Newmar and AC configure them a bit differently, but it's not a big thing). Even though I am an AC owner, if I liked both of them equally I think I would choose the newer one for less money. RVs were changing rapidly at that time, and the two years newer model should be an improvement, and you save money besides. But I suspect the Eagle is noticeably more elegant than the Dutch Star, and that may make a difference.

[KnightsWatch]

Thank you all for your input. We're very early in our exploration into this RV thing and now are considering going the 5th wheel route. I'm sure most of you went through the same feeling out process. This is a great forum.